Baldur's Gate 3 Companion Approval: A Definitive Guide to Relationships, Romances, and Rewards

Hey there, adventurer! Ready to jump into the world of Baldur’s Gate 3? Get ready to make some lifelong besties – or at least until you all inevitably betray each other. This guide will give you the lowdown on how to charm, schmooze, and romance your companions. Get ready to make some memories, build unbreakable bonds, and reap the rewards of having a crew of loyal followers by your side.

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How Important are Companion Relationships in BG3?

So, you’re venturing through the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, and you’ve got your trusty band of companions by your side. But did you know that how much they like you actually really matters? It’s not just about having strong fighters or spellcasters in your party; their feelings towards your character can seriously impact your whole playthrough.

Think of it this way: each companion is like a real person, with their own opinions, beliefs, and pet peeves. Some might be all about upholding justice and doing the “right” thing, while others are more pragmatic, maybe even a little shady.

The choices you make, from major decisions to seemingly insignificant dialogue options, all contribute to how your companions perceive you.

Approve of your actions? Your bond will likely strengthen, opening up new dialogue, maybe even special quests or abilities.
Push them too far? Make decisions that clash with their core values, and you might find your relationship strained, potentially even leading to them leaving your party altogether!

Why is a high approval rating so important?

Let me tell you, it’s more than just a popularity contest. Sure, having your companions like you can make for smoother sailing, but it goes deeper than that.

Unlock the goods: High approval can unlock unique dialogue options, giving you a deeper understanding of their backstories and motivations. It can even lead to romantic relationships!
Gain an edge in combat: Some studies suggest that high approval actually makes your party more effective in combat! While the exact mechanics are still being debated, there’s a growing body of anecdotal evidence to suggest that companions who approve of your leadership might receive in-game buffs or perform better in battle. Interesting, right?

Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to winning over your companions. What makes Astarion happy might make Shadowheart furious. Pay attention to their individual personalities. Listen to their dialogue, observe their reactions to your choices, and try to understand what makes them tick. Think of it like building a relationship in real life – it takes effort, understanding, and sometimes, a little compromise.

So, the next time you’re faced with a tough decision in Baldur’s Gate 3, remember that your companions are watching. And who knows? Making the effort to earn their approval might just lead to a more rewarding and exciting journey.

Can You See Companion Approval in BG3?

So, you’re adventuring through the Forgotten Realms, and you’ve got your trusty companions by your side. But how do you know if they actually like you, or if they’re just waiting for the right moment to ditch you for a plate of questionable tavern stew? Don’t worry, figuring out your companion’s approval isn’t as cryptic as deciphering ancient Elvish script. There’s a way to peek behind the curtain and see what they really think of your heroic (or maybe not-so-heroic) antics.

Remember, your companion’s approval isn’t just about warm fuzzy feelings. It can seriously impact your game.

High approval? Think cool stuff – extra dialogue, special quests, maybe even a little romance if you play your cards right.
Low approval? Get ready for them storming off in a huff, or worse, turning against you in the middle of a goblin ambush. Nobody wants that.

Ready to see that all-important approval rating? It’s easier than you might think. It’s right there in their character sheet, just waiting to be discovered.

Here’s how to check your companion approval, step-by-step:

Open the Party View: On your PC, hit the Tab key. If you’re on a PlayStation 5, press L2. This will bring up a view of your entire party.
Select the Character Sheet: See those tabs at the top? You want the third one – the one that looks like a little scroll. This opens up the chosen character’s detailed information.
Choose the Detailed View: Yep, another set of tabs! Again, select the third tab within the character’s sheet. This one dives even deeper into their stats and background.
Scroll to Approval: Scroll down a bit, and you’ll find a section specifically labeled “Approval.” This isn’t just a number; it’ll actually give you a textual representation of how the companion feels about you, from adoring fan to begrudging ally.

Pro Tip: There’s often a more visual indicator of approval, too. Keep an eye out for a colored bar somewhere on the companion’s summary page – often near their portrait. This bar can give you a quick sense of whether you’re in their good graces or teetering on the edge of disapproval.

How to Keep Those Approval Ratings High:

Keeping your companions happy isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little bit of attention. Think of each companion as having their own set of values and beliefs. What makes Astarion happy might make Shadowheart scoff. Pay attention to their reactions during conversations and quests. If a choice seems to make them uncomfortable, you might want to reconsider.

