Baldur’s Gate 3 presents players with a moral dilemma early on: side with the tiefling refugees and the druid Halsin, or ally with the goblins and the drow paladin Minthara. Many assume you must choose one path, locking you out of the other companion permanently. However, a clever workaround allows you to recruit both Halsin and Minthara, keeping them at your camp as allies. This guide explains every step, from the non-lethal knockout method to managing their camp coexistence and solving common issues like Halsin’s death or unexpected hostility.
Whether you want a full camp of companions or simply can’t bear to lose either fascinating character, this walkthrough covers everything you need to know. We’ll also delve into romances, Honor Mode pitfalls, and the notorious kidnapping scenario involving Orin.
Recruiting Halsin and Minthara Together
Normally, recruiting Minthara requires raiding the Emerald Grove with the goblins, which causes Halsin to become hostile or die. Conversely, saving the grove (and Halsin) typically leads to Minthara’s death. The secret to having both lies in a non-lethal approach during Act 1.
The Knockout Method
To keep both companions alive, you must knock out Minthara rather than killing her. Important: you must toggle “Non-Lethal Attacks” on for your entire party before the fight. If anyone deals the final blow with a spell or ranged attack, Minthara may still die. The safest method involves melee weapons with non-lethal damage enabled. After knocking her out, she will be unconscious, not dead. Take care not to hit her again accidentally.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
1. Progress through Act 1 until you reach the goblin camp. Speak with Minthara but do not agree to raid the grove. Instead, initiate combat after freeing Halsin (or before, if you prefer).
2. Before attacking Minthara, ensure passive Non-Lethal Attacks is active on all party members. Use melee attacks to whittle down her health. Once she drops to zero HP, she will slump unconscious.
3. Defeat the rest of the goblin leaders and complete the “Save the Refugees” quest by reporting to Zevlor. Halsin will return to the grove and join your camp. Alternatively, you can kill the other two goblin leaders first, but ensure Minthara is only knocked out, not killed. After the quest completes, Halsin will appear at the celebration party.
4. Proceed to Act 2. In Moonrise Towers, you will encounter Minthara as a prisoner. She is being judged by Ketheric Thorm. You can convince the guards to release her into your custody or break her out. Once freed, she will offer to join you. Accept her, and she will travel to your camp alongside Halsin.
Important Considerations
Be aware that some players report that long resting between knocking out Minthara and completing the goblin camp may cause her to disappear or become hostile later. To be safe, avoid long rests after the knockout until you have fully cleared the goblin leaders and spoken with Halsin. Also, if you already raided the grove in a previous save, Halsin is permanently gone; the knockout method only works if you side with the tieflings. Note that if you are playing on Patch 6 or later, the knockout method has been confirmed to work reliably, though some players have experienced bugs. Always keep a save before the encounter.
Romancing Astarion and Halsin Simultaneously
Halsin is open to polyamorous relationships, and Astarion happens to be one of the companions willing to share. You can pursue both romances at the same time, but you must handle each character’s approval properly.
To romance Astarion, you need high approval and to support his personal quest. Halsin’s romance can begin in Act 3 after his personal quest in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. When Halsin expresses interest, Astarion will allow you to have a fling with Halsin, viewing it as casual fun. However, note that Halsin prefers open relationships, so if you are deeply committed to a monogamous character like Gale or Wyll, they may not accept sharing. Astarion, in contrast, is quite permissive.
Make sure to have both companions in your party or camp, and progress their personal quests. When the opportunity arises, choose dialogue options that encourage openness. Keep an eye on approval ratings to avoid breakups.
Why Does Halsin Die After Defeating Orin?
This tragic outcome typically occurs when Halsin is the companion kidnapped by Orin in Act 3. Orin will abduct one of your companions (or Yenna) and hold them hostage. If Halsin is taken, you must rescue him during the Orin fight. However, many players report that even after defeating Orin, Halsin dies immediately after the cutscene. This can be a bug, but often it’s due to failing to save him in time or triggering the wrong sequence.
To prevent this, before the Orin encounter, ensure that Halsin is not the only companion left at camp (the game tends to pick from those not in the active party). If you suspect he might be targeted, keep him in your party. Alternatively, if he is kidnapped, you must pass a difficult skill check (Persuasion or Intimidation) to stop Orin from killing him before the fight. Failing that, you can still attack, but Halsin may die in the process. A successful rescue requires high rolls and careful planning. Some modders have worked on fixes, but if you experience this bug, reloading an earlier save and adjusting your party composition is the best solution.
Can Minthara and Halsin Coexist in Camp?
Yes, once recruited they will both stay at your camp. They do not interact with each other directly beyond passive ambient comments. You can talk to and travel with both companions freely. Their tents appear in different areas of the camp, and they won’t fight or cause disruptions. Halsin’s presence won’t lock you out of Minthara’s romance, and vice versa. This peaceful coexistence is one of the rewards of completing the knockout method.
Handling Halsin’s Hostility in Honor Mode
In Honor Mode, if you side with the goblins or attack the grove, Halsin will become hostile and attack you. Once he turns red, there is no way to calm him down unless you revert to a much earlier save. If you kill him, he is gone for good, ending any chance to recruit him. This is especially punishing in Honor Mode because you cannot reload freely.
The only reliable way to avoid this is to never provoke the grove. If Halsin attacks you due to a mistake (like accidentally stealing or hitting a druid), you might try fleeing combat and returning later, but it’s risky. If Halsin becomes hostile because you stole the Idol of Silvanus or killed a druid, you may try to run away, use the Disguise Self spell, and return later after a long rest. However, this is not guaranteed. Halsin might remain hostile. Plan accordingly. In most cases, his death is permanent. If you’re committed to Honor Mode and want both companions, follow the knockout method meticulously and avoid any actions that anger the druids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recruit both Halsin and Minthara?
Yes. Use the non-lethal knockout on Minthara in Act 1, then rescue her in Moonrise Towers during Act 2 while also completing Halsin’s questline.
Can I romance Astarion and Halsin at the same time?
Yes, Astarion is open to sharing, and Halsin prefers polyamory. You can pursue both romances without conflict, provided you manage approval.
Why did Halsin die after defeating Orin?
He likely was the companion kidnapped by Orin. Failing the rescue check or encountering a bug can cause his death even after the boss is killed. Keep him in your active party before the abduction to avoid this.
Can I have both Minthara and Halsin at my camp?
Absolutely. They will occupy separate spaces in camp and do not fight. You can freely interact with and recruit both.
Am I doomed in Honor Mode after Halsin attacked me?
If Halsin is hostile, you must either flee (if possible) or kill him. Killing him removes him permanently. To prevent this, never raid the grove or provoke the druids. Follow the knockout method carefully.
Does having both Minthara and Halsin affect the story?
It doesn’t cause major story conflicts, though some dialogue may reference the unusual situation. Both companions behave as they normally would, with their individual quests and romances intact.
With careful planning, Baldur’s Gate 3 lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Halsin and Minthara each offer unique insights and powerful abilities. By following this guide, you can recruit them both, explore their romances, and overcome the trickiest scenarios the game throws at you.
