What happens if I side with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 in 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 aligning yourself with its goals, which can lead to a darker, more oppressive ending for the world of Baldur's Gate. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and what to expect.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation in Act 3. This involves completing key quests such as dealing with the Netherbrain, the Elder Brain, and the various factions vying for control. Throughout the game, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute, such as through interactions with the Cult of the Absolute, the Chosen of the Absolute (Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash), and other related characters. Your choices in these interactions will influence your ability to side with the Absolute in the final battle.
One of the most critical moments occurs when you confront the Netherbrain. At this point, you will have the option to either resist its influence or embrace it. To side with the Absolute, you must choose to embrace the NetherbrainÔÇÖs power. This decision will trigger a series of events where you essentially become an agent of the Absolute, working to further its goals. The game will then shift to a final battle where you will fight alongside the forces of the Absolute against those who oppose it.
In terms of mechanics, siding with the Absolute will change the dynamics of the final battle. You will no longer be fighting against the Netherbrain and its minions but instead will be fighting against the resistance forces, including your former allies. This means that your party composition and combat strategies will need to adapt to this new reality. You may find yourself facing off against powerful characters like Jaheira, Minsc, and other companions who have chosen to resist the Absolute.
To prepare for this outcome, itÔÇÖs essential to build your character and party in a way that maximizes your effectiveness in combat. This includes selecting abilities and spells that can control the battlefield, deal significant damage, and protect your party from enemy attacks. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion and Deception can be useful in manipulating NPCs to your side, while a well-rounded party with a mix of melee and ranged fighters can handle the diverse threats youÔÇÖll face.
One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons, armor, and consumables. The final battle is challenging, and having the right gear can make a significant difference. Additionally, consider using buffs and debuffs strategically to gain an advantage over your enemies. Spells like Haste, Bless, and Hold Person can be game-changers in the heat of battle.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the strength of the resistance forces. Even though you are siding with the Absolute, the enemies you face will still be formidable. ItÔÇÖs crucial to approach the battle with a well-thought-out plan and to adapt your tactics as the situation evolves. For example, focusing on taking out high-priority targets like spellcasters and healers first can help you gain the upper hand.
Advanced techniques include using environmental factors to your advantage. The battlefield in the final confrontation is filled with hazards and interactive elements that can be used to deal damage or control enemy movements. For instance, you can use explosive barrels to create area-of-effect damage or push enemies into traps to incapacitate them. Additionally, positioning your party members strategically can help you control the flow of battle and protect your more vulnerable allies.
From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of the final battle are rooted in the 5th Edition ruleset. This means that abilities, spells, and combat actions follow the same principles as in the tabletop game. Understanding these rules can help you make more informed decisions during the battle. For example, knowing how opportunity attacks work can help you position your characters to avoid unnecessary damage, while understanding the effects of different conditions can help you exploit enemy weaknesses.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and using strategic combat tactics, you can successfully align yourself with the Absolute and shape the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate in a way that reflects your characterÔÇÖs journey. Whether you choose to embrace the darkness or resist it, the final battle is a climactic moment that will leave a lasting impression on your playthrough.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation in Act 3. This involves completing key quests such as dealing with the Netherbrain, the Elder Brain, and the various factions vying for control. Throughout the game, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute, such as through interactions with the Cult of the Absolute, the Chosen of the Absolute (Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash), and other related characters. Your choices in these interactions will influence your ability to side with the Absolute in the final battle.
One of the most critical moments occurs when you confront the Netherbrain. At this point, you will have the option to either resist its influence or embrace it. To side with the Absolute, you must choose to embrace the NetherbrainÔÇÖs power. This decision will trigger a series of events where you essentially become an agent of the Absolute, working to further its goals. The game will then shift to a final battle where you will fight alongside the forces of the Absolute against those who oppose it.
In terms of mechanics, siding with the Absolute will change the dynamics of the final battle. You will no longer be fighting against the Netherbrain and its minions but instead will be fighting against the resistance forces, including your former allies. This means that your party composition and combat strategies will need to adapt to this new reality. You may find yourself facing off against powerful characters like Jaheira, Minsc, and other companions who have chosen to resist the Absolute.
To prepare for this outcome, itÔÇÖs essential to build your character and party in a way that maximizes your effectiveness in combat. This includes selecting abilities and spells that can control the battlefield, deal significant damage, and protect your party from enemy attacks. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion and Deception can be useful in manipulating NPCs to your side, while a well-rounded party with a mix of melee and ranged fighters can handle the diverse threats youÔÇÖll face.
One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons, armor, and consumables. The final battle is challenging, and having the right gear can make a significant difference. Additionally, consider using buffs and debuffs strategically to gain an advantage over your enemies. Spells like Haste, Bless, and Hold Person can be game-changers in the heat of battle.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the strength of the resistance forces. Even though you are siding with the Absolute, the enemies you face will still be formidable. ItÔÇÖs crucial to approach the battle with a well-thought-out plan and to adapt your tactics as the situation evolves. For example, focusing on taking out high-priority targets like spellcasters and healers first can help you gain the upper hand.
Advanced techniques include using environmental factors to your advantage. The battlefield in the final confrontation is filled with hazards and interactive elements that can be used to deal damage or control enemy movements. For instance, you can use explosive barrels to create area-of-effect damage or push enemies into traps to incapacitate them. Additionally, positioning your party members strategically can help you control the flow of battle and protect your more vulnerable allies.
From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of the final battle are rooted in the 5th Edition ruleset. This means that abilities, spells, and combat actions follow the same principles as in the tabletop game. Understanding these rules can help you make more informed decisions during the battle. For example, knowing how opportunity attacks work can help you position your characters to avoid unnecessary damage, while understanding the effects of different conditions can help you exploit enemy weaknesses.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and using strategic combat tactics, you can successfully align yourself with the Absolute and shape the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate in a way that reflects your characterÔÇÖs journey. Whether you choose to embrace the darkness or resist it, the final battle is a climactic moment that will leave a lasting impression on your playthrough.