How do I get the best ending for the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?

To achieve the best ending for the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to align yourself with the forces of the Absolute, which primarily involves the goblins and their leaders. This path requires careful decision-making, strategic alliances, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the story. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to navigate this path effectively.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics involved. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful entity that has taken control of the goblins and other creatures in the region. To align with the Absolute, you need to gain the trust of the goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each of these characters has their own quests and requirements, and youÔÇÖll need to complete their tasks to prove your loyalty.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how you can achieve this. Start by making your way to the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. Upon arrival, youÔÇÖll need to navigate the social dynamics of the camp. Speak with Priestess Gut first. She will offer to help you with your tadpole problem, but this comes at a cost. Agree to her terms and follow her to a secluded area. Be prepared for a fight, as she will try to subdue you. Defeat her, but make sure to do so discreetly to avoid alerting the entire camp.

Next, approach Dror Ragzlin. He is the warlord of the goblins and commands significant respect. To gain his trust, youÔÇÖll need to complete a task for him. He will ask you to investigate the dead mind flayer in the temple. Use your tadpole powers to communicate with the mind flayer and gather information. Report back to Dror Ragzlin with your findings. This will earn his favor and move you closer to aligning with the Absolute.

Finally, seek out Minthara. She is a drow paladin and a key figure in the goblin hierarchy. To gain her trust, youÔÇÖll need to assist her in attacking the Druid Grove. This is a critical decision, as it will permanently alter your relationship with the tieflings and druids. Agree to her plan and participate in the assault on the grove. This will solidify your alliance with the goblins and the Absolute.

Important tips and considerations include managing your reputation with the goblins. Avoid actions that could make them hostile, such as attacking them or stealing from their camp. Additionally, be mindful of your partyÔÇÖs reactions. Some companions, like Wyll and Karlach, may disapprove of your choices, which could lead to conflicts or even them leaving your party. Consider the long-term consequences of your actions, as aligning with the Absolute will lock you into a specific narrative path.

Common mistakes to avoid include being too hasty in your decisions. Rushing through the goblin camp without carefully considering your actions can lead to unintended consequences. Also, avoid revealing your true intentions too early. The goblins are suspicious by nature, and any sign of betrayal could result in a hostile confrontation.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve leveraging your tadpole powers to manipulate the goblins. Use your Illithid Wisdom to influence their decisions and gain their trust more easily. Additionally, consider your character build. A character with high Charisma and proficiency in Deception or Persuasion will have an easier time navigating the social dynamics of the goblin camp.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of Charisma-based skills like Persuasion, Deception, and Intimidation. These skills are crucial for convincing the goblin leaders of your loyalty. Additionally, the gameÔÇÖs alignment system will shift based on your choices, so be prepared for your characterÔÇÖs alignment to change as you embrace the darker aspects of the story.

Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with Priestess Gut. If you fail to defeat her discreetly, the entire camp will turn hostile, making it nearly impossible to complete your objectives. Another example is the assault on the Druid Grove. This is a pivotal moment that will determine your alignment with the Absolute. Successfully leading the attack will cement your place among the goblins and set the stage for the rest of the game.

In conclusion, achieving the best ending for the Absolute in Act 1 requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the story. By following these steps and considering the tips and strategies outlined, you can successfully align yourself with the Absolute and shape the narrative to your advantage.