What happens if I side with the Absolute in the final act of Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in the final act 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 resisting its influence. Choosing to side with the Absolute means embracing its power and aligning yourself with its goals, which leads to a darker, more authoritarian ending. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and what to consider when making this choice.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests, such as dealing with the Githyanki Creche, resolving the conflict in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and confronting the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate. Throughout these events, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute, either through direct dialogue choices or by supporting characters who are sympathetic to its cause. One of the most critical moments occurs when you confront the Elder Brain. At this point, you will have the option to either resist its influence or submit to it. Choosing to submit is the key decision that locks you into siding with the Absolute.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the gameÔÇÖs dialogue and decision-making systems. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options. Selecting the option to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power will trigger a sequence where your character becomes a vessel for its will. This decision is irreversible and will lead to a specific ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs domination is secured. The gameÔÇÖs narrative will reflect this choice, showing the consequences of your alignment with the Absolute, including the fate of your companions and the world at large.
When making this choice, itÔÇÖs important to consider the impact on your companions. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel and Shadowheart, may be more inclined to support the Absolute due to their personal beliefs and backgrounds. Others, such as Wyll and Karlach, will likely oppose this decision, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party. To minimize friction, you can try to persuade or manipulate your companions into accepting your choice, but this requires high Charisma and successful persuasion checks. Failing these checks may result in losing their loyalty or triggering hostile encounters.
One common mistake players make when attempting to side with the Absolute is not fully understanding the consequences of their actions. This choice locks you into a specific ending and can lead to the loss of certain companions or questlines. To avoid this, make sure to save your game before making the final decision, allowing you to explore alternative outcomes if desired. Additionally, players should be aware that siding with the Absolute may limit their ability to complete certain side quests or achieve specific achievements tied to opposing the Absolute.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include building a character with high Charisma and proficiency in persuasion or intimidation. This will make it easier to convince companions and NPCs to support your decision. Additionally, focusing on abilities and spells that enhance your control over others, such as Dominate Person or Command, can reinforce your alignment with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs authoritarian themes. From a roleplaying perspective, you can also lean into a morally ambiguous or evil character archetype, making choices throughout the game that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals and foreshadow your final decision.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the concept of siding with the Absolute reflects the alignment system, particularly the Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignments. These alignments prioritize order and control, often at the expense of individual freedom, which aligns with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs philosophy. The gameÔÇÖs implementation of these rules is reflected in the narrative consequences of your choices, as well as the mechanical benefits or penalties associated with certain actions. For example, using spells or abilities that manipulate or dominate others may be more effective when aligned with the Absolute, but they may also incur penalties or resistance from characters who value freedom and autonomy.
Specific examples of scenarios where siding with the Absolute becomes relevant include interactions with key NPCs like Ketheric Thorm, a major antagonist who serves the Absolute. By supporting his goals and aligning with his faction, you can gain his trust and access to unique rewards, but this also means betraying other factions and characters who oppose him. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where your choice to submit to its will determines the fate of the world and the ultimate resolution of the story.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration of the narrative, mechanical, and roleplaying implications. By understanding the mechanics involved, preparing your character and companions, and being aware of the consequences, you can successfully achieve this outcome and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs darker endings. Whether you choose to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power or resist it, this decision will shape your journey and leave a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests, such as dealing with the Githyanki Creche, resolving the conflict in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and confronting the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate. Throughout these events, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute, either through direct dialogue choices or by supporting characters who are sympathetic to its cause. One of the most critical moments occurs when you confront the Elder Brain. At this point, you will have the option to either resist its influence or submit to it. Choosing to submit is the key decision that locks you into siding with the Absolute.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the gameÔÇÖs dialogue and decision-making systems. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options. Selecting the option to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power will trigger a sequence where your character becomes a vessel for its will. This decision is irreversible and will lead to a specific ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs domination is secured. The gameÔÇÖs narrative will reflect this choice, showing the consequences of your alignment with the Absolute, including the fate of your companions and the world at large.
When making this choice, itÔÇÖs important to consider the impact on your companions. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel and Shadowheart, may be more inclined to support the Absolute due to their personal beliefs and backgrounds. Others, such as Wyll and Karlach, will likely oppose this decision, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party. To minimize friction, you can try to persuade or manipulate your companions into accepting your choice, but this requires high Charisma and successful persuasion checks. Failing these checks may result in losing their loyalty or triggering hostile encounters.
One common mistake players make when attempting to side with the Absolute is not fully understanding the consequences of their actions. This choice locks you into a specific ending and can lead to the loss of certain companions or questlines. To avoid this, make sure to save your game before making the final decision, allowing you to explore alternative outcomes if desired. Additionally, players should be aware that siding with the Absolute may limit their ability to complete certain side quests or achieve specific achievements tied to opposing the Absolute.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include building a character with high Charisma and proficiency in persuasion or intimidation. This will make it easier to convince companions and NPCs to support your decision. Additionally, focusing on abilities and spells that enhance your control over others, such as Dominate Person or Command, can reinforce your alignment with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs authoritarian themes. From a roleplaying perspective, you can also lean into a morally ambiguous or evil character archetype, making choices throughout the game that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals and foreshadow your final decision.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the concept of siding with the Absolute reflects the alignment system, particularly the Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignments. These alignments prioritize order and control, often at the expense of individual freedom, which aligns with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs philosophy. The gameÔÇÖs implementation of these rules is reflected in the narrative consequences of your choices, as well as the mechanical benefits or penalties associated with certain actions. For example, using spells or abilities that manipulate or dominate others may be more effective when aligned with the Absolute, but they may also incur penalties or resistance from characters who value freedom and autonomy.
Specific examples of scenarios where siding with the Absolute becomes relevant include interactions with key NPCs like Ketheric Thorm, a major antagonist who serves the Absolute. By supporting his goals and aligning with his faction, you can gain his trust and access to unique rewards, but this also means betraying other factions and characters who oppose him. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where your choice to submit to its will determines the fate of the world and the ultimate resolution of the story.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration of the narrative, mechanical, and roleplaying implications. By understanding the mechanics involved, preparing your character and companions, and being aware of the consequences, you can successfully achieve this outcome and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs darker endings. Whether you choose to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power or resist it, this decision will shape your journey and leave a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.