How do I unlock the secret quest with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?

To unlock the secret quest involving the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a specific sequence of events and make certain choices that align with the game's narrative. This quest is deeply tied to the main storyline and involves interactions with key characters, including your companions and the antagonists. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand that the Absolute is a central figure in the gameÔÇÖs plot, representing a powerful force that influences many of the events in the story. In Act 3, the city of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate becomes the focal point, and the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence is more pronounced. To unlock the secret quest, you need to have progressed through the main storylines in Acts 1 and 2, making choices that align with uncovering the truth about the Absolute.

The first step is to ensure that you have gathered enough information about the Absolute by interacting with key NPCs and completing related quests. In Act 1, you should have encountered the goblin camp and the druid grove, where you learn about the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence over the goblins and the druids. In Act 2, the Shadow-Cursed Lands provide more clues, especially through interactions with the Harpers and the Thorm family. By the time you reach Act 3, you should have a solid understanding of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs role in the story.

Once in Act 3, head to the Lower City of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. Here, you will find various factions and characters who are either aligned with or opposed to the Absolute. One of the key locations is the Elfsong Tavern, where you can gather information from patrons and NPCs. Speak to everyone you can, as some of them will provide hints about the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans and whereabouts.

Next, you need to locate the House of Hope, a hidden location that serves as a stronghold for the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers. To find it, you must first obtain a key item called the Infernal Puzzle Box. This item can be acquired by completing a side quest involving a devil named Raphael. Raphael can be found in the DevilÔÇÖs Fee, a shop in the Lower City. He will offer you a deal to retrieve the puzzle box from the House of Hope in exchange for information about the Absolute.

To enter the House of Hope, you need to use the puzzle box to unlock a portal. The portal is located in a hidden area of the Lower City, near the docks. Once inside, you will face various challenges, including traps and powerful enemies. The House of Hope is a dungeon-like area with multiple levels, and you will need to navigate through it carefully. Use stealth and combat tactics to overcome the obstacles.

Inside the House of Hope, you will find crucial information about the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans and the true nature of the tadpoles in your head. This information is key to unlocking the secret quest. You will also encounter a powerful boss named Haarlep, who guards the final piece of information. Defeating Haarlep requires careful planning and strong combat strategies. Make sure your party is well-prepared with healing items, buffs, and powerful spells.

After defeating Haarlep and obtaining the information, you will have the option to confront the Absolute directly. This confrontation takes place in the Upper City, where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs main stronghold is located. The final battle is intense and requires a well-coordinated party. Use your knowledge of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs weaknesses and strengths to your advantage.

Throughout this quest, itÔÇÖs important to make choices that align with your characterÔÇÖs alignment and goals. The decisions you make will affect the outcome of the quest and the overall story. For example, siding with certain factions or characters can lead to different endings. Pay attention to dialogue options and choose wisely.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the quest without gathering enough information, neglecting to prepare your party for tough battles, and making hasty decisions without considering the consequences. Take your time to explore and interact with the environment, as there are many hidden clues and items that can aid you.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your partyÔÇÖs build and equipment. Make sure each character has a role and is equipped with the best gear available. Use spells and abilities that complement each other, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to experiment with different strategies.

In terms of D&D rules, the quest involves mechanics such as skill checks, combat encounters, and role-playing decisions. Understanding the rules for these mechanics can help you navigate the quest more effectively. For example, high Perception and Investigation skills can help you find hidden items and clues, while strong combat abilities are essential for defeating tough enemies.

Specific examples include using stealth to avoid traps in the House of Hope, using crowd control spells to manage multiple enemies, and leveraging your partyÔÇÖs strengths in the final battle. Each decision and action you take will shape the outcome of the quest and the story.

In conclusion, unlocking the secret quest with the Absolute in Act 3 requires careful planning, thorough exploration, and strategic decision-making. By following the steps outlined above and paying attention to the details, you can successfully uncover the truth about the Absolute and influence the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate.