How do I unlock the secret ending with the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3?
To unlock the secret ending involving the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to make specific choices throughout the game that align with the Absolute's goals and influence the outcome of the story. This ending is tied to the game's overarching narrative about the Mind Flayers, the Illithid Tadpole, and the power struggle between the Absolute and other factions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this ending, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the role of the Absolute in the story. The Absolute is a powerful entity connected to the Mind Flayers and their plans for domination. Throughout the game, youÔÇÖll encounter opportunities to either resist or embrace the influence of the Illithid Tadpole in your characterÔÇÖs brain. To unlock the secret ending, you must lean into the TadpoleÔÇÖs power and make choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs agenda. This means using the TadpoleÔÇÖs abilities, siding with factions that serve the Absolute, and making decisions that further the Mind FlayersÔÇÖ goals.
The first step is to embrace the Illithid TadpoleÔÇÖs powers early in the game. When you gain access to the TadpoleÔÇÖs abilities, such as Illithid Persuasion or Mind Blast, use them frequently. This will increase your connection to the Tadpole and open up dialogue options that allow you to align with the Absolute. Be cautious, as some companions may disapprove of this choice, but itÔÇÖs necessary for the secret ending. YouÔÇÖll also need to make specific story choices, such as siding with the Goblins in Act 1 and supporting the Cult of the Absolute. These decisions will set the stage for the final battle.
In Act 2, youÔÇÖll encounter the Nightsong, a key character tied to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans. To unlock the secret ending, you must spare the Nightsong and allow her to be taken by the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. This decision will have significant consequences later in the game, as it strengthens the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power. Additionally, you should avoid destroying the Mind Flayer colony in Act 2, as this will disrupt the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans and prevent you from achieving the secret ending.
As you progress to Act 3, youÔÇÖll face critical decisions that determine the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate and the Absolute. To unlock the secret ending, you must side with the Absolute during the final battle. This means refusing to destroy the Elder Brain and instead using the Netherstones to control it. To do this, youÔÇÖll need to have the Netherstones in your possession, which are obtained by defeating the Chosen of the Absolute: Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash. Ensure you collect all three Netherstones before the final battle.
During the final battle, youÔÇÖll have the option to use the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain. This is the key moment that unlocks the secret ending. To succeed, youÔÇÖll need to pass a series of skill checks, including Wisdom and Intelligence saves, to resist the Elder BrainÔÇÖs influence and assert control over it. If youÔÇÖve been using the TadpoleÔÇÖs powers throughout the game, these checks will be easier to pass. Once you dominate the Elder Brain, youÔÇÖll unlock the secret ending, where your character becomes a powerful servant of the Absolute, reshaping the world in the Mind FlayersÔÇÖ image.
Here are some important tips and considerations. First, ensure your character has high Wisdom and Intelligence stats, as these will help you pass the skill checks in the final battle. Second, build a party that complements your playstyle, focusing on characters who can support you in combat and dialogue. Third, avoid making choices that disrupt the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans, such as destroying the Mind Flayer colony or killing key characters like the Nightsong. Finally, save often and experiment with different dialogue options to see how they affect the story.
Common mistakes to avoid include resisting the TadpoleÔÇÖs powers, destroying the Mind Flayer colony, or siding against the Absolute in key moments. These choices will lock you out of the secret ending. Additionally, failing to collect all three Netherstones will prevent you from dominating the Elder Brain in the final battle.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your character build for high Wisdom and Intelligence, using Illithid powers strategically in combat, and carefully managing your relationships with companions to minimize disapproval. You can also explore hidden dialogue options by using Illithid Persuasion in key conversations, which can reveal more about the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans and unlock additional story paths.
