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, where you confront the Elder Brain. This is the final act of the game, and your choices here will determine the ending. Throughout the game, you will have encountered the Absolute's influence in various forms, such as the Mind Flayers, the Cult of the Absolute, and the tadpole in your head. These elements are all connected to the Elder Brain, which serves as the central hub for the Absolute's control over its followers.

When you reach the final confrontation, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. If you choose the latter, you will need to ensure that you have aligned yourself with the Absolute's goals throughout the game. This means making choices that favor the Absolute, such as siding with the Cult of the Absolute in key moments, using the tadpole's powers to your advantage, and avoiding actions that would undermine the Absolute's influence.

One important mechanic to consider is the use of the tadpole powers. Throughout the game, you will have the opportunity to use the tadpole's abilities to gain advantages in combat, dialogue, and exploration. However, using these powers also increases your connection to the Absolute and the Elder Brain. If you want to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you should embrace these powers and use them frequently. This will strengthen your bond with the Absolute and make it easier to align yourself with its goals in the final act.

Another key factor is your relationship with your companions. Some companions, such as Lae'zel and Shadowheart, have personal quests that are tied to the Absolute and the Elder Brain. If you want to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you should ensure that these companions are aligned with your goals. This may involve making choices in their personal quests that favor the Absolute, such as encouraging Lae'zel to embrace her Githyanki heritage or supporting Shadowheart's devotion to Shar.

When you reach the final confrontation, you will need to make a series of choices that determine the outcome. If you have aligned yourself with the Absolute, you will have the option to let it take control of the Elder Brain. This will result in the Absolute gaining ultimate power, and you and your companions will become its loyal servants. The world of Baldur's Gate will be reshaped in the image of the Absolute, with its followers ruling over the land.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that this choice will lock you into a specific ending, and you will not be able to change your mind once you make it. Second, this path may result in the loss of certain companions, as some may refuse to follow you down this dark path. Third, this choice will have significant consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate, and you should be prepared for the impact it will have on the story and the characters.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to align yourself with the Absolute's goals early in the game, neglecting to use the tadpole's powers, and making choices that undermine the Absolute's influence. Additionally, be cautious of companions who may oppose your decision, as they may turn against you in the final act.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include carefully planning your character build to maximize the benefits of the tadpole's powers, such as choosing abilities and feats that enhance your connection to the Absolute. You should also focus on building strong relationships with companions who are likely to support your decision, such as Lae'zel and Shadowheart.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the choice to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a reflection of the game's alignment system. By choosing this path, you are embracing an evil alignment, and your actions will have consequences that reflect this choice. The tadpole's powers are also tied to the game's mechanics, as they provide unique abilities that can be used in combat and exploration.

Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must choose between siding with the Absolute or opposing it, such as the encounter with the Cult of the Absolute in Act 1 or the confrontation with the Mind Flayers in Act 2. In these moments, your choices will shape your path and determine whether you can successfully align yourself with the Absolute.

In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a significant choice that will shape the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. To achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Absolute's goals, use the tadpole's powers, and ensure that your companions support your decision. Be prepared for the consequences of this choice, as it will have a lasting impact on the story and the world of Baldur's Gate.