Romancing Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3 can feel like navigating a magical labyrinth, especially after recent game updates. Many players have wondered if his romance path was altered, locked, or even removed. However, fear not, aspiring lovers! This guide will illuminate the path to Gale’s heart, ensuring you experience his enchanting romance scenes, including the coveted Astral Plane encounter. Based on successful playthroughs, here’s a step-by-step guide to romance Gale, even before facing Ketheric Thorme.
1. Recruit Gale Strategically
While eagerness might urge you to immediately seek out Gale after the Nautiloid crash, consider a slightly different approach. Anecdotal evidence suggests that delaying Gale’s recruitment until after you’ve secured Shadowheart and Astarion might mitigate potential bugs. While not definitively proven, this slight shift in companion acquisition could contribute to a smoother romance progression with the charming wizard.
2. Embrace the Long Rest
Long Rests are your secret weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3, and they are particularly crucial for Gale’s romance. The game is rich with character interactions and cutscenes triggered by Long Rests, especially after significant story events. A “Good Dark Urge” playthrough, for example, amplifies these scenes even further. Prioritizing Long Rests ensures that Gale’s romance scenes aren’t delayed or, worse, skipped due to an overflow of other events. Frequent rests seem to also contribute to game stability, potentially reducing instances of dialogue repetition or other minor bugs associated with Gale’s storyline.
3. Earn Gale’s Approval
Winning Gale’s affection is surprisingly straightforward. He is easily impressed by acts of kindness and valor. Throughout Act 1, numerous opportunities arise to gain his approval. Rescuing Mirkon from the Harpies and saving Arabella from Teela are excellent starting points. Positioning yourself protectively between a threatened Tiefling and a goblin aggressor also resonates positively with Gale’s sensibilities. As his approval grows, Gale will become more open, sharing personal quests and humorous anecdotes, deepening your connection. While the exact approval threshold for avoiding the “friend-zone” in Act 2 remains somewhat ambiguous, aiming for at least “Medium” approval by the end of Act 1 is a prudent goal. However, reaching “Exceptional” approval, as experienced in successful playthroughs, certainly solidifies your romantic prospects.
4. Satisfy Gale’s Arcane Hunger
Gale’s unique condition, his Arcane Hunger, requires him to consume magical items periodically. Act 1 is replete with expendable magical items perfect for satisfying this need. Donating unwanted magical items to Gale not only appeases his hunger but also significantly boosts his approval. Be observant of areas that trigger his Arcane Hunger. Approaching the bridge to the Risen Road and entering the Selunite Temple within the Goblin Camp are often triggers, prompting Gale to request an item or reveal more about his condition. These moments are key to understanding and supporting Gale.
5. The Weave Scene: Initiate Romance
By adhering to the previous steps, you should unlock the enchanting Weave scene even before the Tiefling party. For any interaction with Gale, remember the golden rule: be direct about your feelings and avoid being unkind. Show genuine interest in him and his experiences. During the Weave scene, when Gale gazes at Mystra, compliment the vision. Choosing “Pretty” is a positive option. Engage sincerely with his demonstration of the Weave, successfully navigating the skill checks. This should lead to an option indicating a romantic opportunity. Selecting the dialogue option to “picture Kissing him passionately” is pivotal. While Gale might express surprise and slight embarrassment, he will be undeniably receptive and pleased by your forwardness. The scene may conclude without a kiss, but it clearly establishes a romantic trajectory.
6. Focus Your Romantic Attention
While not definitively confirmed as a strict requirement, it’s highly advisable to focus your romantic pursuits on Gale, especially early on. Gale is depicted as not being fond of sharing romantic affections, and pursuing other companions might hinder his advances. Interestingly, Astarion’s reactions can be amusing, even offering approval during the Gazing at the Mirror scene if you acknowledge Gale’s superior charm, with lines like “He’s no Gale, but good.” Astarion himself may initiate a romantic advance during an early Long Rest, but politely declining, perhaps with a humorous rejection like preferring a goblin, reinforces your commitment to Gale. You don’t need to cultivate negative approval with other companions, simply avoid leading them on romantically. If you’re familiar with Baldur’s Gate 3’s romance mechanics, you’ll recognize the scenes that initiate flings. Steer clear of these if your heart is set on Gale.
7. The Tiefling Party: Nurture the Budding Romance
When you Long Rest to trigger the Tiefling party, make Gale your first point of contact. If the dialogue option is available, inquire about his thoughts on the Weave scene. He should respond positively, hinting at future romantic developments and encouraging you to enjoy the party. While no further romance scenes with Gale typically occur during the party itself (unless you haven’t yet triggered the Weave scene), engaging with other companions is still recommended. In a successful playthrough, Astarion, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart might all express romantic interest at this point. Politely decline their advances, reaffirming your focus on Gale. Upon going to bed after the party, you might even receive a dialogue prompt about dreaming of being with Gale, further solidifying your romantic path.
8. The Elminster Encounter: Act 2 and Beyond
As you approach the conclusion of Act 1 and venture into the Shadow-Cursed Lands (the gateway to Act 2), be prepared for an encounter with Elminster. He can appear in a couple of locations: near the Rosemyrn Monastery entrance to the Shadow-Cursed Lands in the Tiela Crags, or after using the elevator in the Underdark: Grymforge. The specific location of the encounter doesn’t seem to impact the romance progression. Upon meeting Elminster (the game’s version of a Gandalf-esque figure), invite him to your camp. This will trigger Mystra’s request through Elminster. During this pivotal conversation, demonstrate your support for Gale. While showing interest in Mystra’s proposition, subtly express reservations or disapproval of her wishes. This nuanced approach, balancing support for Gale with a degree of skepticism towards Mystra, should smoothly transition you into Act 2 with a burgeoning romance, demonstrable support for Gale, and a solid foundation of approval, paving the way for deeper romantic developments in the chapters to come.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and magical romance with Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3. Enjoy the journey!
