What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game. This decision involves aligning yourself with the forces of the Absolute, a mysterious and malevolent entity that seeks to dominate the world. The consequences of this choice are far-reaching, affecting your relationships with companions, the progression of the main story, and the overall outcome of the game. Here is a detailed explanation of what happens when you side with the Absolute, along with strategies, tips, and considerations to help you navigate this path.
To side with the Absolute, you must first reach Act 2 and encounter the Absolute's forces in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This area is filled with dangerous enemies and environmental hazards, so it is important to prepare your party accordingly. Make sure your characters are well-equipped with weapons, armor, and spells that can handle both combat and exploration. You will also need to manage your resources carefully, as the Shadow-Cursed Lands can be unforgiving.
One of the key moments where you can choose to side with the Absolute is during your interactions with the Absolute's followers, particularly the cultists and their leaders. These characters will often present you with opportunities to prove your loyalty to the Absolute. For example, you may be asked to complete tasks that involve eliminating enemies of the Absolute or retrieving important artifacts. Completing these tasks will increase your standing with the Absolute's forces and open up new dialogue options that allow you to express your allegiance.
When you decide to side with the Absolute, you will need to make choices that align with their goals. This may involve betraying other factions or characters who oppose the Absolute. For instance, you might be asked to turn against the Harpers, a group of resistance fighters who are trying to stop the Absolute's plans. Betraying the Harpers will have significant consequences, as it will make them hostile towards you and cut off any potential alliances with them in the future.
Siding with the Absolute also affects your relationships with your companions. Some companions, like Shadowheart and Lae'zel, may be more inclined to support this decision due to their own personal beliefs and goals. However, others, such as Wyll and Karlach, will likely oppose this choice and may even leave your party if you continue down this path. It is important to consider how your companions will react and whether you are willing to risk losing their support.
One of the major consequences of siding with the Absolute is the impact it has on the main story. By aligning yourself with the Absolute, you are essentially choosing to embrace the darker aspects of the narrative. This can lead to a more chaotic and morally ambiguous playthrough, where you are constantly faced with difficult decisions that test your character's resolve. The Absolute's influence will also grow stronger, making it harder to resist their control as the story progresses.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, siding with the Absolute can unlock new abilities and powers that are tied to the Absolute's influence. These abilities can give you an edge in combat, but they also come with risks. For example, using the Absolute's powers may cause your character to gain negative traits or suffer from mental instability. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of these abilities before using them.
When it comes to combat tactics, siding with the Absolute can change the way you approach battles. You may find yourself fighting alongside the Absolute's forces, which can provide additional support in combat. However, you will also face new enemies who are opposed to the Absolute, such as the Harpers and other resistance groups. It is important to adapt your strategies to these new challenges and make use of the resources available to you.
One common mistake to avoid when siding with the Absolute is neglecting your companions' needs and desires. While it may be tempting to focus solely on the Absolute's goals, it is important to maintain a balance and consider how your actions affect your party members. Ignoring their concerns can lead to conflicts and potentially cause them to leave your party, which can make the game more difficult.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute involve carefully managing your relationships and resources. For example, you can use dialogue options to manipulate other characters into supporting your decision, even if they initially oppose it. You can also make use of the Absolute's powers strategically, saving them for critical moments in combat or story progression.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute can be seen as embracing an evil alignment. This can affect your character's moral compass and influence how NPCs perceive and interact with you. It is important to consider the role-playing aspects of this choice and how it fits into your character's backstory and motivations.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include betraying the Harpers during a key mission in the Shadow-Cursed Lands or choosing to support the Absolute's plans during a pivotal story moment. These choices will have lasting consequences and shape the direction of the narrative.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration. It affects your relationships, the main story, and the overall outcome of the game. By understanding the mechanics involved, preparing your party, and making strategic choices, you can navigate this path successfully and experience a unique and morally challenging playthrough.
To side with the Absolute, you must first reach Act 2 and encounter the Absolute's forces in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This area is filled with dangerous enemies and environmental hazards, so it is important to prepare your party accordingly. Make sure your characters are well-equipped with weapons, armor, and spells that can handle both combat and exploration. You will also need to manage your resources carefully, as the Shadow-Cursed Lands can be unforgiving.
One of the key moments where you can choose to side with the Absolute is during your interactions with the Absolute's followers, particularly the cultists and their leaders. These characters will often present you with opportunities to prove your loyalty to the Absolute. For example, you may be asked to complete tasks that involve eliminating enemies of the Absolute or retrieving important artifacts. Completing these tasks will increase your standing with the Absolute's forces and open up new dialogue options that allow you to express your allegiance.
When you decide to side with the Absolute, you will need to make choices that align with their goals. This may involve betraying other factions or characters who oppose the Absolute. For instance, you might be asked to turn against the Harpers, a group of resistance fighters who are trying to stop the Absolute's plans. Betraying the Harpers will have significant consequences, as it will make them hostile towards you and cut off any potential alliances with them in the future.
Siding with the Absolute also affects your relationships with your companions. Some companions, like Shadowheart and Lae'zel, may be more inclined to support this decision due to their own personal beliefs and goals. However, others, such as Wyll and Karlach, will likely oppose this choice and may even leave your party if you continue down this path. It is important to consider how your companions will react and whether you are willing to risk losing their support.
One of the major consequences of siding with the Absolute is the impact it has on the main story. By aligning yourself with the Absolute, you are essentially choosing to embrace the darker aspects of the narrative. This can lead to a more chaotic and morally ambiguous playthrough, where you are constantly faced with difficult decisions that test your character's resolve. The Absolute's influence will also grow stronger, making it harder to resist their control as the story progresses.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, siding with the Absolute can unlock new abilities and powers that are tied to the Absolute's influence. These abilities can give you an edge in combat, but they also come with risks. For example, using the Absolute's powers may cause your character to gain negative traits or suffer from mental instability. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of these abilities before using them.
When it comes to combat tactics, siding with the Absolute can change the way you approach battles. You may find yourself fighting alongside the Absolute's forces, which can provide additional support in combat. However, you will also face new enemies who are opposed to the Absolute, such as the Harpers and other resistance groups. It is important to adapt your strategies to these new challenges and make use of the resources available to you.
One common mistake to avoid when siding with the Absolute is neglecting your companions' needs and desires. While it may be tempting to focus solely on the Absolute's goals, it is important to maintain a balance and consider how your actions affect your party members. Ignoring their concerns can lead to conflicts and potentially cause them to leave your party, which can make the game more difficult.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute involve carefully managing your relationships and resources. For example, you can use dialogue options to manipulate other characters into supporting your decision, even if they initially oppose it. You can also make use of the Absolute's powers strategically, saving them for critical moments in combat or story progression.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute can be seen as embracing an evil alignment. This can affect your character's moral compass and influence how NPCs perceive and interact with you. It is important to consider the role-playing aspects of this choice and how it fits into your character's backstory and motivations.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include betraying the Harpers during a key mission in the Shadow-Cursed Lands or choosing to support the Absolute's plans during a pivotal story moment. These choices will have lasting consequences and shape the direction of the narrative.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration. It affects your relationships, the main story, and the overall outcome of the game. By understanding the mechanics involved, preparing your party, and making strategic choices, you can navigate this path successfully and experience a unique and morally challenging playthrough.