Baldur’s Gate 3 has ten companions that can join the player, eight of which have their own unique romance paths. Many of these romances have sub-routes depending on the player’s choices throughout their story; for example, two people romancing Astarion may have wildly differing stories if one chose to romance him as a spawn if the other did so as a vampire ascendant.
One character available for players to romance in BG3 is Minthara. However, many people may push her romance route to the side because she is more suited for purely evil playthroughs. Despite this, her story may prove to be just as compelling on a non-evil playthrough,
Romancing Minthara, Explained
The Perfect Character For An Evil Romance
It’s probably not a surprise that Minthara is the least romanced companion since most first-time Baldur’s Gate 3 players won’t end up recruiting her. If they do, it would also likely be on an “evil” playthrough or one where they raid the grove, where her romance starts. A truly evil playthrough misses out on Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin and possibly extends to missing out on Gale, Jaheria, and Minsc depending on certain choices and rolls the player makes, meaning they may often find themselves left with Minthara as a romance option.
Minthara’s personality fits perfectly with that of an evil Dark Urge character. She’s one of the few companions to try and persuade the player towards gaining the Absolute’s power. She is actively disappointed when they choose not to take it, unlike some other characters who may be initially tempted by it but eventually realize that it is best to destroy it. This is the main reason why many good-aligned players won’t end up romancing Minthara, but anyone wanting to start their evil deeds later in the game without killing the druids and tieflings may still want to consider her as an option.
What Happens If You Romance Minthara Without Raiding The Emerald Grove?
You Miss Out On Her First Romance Scene, But This May Be The Best Outcome
To gain Minthara as a companion without raiding the grove, a player must somehow leave her alive in Act 1. The most efficient way to go about this, especially if the player wants to stay “good-aligned,” is to knock her out with a non-lethal attack, as this allows Halsin’s quest to also start. However, Minthara’s main romance scene is only triggered after raiding the grove. She does not have any similar content in Act 2 or 3, probably because it would feel out of place by that point due to the revelations she experiences after killing Ketheric Thorm.
Though Minthara will still approve of the player’s decision to raid the grove if they justify it to her correctly, the later reveal that Minthara was under the influence of the Absolute when deciding to kill the druids and tieflings may be another motivation to romance her whilst still saving everyone.
Though Minthara has plenty of conversations and romance content after Act 1, her only unique cutscene is triggered after raiding the grove. This means if a player wants to romance her without slaughtering the druids and tieflings, they’ll have to miss out on this potential part of her story. Some players may prefer it this way; however, since this means they can pursue Minthara without the scene of her attempting to kill them, it may make them feel like the relationship was created on a more genuine foundation.
How To Romance Minthara On A Good-Aligned Playthrough
Stay On Her Good Side, Then Tell Her You See Her As A Lover
If a player has played their cards right with Minthara, then in Act 3, they will eventually trigger a conversation where Minthara opens up to them, and invites them into her mind, as seen in a video by Youtube user shhenanigans. This scene can occur on an evil or good-aligned playthrough and isn’t an alternative to the goblin party scene. The player will then be given the option to decide how Minthara views them, among several options, one of which is “a lover.” This officially solidifies the player and Minthara as an item.
Players can experience this scene if they have enough approval from Minthara. It’s easier to gain approval early on, having raided the grove, but it can be built upon through Acts 2 and 3. Minthara appreciates anything that appeals to her drive for power, either the player seizing power for themselves or complimenting her ambition, for example, telling her that sitting atop Ketheric’s throne suits her. Minthara is an underrated character in Baldur’s Gate 3, and though she has less content in her romance route, it should be something that every player experiences at least once.
