**Introduction: The Mystery of Companion Approval in BG3**
Hey, adventurers! If you’ve been diving deep into *Baldur’s Gate 3* (BG3), you know how important it is to keep your companions happy. They’re more than just your sidekicks; they’re your friends, allies, and sometimes, your emotional support after a long dungeon crawl. But, how can you actually see how your companions feel about you? It’s like playing a dating simulator with swords and magic, right? Well, worry no more! In this guide, we’re going to explore how to check your companions’ approval levels, so you can avoid any awkward silences or disappointing betrayals in your party.
**What Is Companion Approval? And Why Should You Care?**
In BG3, your companions’ approval (or disapproval) depends on how you interact with them. Your choices, words, and actions throughout the game influence their opinion of you. The better their approval, the more you’ll get out of them – including special conversations, quests, and maybe even some interesting perks. However, let their approval fall too low, and they could leave the party or even turn against you.
Knowing your companion’s approval level can save you from some major headaches. You don’t want to accidentally upset Astarion when he’s already on the edge of betraying you, right? Or maybe you want to make sure you’re romancing Lae’zel the right way. That’s where understanding approval comes into play.
**How to See Companion Approval in BG3**
Here’s the fun part. In *Baldur’s Gate 3*, there isn’t a flashy, clear-cut “Companion Approval” meter displayed on the screen. It’s a bit sneaky, but that’s where the magic happens! Let’s break it down.
1. **Talk to Your Companions**: The most direct way to see your companions’ approval is by chatting with them. They’ll often give you hints about how they feel during your conversations. Pay attention to their dialogue lines, body language, and facial expressions. When they approve of your choices, they’ll usually make a positive comment or seem more friendly.
2. **Companion Status in the Inventory**: If you’re looking for a more official look, open your character screen and check the “Companions” tab in your inventory. Here, you can see your companions listed with a small icon that gives you a rough idea of their approval status. It’s not perfect, but it’s something!
3. **Use the “Romance” or “Friendship” Dialogue Prompts**: If you’re really paying attention, certain conversations will give you the chance to build a closer bond with companions. Keep an eye out for these special dialogue options, as they can increase approval significantly.
**Common Issues: Where Do Things Go Wrong?**
For some players, figuring out approval can be confusing. Sometimes, you think you’re doing the right thing, but a companion gets upset anyway! The approval system in BG3 isn’t always clear, especially when it comes to the more subtle interactions.
– **Wrong Dialogue Choices**: Be careful when responding to companions, especially when they’re venting or sharing personal stories. The wrong response can decrease their approval instantly.
– **Companion-Specific Preferences**: Each companion has different preferences, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Astarion, for example, loves anything that leans into his darker side, while Lae’zel might appreciate direct, no-nonsense approaches.
– **Companion Reactions to Actions**: Sometimes, it’s your actions in the game world that influence approval, not just what you say. If you steal something in front of a companion who’s morally upright, expect a dramatic drop in approval.
**Real Players, Real Reactions: How Does This Impact the Experience?**
Most players find themselves getting attached to their companions in *Baldur’s Gate 3*, and the approval system plays a huge part in that. One player shared their frustration about accidentally losing Astarion’s approval during a critical moment: “I was so close to getting him to like me, and then I said the wrong thing during a conversation. I’ve never felt more betrayed by a vampire elf!”
On the flip side, there’s also a lot of joy when players successfully win over a companion. A community member posted: “I finally got Lae’zel to approve of my choices, and the dialogue afterward was priceless. It felt like I earned her respect!”
**Solutions and Tips: How to Keep Companion Approval High**
Here are some useful tips to keep those approval meters high:
1. **Know Your Companions**: Study your companions’ personalities and preferences. Understanding them makes it easier to choose the right dialogue and actions.
2. **Take Time for Conversations**: Don’t rush through the game. Take time to talk to your companions regularly. They’ll reveal a lot about what they like and dislike.
3. **Respect Their Opinions**: Even when you don’t agree, try to respect their values. A little empathy can go a long way.
4. **Keep a Backup Save**: If you’re playing with romance or tricky companions, keep a backup save before key conversations. That way, if things go south, you can reload and try again.
**What the Community Says: Feedback from Players**
So, what does the community think about the companion approval system? Well, players have mixed feelings. Some love the challenge of keeping companions happy and find it adds depth to the role-playing experience. One user commented, “The approval system makes every decision feel like it matters. I love how my companions can react so differently based on my choices.”
However, others feel frustrated by the lack of clarity. “It’s hard to tell if I’m doing things right. One moment, everything’s fine, and the next, my companion hates me for no reason!”
**Conclusion: Keep Your Companions Close – Literally**
In the end, the key to success in *Baldur’s Gate 3* is all about balance. It’s about keeping your companions happy without overdoing it. You don’t need to be a perfectionist, but being mindful of your actions and words will help you avoid a bunch of awkward situations and possible betrayals. So, keep talking to your companions, be kind, and maybe keep a few reloads handy just in case.
**Your Turn!**
Have you ever had a companion turn on you unexpectedly in *Baldur’s Gate 3*? How did you handle it? Or maybe you’ve figured out the secret to always keeping approval high. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – let’s all help each other become the best companions we can be!
