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 involving the Mind Flayers, the Absolute, and the fate of Baldur's Gate itself. To understand how to achieve this outcome, it is important to first grasp the context of the story and the mechanics involved in making this choice.
The Absolute is a powerful entity that has been manipulating events throughout the game, using the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles to control and corrupt individuals. By the time you reach the final battle, you will have encountered numerous factions and characters who are either aligned with or opposed to the Absolute. The final battle takes place in the heart of Baldur's Gate, where the fate of the city and its inhabitants hangs in the balance.
To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the game. One of the most critical moments occurs during the confrontation with the Elder Brain, the central intelligence behind the Absolute. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or submit to its will. Choosing to submit to the Elder Brain is the key decision that aligns you with the Absolute.
The mechanics of this choice involve dialogue options and narrative triggers. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue choices. To side with the Absolute, you must select the options that indicate your willingness to join forces with the Elder Brain. This will trigger a sequence where your character becomes a thrall of the Absolute, effectively ending the game with a dark and ominous outcome.
Step-by-step instructions for achieving this outcome are as follows. First, ensure that you have progressed through the main story quests leading up to the final battle. This includes completing key quests such as "The Pale Elf," "The Githyanki Warrior," and "The Absolute's Power." These quests will provide you with the necessary context and information to make an informed decision.
When you reach the final battle, focus on reaching the Elder Brain. This will involve navigating through a series of combat encounters and environmental challenges. Use your party's abilities and resources effectively to overcome these obstacles. Once you reach the Elder Brain, engage in the dialogue sequence and choose the options that align you with the Absolute.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the consequences of your choice. Siding with the Absolute will result in a dark ending where your character and your companions are subjugated by the Elder Brain. This outcome is irreversible and will lock you into this ending. Consider the impact on your companions and the world of Baldur's Gate before making this decision.
Common mistakes to avoid include misinterpreting the dialogue options or failing to reach the Elder Brain. Ensure that you are paying close attention to the narrative cues and making choices that align with your desired outcome. Additionally, be prepared for the combat challenges leading up to the final confrontation, as failing to overcome these obstacles will prevent you from reaching the Elder Brain.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve building your character and party to handle the final battle effectively. Focus on abilities and spells that can control the battlefield and deal with multiple enemies. Consider using crowd control spells like Hypnotic Pattern or Wall of Fire to manage the enemy forces. Additionally, ensure that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons and armor to withstand the intense combat.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of mind control and domination, which are central to the Absolute's power. In D&D 5E, creatures like Mind Flayers have abilities that allow them to dominate and control other beings. Understanding these mechanics can help you appreciate the narrative significance of siding with the Absolute and the implications for your character and companions.
Specific examples and scenarios include the interactions with key characters like Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Astarion. These companions have their own personal quests and motivations that may influence your decision to side with the Absolute. For example, Shadowheart's connection to Shar and Lae'zel's loyalty to the Githyanki may create conflicts if you choose to align with the Absolute. Consider how your choice will affect these relationships and the overall narrative.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration of the narrative and mechanical elements of the game. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the consequences of your choice, you can achieve this dark and compelling ending to Baldur's Gate 3.
The Absolute is a powerful entity that has been manipulating events throughout the game, using the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles to control and corrupt individuals. By the time you reach the final battle, you will have encountered numerous factions and characters who are either aligned with or opposed to the Absolute. The final battle takes place in the heart of Baldur's Gate, where the fate of the city and its inhabitants hangs in the balance.
To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the game. One of the most critical moments occurs during the confrontation with the Elder Brain, the central intelligence behind the Absolute. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or submit to its will. Choosing to submit to the Elder Brain is the key decision that aligns you with the Absolute.
The mechanics of this choice involve dialogue options and narrative triggers. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue choices. To side with the Absolute, you must select the options that indicate your willingness to join forces with the Elder Brain. This will trigger a sequence where your character becomes a thrall of the Absolute, effectively ending the game with a dark and ominous outcome.
Step-by-step instructions for achieving this outcome are as follows. First, ensure that you have progressed through the main story quests leading up to the final battle. This includes completing key quests such as "The Pale Elf," "The Githyanki Warrior," and "The Absolute's Power." These quests will provide you with the necessary context and information to make an informed decision.
When you reach the final battle, focus on reaching the Elder Brain. This will involve navigating through a series of combat encounters and environmental challenges. Use your party's abilities and resources effectively to overcome these obstacles. Once you reach the Elder Brain, engage in the dialogue sequence and choose the options that align you with the Absolute.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the consequences of your choice. Siding with the Absolute will result in a dark ending where your character and your companions are subjugated by the Elder Brain. This outcome is irreversible and will lock you into this ending. Consider the impact on your companions and the world of Baldur's Gate before making this decision.
Common mistakes to avoid include misinterpreting the dialogue options or failing to reach the Elder Brain. Ensure that you are paying close attention to the narrative cues and making choices that align with your desired outcome. Additionally, be prepared for the combat challenges leading up to the final confrontation, as failing to overcome these obstacles will prevent you from reaching the Elder Brain.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve building your character and party to handle the final battle effectively. Focus on abilities and spells that can control the battlefield and deal with multiple enemies. Consider using crowd control spells like Hypnotic Pattern or Wall of Fire to manage the enemy forces. Additionally, ensure that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons and armor to withstand the intense combat.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of mind control and domination, which are central to the Absolute's power. In D&D 5E, creatures like Mind Flayers have abilities that allow them to dominate and control other beings. Understanding these mechanics can help you appreciate the narrative significance of siding with the Absolute and the implications for your character and companions.
Specific examples and scenarios include the interactions with key characters like Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Astarion. These companions have their own personal quests and motivations that may influence your decision to side with the Absolute. For example, Shadowheart's connection to Shar and Lae'zel's loyalty to the Githyanki may create conflicts if you choose to align with the Absolute. Consider how your choice will affect these relationships and the overall narrative.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration of the narrative and mechanical elements of the game. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the consequences of your choice, you can achieve this dark and compelling ending to Baldur's Gate 3.