Yes, you can absolutely romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3, though her romance path is one of the most unique and requires a significant alignment with the game's darker narrative choices.
Romancing Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara Baenre, a Drow Paladin of the Absolute, offers a distinct and often challenging romance option for players willing to embrace a more villainous or morally ambiguous playthrough. Unlike most companions who favour heroic deeds, Minthara respects strength, ruthlessness, and devotion to the Absolute's cause.
The Path to Her Heart: A Dark Alliance
To initiate a romance with Minthara, players must commit to a specific, morally dark path early in Act 1. This involves making a pivotal decision that directly impacts the fate of many innocent non-player characters (NPCs) and fundamentally alters your standing with other potential companions.
The most critical step in pursuing Minthara is to:
- Side with the goblins at the Goblin Camp. This means aligning yourself with the Absolute's forces against the Emerald Grove.
- Participate in the massacre of the tiefling refugees residing in the sacred Druid Grove. This brutal act, carried out in the name of the Absolute, is a prerequisite for her interest. These refugees, unlike some of the inhabitants of the Grove, have often been presented as hospitable to the player character.
This decision will invariably lead to a direct confrontation with many of the "good-aligned" companions, some of whom may abandon your party permanently, and it will lock you out of several heroic questlines.
Key Steps and Considerations for Minthara's Romance
Successfully romancing Minthara involves several distinct stages and important choices:
- Embrace the Absolute's Cause: At the Goblin Camp, choose to raid the Emerald Grove and eliminate the tiefling refugees and druids.
- Participate in the Attack: Actively assist Minthara and the goblin forces in the assault on the Grove.
- Celebrate Your Victory: After the successful raid, Minthara will invite you to a celebration back at the Goblin Camp. This is where the initial romance scene can trigger, provided you've made the correct choices and gained her approval through your actions.
- Rescue Her in Act 2: Minthara is typically found imprisoned at Moonrise Towers in Act 2. To continue her romance, you must rescue her and recruit her as a companion.
- Build Approval: Like other companions, continuing to make choices she approves of (often ruthless, power-driven, or aligned with the Absolute) will deepen your relationship.
| Decision Required | Outcome | Impact on Playthrough |
|---|---|---|
| Ally with Goblins | Minthara Romance | Evil / Dark Urge Aligned |
| Massacre Tiefling Refugees | Recruitment & Romance | Locks out Good-Aligned Paths |
Why Romance Minthara?
Despite the morally challenging requirements, romancing Minthara offers a unique narrative experience. She provides insight into the Absolute's followers, offers a powerful perspective for an evil or Dark Urge playthrough, and her romance arc develops into a surprisingly devoted relationship for those who commit to her path. It's a journey for players looking to explore a darker storyline and experience a less conventional companion dynamic in Baldur's Gate 3.
For more information on Baldur's Gate 3 and its various features, you can visit the official website.
