What happens if I side with the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant narrative choice that drastically alters the outcome of the game. This decision is tied to the overarching conflict between the forces of the Absolute, a powerful entity seeking to dominate the world, and the various factions and characters striving to resist its influence. Choosing to side with the Absolute means aligning yourself with its goals, which can lead to a darker, more oppressive ending for the world of Baldur's Gate. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, along with important considerations and strategies.
To side with the Absolute, you must first understand the key moments in the story where this choice becomes available. The final battle is the culmination of your journey, and your decision to align with the Absolute will be influenced by your actions throughout the game. Early in the story, you will encounter the Mind Flayers and the Cult of the Absolute, who are central to the plot. Engaging with these factions and making choices that favor their goals will set the stage for your eventual alignment with the Absolute. For example, during the Goblin Camp questline, you can choose to side with the goblins and their leaders, who are aligned with the Absolute. This decision will lead to further opportunities to deepen your connection with the Absolute's forces.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter key characters such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the Chosen of the Absolute. Your interactions with these characters will shape your path. To side with the Absolute in the final battle, you must align yourself with at least one of these Chosen. For instance, if you choose to ally with Gortash, you will need to support his plans and work with him to consolidate power. This may involve betraying other factions or companions who oppose the Absolute. It is important to note that siding with the Absolute often requires making morally ambiguous or outright evil choices, which can affect your relationships with your companions and other NPCs.
When you reach the final battle, the game will present you with a critical decision point. You will have the option to either join forces with the Absolute or resist its influence. To side with the Absolute, you must choose the dialogue options that indicate your willingness to embrace its power and serve its goals. This decision will trigger a series of events where you fight alongside the Absolute's forces against the remaining resistance. The final battle will be challenging, as you will face powerful enemies who are determined to stop the Absolute's rise to power. It is crucial to prepare for this battle by optimizing your character build, equipping powerful gear, and ensuring your party is well-coordinated.
One important tip is to focus on building a character that excels in combat and has strong synergy with the Absolute's forces. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception can be effective in convincing others to join the Absolute's cause. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the Absolute's themes, such as a Warlock with a pact tied to a dark entity, can enhance your role-playing experience. In terms of combat tactics, prioritize crowd control and area-of-effect spells to manage the large number of enemies you will face in the final battle. Spells like Fireball, Hypnotic Pattern, and Counterspell can be invaluable in turning the tide of battle in your favor.
A common mistake to avoid is neglecting your companions' reactions to your choices. Siding with the Absolute may lead to conflicts with companions who have strong moral convictions, such as Wyll or Karlach. It is important to manage these relationships carefully, as losing key allies can make the final battle more difficult. Consider using dialogue options to persuade your companions to support your decision, or be prepared to replace them with characters who are more aligned with the Absolute's goals.
Advanced techniques include leveraging the game's mechanics to gain an advantage in the final battle. For example, using stealth and ambush tactics can allow you to eliminate key enemies before they can mount a strong defense. Additionally, exploiting environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels or chokepoints, can give you a strategic edge. It is also worth exploring the game's crafting and alchemy systems to create powerful consumables that can boost your party's effectiveness in combat.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of making a pact or alliance with a powerful entity. This is similar to the Warlock class feature, where a character forms a pact with a patron in exchange for power. The consequences of this choice reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in such alliances, as the Absolute's goals are often at odds with the well-being of the world and its inhabitants.
Specific examples of scenarios where siding with the Absolute can impact the story include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to support him and help him achieve his goals, you will strengthen your ties to the Absolute and gain access to unique rewards and story developments. Similarly, in Act 3, your decision to ally with Gortash or Orin will shape the final battle and determine the fate of Baldur's Gate.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging choice that requires careful planning and strategic gameplay. By aligning yourself with the Absolute's forces, making key decisions that favor its goals, and preparing for the final battle, you can achieve this outcome and experience a unique ending to the game. However, be mindful of the consequences of your choices, as they will have a lasting impact on the world and your relationships with your companions.
To side with the Absolute, you must first understand the key moments in the story where this choice becomes available. The final battle is the culmination of your journey, and your decision to align with the Absolute will be influenced by your actions throughout the game. Early in the story, you will encounter the Mind Flayers and the Cult of the Absolute, who are central to the plot. Engaging with these factions and making choices that favor their goals will set the stage for your eventual alignment with the Absolute. For example, during the Goblin Camp questline, you can choose to side with the goblins and their leaders, who are aligned with the Absolute. This decision will lead to further opportunities to deepen your connection with the Absolute's forces.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter key characters such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the Chosen of the Absolute. Your interactions with these characters will shape your path. To side with the Absolute in the final battle, you must align yourself with at least one of these Chosen. For instance, if you choose to ally with Gortash, you will need to support his plans and work with him to consolidate power. This may involve betraying other factions or companions who oppose the Absolute. It is important to note that siding with the Absolute often requires making morally ambiguous or outright evil choices, which can affect your relationships with your companions and other NPCs.
When you reach the final battle, the game will present you with a critical decision point. You will have the option to either join forces with the Absolute or resist its influence. To side with the Absolute, you must choose the dialogue options that indicate your willingness to embrace its power and serve its goals. This decision will trigger a series of events where you fight alongside the Absolute's forces against the remaining resistance. The final battle will be challenging, as you will face powerful enemies who are determined to stop the Absolute's rise to power. It is crucial to prepare for this battle by optimizing your character build, equipping powerful gear, and ensuring your party is well-coordinated.
One important tip is to focus on building a character that excels in combat and has strong synergy with the Absolute's forces. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception can be effective in convincing others to join the Absolute's cause. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the Absolute's themes, such as a Warlock with a pact tied to a dark entity, can enhance your role-playing experience. In terms of combat tactics, prioritize crowd control and area-of-effect spells to manage the large number of enemies you will face in the final battle. Spells like Fireball, Hypnotic Pattern, and Counterspell can be invaluable in turning the tide of battle in your favor.
A common mistake to avoid is neglecting your companions' reactions to your choices. Siding with the Absolute may lead to conflicts with companions who have strong moral convictions, such as Wyll or Karlach. It is important to manage these relationships carefully, as losing key allies can make the final battle more difficult. Consider using dialogue options to persuade your companions to support your decision, or be prepared to replace them with characters who are more aligned with the Absolute's goals.
Advanced techniques include leveraging the game's mechanics to gain an advantage in the final battle. For example, using stealth and ambush tactics can allow you to eliminate key enemies before they can mount a strong defense. Additionally, exploiting environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels or chokepoints, can give you a strategic edge. It is also worth exploring the game's crafting and alchemy systems to create powerful consumables that can boost your party's effectiveness in combat.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of making a pact or alliance with a powerful entity. This is similar to the Warlock class feature, where a character forms a pact with a patron in exchange for power. The consequences of this choice reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in such alliances, as the Absolute's goals are often at odds with the well-being of the world and its inhabitants.
Specific examples of scenarios where siding with the Absolute can impact the story include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to support him and help him achieve his goals, you will strengthen your ties to the Absolute and gain access to unique rewards and story developments. Similarly, in Act 3, your decision to ally with Gortash or Orin will shape the final battle and determine the fate of Baldur's Gate.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging choice that requires careful planning and strategic gameplay. By aligning yourself with the Absolute's forces, making key decisions that favor its goals, and preparing for the final battle, you can achieve this outcome and experience a unique ending to the game. However, be mindful of the consequences of your choices, as they will have a lasting impact on the world and your relationships with your companions.