What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3, you are essentially aligning yourself with the game's primary antagonistic force, the Absolute, and its followers. This decision has significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider when making this decision.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax of the game. This involves completing key quests, such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Nightsong, and confronting Ketheric Thorm. As you progress, you will learn more about the Absolute, the Elder Brain, and the Mind Flayers. The final act of the game takes place in Baldur's Gate, where you will face the Elder Brain and make the pivotal choice of whether to control it, destroy it, or let the Absolute take over.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the game's narrative and dialogue system. When you reach the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will have the option to use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can influence the Elder Brain's actions. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you will need to side with the Absolute's forces, which may involve betraying your companions or other allies. This decision is irreversible and will lead to a specific ending where the Absolute dominates the world, and you become a servant of its will.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, ensure that you have all three Netherstones in your possession. These are obtained by defeating Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, the three Chosen of the Absolute. Once you have the Netherstones, proceed to the final battle in Baldur's Gate. During the confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will be presented with several dialogue options. Choose the option that aligns with the Absolute's goals, such as "Let the Absolute control the Elder Brain." This will trigger a sequence where the Absolute takes over, and you become part of its collective.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the moral and narrative weight of this decision. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a dark and evil choice, and it will alienate most of your companions, especially those who have been fighting against the Absolute throughout the game. Characters like Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll may leave your party or turn against you if you make this choice. Additionally, this decision locks you into a specific ending, so be sure it aligns with the story you want to experience.
Common mistakes to avoid include not having all three Netherstones or failing to side with the Absolute's forces earlier in the game. If you do not have the Netherstones, you will not be able to influence the Elder Brain, and the game may force you into a different ending. Similarly, if you have been opposing the Absolute throughout the game, your companions may resist your decision, leading to conflicts or even combat.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve building a character who is aligned with the Absolute's goals from the start. This could mean playing as a character with a dark or evil background, such as a Drow or a character with ties to the Mind Flayers. You can also optimize your party by recruiting companions who are more likely to support this decision, such as Minthara, who is aligned with the Absolute. Additionally, focusing on abilities and spells that enhance mind control or manipulation can be beneficial, as they align thematically with the Absolute's powers.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of alignment and the consequences of evil choices. In Dungeons & Dragons, alignment reflects a character's moral and ethical stance, and choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a clear example of an evil alignment. This decision will affect your character's relationships, reputation, and the world around them. The game's implementation of these rules ensures that your choices have meaningful and lasting consequences.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final dialogue with the Elder Brain, where you must convince your companions to support your decision. If you have built a strong relationship with certain characters, they may be more willing to follow your lead, even if it means serving the Absolute. However, characters like Karlach or Gale, who have strong moral convictions, will likely oppose you, leading to dramatic confrontations. The ending sequence will show the world falling under the Absolute's control, with your character either embracing their new role or struggling against it.
In summary, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a significant and morally complex decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, alignment with the Absolute's goals, and an understanding of the consequences for your companions and the world. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax of the game. This involves completing key quests, such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Nightsong, and confronting Ketheric Thorm. As you progress, you will learn more about the Absolute, the Elder Brain, and the Mind Flayers. The final act of the game takes place in Baldur's Gate, where you will face the Elder Brain and make the pivotal choice of whether to control it, destroy it, or let the Absolute take over.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the game's narrative and dialogue system. When you reach the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will have the option to use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can influence the Elder Brain's actions. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you will need to side with the Absolute's forces, which may involve betraying your companions or other allies. This decision is irreversible and will lead to a specific ending where the Absolute dominates the world, and you become a servant of its will.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, ensure that you have all three Netherstones in your possession. These are obtained by defeating Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, the three Chosen of the Absolute. Once you have the Netherstones, proceed to the final battle in Baldur's Gate. During the confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will be presented with several dialogue options. Choose the option that aligns with the Absolute's goals, such as "Let the Absolute control the Elder Brain." This will trigger a sequence where the Absolute takes over, and you become part of its collective.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the moral and narrative weight of this decision. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a dark and evil choice, and it will alienate most of your companions, especially those who have been fighting against the Absolute throughout the game. Characters like Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll may leave your party or turn against you if you make this choice. Additionally, this decision locks you into a specific ending, so be sure it aligns with the story you want to experience.
Common mistakes to avoid include not having all three Netherstones or failing to side with the Absolute's forces earlier in the game. If you do not have the Netherstones, you will not be able to influence the Elder Brain, and the game may force you into a different ending. Similarly, if you have been opposing the Absolute throughout the game, your companions may resist your decision, leading to conflicts or even combat.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve building a character who is aligned with the Absolute's goals from the start. This could mean playing as a character with a dark or evil background, such as a Drow or a character with ties to the Mind Flayers. You can also optimize your party by recruiting companions who are more likely to support this decision, such as Minthara, who is aligned with the Absolute. Additionally, focusing on abilities and spells that enhance mind control or manipulation can be beneficial, as they align thematically with the Absolute's powers.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of alignment and the consequences of evil choices. In Dungeons & Dragons, alignment reflects a character's moral and ethical stance, and choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a clear example of an evil alignment. This decision will affect your character's relationships, reputation, and the world around them. The game's implementation of these rules ensures that your choices have meaningful and lasting consequences.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final dialogue with the Elder Brain, where you must convince your companions to support your decision. If you have built a strong relationship with certain characters, they may be more willing to follow your lead, even if it means serving the Absolute. However, characters like Karlach or Gale, who have strong moral convictions, will likely oppose you, leading to dramatic confrontations. The ending sequence will show the world falling under the Absolute's control, with your character either embracing their new role or struggling against it.
In summary, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a significant and morally complex decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, alignment with the Absolute's goals, and an understanding of the consequences for your companions and the world. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings.