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 near the end of the story, during the climactic moments of the final act. It represents a path where you essentially surrender to the Absolute, allowing it to dominate not only the Netherbrain but also the world itself. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate. Here is a detailed breakdown of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests, such as dealing with the Githyanki Creche, resolving the conflict between the Shadow-Cursed Lands and Moonrise Towers, and confronting the Elder Brain in the city of Baldur's Gate. Throughout these events, you will encounter the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to control the Netherbrain, a massive and ancient illithid construct that holds immense power over the minds of others.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have several options for how to proceed. One of these options is to allow the Absolute to take control. To do this, you must first ensure that you have not destroyed the Absolute's influence earlier in the game. This means avoiding actions that would weaken or disrupt the Absolute's power, such as siding with the Githyanki or destroying the Elder Brain prematurely. You must also have the Crown of Karsus, a powerful artifact that plays a key role in controlling the Netherbrain.
Once you have the Crown of Karsus and are in the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will be presented with a choice. You can choose to use the Crown to control the Netherbrain yourself, destroy it, or allow the Absolute to take control. If you choose the latter, the Absolute will seize control of the Netherbrain, and you will effectively become its servant. This decision is irreversible and will lead to a specific ending where the Absolute dominates the world, enslaving all free will and turning the population into thralls.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you are considering this path. First, this choice is heavily tied to your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing a character who values power above all else or is willing to make extreme sacrifices for what they believe is a greater good, this path may align with your role-playing goals. However, if you are playing a character who values freedom, individuality, and the well-being of others, this choice will likely feel out of character and may lead to dissatisfaction with the ending.
Another consideration is the impact on your companions. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain will have severe consequences for your party members. Some may resist and try to stop you, while others may succumb to the Absolute's influence. This can lead to dramatic and emotional moments, but it also means that you may lose the trust and loyalty of companions who have been with you throughout the game. Be prepared for these consequences and consider how they align with your character's relationships and goals.
In terms of mechanics, this choice does not require any specific character build or combat strategy. However, it is important to ensure that your party is strong enough to survive the final battles leading up to this decision. The final act of the game is challenging, and you will face powerful enemies, including mind flayers, githyanki warriors, and the Netherbrain itself. Make sure your party is well-equipped, with strong armor, weapons, and spells. Consider using abilities that protect against mind control and psychic damage, as these will be particularly useful in the final battles.
One common mistake to avoid is making this choice without fully understanding its implications. The game does not explicitly warn you about the consequences of allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain, so it is important to pay attention to the story and dialogue leading up to this moment. If you are unsure about the outcome, consider saving your game before making the decision so you can explore other options if you are unhappy with the result.
In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize your party's abilities to make the final battles easier. For example, using spells like Counterspell and Dispel Magic can help you neutralize enemy abilities, while area-of-effect spells like Fireball and Chain Lightning can deal significant damage to groups of enemies. Additionally, having a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you navigate dialogue options and potentially avoid unnecessary fights.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Netherbrain ties into the lore of mind flayers and their ability to dominate the minds of others. In D&D 5E, mind flayers are known for their psychic abilities and their use of thralls to carry out their will. The Netherbrain represents the pinnacle of this power, and allowing the Absolute to control it is akin to giving ultimate power to a malevolent force. This aligns with the themes of control, domination, and the loss of free will that are central to the mind flayer lore.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is a dramatic and consequential choice that will shape the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, the impact on your companions, and the overall story. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and being aware of the consequences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your role-playing goals. Whether you choose this path or another, the final act of Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich and immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests, such as dealing with the Githyanki Creche, resolving the conflict between the Shadow-Cursed Lands and Moonrise Towers, and confronting the Elder Brain in the city of Baldur's Gate. Throughout these events, you will encounter the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to control the Netherbrain, a massive and ancient illithid construct that holds immense power over the minds of others.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have several options for how to proceed. One of these options is to allow the Absolute to take control. To do this, you must first ensure that you have not destroyed the Absolute's influence earlier in the game. This means avoiding actions that would weaken or disrupt the Absolute's power, such as siding with the Githyanki or destroying the Elder Brain prematurely. You must also have the Crown of Karsus, a powerful artifact that plays a key role in controlling the Netherbrain.
Once you have the Crown of Karsus and are in the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will be presented with a choice. You can choose to use the Crown to control the Netherbrain yourself, destroy it, or allow the Absolute to take control. If you choose the latter, the Absolute will seize control of the Netherbrain, and you will effectively become its servant. This decision is irreversible and will lead to a specific ending where the Absolute dominates the world, enslaving all free will and turning the population into thralls.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you are considering this path. First, this choice is heavily tied to your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing a character who values power above all else or is willing to make extreme sacrifices for what they believe is a greater good, this path may align with your role-playing goals. However, if you are playing a character who values freedom, individuality, and the well-being of others, this choice will likely feel out of character and may lead to dissatisfaction with the ending.
Another consideration is the impact on your companions. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain will have severe consequences for your party members. Some may resist and try to stop you, while others may succumb to the Absolute's influence. This can lead to dramatic and emotional moments, but it also means that you may lose the trust and loyalty of companions who have been with you throughout the game. Be prepared for these consequences and consider how they align with your character's relationships and goals.
In terms of mechanics, this choice does not require any specific character build or combat strategy. However, it is important to ensure that your party is strong enough to survive the final battles leading up to this decision. The final act of the game is challenging, and you will face powerful enemies, including mind flayers, githyanki warriors, and the Netherbrain itself. Make sure your party is well-equipped, with strong armor, weapons, and spells. Consider using abilities that protect against mind control and psychic damage, as these will be particularly useful in the final battles.
One common mistake to avoid is making this choice without fully understanding its implications. The game does not explicitly warn you about the consequences of allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain, so it is important to pay attention to the story and dialogue leading up to this moment. If you are unsure about the outcome, consider saving your game before making the decision so you can explore other options if you are unhappy with the result.
In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize your party's abilities to make the final battles easier. For example, using spells like Counterspell and Dispel Magic can help you neutralize enemy abilities, while area-of-effect spells like Fireball and Chain Lightning can deal significant damage to groups of enemies. Additionally, having a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you navigate dialogue options and potentially avoid unnecessary fights.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Netherbrain ties into the lore of mind flayers and their ability to dominate the minds of others. In D&D 5E, mind flayers are known for their psychic abilities and their use of thralls to carry out their will. The Netherbrain represents the pinnacle of this power, and allowing the Absolute to control it is akin to giving ultimate power to a malevolent force. This aligns with the themes of control, domination, and the loss of free will that are central to the mind flayer lore.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is a dramatic and consequential choice that will shape the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, the impact on your companions, and the overall story. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and being aware of the consequences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your role-playing goals. Whether you choose this path or another, the final act of Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich and immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression.