What happens if I let the Absolute take over in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of letting the Absolute take over is tied to the game's central narrative and the choices you make throughout the story. The Absolute is a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world, and your character's decisions can either resist or embrace its influence. Letting the Absolute take over is not a straightforward path but rather a series of choices that align with the Absolute's goals, leading to a specific ending where its power prevails. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how this can be achieved, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.
To let the Absolute take over, you must align yourself with the forces that serve it, primarily the Cult of the Absolute. This involves making decisions that further the cult's agenda, such as siding with them in key moments, avoiding actions that undermine their plans, and embracing the tadpole powers that connect you to the Absolute. The tadpole powers are a central mechanic in the game, representing the influence of the Mind Flayers and the Absolute. By using these powers and allowing them to grow stronger, you are essentially giving the Absolute more control over you and the world.
One of the first major decisions that can set you on this path is during the encounter with the Goblin Camp. If you choose to side with the goblins and their leaders, who are aligned with the Absolute, you will be taking a significant step toward letting the Absolute take over. This involves betraying the Tieflings and Druids at the Emerald Grove, as their survival would hinder the Absolute's plans. By helping the goblins raid the grove, you are directly contributing to the Absolute's dominance.
Another critical moment is when you encounter the True Soul Nere in the Underdark. If you choose to assist Nere and the Duergar in their mission, you are furthering the Absolute's goals. This includes eliminating any resistance, such as the Myconid colony, which opposes the Absolute's influence. These choices reinforce your alignment with the Absolute and weaken the forces that could potentially stop it.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter more opportunities to embrace the Absolute's power. This includes using the tadpole powers in dialogue and combat, which can give you significant advantages but also increase the Absolute's hold over you. The more you use these powers, the more you will unlock advanced abilities, but this comes at the cost of your character's autonomy. The game provides warnings about the consequences of using these powers, but if your goal is to let the Absolute take over, you should ignore these warnings and continue to embrace the tadpole's influence.
In Act 2, the Shadow-Cursed Lands present another pivotal moment. Here, you will encounter Ketheric Thorm, one of the Absolute's chosen. To align with the Absolute, you should support Ketheric and his forces, even if it means betraying other characters like Jaheira or the Harpers. This act of betrayal solidifies your commitment to the Absolute and ensures its continued rise to power.
Finally, in Act 3, the culmination of your choices will determine the fate of Baldur's Gate and the world. If you have consistently sided with the Absolute and embraced its power, you will have the option to fully surrender to its will. This can lead to an ending where the Absolute's influence is unchallenged, and its domination is complete. The specifics of this ending depend on your previous choices, but the overarching theme is one of submission to the Absolute's authority.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to let the Absolute take over. First, be aware that this path often involves betraying companions and other factions. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin will likely oppose your decisions, and you may need to eliminate them or drive them away. This can limit your party options and make certain quests more challenging. Additionally, using the tadpole powers can have long-term consequences for your character, potentially locking you into specific story paths.
Common mistakes to avoid include wavering in your commitment to the Absolute. If you make choices that undermine the cult or resist the tadpole's influence, you may find it difficult to achieve the desired ending. Consistency is key, so ensure that your actions align with the Absolute's goals at every opportunity.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the tadpole powers. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your control over others, such as charm or domination spells, can make it easier to manipulate situations in favor of the Absolute. Additionally, choosing a class that benefits from the tadpole's psychic abilities, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can give you an edge in combat and dialogue.
In terms of D&D rules, the tadpole powers and the Absolute's influence can be seen as a form of corruption or alignment shift. By embracing these powers, your character may move toward an evil alignment, which can affect interactions with NPCs and the overall narrative. The game's implementation of these mechanics is consistent with D&D 5E's rules on alignment and character development.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can further the Absolute's goals include the confrontation with the Githyanki Creche. If you choose to side with the Githyanki and their queen, Vlaakith, you may be indirectly supporting the Absolute, as Vlaakith's goals align with maintaining the status quo that the Absolute thrives in. Similarly, in the city of Baldur's Gate, you can choose to support the corrupt leaders who are under the Absolute's influence, ensuring its control over the city.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute take over in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deliberate and consistent series of choices that align with the cult's goals. This involves embracing the tadpole powers, betraying allies, and supporting the Absolute's chosen leaders. While this path offers a unique and dark ending, it comes with significant consequences for your character and the world. By understanding the mechanics and making strategic decisions, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's most dramatic conclusions.