Take on their personal quests: These quests not only give you a chance to earn their favor but also offer a window into their motivations and backstory, strengthening your bond. It’s like getting to know them on a deeper level – and who doesn’t love a good character arc?
Choose your words carefully: Dialogue is key. Think about how your responses will resonate with their individual personalities. A flippant remark might amuse one companion but offend another.
Let your actions speak: And, of course, actions speak louder than words. Helping those in need, resolving conflicts peacefully – these things can also influence how your companions perceive you.

Why does all of this matter? High companion approval can unlock a wealth of unique content, from specialized dialogue options and quests to potential romances. It can also make your party more effective in combat, as companions with high approval are more likely to offer support and have your back in a tough fight. Conversely, low approval can lead to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and even companions leaving your party altogether. And let’s be honest, adventuring solo is much less fun (and much more dangerous).

The evolving nature of relationships in Baldur’s Gate 3 means that what we know about approval today might change with future updates. Some players are even theorizing about hidden approval modifiers or more nuanced ways to influence companion opinions. It’s a topic of ongoing discussion within the community, and it will be interesting to see how our understanding of companion interactions evolves as players delve deeper into the game.

In the meantime, keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep an eye on that approval rating. After all, the fate of the Forgotten Realms (and your party’s dynamic) may depend on it.

What is the Highest Companion Approval in BG3?

So, you’re knee-deep in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3 and you’re figuring out that your companions aren’t just there to carry your extra potions. They’ve got opinions, feelings, and backstories galore. You might be wondering just how close you can get to these intriguing individuals. Just how high can you push that approval meter? The answer, like most things in BG3, isn’t quite straightforward, but we’ll break it down.

“Exceptional” – The Top Tier

The highest official approval level you’ll see in the game is “Exceptional.” Think of it like reaching the summit of a particularly challenging mountain. Unlocking this level of approval unlocks a treasure trove of unique dialogue, special quests tailored to your companion, and, if the stars align, the possibility of romance. Reaching “Exceptional” with a companion signifies a truly deep bond. They trust you, confide in you, and are willing to go the extra mile for you, both in and out of combat.

Beyond “Exceptional” – A Hidden Depths?

Here’s where things get interesting. While “Exceptional” is the highest label you’ll see, there are hints that your influence on companions extends even further. Think of it like an iceberg – the “Exceptional” label is the tip you can see, but there’s a whole lot more going on beneath the surface.

Making choices that consistently resonate with a companion, even after hitting “Exceptional,” can subtly shape their behavior and even influence events later in the game. This suggests that the approval system isn’t just a simple on/off switch; it’s a spectrum of affinity, and your actions continue to have weight even after hitting that top-tier label.

Act 1 – Laying the Foundation

The general consensus amongst experienced players is that Act 1 is where you lay the foundation for your relationships. It’s like the first few chapters of a good book—they set the tone for the entire story. The choices you make in Act 1 have a ripple effect, influencing how your companions perceive you and shaping the potential for deeper connections later on.

This doesn’t mean you can’t gain approval later, but maximizing it early on gives you a significant head start. Think of it like building up a savings account – the earlier you start contributing, the more interest you’ll accrue.

How to Achieve (and Potentially Exceed) “Exceptional” Status

So, how do you actually achieve this coveted “Exceptional” status, and potentially go even further?

Consistency is Key: It’s not enough to just perform a single grand gesture of goodwill. You need to consistently make choices that align with your companion’s values and personality.
Understand their values: Are they fiercely independent? Giving them space and respecting their autonomy will likely earn you points. Do they value justice above all else? Upholding the law, even when it’s inconvenient, might be the way to their heart.
Pay attention: Paying attention to their dialogue, reactions, and personal quests will provide valuable clues about what makes them tick.
Think long-term: Sometimes, a decision that seems like a quick win in terms of approval might have unforeseen consequences down the line. Perhaps appeasing one companion will alienate another. Maybe a seemingly harmless act has unexpected ramifications in a later act. These are the kinds of dilemmas that make BG3 so rich and compelling, and they underscore the importance of thinking strategically about your relationships.

While current knowledge about the exact workings of the approval system beyond “Exceptional” is a bit fuzzy, ongoing discussions and experimentation within the player community continue to shed light on its nuances. Some players theorize that there are hidden approval levels beyond what’s displayed in the game, while others believe it’s more of a cumulative effect. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

One thing’s for sure: companion approval in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex and fascinating system, rewarding players who invest time and effort in understanding their companions’ unique personalities and motivations.

If you’re eager to take on challenging foes in a dark fantasy setting, sharpen your blades and craft your armor at the Blacksmith in Dark and Darker. Or, if you’re a seasoned Pokémon trainer seeking a true test of skill, assemble your team and prepare for the legendary Blaziken 7-Star Raid.