Dragon Age: Origins Gifts: A Complete Guide to Approval and Romance

Introduction

Remember that moment when you finally gifted Alistair the right trinket and that awkward silence morphed into a slightly less awkward but still kind of endearing awkwardness? Navigating the relationships in Dragon Age: Origins can feel like traversing a minefield while blindfolded. BioWare’s epic RPG throws you into the gritty world of Ferelden, where you must unite disparate factions and defeat the Blight. But the battle against the darkspawn isn’t the only challenge. Building strong relationships with your companions is just as crucial, impacting everything from party buffs to the game’s ultimate ending. And the key to unlocking those relationships? Thoughtful, carefully selected gifts.

This guide is your definitive resource for mastering the art of gift-giving in Dragon Age: Origins. We’ll delve into the intricacies of the approval system, explore the unique preferences of each companion, and provide a comprehensive list of gifts, their locations, and their impact on your relationships. Whether you’re aiming to romance Morrigan, earn the unwavering loyalty of Sten, or simply keep Wynne from scolding you, understanding the gift system is paramount. Giving the right gift at the right time isn’t just about raising approval; it’s about unlocking personal quests, strengthening your party, and shaping the narrative of your adventure.

So, grab your Warden’s sword, sharpen your wit, and prepare to embark on a journey through the complex and rewarding world of Dragon Age: Origins gifts. Let’s turn those frowns upside down, one perfectly chosen trinket at a time.

Understanding the Gift System

The core of character interaction in Dragon Age: Origins hinges on the approval system. After all, you are a leader, right? Giving gifts serves as a direct way to influence a character’s opinion of you, raising or lowering their approval rating. This rating is represented on their character sheet and ranges from deeply negative to overwhelmingly positive. To present a gift, simply initiate a conversation with a companion and select the “Give Gift” dialogue option. The item you wish to bestow upon them must be in your inventory.

However, it’s not simply a matter of throwing random items at your party members. Dragon Age: Origins gifts are not created equal. Some gifts will be warmly received, causing a significant boost in approval. Others will be met with indifference, and some will even trigger a negative reaction, significantly lowering their approval of you. Pay close attention to their reactions and learn from your mistakes. A truly appreciated gift will elicit a positive response like, “This… actually pleases me,” while a disliked gift might be met with a scathing remark or stony silence.

Remember, once a gift is received, it remains permanently in the recipient’s inventory. This is purely a symbolic gesture, signifying the bond you’ve created (or damaged!). There is no way to get gifts back from your companions.

Approval Ratings Explained

The approval system is based on a continuum. Understanding where your companions stand is essential. The levels are generally described as such: Hostile, Unfriendly, Neutral, Friendly, Warm, and Adoring. These ratings influence dialogue options, trigger personal quests, and even determine whether a character remains loyal to you throughout the game.

High approval brings significant advantages. Companions with high approval ratings are more likely to unlock personal quests that delve into their backstories, providing valuable insights and often rewarding you with powerful items or new abilities. They may also offer unique party buffs, boosting your overall effectiveness in combat. Perhaps most importantly, high approval unlocks deeper dialogue options, allowing you to forge genuine connections with your companions and even pursue romantic relationships with certain characters.

Conversely, low approval can have dire consequences. Companions who consistently disapprove of your actions may become argumentative, less willing to follow your commands, or even leave your party altogether. In extreme cases, a companion with a severely negative approval rating might even betray you at a critical moment in the story.

Gift Guide by Companion

Now, let’s delve into the specifics. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each companion’s preferences:

Alistair

Alistair, the kind-hearted Templar, values justice, compassion, and a good dose of humor. Gifts he appreciates often relate to his Templar past or his personal history.

• Alistair’s Mother’s Amulet: Location varies, but often found during Alistair’s personal quest. Huge boost.
• Duncan’s Shield: Found in Ostagar, a significant approval boost, especially early in the game.
• Stone Dragon Statue: Can be found in various locations, a moderate boost.
• Small Carved Statue: Common find, low approval boost.
• White Runestone: Common find, low approval boost.

Alistair dislikes gifts associated with darkspawn or corruption. He also responds negatively to items that challenge his Templar beliefs too strongly. Romance with Alistair is possible for female characters who make appropriate dialogue choices and offer the right gifts.

Morrigan

Morrigan, the enigmatic witch of the wilds, has a taste for the unusual and the occult. Don’t expect flowers and chocolates to win her over!

