What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story decision that significantly impacts the narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall outcome of the game. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with it means embracing its dark influence. This choice is not straightforward and comes with profound consequences, both immediate and long-term. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens when you side with the Absolute, how to achieve this path, and what to consider before making this decision.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter key moments where you can choose to align with its forces. One of the earliest opportunities occurs when you meet the goblin leaders in the Shattered Sanctum. Here, you can choose to assist them in their plans to spread the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence. This involves completing quests for them, such as infiltrating the Druid Grove or eliminating key resistance figures. Your choices during these quests will determine whether you fully commit to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause or remain neutral.
Mechanically, siding with the Absolute involves making dialogue choices that favor its agenda and completing quests that further its goals. For example, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders, you can choose to support Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, or Minthara, who are all loyal to the Absolute. If you side with Minthara, you will be tasked with attacking the Druid Grove, which is a pivotal moment in the story. This decision will alienate certain companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, who oppose the Absolute, but it may also open up new opportunities with other characters who are sympathetic to its cause.
One important tip is to carefully consider your party composition before committing to this path. Companions like Shadowheart and Astarion may be more open to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, while others, like Gale and LaeÔÇÖzel, may have mixed reactions depending on their personal quests and alignment. If you want to maintain a cohesive party, itÔÇÖs crucial to manage their approval levels through dialogue and actions that align with their values. For example, Shadowheart may appreciate pragmatic decisions that further her own goals, while Astarion may enjoy the chaos and power that siding with the Absolute brings.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the long-term consequences of this choice. Siding with the Absolute will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the resistance against its influence. For instance, the Druid Grove and its inhabitants will be hostile to you, and you will lose access to quests tied to that area. Additionally, some companions may leave your party permanently if they strongly disagree with your decision. To mitigate this, you can try to persuade them to stay or replace them with characters who are more aligned with your new path.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this playthrough include leveraging the AbsoluteÔÇÖs resources to your advantage. For example, you can use the goblin forces to assist you in combat or gain access to powerful items and abilities tied to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers. Additionally, you can explore the darker side of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics, such as using Illithid powers or embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, which aligns thematically with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. These choices can provide unique gameplay benefits but come with their own risks and moral dilemmas.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Absolute reflects a shift toward an evil or chaotic alignment. This can affect how NPCs and companions perceive you, as well as the types of abilities and spells that resonate with your characterÔÇÖs new alignment. For example, certain spells like Dominate Person or Command may become more effective as you embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs philosophy of control and domination. Additionally, your characterÔÇÖs alignment may influence the outcomes of certain story events, such as interactions with deities or otherworldly beings.
Specific examples of the consequences of siding with the Absolute include the destruction of the Druid Grove, the loss of key allies, and the potential for a darker ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence spreads unchecked. However, this path also offers unique opportunities for power and control, as well as the chance to explore the gameÔÇÖs darker themes and storylines. For players who enjoy morally complex narratives and challenging gameplay, siding with the Absolute can provide a rich and rewarding experience.
In summary, siding with the Absolute in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a significant choice that reshapes the story, your relationships, and the world around you. To achieve this path, you must make deliberate choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, manage your companionsÔÇÖ reactions, and embrace the darker aspects of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics. While this decision comes with risks and sacrifices, it also offers a unique and compelling way to experience the gameÔÇÖs narrative and explore its themes of power, control, and morality.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter key moments where you can choose to align with its forces. One of the earliest opportunities occurs when you meet the goblin leaders in the Shattered Sanctum. Here, you can choose to assist them in their plans to spread the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence. This involves completing quests for them, such as infiltrating the Druid Grove or eliminating key resistance figures. Your choices during these quests will determine whether you fully commit to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause or remain neutral.
Mechanically, siding with the Absolute involves making dialogue choices that favor its agenda and completing quests that further its goals. For example, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders, you can choose to support Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, or Minthara, who are all loyal to the Absolute. If you side with Minthara, you will be tasked with attacking the Druid Grove, which is a pivotal moment in the story. This decision will alienate certain companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, who oppose the Absolute, but it may also open up new opportunities with other characters who are sympathetic to its cause.
One important tip is to carefully consider your party composition before committing to this path. Companions like Shadowheart and Astarion may be more open to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, while others, like Gale and LaeÔÇÖzel, may have mixed reactions depending on their personal quests and alignment. If you want to maintain a cohesive party, itÔÇÖs crucial to manage their approval levels through dialogue and actions that align with their values. For example, Shadowheart may appreciate pragmatic decisions that further her own goals, while Astarion may enjoy the chaos and power that siding with the Absolute brings.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the long-term consequences of this choice. Siding with the Absolute will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the resistance against its influence. For instance, the Druid Grove and its inhabitants will be hostile to you, and you will lose access to quests tied to that area. Additionally, some companions may leave your party permanently if they strongly disagree with your decision. To mitigate this, you can try to persuade them to stay or replace them with characters who are more aligned with your new path.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this playthrough include leveraging the AbsoluteÔÇÖs resources to your advantage. For example, you can use the goblin forces to assist you in combat or gain access to powerful items and abilities tied to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers. Additionally, you can explore the darker side of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics, such as using Illithid powers or embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, which aligns thematically with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. These choices can provide unique gameplay benefits but come with their own risks and moral dilemmas.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Absolute reflects a shift toward an evil or chaotic alignment. This can affect how NPCs and companions perceive you, as well as the types of abilities and spells that resonate with your characterÔÇÖs new alignment. For example, certain spells like Dominate Person or Command may become more effective as you embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs philosophy of control and domination. Additionally, your characterÔÇÖs alignment may influence the outcomes of certain story events, such as interactions with deities or otherworldly beings.
Specific examples of the consequences of siding with the Absolute include the destruction of the Druid Grove, the loss of key allies, and the potential for a darker ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence spreads unchecked. However, this path also offers unique opportunities for power and control, as well as the chance to explore the gameÔÇÖs darker themes and storylines. For players who enjoy morally complex narratives and challenging gameplay, siding with the Absolute can provide a rich and rewarding experience.
In summary, siding with the Absolute in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a significant choice that reshapes the story, your relationships, and the world around you. To achieve this path, you must make deliberate choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, manage your companionsÔÇÖ reactions, and embrace the darker aspects of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics. While this decision comes with risks and sacrifices, it also offers a unique and compelling way to experience the gameÔÇÖs narrative and explore its themes of power, control, and morality.