What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is one of the most significant and morally complex choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story and has profound implications for the world, your companions, and the overall narrative. To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path that aligns with the Absolute's goals, which involves making certain decisions throughout the game and during the final confrontation.
The mechanics involved in this choice revolve around the game's branching narrative and the influence of the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world through the Elder Brain. The Elder Brain is a massive, sentient creature that controls the Mind Flayers and their hive mind. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you essentially enable the Absolute to extend its dominion over the entire world, leading to a dark and oppressive ending.
To reach this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Absolute's forces. This means siding with the Cult of the Absolute and its leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, throughout the game. These characters are key figures in the Absolute's plan, and supporting them in their quests and decisions will bring you closer to the final choice. For example, during the Act 2 confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you must choose to aid him rather than oppose him. Similarly, in Act 3, you should support Gortash and Orin in their schemes rather than undermining them.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter moments where you can either resist the Absolute's influence or succumb to it. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must consistently choose options that align with the Absolute's goals. This includes using the Tadpole powers granted to you by the Mind Flayers, as these powers are a direct link to the Absolute's influence. The more you use these powers, the stronger your connection to the Absolute becomes, making it easier to make the final choice in its favor.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will have the opportunity to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. To achieve the latter, you must choose dialogue options that express your willingness to submit to the Absolute's will. This decision will trigger a series of events where the Absolute seizes control of the Elder Brain, and you become a key figure in its new world order. The game will then show a cutscene depicting the consequences of this choice, with the Absolute's forces spreading across the land and subjugating all life.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that this choice will alienate many of your companions, especially those who have a strong moral compass, such as Wyll, Karlach, and Shadowheart. These characters may leave your party or even turn against you if they perceive your actions as too evil or self-serving. To mitigate this, you can focus on building relationships with companions who are more morally ambiguous, such as Astarion or Lae'zel, who may be more accepting of your choices.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on the world. Allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain leads to a dark and oppressive ending, where freedom and individuality are eradicated in favor of a hive mind controlled by the Absolute. This ending is not for players who value freedom and self-determination, so it is important to consider the broader implications of your decision.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to consistently align with the Absolute's goals throughout the game. If you waver in your support for the Absolute or make choices that undermine its plans, you may find it difficult to make the final choice in its favor. Additionally, be cautious of using the Tadpole powers too sparingly, as this can weaken your connection to the Absolute and make it harder to submit to its will at the end.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include carefully managing your relationships with key characters and making strategic use of the Tadpole powers. For example, you can use the Tadpole powers to gain an edge in combat and dialogue, which can help you achieve the Absolute's goals more efficiently. Additionally, you can focus on building a party composition that complements your alignment with the Absolute, such as including characters who are more likely to support your decisions.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute's control over it is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their hive mind. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are powerful psionic creatures that use their mental abilities to dominate and control other beings. The Elder Brain is the central intelligence of a Mind Flayer colony, and its control over the hive mind is absolute. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially giving it dominion over all Mind Flayers and their thralls, which aligns with the game's narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3, where you must make the critical choice to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. This moment is the culmination of all your previous decisions and actions, and it is where the full weight of your choices becomes apparent. Another example is the interactions with Ketheric Thorm, Gortash, and Orin, where your decisions to support or oppose them will shape your path toward the final choice.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consistent alignment with the Absolute's goals. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and considerations, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's most dramatic and impactful endings.
The mechanics involved in this choice revolve around the game's branching narrative and the influence of the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world through the Elder Brain. The Elder Brain is a massive, sentient creature that controls the Mind Flayers and their hive mind. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you essentially enable the Absolute to extend its dominion over the entire world, leading to a dark and oppressive ending.
To reach this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Absolute's forces. This means siding with the Cult of the Absolute and its leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, throughout the game. These characters are key figures in the Absolute's plan, and supporting them in their quests and decisions will bring you closer to the final choice. For example, during the Act 2 confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you must choose to aid him rather than oppose him. Similarly, in Act 3, you should support Gortash and Orin in their schemes rather than undermining them.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter moments where you can either resist the Absolute's influence or succumb to it. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must consistently choose options that align with the Absolute's goals. This includes using the Tadpole powers granted to you by the Mind Flayers, as these powers are a direct link to the Absolute's influence. The more you use these powers, the stronger your connection to the Absolute becomes, making it easier to make the final choice in its favor.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will have the opportunity to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. To achieve the latter, you must choose dialogue options that express your willingness to submit to the Absolute's will. This decision will trigger a series of events where the Absolute seizes control of the Elder Brain, and you become a key figure in its new world order. The game will then show a cutscene depicting the consequences of this choice, with the Absolute's forces spreading across the land and subjugating all life.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that this choice will alienate many of your companions, especially those who have a strong moral compass, such as Wyll, Karlach, and Shadowheart. These characters may leave your party or even turn against you if they perceive your actions as too evil or self-serving. To mitigate this, you can focus on building relationships with companions who are more morally ambiguous, such as Astarion or Lae'zel, who may be more accepting of your choices.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on the world. Allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain leads to a dark and oppressive ending, where freedom and individuality are eradicated in favor of a hive mind controlled by the Absolute. This ending is not for players who value freedom and self-determination, so it is important to consider the broader implications of your decision.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to consistently align with the Absolute's goals throughout the game. If you waver in your support for the Absolute or make choices that undermine its plans, you may find it difficult to make the final choice in its favor. Additionally, be cautious of using the Tadpole powers too sparingly, as this can weaken your connection to the Absolute and make it harder to submit to its will at the end.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include carefully managing your relationships with key characters and making strategic use of the Tadpole powers. For example, you can use the Tadpole powers to gain an edge in combat and dialogue, which can help you achieve the Absolute's goals more efficiently. Additionally, you can focus on building a party composition that complements your alignment with the Absolute, such as including characters who are more likely to support your decisions.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute's control over it is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their hive mind. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are powerful psionic creatures that use their mental abilities to dominate and control other beings. The Elder Brain is the central intelligence of a Mind Flayer colony, and its control over the hive mind is absolute. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially giving it dominion over all Mind Flayers and their thralls, which aligns with the game's narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3, where you must make the critical choice to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. This moment is the culmination of all your previous decisions and actions, and it is where the full weight of your choices becomes apparent. Another example is the interactions with Ketheric Thorm, Gortash, and Orin, where your decisions to support or oppose them will shape your path toward the final choice.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consistent alignment with the Absolute's goals. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and considerations, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's most dramatic and impactful endings.