The Case for More Minthara Content in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3: The Case for Minthara

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a diverse cast of ten recruitable companions, out of which six are origin characters, each with their own unique quests. While most companions are intricately woven into the storyline and the rich tapestry of the game world, one character, Minthara, seems to lack depth in comparison. Introduced in Act 1, she has minimal content and is overshadowed by nostalgic favorites like Jaheria and Minsc.

It’s evident that Minthara struggles with popularity among the main cast of companions. Often ranked as one of the least favored romance options, she frequently doesn’t even get the opportunity to be recruited. If there’s any character in Baldur’s Gate 3 that warrants additional content, it’s without a doubt Minthara.

Challenges with Evil Playthroughs in BG3

Minthara’s Dark Romance Appeal

Many players find that pursuing an evil playthrough in Baldur’s Gate 3 lacks the allure of a hero-driven path. Committing to Minthara’s storyline means siding with her to raid the Emerald Grove, which comes at the expense of missing beloved companions such as Wyll, Karlach, Halsin, and possibly Gale. Continuing down the evil route through Acts 2 and 3 often leads to the loss of other fan-favorites like Jaheria and Minsc. Essentially, players find themselves sacrificing half their potential allies for Minthara, who possesses the least narrative content.

Over the last 12 months, you’ve smooched your companions a total of 75 Million times. Please give them a break; their lips are losing pixels. pic.twitter.com/6UWN45gri6 — Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3) August 7, 2024

Aside from some standard dialogue, Minthara’s only unique romance scene unfolds after the raid. While players can romance her in a virtuous story, her overall lack of content does not encourage many to pursue her narrative. With other companions displaying more dynamic arcs—like Shadowheart’s transformation from a Sharran to a Selunite, or Astarion’s struggle with his vampiric identity—Minthara’s character does not evolve significantly with player choices.

Moreover, certain evil storylines prevent Minthara from being a romance option. A Dark Urge player who rejects Bhaal will find Minthara instantly ending the relationship. This rigidity in her character aligns with her ambition for power but serves as another deterrent for players who might otherwise be interested in romance. Players are left with a sense of missed opportunities for emotional connection.

Interestingly, Minthara’s backstory includes an intriguing hint at personal vulnerability. Her banter with Karlach delves into a past relationship, and while her post-raid romance scene offers glimpses into her softer side, revealing this dimension in normal-aligned play could motivate more players to pursue her. Her past inflictions of poison on the player—an act rooted in a fear of loss—could have opened up fruitful dialogues and character connections.

Unfinished Business: Minthara’s Cut Content

Implications of Unused Story Elements

Minthara looking mad and sad in Baldur's Gate 3 — Custom image by Sara Belcher

In the development journey of Baldur’s Gate 3, several story elements were cut, including potential arcs for Minthara. Although Larian Studios prioritizes the well-being of their developers, some content—like Minthara becoming a mother—has seemingly been left behind. Notably, players have unearthed unused voice lines, hinting at a storyline involving pregnancy, similar to Aerie’s arc in Baldur’s Gate 2. This raises questions about how her story might have unfurled.

Minthara is unique in that she lacks a personal quest; her story mainly revolves around revenge against Orin or being rescued from Moonrise Towers. There’s speculation that her development may have begun with ambitions for a deeper personal narrative, which ultimately didn’t materialize.

Minthara’s Place in the Game

Halsin and Minthara from Baldur's Gate 3 looking off into the distance — Custom Image by Alastair Johns

New players diving into Baldur’s Gate 3 may remain unaware that Minthara can be recruited. Even if players are aware, those not pursuing an evil route may not consider knocking her out non-lethally. The game only prompts players to use this tactic in specific scenarios, limiting the chances for many to interact with Minthara fully.

This situation is regrettable because Minthara is a character brimming with potential. When knocked out and later recruited, she can forge meaningful bonds with the likes of Karlach, demonstrating her multifaceted nature. In epilogues, romantic ties reveal emotional depth, such as Minthara’s poignant reaction if the player chooses a tragic ending. Minthara’s evolving relationship dynamics with other characters could enrich the narrative.

Despite her lack of content, Larian has demonstrated a fondness for Minthara, featuring her in a comedic adaptation of A Christmas Carol during their 2024 advent calendar. While it seems improbable that she’ll receive more content in future Baldur’s Gate 3 updates given the conclusion of major patches, her story may yet find new life outside the game.

Sources:
Baldur’s Gate 3 Anniversary Statistics/X,
Noble/YouTube

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