Friendship and rivalry

In Dragon Age 2, Hawke's companions do not have a single approval meter but a mutually exclusive friendship and rivalry meter. A companion with high friendship considers Hawke a friend while high rivalry indicates the companion respects Hawke but disagrees with the PC's views.

Gifts still influence friendship and rivalry, but the number of gifts in the game has been significantly reduced from Origins. Companions react differently to gifts depending on their friendship/rivalry score. If the PC gives a companion that approves of them a sword, they may express gratitude, while a rival may perceive the gift as an insult and tell them to keep it.

Both friendship and rivalry has rewards. Bonuses along the rivalry path are often combat related while those along the friendship path tend to benefit the PC or the entire party.

Rivalry reach a point where the PC and the companion have it out once and for all, which may result in them leaving or reaching an understanding with the PC.