What happens if I side with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game. This decision is part of the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the goblin leaders, who are antagonistic forces in the early stages of the game. Choosing to side with the goblins will have far-reaching consequences, affecting your relationships with companions, the progression of the main story, and the overall state of the world. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this, along with important considerations and strategies.
To side with the goblins, you must first reach the Goblin Camp, which is located in the western part of the Wilderness map. The camp is heavily guarded, and gaining entry can be challenging. You can either fight your way in or use dialogue and deception to gain the goblins' trust. If you choose the latter, you will need to pass several skill checks, such as Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation, depending on your approach. Successfully convincing the goblins that you are on their side will allow you to enter the camp without violence.
Once inside the Goblin Camp, you will need to speak with the three goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each of these leaders has their own agenda and will require different approaches to gain their trust. Priestess Gut can be persuaded to help you if you show interest in her religious beliefs, while Dror Ragzlin is more interested in strength and power. Minthara, the drow leader, is the most important figure to convince, as she is the one who can lead you to the Absolute, the mysterious force that the goblins worship.
To fully side with the goblins, you will need to assist them in their plans to attack the Druid Grove, a sanctuary for tiefling refugees and druids. This involves participating in the raid on the grove, which is a major turning point in the story. During the raid, you will have to fight against the defenders of the grove, including your potential companions Wyll and Karlach, who will oppose your decision to side with the goblins. This will permanently alter your relationship with these characters, and they may leave your party or become hostile.
One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for the raid on the Druid Grove. This includes having a balanced party composition with strong melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters. You should also stock up on healing potions and scrolls, as the battle can be intense. Additionally, consider using stealth and ambush tactics to gain the upper hand in combat.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of siding with the goblins. This decision will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the tieflings and druids. It will also affect your reputation with certain factions and characters, making it harder to gain their trust or assistance later in the game. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before committing to this path.
Advanced techniques for siding with the goblins include using charm spells or abilities to manipulate key characters, such as Minthara. This can make it easier to gain their trust and avoid unnecessary combat. Additionally, you can use environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels, to your advantage during the raid on the Druid Grove. Positioning your party strategically and using area-of-effect spells can also help you control the battlefield and defeat the defenders more efficiently.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the goblins aligns with the concept of making morally ambiguous or evil choices in a role-playing game. This can lead to a darker narrative and different character development opportunities. The game's alignment system, while not explicitly stated, influences how characters and factions react to your decisions. Choosing to side with the goblins will shift your alignment towards evil, affecting your interactions and the overall tone of the story.
Specific examples of the consequences of siding with the goblins include the destruction of the Druid Grove, the death of key NPCs, and the loss of potential allies. For instance, if you side with the goblins, Halsin, the druid leader, will be killed, and you will no longer have access to his questline or assistance. Similarly, the tiefling refugees will be slaughtered, and you will miss out on their story arcs and potential rewards.
In conclusion, siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. It offers a different narrative experience and challenges players to explore the darker aspects of the game's story. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the consequences, you can successfully navigate this path and shape the world of Baldur's Gate 3 according to your choices.
To side with the goblins, you must first reach the Goblin Camp, which is located in the western part of the Wilderness map. The camp is heavily guarded, and gaining entry can be challenging. You can either fight your way in or use dialogue and deception to gain the goblins' trust. If you choose the latter, you will need to pass several skill checks, such as Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation, depending on your approach. Successfully convincing the goblins that you are on their side will allow you to enter the camp without violence.
Once inside the Goblin Camp, you will need to speak with the three goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each of these leaders has their own agenda and will require different approaches to gain their trust. Priestess Gut can be persuaded to help you if you show interest in her religious beliefs, while Dror Ragzlin is more interested in strength and power. Minthara, the drow leader, is the most important figure to convince, as she is the one who can lead you to the Absolute, the mysterious force that the goblins worship.
To fully side with the goblins, you will need to assist them in their plans to attack the Druid Grove, a sanctuary for tiefling refugees and druids. This involves participating in the raid on the grove, which is a major turning point in the story. During the raid, you will have to fight against the defenders of the grove, including your potential companions Wyll and Karlach, who will oppose your decision to side with the goblins. This will permanently alter your relationship with these characters, and they may leave your party or become hostile.
One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for the raid on the Druid Grove. This includes having a balanced party composition with strong melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters. You should also stock up on healing potions and scrolls, as the battle can be intense. Additionally, consider using stealth and ambush tactics to gain the upper hand in combat.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of siding with the goblins. This decision will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the tieflings and druids. It will also affect your reputation with certain factions and characters, making it harder to gain their trust or assistance later in the game. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before committing to this path.
Advanced techniques for siding with the goblins include using charm spells or abilities to manipulate key characters, such as Minthara. This can make it easier to gain their trust and avoid unnecessary combat. Additionally, you can use environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels, to your advantage during the raid on the Druid Grove. Positioning your party strategically and using area-of-effect spells can also help you control the battlefield and defeat the defenders more efficiently.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the goblins aligns with the concept of making morally ambiguous or evil choices in a role-playing game. This can lead to a darker narrative and different character development opportunities. The game's alignment system, while not explicitly stated, influences how characters and factions react to your decisions. Choosing to side with the goblins will shift your alignment towards evil, affecting your interactions and the overall tone of the story.
Specific examples of the consequences of siding with the goblins include the destruction of the Druid Grove, the death of key NPCs, and the loss of potential allies. For instance, if you side with the goblins, Halsin, the druid leader, will be killed, and you will no longer have access to his questline or assistance. Similarly, the tiefling refugees will be slaughtered, and you will miss out on their story arcs and potential rewards.
In conclusion, siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. It offers a different narrative experience and challenges players to explore the darker aspects of the game's story. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the consequences, you can successfully navigate this path and shape the world of Baldur's Gate 3 according to your choices.