• Flemeth’s Grimoire: Found during Morrigan’s personal quest. Huge boost, essential for deepening her story.
• Black Grimoire: Found in the Circle Tower. Provides a moderate approval boost.
• Golden Mirror: Can be found in various locations, a moderate boost.
• Silver Bracelet: Common find, low approval boost.
• Tribal Necklace: Can be found in various locations, a moderate boost.

Morrigan generally dislikes gifts that are overtly sentimental or associated with human civilization. She is also not fond of anything related to the Chantry. Romance with Morrigan is possible for male characters, but requires a certain level of acceptance of her unique beliefs and values.

Leliana

Leliana, the charming bard, has a hidden past and a complex personality. She appreciates gifts that reflect her love of beauty, nature, and the Maker.

• Andraste’s Grace: Found in a specific location in the Brecilian Forest. Huge boost and a romantic gesture.
• Steel Symbol of Andraste: Can be found in various locations, a moderate boost.
• Silver Sword: A rare item found in chests.
• Chasind Flatbread: Can be found in various locations, a moderate boost, highlights her simple tastes.
• Bronze Symbol of Andraste: Common find, low approval boost.

Leliana dislikes gifts that are cruel, violent, or associated with dark deeds. She is also sensitive to criticism of the Chantry. Romance with Leliana is possible for both male and female characters who demonstrate kindness, understanding, and a willingness to accept her past.

Sten

Sten, the stoic Qunari warrior, values strength, honor, and practicality. Don’t expect him to be impressed by frivolous trinkets.

• Paintings: Any of the unique paintings found throughout the game. A good boost for him.
• Swords: Any well crafted swords, not those that are rusty or damaged.
• Any Metal Trinket: Moderate Boost

Sten hates anything fluffy or useless. He’s a practical warrior.

Wynne

Wynne, the experienced mage, values knowledge, compassion, and responsibility. Gifts that reflect her dedication to the Circle of Magi and her concern for others are best.

• Books: Rare magical tomes always impress.
• Amulets: Especially those with holy symbol.
• Grey Ironbark: Moderate Boost

Wynne disapproves of any action that is reckless, cruel, or endangers innocent lives.

Zevran

Zevran, the charming Antivan Crow, appreciates beauty, luxury, and a good joke. He’s not one for serious commitments.

• Antivan Leather Boots: A moderate boost.
• Dalish Gloves: A moderate boost.
• Silver Bar: Moderate Boost

Zevran will like anything that is stylish and/or valuable.

Oghren

Oghren, the dwarf, loves anything with alcohol in it.

• Any Alcohol: Moderate to High Boost

Dog (Mabari War Hound)

• Bones: Moderate Boost
• Treats: Moderate Boost

Finding Gifts: Locations and Tips

Many Dragon Age: Origins gifts can be found throughout the game world, often in unexpected places. Explore every nook and cranny, loot every chest, and talk to every merchant. Some of the most common locations for finding gifts include:

• Merchants: Visit merchants in Ostagar, Lothering, Redcliffe, Denerim, and other settlements. Pay special attention to Bodahn Feddic at the party camp, as he often carries unique items, including gifts.
• Looting: Search corpses, containers, and even bookshelves for potential gifts. Keep an eye out for items that seem unique or valuable, as they might be exactly what a particular companion is looking for.
• Quests: Many quests reward you with valuable items, including gifts. Pay attention to the quest descriptions and rewards, and prioritize quests that offer items that align with your companions’ preferences.

Advanced Gift-Giving Strategies

To truly master the art of gift-giving, consider these advanced strategies:

• Gift Stacking: Giving multiple gifts to a character in quick succession often results in a larger approval boost than giving them one at a time. Try to save up several gifts that a character appreciates and give them all at once for maximum impact.
• Timing is Key: The timing of a gift can be just as important as the gift itself. Consider giving a gift after a particularly difficult quest, during a heartfelt conversation, or as a romantic gesture.
• Dialogue Matters More: Although gifts are helpful, don’t undermine the importance of having a good conversation.

The Consequences of Your Choices

Your choices regarding gifts have massive consequences. The biggest impact is the loyalty mission each character has. Companions with high enough approval will open personal quests, each granting the player a large number of experience points, a powerful weapon, and a party buff.

The endings of the game are hugely impacted by the choices you make regarding approval and loyalty. Your allies can be your biggest boon, or your downfall.

Conclusion

Mastering the Dragon Age: Origins gifts system is a vital part of truly immersing yourself in the world and characters. Each gift choice contributes to how the game plays out, from party buffs to romances and the endings themselves. So, use the information presented here to help guide you on your journey through Ferelden! Good luck, Warden. May the odds be ever in your favor!