Dragon Age: Inquisition Companion Approval - The Definitive Guide

Unlocking the Power of Companionship

In Dragon Age: Inquisition, companions play a pivotal role in your journey. Their unwavering support and unique skills can significantly impact the outcome of your quests and the overall narrative. To fully harness their potential, it's crucial to foster strong bonds with your companions by building their approval.

How Companion Approval Works

Companion approval is a measure of their affection and respect towards you. The system is based on a numerical scale, with higher numbers indicating a stronger bond. Companions have their own preferences, and your actions and choices will influence their approval ratings.

Factors Influencing Companion Approval

• Dialogue Choices: Every dialogue option you select affects your companions' thoughts and feelings. Carefully consider your choices to align with their values and gain their approval.
• Gifts: Offering gifts that resonate with a companion's personality or interests can significantly boost their approval. Take the time to learn their preferences.
• Quests: Completing quests related to a companion's personal story or interests is a guaranteed way to earn their gratitude.
• Combat Performance: Companions appreciate it when you rely on their skills in combat. Utilize their talents effectively to demonstrate your trust and respect.
• Decisions: Major decisions you make throughout the game, such as alliances and diplomatic choices, can have a significant impact on companion approval. Consider their perspectives and seek their counsel.

Table 1: Companion Approval Ranges

Benefits of High Companion Approval

• Increased Combat Bonuses: Companions with high approval provide enhanced combat bonuses, making your battles more effective.
• Unique Dialogue and Scenes: As you strengthen your bonds with companions, they will reveal more about themselves and share unique dialogue and scenes.
• Special Abilities: Some companions unlock special abilities or upgrades when their approval reaches certain milestones.
• Deeper Story Involvement: Characters with high approval play a more prominent role in the main story, offering valuable insights and support.
• Epilogue Content: Companion approval carries over into the epilogue, influencing the fate of your companions and the overall outcome of your journey.

Pain Points and Motivations

Pain Points:

• Conflicting Preferences: Companions have diverse personalities and values, making it challenging to satisfy everyone simultaneously.
• Missed Opportunities: Failing to complete a companion's personal quest or missing dialogue options can result in missed approval gains.
• Unintentional Offenses: Your actions or decisions may inadvertently offend a companion, leading to a drop in approval.

Motivations:

• Sense of Belonging: Companions desire to feel valued and connected to the Inquisition. Building their approval demonstrates their importance.
• Recognition of Skills: They take pride in their skills and capabilities. Utilizing their abilities effectively shows your respect and trust.
• Shared Ideals: Companions gravitate towards those who share their beliefs and goals. Aligning your decisions with their values fosters a strong bond.

Effective Strategies

• Be Patient and Listen: Engage in conversations with companions and listen attentively to their thoughts and concerns. This provides valuable insights into their preferences.
• Offer Meaningful Gifts: Take the time to research each companion's interests and gift them items that resonate with them.
• Prioritize Quests: Complete quests related to a companion's backstory or interests as these provide significant approval boosts.
• Use Diplomacy: When faced with difficult decisions, consult your companions and seek their counsel. Consider their perspectives and make choices that align with their values.
• Fight with them: Engage your companions in combat and demonstrate your reliance on their skills. Their combat performance has a positive impact on their approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Companions: Neglecting to interact with companions can lead to a decrease in approval over time. Make an effort to connect with them regularly.
• Making Rash Decisions: Hasty decisions that conflict with a companion's beliefs or values can lead to a drop in approval. Consider their opinions before making major choices.
• Favoritism: Treating one companion more favorably than others can create resentment among the others. Make an effort to distribute attention and approval fairly.
• Forcing Romances: Pursuing a romance with a companion without their interest or consent can significantly reduce their approval. Respect their boundaries and preferences.
• Missing Dialogue Options: Certain dialogue choices have a significant impact on companion approval. Pay attention to what your companions are saying and choose wisely.

Step-by-Step Approach to Building Companion Approval

1. Observe and Listen: Engage in conversations with companions and pay attention to their likes, dislikes, and beliefs.
2. Offer Meaningful Gifts: Take the time to research their interests and gift them items that resonate with them.
3. Complete Quests: Prioritize quests related to a companion's backstory or interests as these provide significant approval boosts.
4. Fight with them: Engage your companions in combat and demonstrate your reliance on their skills.
5. Make Wise Decisions: Consult with companions and consider their perspectives before making major decisions that may affect their approval.
6. Be True to Yourself: While it's important to consider companion preferences, it's equally important to remain true to your own character and beliefs.
7. Be Patient: Building strong bonds with companions takes time and effort. Be patient and consistent with your interactions.

Table 2: Companion Approval Milestones

Table 3: Companion Gift Preferences

Table 4: Common Dialogue Options That Affect Companion Approval

Conclusion

Companion approval in Dragon Age: Inquisition plays a pivotal role in shaping your journey. By fostering strong bonds with your companions, you unlock their full potential, both in combat and within the story. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you can build meaningful relationships with your companions and maximize their impact on your epic adventure. Remember to be patient, listen attentively, and make choices that align with their values. With dedication and empathy, you can forge unbreakable bonds and create a truly memorable Inquisition experience.