What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice occurs during the final stages of the main story, where you confront the Netherbrain, the ultimate antagonist that threatens to dominate the world. The Absolute is a powerful entity tied to the mind flayers and their plans for domination. By allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain, you essentially surrender the fate of the world to this malevolent force, leading to a dark and apocalyptic ending. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and what to consider.
To reach the point where you can let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and uncovering the truth about the tadpoles in your head. The final act of the game takes place in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, where you confront the Netherbrain. During this confrontation, you will have the option to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow the Absolute to take control. Choosing the latter requires specific actions and dialogue choices.
The mechanics of this choice revolve around your interactions with the Netherbrain and the Absolute. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to embrace or resist the powers of the tadpole in your head. Embracing these powers strengthens your connection to the Absolute, making it easier to align with its will. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must fully embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. This means using the Illithid powers granted by the tadpole, consuming more tadpoles to enhance your abilities, and making choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. These actions increase your affinity with the Absolute, making the final decision to surrender control more plausible.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will need to make a series of dialogue choices that reflect your alignment with the Absolute. These choices will be influenced by your previous actions and decisions throughout the game. If you have consistently embraced the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers and aligned with the Absolute, the option to let it control the Netherbrain will be available. This choice will lead to a cutscene where the Absolute takes over, resulting in a dark ending where the world falls under its dominion.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers and aligning with the Absolute will have significant consequences for your character and your companions. Some companions may disapprove of your choices, leading to tension or even their departure from the party. ItÔÇÖs important to consider how these choices will affect your relationships and the overall dynamics of your group. Additionally, this path may lock you out of other endings, so itÔÇÖs crucial to be certain about your decision before committing to it.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers or making choices that contradict the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. If you have resisted the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence or made decisions that oppose the Absolute, the option to let it control the Netherbrain may not be available. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid alienating your companions too early, as their support can be crucial in the final battle. Balancing your alignment with the Absolute while maintaining some level of trust with your companions is key to successfully achieving this ending.
Advanced techniques and optimizations involve carefully planning your character build and dialogue choices to maximize your alignment with the Absolute. Choosing a class that benefits from Illithid powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can enhance your effectiveness in combat and make it easier to embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. Additionally, focusing on dialogue options that prioritize power and control will help solidify your alignment with the Absolute. ItÔÇÖs also beneficial to complete side quests and explore the world thoroughly to gain more tadpoles and further enhance your abilities.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain aligns with the idea of succumbing to a powerful external force. In D&D 5E, this could be compared to a character willingly accepting a curse or making a pact with a malevolent entity. The mechanics of the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence and the AbsoluteÔÇÖs control are unique to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, but they draw inspiration from the broader themes of corruption and domination found in D&D lore.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must choose between using Illithid powers to gain an advantage or resisting them to maintain your humanity. For instance, during the encounter with the Githyanki Creche, you may be tempted to use your Illithid powers to manipulate the situation in your favor. Similarly, in dialogue with companions like Shadowheart or LaeÔÇÖzel, you may face choices that test your commitment to the Absolute. These moments are crucial in shaping your path toward the ending where the Absolute controls the Netherbrain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and alignment with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. By embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, making choices that prioritize power and control, and maintaining a balance with your companions, you can achieve this dark and impactful ending. However, itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences and be prepared for the sacrifices involved in this path.
To reach the point where you can let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and uncovering the truth about the tadpoles in your head. The final act of the game takes place in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, where you confront the Netherbrain. During this confrontation, you will have the option to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow the Absolute to take control. Choosing the latter requires specific actions and dialogue choices.
The mechanics of this choice revolve around your interactions with the Netherbrain and the Absolute. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to embrace or resist the powers of the tadpole in your head. Embracing these powers strengthens your connection to the Absolute, making it easier to align with its will. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must fully embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. This means using the Illithid powers granted by the tadpole, consuming more tadpoles to enhance your abilities, and making choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. These actions increase your affinity with the Absolute, making the final decision to surrender control more plausible.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will need to make a series of dialogue choices that reflect your alignment with the Absolute. These choices will be influenced by your previous actions and decisions throughout the game. If you have consistently embraced the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers and aligned with the Absolute, the option to let it control the Netherbrain will be available. This choice will lead to a cutscene where the Absolute takes over, resulting in a dark ending where the world falls under its dominion.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers and aligning with the Absolute will have significant consequences for your character and your companions. Some companions may disapprove of your choices, leading to tension or even their departure from the party. ItÔÇÖs important to consider how these choices will affect your relationships and the overall dynamics of your group. Additionally, this path may lock you out of other endings, so itÔÇÖs crucial to be certain about your decision before committing to it.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers or making choices that contradict the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. If you have resisted the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence or made decisions that oppose the Absolute, the option to let it control the Netherbrain may not be available. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid alienating your companions too early, as their support can be crucial in the final battle. Balancing your alignment with the Absolute while maintaining some level of trust with your companions is key to successfully achieving this ending.
Advanced techniques and optimizations involve carefully planning your character build and dialogue choices to maximize your alignment with the Absolute. Choosing a class that benefits from Illithid powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can enhance your effectiveness in combat and make it easier to embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. Additionally, focusing on dialogue options that prioritize power and control will help solidify your alignment with the Absolute. ItÔÇÖs also beneficial to complete side quests and explore the world thoroughly to gain more tadpoles and further enhance your abilities.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain aligns with the idea of succumbing to a powerful external force. In D&D 5E, this could be compared to a character willingly accepting a curse or making a pact with a malevolent entity. The mechanics of the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence and the AbsoluteÔÇÖs control are unique to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, but they draw inspiration from the broader themes of corruption and domination found in D&D lore.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must choose between using Illithid powers to gain an advantage or resisting them to maintain your humanity. For instance, during the encounter with the Githyanki Creche, you may be tempted to use your Illithid powers to manipulate the situation in your favor. Similarly, in dialogue with companions like Shadowheart or LaeÔÇÖzel, you may face choices that test your commitment to the Absolute. These moments are crucial in shaping your path toward the ending where the Absolute controls the Netherbrain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and alignment with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. By embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, making choices that prioritize power and control, and maintaining a balance with your companions, you can achieve this dark and impactful ending. However, itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences and be prepared for the sacrifices involved in this path.