What happens if I let the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, allowing the tadpole to control the Absolute in Act 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the game's ending and the fate of your character and companions. This choice is tied to the Illithid powers you gain throughout the game, which are influenced by your interactions with the tadpole in your brain. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how this choice works, the mechanics involved, and the steps to achieve it.

To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you must first embrace the Illithid powers offered to you throughout the game. These powers are granted by consuming tadpoles found in certain story moments or by interacting with the Dream Visitor, who encourages you to use these abilities. The more you use these powers, the more your character becomes influenced by the tadpole, leading to a critical decision point in Act 3.

The mechanics of this choice revolve around your characterÔÇÖs relationship with the tadpole. Early in the game, you are given the option to resist or embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. Resisting it means avoiding the use of Illithid powers, while embracing it involves consuming tadpoles and using the powers they grant. The more you use these powers, the more your character becomes aligned with the Illithid, which sets the stage for the final decision in Act 3.

To achieve this outcome, you need to consistently choose options that align with the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. This includes consuming tadpoles whenever they are offered, using Illithid powers in dialogue and combat, and siding with the Dream Visitor when they encourage you to embrace your transformation. By the time you reach Act 3, your character should have a high level of Illithid influence, which will unlock the option to let the tadpole take control of the Absolute.

When you reach the final stages of Act 3, you will face a critical decision point where you can choose to let the tadpole control the Absolute. This choice is presented during a key story moment, and it will only be available if you have fully embraced the Illithid powers throughout the game. If you have resisted the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, this option will not be available, and you will need to pursue other endings.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the consequences of this choice. Letting the tadpole control the Absolute will lead to a darker ending where your character becomes a thrall to the Illithid, and the world is plunged into chaos. This ending is irreversible, so itÔÇÖs important to consider the impact on your character and companions before making this choice. Additionally, some companions may disapprove of your decision, leading to potential conflicts or even their departure from your party.

Common mistakes to avoid include not fully committing to the Illithid path. If you only partially embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, you may not unlock the option to let it control the Absolute. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid resisting the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence if you want to achieve this ending, as resisting will lock you out of this choice.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve carefully planning your characterÔÇÖs progression to maximize Illithid influence. This includes choosing dialogue options that align with the tadpoleÔÇÖs goals, using Illithid powers in combat to gain an advantage, and consuming every tadpole you encounter. You can also optimize your character build to take full advantage of the Illithid powers, such as focusing on abilities that synergize with the powers granted by the tadpole.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of alignment and how it affects your characterÔÇÖs choices. In D&D, alignment represents a characterÔÇÖs moral and ethical stance, and embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence can shift your character towards a more chaotic or evil alignment. This shift can affect how NPCs and companions react to your character, as well as the overall tone of the story.

Specific examples and scenarios include moments where the Dream Visitor offers you tadpoles or encourages you to use Illithid powers. For instance, during a key story moment in Act 2, the Dream Visitor may offer you a powerful tadpole that grants significant abilities. Consuming this tadpole will greatly increase your Illithid influence and bring you closer to the option of letting the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 3.

In conclusion, letting the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful planning and commitment to the Illithid path. By embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, consuming tadpoles, and using Illithid powers, you can unlock this ending and experience a darker conclusion to the game. However, itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences and ensure that this choice aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and the story you want to tell.