How do I get the best ending for the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?

To achieve the best ending for the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully navigate the story choices and align yourself with the forces of the Absolute. This involves making decisions that favor the Absolute's agenda, manipulating key characters, and ensuring that your actions contribute to the Absolute's dominance. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics involved. The Absolute is a powerful entity that seeks to control the minds of the people and expand its influence. In Act 2, you will encounter several key moments where your choices can either support or hinder the Absolute's goals. These moments include interactions with the cultists, the Nightsong, and the Thorm family. Your decisions in these encounters will determine whether you align with the Absolute or oppose it.

To start, you should ensure that your character is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. This means having a strong party composition with a mix of combat and utility skills. A character with high Charisma and Persuasion can be particularly useful, as many of the key decisions involve dialogue checks. Additionally, having a character with high Wisdom and Insight can help you navigate the complex moral dilemmas you will face.

When you arrive in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, you will encounter the cultists of the Absolute. It is important to gain their trust and avoid conflict with them. This can be done by completing their quests and siding with them in key moments. For example, when you meet the cultist leader, you should express your loyalty to the Absolute and agree to help them in their mission. This will open up opportunities to further align yourself with the Absolute.

One of the most critical moments in Act 2 is the encounter with the Nightsong. The Nightsong is a powerful entity that can either be a great ally or a formidable enemy. To achieve the best ending for the Absolute, you should ensure that the Nightsong is under the control of the Absolute. This can be done by convincing the Nightsong to join the Absolute or by defeating it in combat and bringing it under the Absolute's influence. This will significantly strengthen the Absolute's power and bring you closer to achieving its goals.

Another important aspect is dealing with the Thorm family. The Thorm family is a powerful force in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and their actions can greatly impact the Absolute's plans. To align with the Absolute, you should support the Thorm family in their endeavors and avoid actions that would weaken their position. This includes helping them maintain control over the region and ensuring that their enemies are dealt with swiftly.

Throughout Act 2, you will also encounter various moral dilemmas and choices that can affect your alignment with the Absolute. It is important to consistently choose options that favor the Absolute's agenda. This means prioritizing the Absolute's goals over personal gain or the well-being of others. For example, when faced with the choice to save a group of innocent people or further the Absolute's plans, you should choose the latter.

There are several common mistakes to avoid when trying to achieve the best ending for the Absolute. One mistake is being too aggressive or confrontational with the cultists. This can lead to unnecessary conflicts and make it harder to gain their trust. Another mistake is failing to properly manage your party's resources and abilities. The challenges in Act 2 can be quite difficult, and it is important to ensure that your party is well-equipped and prepared for combat.

Advanced techniques and optimizations can also help you achieve the best ending for the Absolute. One technique is to use stealth and deception to manipulate key characters and events. For example, you can use stealth to avoid unnecessary fights and deception to gain the trust of the cultists. Another optimization is to carefully manage your party's abilities and spells to maximize their effectiveness in combat. This includes using crowd control spells to disable enemies and buffing spells to enhance your party's abilities.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, it is important to understand how alignment and reputation work in the game. Your alignment with the Absolute is influenced by your actions and decisions, and it can affect how other characters perceive and interact with you. Additionally, the game uses a reputation system that tracks your standing with various factions and characters. Maintaining a high reputation with the cultists and the Absolute is crucial for achieving the best ending.

Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate how to achieve the best ending for the Absolute. For instance, when you encounter the Nightsong, you can use Persuasion to convince it to join the Absolute. This requires a high Charisma score and successful dialogue checks. Another example is when dealing with the Thorm family, you can use Insight to understand their motivations and make decisions that align with their goals.

In conclusion, achieving the best ending for the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a strong alignment with the Absolute's goals. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can navigate the complex narrative and ensure that the Absolute's dominance is secured.