What are the consequences of letting the Goblins take over the Grove in Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting the Goblins take over the Grove in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that has far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your companions, and the world around you. This decision occurs during Act 1, where you are faced with the choice of siding with the Goblins or defending the Druid Grove. If you choose to let the Goblins take over the Grove, the consequences are severe and will shape the rest of your playthrough.

To achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Goblins and their leaders, Minthara, Dror Ragzlin, and Priestess Gut. This involves completing certain quests and making specific choices that favor the Goblins over the Tieflings and Druids. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to let the Goblins take over the Grove and the consequences of doing so.

First, you need to reach the Goblin Camp, which is located to the west of the Druid Grove. You can either fight your way through or use dialogue options to gain entry. Once inside, you will meet the three Goblin leaders. To side with them, you must agree to help them attack the Grove. This will involve speaking to Minthara, who will give you the quest to infiltrate the Grove and open the gates for the Goblin army.

Next, you need to return to the Grove and convince the Tieflings and Druids that you are on their side. This requires careful dialogue choices and possibly completing some of their quests to gain their trust. Once you have access to the inner areas of the Grove, you can sabotage their defenses and open the gates for the Goblins. This will trigger a large-scale battle where the Goblins will attack the Grove.

During the battle, you will need to fight alongside the Goblins against the Tieflings and Druids. This can be challenging, as the defenders are well-prepared and have strong combat abilities. It is important to focus on taking out key targets, such as the Druid leaders and any powerful Tiefling fighters. Using area-of-effect spells and abilities can help you control the battlefield and turn the tide in your favor.

After the battle, the Goblins will have successfully taken over the Grove. The consequences of this decision are severe. The Tieflings will be slaughtered, and the Druids will either be killed or driven out. This will have a significant impact on the story, as many quests and characters related to the Tieflings and Druids will no longer be available. For example, you will lose access to companions like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong ties to the Tieflings. Additionally, the Grove will become a hostile area, and you will no longer be able to trade with the Tiefling merchants or receive their assistance.

There are also long-term consequences for your companions and their personal quests. For example, Wyll's storyline will be drastically altered, as he is deeply connected to the Tieflings and their survival. Similarly, Halsin, the Druid leader, will be either dead or hostile, which will affect any quests related to him. Your relationship with your companions will also be impacted, as many of them have moral objections to siding with the Goblins. This can lead to conflicts and even the possibility of them leaving your party.

In terms of gameplay, letting the Goblins take over the Grove will change the dynamics of Act 2 and Act 3. The Tieflings play a significant role in later parts of the story, and their absence will alter the available quests and interactions. For example, the Tieflings are involved in the defense of Last Light Inn and the fight against the Absolute. Without them, you will have fewer allies and resources to draw upon.

There are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, be aware that this is an evil-aligned decision, and it will lock you out of many good-aligned quests and rewards. If you are playing a good-aligned character, this choice may not be in line with your character's motivations. Second, consider the impact on your companions and their personal quests. If you want to maintain good relationships with all your companions, this choice may not be the best option. Finally, be prepared for the increased difficulty in later acts, as you will have fewer allies and resources to rely on.

Common mistakes to avoid include not fully understanding the consequences of your actions and not considering the impact on your companions. It is important to think carefully about the long-term effects of this decision and how it aligns with your character's goals and motivations. Additionally, be prepared for the increased difficulty in combat, as the defenders of the Grove are strong and well-prepared.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using stealth and deception to gain the trust of the Tieflings and Druids before betraying them. This can make the battle easier, as you can sabotage their defenses and take out key targets before the fighting begins. Additionally, using area-of-effect spells and abilities can help you control the battlefield and turn the tide in your favor.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, this choice reflects the alignment system and the consequences of evil-aligned actions. In D&D, alignment is a measure of a character's moral and ethical outlook, and evil-aligned actions can have significant consequences for the story and the world. This choice also reflects the importance of alliances and the impact of your decisions on the world around you.

Specific examples and scenarios include the battle for the Grove, where you will need to fight alongside the Goblins against the Tieflings and Druids. This battle is challenging and requires careful strategy and planning. Another example is the impact on your companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, who have strong ties to the Tieflings and will be deeply affected by their slaughter.

In conclusion, letting the Goblins take over the Grove is a significant story choice with far-reaching consequences. It requires careful planning and consideration of the impact on your companions and the world around you. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully achieve this outcome and shape the narrative of your playthrough.