In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of the Illithid Tadpole and the Elder Brain are based on the Mind Flayer lore from Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. The TadpoleÔÇÖs abilities, such as Mind Blast and Illithid Persuasion, are inspired by the Mind FlayerÔÇÖs psionic powers, while the Elder BrainÔÇÖs domination mechanics reflect its role as a central hive mind controlling the Illithid colony.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret ending with the Absolute requires careful planning, strategic choices, and a willingness to embrace the TadpoleÔÇÖs power. By following this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve this unique ending and experience a different side of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3ÔÇÖs rich narrative.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the role of the Absolute in the story. The Absolute is a powerful entity connected to the Mind Flayers and their plans for domination. Throughout the game, youÔÇÖll encounter opportunities to either resist or embrace the influence of the Illithid Tadpole in your characterÔÇÖs brain. To unlock the secret ending, you must lean into the TadpoleÔÇÖs power and make choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs agenda. This means using the TadpoleÔÇÖs abilities, siding with factions that serve the Absolute, and making decisions that further the Mind FlayersÔÇÖ goals.
The first step is to embrace the Illithid TadpoleÔÇÖs powers early in the game. When you gain access to the TadpoleÔÇÖs abilities, such as Illithid Persuasion or Mind Blast, use them frequently. This will increase your connection to the Tadpole and open up dialogue options that allow you to align with the Absolute. Be cautious, as some companions may disapprove of this choice, but itÔÇÖs necessary for the secret ending. YouÔÇÖll also need to make specific story choices, such as siding with the Goblins in Act 1 and supporting the Cult of the Absolute. These decisions will set the stage for the final battle.
In Act 2, youÔÇÖll encounter the Nightsong, a key character tied to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans. To unlock the secret ending, you must spare the Nightsong and allow her to be taken by the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. This decision will have significant consequences later in the game, as it strengthens the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power. Additionally, you should avoid destroying the Mind Flayer colony in Act 2, as this will disrupt the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans and prevent you from achieving the secret ending.
As you progress to Act 3, youÔÇÖll face critical decisions that determine the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate and the Absolute. To unlock the secret ending, you must side with the Absolute during the final battle. This means refusing to destroy the Elder Brain and instead using the Netherstones to control it. To do this, youÔÇÖll need to have the Netherstones in your possession, which are obtained by defeating the Chosen of the Absolute: Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash. Ensure you collect all three Netherstones before the final battle.
During the final battle, youÔÇÖll have the option to use the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain. This is the key moment that unlocks the secret ending. To succeed, youÔÇÖll need to pass a series of skill checks, including Wisdom and Intelligence saves, to resist the Elder BrainÔÇÖs influence and assert control over it. If youÔÇÖve been using the TadpoleÔÇÖs powers throughout the game, these checks will be easier to pass. Once you dominate the Elder Brain, youÔÇÖll unlock the secret ending, where your character becomes a powerful servant of the Absolute, reshaping the world in the Mind FlayersÔÇÖ image.
Here are some important tips and considerations. First, ensure your character has high Wisdom and Intelligence stats, as these will help you pass the skill checks in the final battle. Second, build a party that complements your playstyle, focusing on characters who can support you in combat and dialogue. Third, avoid making choices that disrupt the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans, such as destroying the Mind Flayer colony or killing key characters like the Nightsong. Finally, save often and experiment with different dialogue options to see how they affect the story.
Common mistakes to avoid include resisting the TadpoleÔÇÖs powers, destroying the Mind Flayer colony, or siding against the Absolute in key moments. These choices will lock you out of the secret ending. Additionally, failing to collect all three Netherstones will prevent you from dominating the Elder Brain in the final battle.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your character build for high Wisdom and Intelligence, using Illithid powers strategically in combat, and carefully managing your relationships with companions to minimize disapproval. You can also explore hidden dialogue options by using Illithid Persuasion in key conversations, which can reveal more about the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans and unlock additional story paths.
In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of the Illithid Tadpole and the Elder Brain are based on the Mind Flayer lore from Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. The TadpoleÔÇÖs abilities, such as Mind Blast and Illithid Persuasion, are inspired by the Mind FlayerÔÇÖs psionic powers, while the Elder BrainÔÇÖs domination mechanics reflect its role as a central hive mind controlling the Illithid colony.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret ending with the Absolute requires careful planning, strategic choices, and a willingness to embrace the TadpoleÔÇÖs power. By following this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve this unique ending and experience a different side of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3ÔÇÖs rich narrative.