What are the consequences of letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism in Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. The Astral Prism is a key artifact tied to the main plot, and your decisions regarding it will influence the fate of your character, your companions, and the world around you. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens if you allow the Githyanki to take control of the Astral Prism, along with strategies, tips, and considerations to help you navigate this choice.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the context of the Astral Prism. The prism is a powerful artifact that plays a central role in the story, particularly in relation to the Mind Flayer tadpole in your head. It is also connected to the Githyanki, a race of warrior beings who are sworn enemies of the Mind Flayers. The Githyanki are led by their queen, Vlaakith, who seeks to claim the prism for her own purposes. If you allow the Githyanki to take the prism, you are essentially siding with Vlaakith and her forces, which will have major implications for the story.

To let the Githyanki take the prism, you will need to make specific choices during key moments in the game. One such moment occurs when you encounter the Githyanki patrol in Act 1. During this encounter, you can choose to cooperate with them and reveal the location of the prism. Alternatively, you can fight them or deceive them, but if your goal is to let them take the prism, you should avoid conflict and provide them with the information they seek. This will set the stage for the Githyanki to eventually claim the prism later in the story.

Once the Githyanki take control of the prism, the consequences begin to unfold. One immediate effect is that your connection to the artifact is severed, which can impact your ability to resist the influence of the Mind Flayer tadpole. This means you may experience more frequent and intense visions or compulsions related to the tadpole, making it harder to maintain control over your characterÔÇÖs actions. Additionally, siding with the Githyanki will strain your relationship with certain companions, particularly LaeÔÇÖzel, who has her own complex ties to the Githyanki and Vlaakith. Depending on your choices, LaeÔÇÖzel may either support your decision or become disillusioned with you, potentially leading to her leaving the party or even turning against you.

Another consequence of letting the Githyanki take the prism is that it will alter the balance of power in the gameÔÇÖs world. Vlaakith is a ruthless and ambitious leader, and her control over the prism could lead to devastating outcomes for other factions and characters. For example, the Mind Flayers and their allies may become more aggressive in their efforts to reclaim the prism, leading to increased conflict and danger throughout the game. Additionally, other factions, such as the Harpers or the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers, may view your alliance with the Githyanki as a threat, making it harder to gain their trust or support.

When considering whether to let the Githyanki take the prism, itÔÇÖs important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, aligning with the Githyanki could provide you with powerful allies and resources, as well as access to unique story content and rewards. On the other hand, it could lead to negative consequences for your character and companions, as well as the world at large. To make the best decision, consider your characterÔÇÖs motivations and alignment, as well as the potential impact on your party dynamics and the overall story.

In terms of gameplay, letting the Githyanki take the prism may require you to adjust your strategies and tactics. For example, if you lose access to the prismÔÇÖs protective abilities, you may need to rely more on other means of resisting the Mind Flayer tadpole, such as using specific spells, items, or dialogue options. Additionally, you may need to prepare for increased combat encounters with hostile factions, as your alliance with the Githyanki could make you a target for their enemies.

One common mistake to avoid is making this decision without considering the long-term consequences. While it may seem advantageous to gain the GithyankiÔÇÖs support in the short term, the long-term effects of their control over the prism could be detrimental to your goals and the well-being of your companions. To avoid this, take the time to explore all available dialogue options and gather as much information as possible before making your choice. This will help you make a more informed decision and avoid unintended consequences.

Advanced players may want to experiment with different outcomes by replaying key moments and making alternate choices. This can provide valuable insights into how the story can diverge based on your decisions and help you achieve a more nuanced understanding of the gameÔÇÖs narrative. Additionally, players who are familiar with D&D 5E rules may find it helpful to consider how the gameÔÇÖs mechanics align with the tabletop rules, particularly in terms of alignment, faction relationships, and the consequences of major story choices.

In conclusion, letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism is a pivotal decision in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 that can significantly impact the story, your character, and your companions. By carefully considering the potential consequences, exploring all available options, and adjusting your strategies accordingly, you can navigate this choice in a way that aligns with your goals and enhances your overall gameplay experience. Whether you choose to side with the Githyanki or pursue a different path, the key is to make informed decisions that reflect your characterÔÇÖs motivations and the world you want to shape.