In Divinity: Original Sin II, party dynamics are profoundly influenced by the hidden “Attitude” values which reflect the relationships between party members, as well as their feelings towards the player character. Effectively managing these interpersonal relationships can significantly enhance gameplay experience and progress.

Understanding Attitude

Attitude is a complex, numerical representation of how party members perceive one another and the player, heavily shaped by player choices, dialogue options, and quest decisions. For instance, a morally dubious choice or stopping a party member from carrying out their desires can negatively impact their attitude towards you, potentially leading to conflicts or even abandonment.

Despite its importance, the game does not provide players with a direct way to view these attitude values, making management a subtle but critical aspect of gameplay. Players often rely on NPC reactions—like refusal to join the party, negative comments, or even leaving—to gauge changes in attitude.

Strategies for Managing Attitude

1. Observe Reactions: Pay attention to how NPCs respond during interactions, as their conversations and decisions may signal shifts in their attitude.

2. Balance Personalities: Strive to create a party composition that includes members with complementary beliefs and values to minimize conflict.

3. Dialogue Choices: Make decisions that align with the beliefs and personalities of your party members. Positive dialogue interactions can enhance goodwill, while negative comments can sour relationships.

4. Praise and Diplomacy: Use in-game opportunities to praise or support party members during conversations. Successfully executing dialogue challenges may also yield positive attitude shifts.

5. Healing and Positive Actions: Recurring gestures of kindness, like healing a party member or assisting with their personal quests, can bolster their attitude towards you significantly.

6. Being Mindful of Personal Quests: Make sure to consider the outcomes of quests from your NPCs’ perspectives. Supporting their goals or ideals will generally yield better results in terms of attitude.

Consequences of Attitude

The consequences of managing attitude strategically can result in various results for gameplay:

– Positive Attitude: If party members maintain a high attitude toward you and each other, they become more loyal and effective in combat. They are likely to support your decisions and engage more positively with dialogue.

– Negative Attitude: Low attitude can foster tension, leading to bouts of criticism between members or even resulting in NPCs leaving the party. For example, certain characters like Sebille are particularly sensitive to moral choices and may refuse to accompany you or leave entirely if their needs aren’t met.

– Romantic Relationships: The dynamics of party attitude also play a significant role in potential romantic developments within the game. An NPC’s affection can depend heavily on their attitude, influenced by your choices and interactions throughout the story.

– Conflict Management: Be cautious of how party composition affects dynamics—some characters may clash due to fundamentally opposing traits or beliefs. Keeping these conflicts in mind can help avoid disruptions in gameplay.

Conclusion

In Divinity: Original Sin II, successful attitude management requires a blend of strategic decision-making, observational skills, and a deep understanding of character personalities. By carefully navigating these relationships, players can not only foster a cooperative and engaging party environment but also unlock a richer narrative experience and deepen their connection with the game’s diverse characters. Balancing party dynamics ultimately leads to a more fulfilling adventure.