What happens if I side with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?

Siding with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant narrative choice that drastically alters the course of the story and your relationships with your companions. This decision is tied to the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the forces of the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this, along with the mechanics, strategies, and consequences involved.

To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach Act 3. This act is set in the city of Baldur's Gate, where the stakes are higher, and the choices you make have far-reaching consequences. The key moment where you can choose to side with the Absolute occurs during the confrontation with the Elder Brain, the central figure behind the Absolute's power. This confrontation is the culmination of the game's main questline, and your decision here will determine the fate of the world and your party.

The mechanics involved in siding with the Absolute revolve around dialogue choices and key story decisions. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a choice to either resist its influence and fight against it or to submit to its will and join the Absolute. Choosing to side with the Absolute requires you to make specific dialogue choices that indicate your willingness to serve the Elder Brain. These choices are often framed as surrendering your free will and accepting the Absolute's dominance over you.

Step-by-step instructions for siding with the Absolute begin with ensuring that you have progressed through the main questline to the point where you confront the Elder Brain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, gathering allies, and uncovering the truth about the Elder Brain's power. Once you reach the confrontation, you must choose dialogue options that express your desire to join the Absolute. These options are usually marked by phrases that indicate submission or acceptance of the Absolute's authority.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the consequences of your choice. Siding with the Absolute will lead to a darker ending where the world falls under the control of the Elder Brain, and your character becomes a servant of its will. This choice will also alienate most of your companions, as they are likely to resist the Absolute's influence. If you have built strong relationships with your companions, this decision will strain or even break those bonds. Additionally, some companions may leave your party or turn against you if you choose to side with the Absolute.

Common mistakes to avoid include making this choice without fully understanding the consequences. Some players may be tempted to side with the Absolute for the sake of exploring a different story path, but it is important to recognize that this choice will lock you into a specific ending and alter your relationships with your companions. Another mistake is failing to prepare for the potential combat encounters that may arise if your companions resist your decision. It is advisable to have a strong party and well-equipped characters to handle any conflicts that may occur.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve building a character that is well-suited to the role of serving the Absolute. This could include choosing a class and abilities that align with the themes of domination and control, such as a Warlock with a pact that serves a powerful entity or a Sorcerer with abilities that manipulate others. Additionally, optimizing your party composition to handle potential conflicts with companions who resist your decision is crucial. This may involve having characters with high damage output or crowd control abilities to manage any hostile encounters.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of alignment and the role of free will in the game. In Dungeons & Dragons, alignment represents a character's moral and ethical outlook, and siding with the Absolute would likely shift your character's alignment towards evil. The mechanics of mind control and domination are also relevant, as the Absolute's power is based on controlling the minds of its followers. Understanding these rules can help you role-play your character's decision and its impact on the story.

Specific examples and scenarios include the moment when you confront the Elder Brain and choose to side with the Absolute. This decision will trigger a series of events where the Elder Brain takes control of your character and uses you to further its goals. Your companions may react with shock and betrayal, leading to dramatic confrontations and potential combat. The ending of the game will reflect your choice, showing the world under the Absolute's control and your character's role in its domination.

In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a major narrative choice that changes the course of the story and your relationships with your companions. It involves specific dialogue choices and has significant consequences for the game's ending. Understanding the mechanics, preparing for potential conflicts, and considering the impact on your character's alignment and relationships are key to making this choice. This path offers a darker and more morally complex experience, providing a unique perspective on the game's story and themes.