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

To achieve the best ending for the Harpers in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully navigate the story choices and combat encounters that directly impact their fate. The Harpers are a key faction in the game, and their survival and success are tied to your decisions during the Shadow-Cursed Lands arc. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to ensure the best outcome for them.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the context of Act 2. The Harpers are fighting against the forces of darkness, particularly the cult of the Absolute, which has taken control of the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Your primary goal is to help the Harpers survive and ultimately defeat the main antagonist of the act, Ketheric Thorm. To do this, you need to align yourself with the Harpers and make choices that strengthen their position.

The first major decision comes when you reach Last Light Inn, the Harpers' base of operations. Here, youÔÇÖll meet Jaheira, a key Harper leader. ItÔÇÖs crucial to gain her trust and support. To do this, you should agree to help the Harpers in their fight against the Absolute. This will open up several quests that are essential for the Harpers' survival. One of the most important quests is "Lift the Shadow Curse," which involves helping Halsin, a druid companion, to remove the curse plaguing the land. Completing this quest not only aids the Harpers but also strengthens your alliance with them.

During the quest "Infiltrate Moonrise Towers," youÔÇÖll need to gather information and allies to prepare for the final assault on Ketheric ThormÔÇÖs stronghold. ItÔÇÖs important to avoid unnecessary conflicts and to gather as much intelligence as possible. This includes rescuing prisoners from the towers, such as the tieflings and gnomes, as their survival can influence the Harpers' morale and resources. Additionally, you should avoid revealing your true intentions to the cultists, as this could lead to a premature confrontation that weakens the Harpers' position.

Combat plays a significant role in ensuring the Harpers' success. During the assault on Moonrise Towers, youÔÇÖll need to fight alongside the Harpers. To maximize their chances of survival, focus on protecting key Harper NPCs, such as Jaheira and other named characters. Use crowd control spells and abilities to manage enemy forces, and prioritize taking out high-threat targets like spellcasters and archers. Healing and support spells are also crucial to keep the Harpers in the fight.

One common mistake is neglecting to prepare adequately for the final battle. Make sure your party is well-equipped with potions, scrolls, and other consumables. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have a balanced party composition, with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities. This will allow you to adapt to different combat scenarios and provide the necessary support to the Harpers.

Advanced techniques include using environmental advantages during combat. For example, you can use chokepoints to funnel enemies into a concentrated area, making it easier to deal with them. Additionally, using stealth and ambush tactics can give you the upper hand in key encounters. Pay attention to the terrain and use it to your advantage, such as positioning your party on high ground for ranged attacks or using cover to avoid enemy fire.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, understanding the action economy is crucial. Each character has a limited number of actions, bonus actions, and reactions per turn. Efficiently using these can make a significant difference in combat. For example, using a bonus action to cast a healing spell or to reposition can save a Harper NPC from death. Similarly, using reactions to counter enemy attacks or to protect allies can turn the tide of battle.

Specific examples include the fight in the Moonrise Towers courtyard. Here, youÔÇÖll face a large number of enemies, including powerful cultists and undead. Using area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Spirit Guardians can quickly thin out enemy ranks. Additionally, focusing on protecting Jaheira and other key NPCs will ensure they survive to fight another day.

In conclusion, achieving the best ending for the Harpers in Act 2 requires a combination of strategic decision-making, careful combat tactics, and thorough preparation. By aligning yourself with the Harpers, completing key quests, and protecting their leaders during critical battles, you can ensure their survival and success. Pay attention to the details, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to optimize your chances of a favorable outcome.