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 central narrative involving the Mind Flayers, the tadpole in your brain, and the cult of the Absolute. The Absolute is a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world, and your choices throughout the game can either resist or embrace its influence. Letting the Absolute take over is not a straightforward path but rather a series of decisions that align you with the cult and its goals. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how this can be achieved, along with the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.
To let the Absolute take over, you must first understand the role of the tadpole in your brain. This tadpole is a key element of the story, as it connects you to the Mind Flayers and the Absolute. Early in the game, you are given opportunities to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, which can grant you unique abilities but also increase your connection to the Absolute. Each time you use these powers, you risk becoming more aligned with the Mind Flayers and their agenda. The more you embrace these powers, the closer you get to letting the Absolute take over.
One of the first major decisions that can lead you down this path is during your interactions with the cult of the Absolute. When you encounter True Souls like Priestess Gut, Minthara, and Dror Ragzlin, you have the option to either oppose them or join their cause. To align with the Absolute, you should choose dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate with the cult. For example, when speaking to Minthara in the Goblin Camp, you can agree to help her attack the Druid Grove, which is a significant step toward embracing the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter more opportunities to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers. These moments are often presented as dialogue choices or combat abilities. Each time you choose to use these powers, you gain a deeper connection to the Absolute. However, this also comes with risks, as your companions may disapprove of your choices, and some may even leave your party if they feel you are becoming too corrupted. ItÔÇÖs important to manage your relationships with your companions carefully if you want to maintain a cohesive party while still pursuing this path.
Another key moment in the story is when you reach the Moonrise Towers. Here, you will meet Ketheric Thorm, one of the leaders of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. To fully embrace the Absolute, you should align yourself with Ketheric and his allies. This may involve making morally questionable decisions, such as sacrificing innocent lives or betraying your companions. These choices will further cement your allegiance to the Absolute and bring you closer to the ending where the Absolute takes over.
One common mistake players make when trying to let the Absolute take over is not fully committing to the path. The game offers many opportunities to resist the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, and it can be tempting to choose these options to maintain a sense of morality or to keep your companions happy. However, if your goal is to let the Absolute take over, you must be consistent in your choices and avoid any actions that would undermine the cultÔÇÖs goals.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers. For example, choosing a class that benefits from the unique abilities granted by the tadpole, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can make this playthrough more effective. Additionally, focusing on Charisma-based skills can help you persuade others to join the cult or manipulate them into serving the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause.
From a D&D rules perspective, the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers can be seen as a form of psionic abilities, which are not typically part of the standard 5E ruleset but are adapted for BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. These powers often allow you to manipulate minds, control enemies, or gain temporary boosts in combat. Understanding how these abilities work and how they can be used strategically is key to successfully embracing the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence.
In specific scenarios, such as the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, your choices will have a significant impact on the outcome. For example, if you choose to side with Ketheric and help him achieve his goals, you will be rewarded with powerful allies and resources that can aid you in your quest to let the Absolute take over. However, this also means you may have to face off against former allies who oppose the Absolute, leading to intense and emotionally charged battles.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute take over in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous path that requires careful decision-making and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the story. By consistently choosing to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, aligning yourself with the cult of the Absolute, and making sacrifices along the way, you can achieve this ending. However, itÔÇÖs important to be aware of the consequences of your actions, both for your character and your companions, as this path will fundamentally change the course of the game and its outcome.
To let the Absolute take over, you must first understand the role of the tadpole in your brain. This tadpole is a key element of the story, as it connects you to the Mind Flayers and the Absolute. Early in the game, you are given opportunities to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, which can grant you unique abilities but also increase your connection to the Absolute. Each time you use these powers, you risk becoming more aligned with the Mind Flayers and their agenda. The more you embrace these powers, the closer you get to letting the Absolute take over.
One of the first major decisions that can lead you down this path is during your interactions with the cult of the Absolute. When you encounter True Souls like Priestess Gut, Minthara, and Dror Ragzlin, you have the option to either oppose them or join their cause. To align with the Absolute, you should choose dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate with the cult. For example, when speaking to Minthara in the Goblin Camp, you can agree to help her attack the Druid Grove, which is a significant step toward embracing the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter more opportunities to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers. These moments are often presented as dialogue choices or combat abilities. Each time you choose to use these powers, you gain a deeper connection to the Absolute. However, this also comes with risks, as your companions may disapprove of your choices, and some may even leave your party if they feel you are becoming too corrupted. ItÔÇÖs important to manage your relationships with your companions carefully if you want to maintain a cohesive party while still pursuing this path.
Another key moment in the story is when you reach the Moonrise Towers. Here, you will meet Ketheric Thorm, one of the leaders of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. To fully embrace the Absolute, you should align yourself with Ketheric and his allies. This may involve making morally questionable decisions, such as sacrificing innocent lives or betraying your companions. These choices will further cement your allegiance to the Absolute and bring you closer to the ending where the Absolute takes over.
One common mistake players make when trying to let the Absolute take over is not fully committing to the path. The game offers many opportunities to resist the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, and it can be tempting to choose these options to maintain a sense of morality or to keep your companions happy. However, if your goal is to let the Absolute take over, you must be consistent in your choices and avoid any actions that would undermine the cultÔÇÖs goals.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers. For example, choosing a class that benefits from the unique abilities granted by the tadpole, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can make this playthrough more effective. Additionally, focusing on Charisma-based skills can help you persuade others to join the cult or manipulate them into serving the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause.
From a D&D rules perspective, the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers can be seen as a form of psionic abilities, which are not typically part of the standard 5E ruleset but are adapted for BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. These powers often allow you to manipulate minds, control enemies, or gain temporary boosts in combat. Understanding how these abilities work and how they can be used strategically is key to successfully embracing the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence.
In specific scenarios, such as the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, your choices will have a significant impact on the outcome. For example, if you choose to side with Ketheric and help him achieve his goals, you will be rewarded with powerful allies and resources that can aid you in your quest to let the Absolute take over. However, this also means you may have to face off against former allies who oppose the Absolute, leading to intense and emotionally charged battles.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute take over in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous path that requires careful decision-making and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the story. By consistently choosing to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, aligning yourself with the cult of the Absolute, and making sacrifices along the way, you can achieve this ending. However, itÔÇÖs important to be aware of the consequences of your actions, both for your character and your companions, as this path will fundamentally change the course of the game and its outcome.