What happens if I side with the githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?

Siding with the githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. The githyanki are a proud and warlike race, and their culture is deeply tied to their service to their lich queen, Vlaakith. Aligning with them can lead to unique story outcomes, but it also requires careful navigation of their expectations and the moral dilemmas that come with their harsh worldview. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to side with the githyanki, the mechanics involved, and what to expect.

To side with the githyanki, you will need to make specific choices during key moments in the story, particularly in Act 1 and Act 3. In Act 1, you will encounter a githyanki patrol near the Mountain Pass. This is your first major interaction with the githyanki, and how you handle it will set the tone for your relationship with them. When you approach the patrol, they will demand information about the artifact you carry. Your dialogue choices here are crucial. If you want to side with the githyanki, you should avoid antagonizing them and instead show respect for their authority. Agree to hand over the artifact if they demand it, as this demonstrates your willingness to cooperate. However, be prepared for the artifact to resist being taken, which will intrigue the githyanki and may lead to further opportunities to align with them.

In Act 3, you will have the opportunity to fully commit to the githyanki cause. This occurs when you reach the githyanki creche, a stronghold where you can meet their leaders and learn more about their plans. Here, you will be tested on your loyalty to Vlaakith and the githyanki way of life. You will need to make choices that align with their values, such as prioritizing the destruction of mind flayers and showing disdain for other races. One key moment involves a confrontation with the githyanki leader, who will question your motives and loyalty. To prove yourself, you may need to make difficult decisions, such as sacrificing a companion or rejecting other alliances. These choices will solidify your standing with the githyanki and open up new story paths.

When siding with the githyanki, itÔÇÖs important to consider the impact on your companions. LaeÔÇÖzel, the githyanki companion in your party, will strongly support this decision, and her approval of you will increase significantly. However, other companions, particularly those with more moral or compassionate outlooks, may disapprove of your choices. This can lead to tension within the group and potentially even cause some companions to leave if their disapproval reaches a critical level. To mitigate this, you can focus on building strong relationships with companions who are more neutral or pragmatic, such as Astarion or Shadowheart, as they may be more understanding of your decision to align with the githyanki.

Combat tactics also play a role in siding with the githyanki. The githyanki are formidable warriors, and they expect their allies to be equally skilled in battle. To impress them, you should prioritize combat effectiveness in your character build. Classes that excel in melee combat, such as fighters, paladins, or barbarians, are well-suited to this path, as they align with the githyankiÔÇÖs martial culture. Additionally, having a high Charisma score can be beneficial for navigating dialogue with the githyanki, as it allows you to persuade or intimidate them when necessary. Spells and abilities that enhance your combat prowess, such as buffs or crowd control, can also be useful in proving your worth to the githyanki.

One common mistake to avoid when siding with the githyanki is underestimating the moral complexity of their culture. The githyanki are not inherently evil, but their values often clash with those of other races, and their methods can be brutal. If you try to impose your own moral standards on them, you may find yourself at odds with their leaders. Instead, try to understand their perspective and make choices that reflect their worldview, even if they conflict with your personal beliefs. This will help you maintain their trust and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Advanced techniques for siding with the githyanki include leveraging your knowledge of D&D 5E rules to optimize your character for this path. For example, the githyanki have racial traits that grant them proficiency with certain weapons and armor, as well as the ability to cast spells like Misty Step. If you are playing as a githyanki character, you can use these traits to your advantage in combat and dialogue. Additionally, understanding the lore of the githyanki in D&D can provide valuable insights into their motivations and help you make more informed choices when interacting with them.

In summary, siding with the githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful consideration of your choices, both in dialogue and combat. By showing respect for their culture, prioritizing their goals, and building strong relationships with key companions, you can successfully align with the githyanki and unlock unique story outcomes. However, be prepared for the moral challenges and potential consequences that come with this path, as the githyankiÔÇÖs worldview is often at odds with that of other factions in the game.