What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Act 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex choices you can make. This choice ties directly into the game's main storyline and has far-reaching consequences for the world, your companions, and the ending you experience. To achieve this outcome, you must navigate a series of critical decisions and interactions, particularly with the game's primary antagonists and your own party members. Here is a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this outcome, along with important considerations and strategies.
First, it is essential to understand the context of this choice. The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central control for the Mind Flayer colony and the Absolute's influence over the world. Throughout the game, you learn that the Absolute is a false deity created by the Mind Flayers to manipulate and dominate the minds of others. By Act 3, you are faced with the decision of whether to destroy the Elder Brain, free it from the Absolute's control, or allow the Absolute to maintain its dominance. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain aligns you with the forces of darkness and leads to a darker ending where the Absolute's power grows unchecked.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climactic confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the Mind Flayer colony, gathering allies, and making critical decisions about your alliances. Along the way, you will encounter characters like the Dream Visitor, who may influence your choices, as well as companions who have their own opinions about the Absolute and the Elder Brain. It is important to note that your companions' loyalty and approval can play a significant role in how they react to your decisions, so maintaining positive relationships with them is crucial.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will have several options. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must choose dialogue options that align with the Absolute's goals and reject any attempts to free or destroy the Elder Brain. This may involve siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm or Orin the Red, who are key figures in the Absolute's hierarchy. You may also need to make sacrifices, such as betraying allies or making morally questionable decisions, to secure the Absolute's dominance. Be prepared for resistance from your companions, especially those with strong moral convictions, as they may try to persuade you to change your mind or even turn against you.
One important tip is to carefully consider your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing a character who values power, control, or survival at any cost, this choice may align with your roleplaying goals. However, if you are playing a more heroic or morally upright character, this decision may feel out of character and lead to internal conflict. Additionally, be aware that this choice locks you into a specific ending, so make sure it aligns with the story you want to experience.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build strong relationships with your companions, which can lead to them abandoning you or turning against you in the final moments. It is also important to avoid making impulsive decisions without fully understanding the consequences. Take the time to explore all dialogue options and consider the long-term impact of your choices. Advanced techniques include using persuasion or deception to manipulate your companions and allies into supporting your decision, even if they initially oppose it. This requires high Charisma and proficiency in social skills, so consider building your character accordingly.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral dilemmas. Allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain is a clear example of an evil or chaotic choice, as it prioritizes personal gain or power over the greater good. The game's implementation of these rules allows for deep roleplaying opportunities and meaningful consequences based on your decisions.
In summary, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Act 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By aligning with the forces of darkness, making strategic choices, and managing your relationships with companions, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings. Be prepared for the consequences, both in terms of the story and your character's development, and embrace the roleplaying opportunities this choice provides.
First, it is essential to understand the context of this choice. The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central control for the Mind Flayer colony and the Absolute's influence over the world. Throughout the game, you learn that the Absolute is a false deity created by the Mind Flayers to manipulate and dominate the minds of others. By Act 3, you are faced with the decision of whether to destroy the Elder Brain, free it from the Absolute's control, or allow the Absolute to maintain its dominance. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain aligns you with the forces of darkness and leads to a darker ending where the Absolute's power grows unchecked.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climactic confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the Mind Flayer colony, gathering allies, and making critical decisions about your alliances. Along the way, you will encounter characters like the Dream Visitor, who may influence your choices, as well as companions who have their own opinions about the Absolute and the Elder Brain. It is important to note that your companions' loyalty and approval can play a significant role in how they react to your decisions, so maintaining positive relationships with them is crucial.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will have several options. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must choose dialogue options that align with the Absolute's goals and reject any attempts to free or destroy the Elder Brain. This may involve siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm or Orin the Red, who are key figures in the Absolute's hierarchy. You may also need to make sacrifices, such as betraying allies or making morally questionable decisions, to secure the Absolute's dominance. Be prepared for resistance from your companions, especially those with strong moral convictions, as they may try to persuade you to change your mind or even turn against you.
One important tip is to carefully consider your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing a character who values power, control, or survival at any cost, this choice may align with your roleplaying goals. However, if you are playing a more heroic or morally upright character, this decision may feel out of character and lead to internal conflict. Additionally, be aware that this choice locks you into a specific ending, so make sure it aligns with the story you want to experience.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build strong relationships with your companions, which can lead to them abandoning you or turning against you in the final moments. It is also important to avoid making impulsive decisions without fully understanding the consequences. Take the time to explore all dialogue options and consider the long-term impact of your choices. Advanced techniques include using persuasion or deception to manipulate your companions and allies into supporting your decision, even if they initially oppose it. This requires high Charisma and proficiency in social skills, so consider building your character accordingly.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral dilemmas. Allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain is a clear example of an evil or chaotic choice, as it prioritizes personal gain or power over the greater good. The game's implementation of these rules allows for deep roleplaying opportunities and meaningful consequences based on your decisions.
In summary, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Act 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By aligning with the forces of darkness, making strategic choices, and managing your relationships with companions, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings. Be prepared for the consequences, both in terms of the story and your character's development, and embrace the roleplaying opportunities this choice provides.