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 leadersÔÇöPriestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and MintharaÔÇöwho are based in the Shattered Sanctum within the Goblin Camp. Choosing to side with the goblins means you will be working against the tieflings and druids at the Emerald Grove, which has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world around you.

To side with the goblins, you must first reach the Goblin Camp, which is located to the west of the Emerald Grove. You can either fight your way in or use dialogue and persuasion to gain entry. Once inside, you will need to speak with the three goblin leaders. Each leader has their own personality and approach, so your interactions with them will vary. Priestess Gut is a religious figure who may offer to help you with your tadpole problem, Dror Ragzlin is a brute who values strength, and Minthara is a drow who is focused on the Absolute's plans.

To align with the goblins, you will need to gain their trust. This can be done by completing tasks for them, such as infiltrating the Emerald Grove and convincing the tieflings to leave or by directly attacking the grove. If you choose to attack the grove, you will need to fight the tieflings and druids, which can be a challenging battle. It is important to prepare your party for combat, ensuring you have the right spells, abilities, and equipment. You may also want to consider the alignment and motivations of your companions, as some, like Wyll and Karlach, may strongly oppose siding with the goblins and could leave your party or even turn against you.

Once you have sided with the goblins, the story will progress differently. The tieflings at the grove will be killed or driven out, and the druids will either be defeated or retreat. This will have a significant impact on the world, as the tieflings are a recurring group in the story, and their survival or demise affects later quests and interactions. For example, if the tieflings are killed, you will not be able to help them in later acts, and certain characters, like Dammon the blacksmith, will no longer be available.

Siding with the goblins also affects your companions. Some, like Astarion and Lae'zel, may approve of your ruthless decisions, while others, like Wyll and Karlach, will disapprove and may leave your party. It is important to consider the long-term implications of your choices, as losing companions can limit your options in combat and story progression. Additionally, your relationship with Minthara can develop further if you side with the goblins, potentially leading to a romance or deeper alliance.

There are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind when deciding to side with the goblins. First, make sure you are prepared for the consequences of your actions. This includes being ready for combat, managing your party's morale, and understanding how your choices will affect the story. Second, consider the alignment and motivations of your companions. Some may not agree with your decision and could leave or turn against you. Third, think about the long-term impact of your choices. Siding with the goblins will close off certain quests and interactions, so make sure you are comfortable with the path you are choosing.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for combat, not considering the impact on your companions, and not understanding the long-term consequences of your choices. It is also important to avoid rushing into decisions without fully exploring your options. Take the time to speak with the goblin leaders, learn about their plans, and consider the implications of siding with them.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using stealth and deception to gain the goblins' trust without resorting to violence, managing your party's morale and alignment to keep them loyal, and planning your combat strategy to ensure success in battles. You can also use the environment to your advantage, such as using high ground or chokepoints to control the battlefield.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the goblins involves making alignment-based decisions that can affect your character's morality and the reactions of NPCs. The game uses a system of approval and disapproval to track how your companions feel about your actions, which is based on their personalities and alignments. Combat mechanics, such as initiative, attack rolls, and saving throws, will also play a significant role in the battles you face when siding with the goblins.

Specific examples and scenarios include the battle at the Emerald Grove, where you will need to fight the tieflings and druids if you choose to attack. This battle can be challenging, so it is important to use your party's abilities effectively and plan your strategy. Another scenario is the interaction with Minthara, where you can choose to ally with her and potentially develop a deeper relationship. This can lead to unique dialogue and story options, as well as potential benefits in combat and quests.

In conclusion, siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major decision that can significantly impact the story, your companions, and the world around you. It is important to carefully consider the consequences of your actions, prepare for combat, and manage your party's morale and alignment. By understanding the mechanics involved and planning your strategy, you can navigate this path and experience a different side of the game's rich narrative.