Building strong relationships with your companions is a key aspect of Dragon Age: Origins, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through gift-giving. Understanding what gifts your companions appreciate can significantly boost their approval, unlock personal quests, and even lead to romance. This guide will walk you through the preferred gifts for each companion in Dragon Age: Origins, ensuring you always know the perfect item to strengthen your bonds.
Alistair’s Preferred Gifts
Alistair, the earnest and sometimes naive Templar, has a soft spot for figurines and magic-related items. Early in your adventures, keep an eye out for stone or wooden carvings and small sculptures. These thoughtful trinkets will resonate with his Templar history and hidden interests.
- Loved Gifts: Figurines (like Stone Dragon Statuette), magic items, and items of historical significance.
- Plot Gift: Alistair’s Mother’s Amulet, found in Redcliffe Castle, is a crucial plot-related gift that delves into his personal history.
Giving Alistair gifts that reflect his past and Templar sensibilities is a sure way to earn his respect and loyalty.
Morrigan’s Coveted Jewelry
Morrigan, the enigmatic and independent Witch of the Wilds, is drawn to the allure of jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and golden lockets will catch her eye. These opulent gifts appeal to her vanity and perhaps hint at a hidden desire for finer things, despite her wild upbringing.
- Loved Gifts: Jewelry (Gold Ring, Silver Necklace), dark and mysterious items, and Grimoires.
- Plot Gifts: Flemeth’s Grimoire and the Golden Mirror are significant plot gifts that tie into her complex backstory and relationship with her mother.
Presenting Morrigan with exquisite jewelry is a direct path to gaining her favor, though understanding her motivations remains a constant mystery.
Leliana’s Andrastian Devotion
Leliana, the romantic and devout bard, cherishes symbols of Andraste. As a former Sister of the Chantry, items related to the Maker and Andraste hold deep meaning for her. Look for Chantry symbols, Andrastian scriptures, and even flowers associated with Andraste.
- Loved Gifts: Andrastian religious items (Andraste’s Grace flower), items with beauty and grace, and bardic instruments.
- Plot Gift: Andraste’s Grace flower, a unique and plot-relevant gift that highlights her deep faith.
Gifts reflecting Leliana’s faith and artistic spirit will quickly endear you to this charming and complex companion.
Sten’s Appreciation for Art
Sten, the stoic and honorable Qunari warrior, surprisingly appreciates paintings. Despite his reserved nature and focus on duty, Sten possesses a hidden appreciation for art. Any painting you find, regardless of its perceived value, will be well-received by Sten.
- Loved Gifts: Paintings of any kind.
- Plot Gift: Sten’s Sword. Gaining Sten’s approval through regular gifts will eventually trigger a quest to recover his lost sword, a deeply personal and plot-driving gift.
Offering Sten paintings is an unexpected yet effective way to break through his tough exterior and earn his respect.
Zevran’s Taste for Rarity
Zevran, the charming and pragmatic Antivan Crow, has a taste for the finer things in life, specifically bars of rare metals. Gold, silver, and other precious metals will appeal to his mercenary background and appreciation for valuable goods. He also has a fondness for leather, reflecting his assassin’s profession.
- Loved Gifts: Rare metals (Gold Bar, Silver Bar), leather items, and items associated with luxury and comfort.
- Plot Gifts: Antivan Leather Boots and Antivan Leather Gloves are plot-related gifts that hint at his past and profession.
Appealing to Zevran’s mercenary sensibilities with valuable metals and practical leather gear is key to winning him over.
Wynne’s Love for Knowledge
Wynne, the wise and maternal Circle Mage, values scrolls and texts. As a dedicated mage and healer, Wynne has a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Scrolls, books, and any form of written text will be highly appreciated by Wynne.
- Loved Gifts: Scrolls, books, magical texts, and herbs.
- Plot Gift: While Wynne doesn’t have a specific, clearly defined “plot gift” like some other companions, consistently giving her scrolls and texts is essential for building her approval and progressing her personal storyline.
Nurturing Wynne’s love for learning with gifts of knowledge is the best way to gain the respect and affection of this experienced mage.
Dog’s Simple Pleasures
Your Mabari War Hound, simply known as Dog, is a loyal and straightforward companion. While gifts for Dog don’t impact approval ratings in the same way as human companions, you can still indulge him with bones. Lamb bones and beef bones are simple treats that any dog appreciates.
- Loved Gifts: Bones (Lamb Bone, Beef Bone).
- Plot Gift: Dog doesn’t have plot-related gifts that significantly alter the storyline, but bones are a fun way to show your canine companion some affection.
While Dog’s gifts are more for flavor than function, offering him a bone is a nice way to acknowledge your ever-faithful furry friend.
By understanding these gift preferences, you can effectively navigate companion relationships in Dragon Age: Origins, unlocking deeper storylines and enriching your overall gaming experience. Happy gifting!