To let the Absolute take over, you must align yourself with the forces that serve it, primarily the Cult of the Absolute. This involves making decisions that further the cult's agenda, such as siding with them in key moments, avoiding actions that undermine their plans, and embracing the tadpole powers that connect you to the Absolute. The tadpole powers are a central mechanic in the game, representing the influence of the Mind Flayers and the Absolute. By using these powers and allowing them to grow stronger, you are essentially giving the Absolute more control over you and the world.
One of the first major decisions that can set you on this path is during the encounter with the Goblin Camp. If you choose to side with the goblins and their leaders, who are aligned with the Absolute, you will be taking a significant step toward letting the Absolute take over. This involves betraying the Tieflings and Druids at the Emerald Grove, as their survival would hinder the Absolute's plans. By helping the goblins raid the grove, you are directly contributing to the Absolute's dominance.
Another critical moment is when you encounter the True Soul Nere in the Underdark. If you choose to assist Nere and the Duergar in their mission, you are furthering the Absolute's goals. This includes eliminating any resistance, such as the Myconid colony, which opposes the Absolute's influence. These choices reinforce your alignment with the Absolute and weaken the forces that could potentially stop it.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter more opportunities to embrace the Absolute's power. This includes using the tadpole powers in dialogue and combat, which can give you significant advantages but also increase the Absolute's hold over you. The more you use these powers, the more you will unlock advanced abilities, but this comes at the cost of your character's autonomy. The game provides warnings about the consequences of using these powers, but if your goal is to let the Absolute take over, you should ignore these warnings and continue to embrace the tadpole's influence.
In Act 2, the Shadow-Cursed Lands present another pivotal moment. Here, you will encounter Ketheric Thorm, one of the Absolute's chosen. To align with the Absolute, you should support Ketheric and his forces, even if it means betraying other characters like Jaheira or the Harpers. This act of betrayal solidifies your commitment to the Absolute and ensures its continued rise to power.
Finally, in Act 3, the culmination of your choices will determine the fate of Baldur's Gate and the world. If you have consistently sided with the Absolute and embraced its power, you will have the option to fully surrender to its will. This can lead to an ending where the Absolute's influence is unchallenged, and its domination is complete. The specifics of this ending depend on your previous choices, but the overarching theme is one of submission to the Absolute's authority.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to let the Absolute take over. First, be aware that this path often involves betraying companions and other factions. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin will likely oppose your decisions, and you may need to eliminate them or drive them away. This can limit your party options and make certain quests more challenging. Additionally, using the tadpole powers can have long-term consequences for your character, potentially locking you into specific story paths.
Common mistakes to avoid include wavering in your commitment to the Absolute. If you make choices that undermine the cult or resist the tadpole's influence, you may find it difficult to achieve the desired ending. Consistency is key, so ensure that your actions align with the Absolute's goals at every opportunity.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the tadpole powers. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your control over others, such as charm or domination spells, can make it easier to manipulate situations in favor of the Absolute. Additionally, choosing a class that benefits from the tadpole's psychic abilities, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can give you an edge in combat and dialogue.
In terms of D&D rules, the tadpole powers and the Absolute's influence can be seen as a form of corruption or alignment shift. By embracing these powers, your character may move toward an evil alignment, which can affect interactions with NPCs and the overall narrative. The game's implementation of these mechanics is consistent with D&D 5E's rules on alignment and character development.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can further the Absolute's goals include the confrontation with the Githyanki Creche. If you choose to side with the Githyanki and their queen, Vlaakith, you may be indirectly supporting the Absolute, as Vlaakith's goals align with maintaining the status quo that the Absolute thrives in. Similarly, in the city of Baldur's Gate, you can choose to support the corrupt leaders who are under the Absolute's influence, ensuring its control over the city.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute take over in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deliberate and consistent series of choices that align with the cult's goals. This involves embracing the tadpole powers, betraying allies, and supporting the Absolute's chosen leaders. While this path offers a unique and dark ending, it comes with significant consequences for your character and the world. By understanding the mechanics and making strategic decisions, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's most dramatic conclusions.