What are the consequences of siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 for companion relationships?
Siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 has significant consequences for your relationships with your companions, as it directly impacts their approval or disapproval of your actions. The game's approval system is tied to the moral and ethical choices you make, and siding with the goblins is generally seen as a morally questionable decision. This choice can lead to tension, conflict, or even the loss of certain companions, depending on their personalities and values. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how this decision affects your companions and what you need to consider.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of companion approval. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your dialogue choices, actions, and decisions throughout the game. Siding with the goblins is a major decision that will trigger strong reactions from your party members. For example, characters like Wyll and Karlach, who are more morally upright and value justice, will likely disapprove of this choice. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who is more self-serving and pragmatic, might not mind or could even approve, depending on the context. Shadowheart, who is more neutral and secretive, might not react as strongly, but her approval could still be affected if she perceives your actions as reckless or cruel.
To side with the goblins, you need to progress through the main story in Act 1. After encountering the goblins at the Goblin Camp, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to negotiate with their leaders, such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. If you choose to ally with them, youÔÇÖll be asked to help them attack the Druid Grove, which is a pivotal moment in the story. This decision will lock you into a specific path and prevent you from siding with the Tieflings or Druids later in the game.
When making this choice, itÔÇÖs important to consider the long-term consequences for your party dynamics. For example, Wyll and Karlach are both deeply connected to the Tieflings and Druids, and siding with the goblins could lead to them leaving your party permanently. Wyll, in particular, has a strong sense of justice and will not tolerate actions that harm innocent people. Similarly, Karlach, who is a Tiefling herself, will likely abandon you if you betray her people. On the other hand, Astarion might appreciate the chaos and power that comes with siding with the goblins, but his approval is not guaranteed, as he can be unpredictable.
One common mistake players make is not considering the long-term impact of their decisions. Siding with the goblins might seem like a quick way to gain power or resources, but it can alienate key companions and limit your options later in the game. To avoid this, itÔÇÖs important to think about how each companion will react and whether youÔÇÖre willing to risk losing them. If youÔÇÖre playing a character who values loyalty and strong relationships, siding with the goblins might not be the best choice.
Advanced players might consider using this decision to roleplay a morally ambiguous or evil character. If youÔÇÖre playing as a Dark Urge or a character who thrives on chaos, siding with the goblins can be a compelling narrative choice. However, youÔÇÖll need to carefully manage your party composition and ensure that you have companions who align with your goals. For example, recruiting Minthara as a companion after siding with the goblins can provide a powerful ally, but it comes at the cost of losing other companions.
In terms of D&D rules, this decision reflects the alignment system, where characters are categorized as good, neutral, or evil based on their actions. Siding with the goblins is generally considered an evil or chaotic action, which can shift your characterÔÇÖs alignment and affect how NPCs and companions perceive you. This is particularly relevant for classes like Paladins, who have oaths that can be broken if they act against their moral code.
In conclusion, siding with the goblins in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a major decision that will significantly impact your relationships with your companions. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the pros and cons, consider the long-term consequences, and think about how each companion will react. By understanding the approval mechanics and the personalities of your party members, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and values. Whether you choose to side with the goblins or not, this choice will shape your journey through the game and determine the fate of your companions.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of companion approval. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your dialogue choices, actions, and decisions throughout the game. Siding with the goblins is a major decision that will trigger strong reactions from your party members. For example, characters like Wyll and Karlach, who are more morally upright and value justice, will likely disapprove of this choice. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who is more self-serving and pragmatic, might not mind or could even approve, depending on the context. Shadowheart, who is more neutral and secretive, might not react as strongly, but her approval could still be affected if she perceives your actions as reckless or cruel.
To side with the goblins, you need to progress through the main story in Act 1. After encountering the goblins at the Goblin Camp, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to negotiate with their leaders, such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. If you choose to ally with them, youÔÇÖll be asked to help them attack the Druid Grove, which is a pivotal moment in the story. This decision will lock you into a specific path and prevent you from siding with the Tieflings or Druids later in the game.
When making this choice, itÔÇÖs important to consider the long-term consequences for your party dynamics. For example, Wyll and Karlach are both deeply connected to the Tieflings and Druids, and siding with the goblins could lead to them leaving your party permanently. Wyll, in particular, has a strong sense of justice and will not tolerate actions that harm innocent people. Similarly, Karlach, who is a Tiefling herself, will likely abandon you if you betray her people. On the other hand, Astarion might appreciate the chaos and power that comes with siding with the goblins, but his approval is not guaranteed, as he can be unpredictable.
One common mistake players make is not considering the long-term impact of their decisions. Siding with the goblins might seem like a quick way to gain power or resources, but it can alienate key companions and limit your options later in the game. To avoid this, itÔÇÖs important to think about how each companion will react and whether youÔÇÖre willing to risk losing them. If youÔÇÖre playing a character who values loyalty and strong relationships, siding with the goblins might not be the best choice.
Advanced players might consider using this decision to roleplay a morally ambiguous or evil character. If youÔÇÖre playing as a Dark Urge or a character who thrives on chaos, siding with the goblins can be a compelling narrative choice. However, youÔÇÖll need to carefully manage your party composition and ensure that you have companions who align with your goals. For example, recruiting Minthara as a companion after siding with the goblins can provide a powerful ally, but it comes at the cost of losing other companions.
In terms of D&D rules, this decision reflects the alignment system, where characters are categorized as good, neutral, or evil based on their actions. Siding with the goblins is generally considered an evil or chaotic action, which can shift your characterÔÇÖs alignment and affect how NPCs and companions perceive you. This is particularly relevant for classes like Paladins, who have oaths that can be broken if they act against their moral code.
In conclusion, siding with the goblins in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a major decision that will significantly impact your relationships with your companions. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the pros and cons, consider the long-term consequences, and think about how each companion will react. By understanding the approval mechanics and the personalities of your party members, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and values. Whether you choose to side with the goblins or not, this choice will shape your journey through the game and determine the fate of your companions.