What happens if I side with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3?

Siding with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game. This decision is part of the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the Goblin leaders at the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. By choosing to side with the Goblins, you will be working against the Druids of the Emerald Grove and the Tiefling refugees, which will have far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world around you.

To side with the Goblins, you will first need to reach the Goblin Camp. This is typically done after you have explored the Emerald Grove and interacted with the Druids and Tieflings. Once you arrive at the Goblin Camp, you will need to navigate the complex social dynamics of the Goblins and their leaders. The three main Goblin leaders are Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each of these characters has their own motivations and will require different approaches to gain their trust.

The first step is to gain an audience with the Goblin leaders. You can do this by either fighting your way through the camp or by using dialogue and persuasion to convince the Goblins that you are on their side. If you choose the latter, you will need to pass several skill checks, such as Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation, depending on your character's strengths. It is important to note that some companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, may disapprove of siding with the Goblins, so be prepared for potential conflicts within your party.

Once you have gained the trust of the Goblin leaders, you will be given the task of attacking the Emerald Grove. This is a major turning point in the story and will result in the deaths of many characters, including the Druids and Tieflings. You will need to lead the Goblin forces in an assault on the Grove, which will involve several combat encounters. It is crucial to prepare for these battles by ensuring your party is well-equipped and has a good mix of offensive and defensive abilities.

During the assault on the Emerald Grove, you will face resistance from the Druids and Tieflings. The Druids will use their nature-based magic to summon creatures and create difficult terrain, while the Tieflings will rely on their combat skills and ranged attacks. It is important to focus on taking out key targets, such as the Druid leaders, to weaken the enemy's defenses. Additionally, you should use the environment to your advantage, such as by setting traps or using high ground to gain a tactical advantage.

After successfully completing the assault, the Goblins will reward you and you will gain their support for future endeavors. However, this choice will have significant consequences for the rest of the game. Many characters, including some of your companions, will view you as a villain and may leave your party or refuse to work with you. Additionally, the world will change in response to your actions, with the Emerald Grove becoming a hostile area and the Tiefling refugees being wiped out.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when siding with the Goblins. First, make sure to save your game before making this choice, as it is irreversible and will lock you into a specific path. Second, consider the impact on your companions and their personal quests. Some companions, such as Astarion and Lae'zel, may approve of your decision, while others, like Wyll and Karlach, will strongly disapprove. Finally, be prepared for the moral and ethical implications of your choice, as it will shape the narrative and your character's legacy.

In terms of advanced techniques and optimizations, you can use your character's abilities and spells to gain an edge in the battles that follow. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception can avoid unnecessary fights and gain the trust of the Goblin leaders more easily. Additionally, using area-of-effect spells and abilities can help you deal with large groups of enemies during the assault on the Emerald Grove.

From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Goblins aligns your character with an evil alignment, which can affect your interactions with other characters and the world. It also demonstrates the importance of role-playing and making choices that reflect your character's personality and motivations. The game's implementation of these rules allows for a deep and immersive experience, where your decisions have real consequences.

In conclusion, siding with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the mechanics involved, following the step-by-step instructions, and keeping the important tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully navigate this path and experience a unique and challenging storyline. However, be aware of the consequences and be prepared for the changes it will bring to your game.