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. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, along with important considerations and strategies.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final stages of Act 3. This involves completing key quests, such as dealing with the Netherbrain, the Elder Brain, and the various factions vying for control. As you approach the climax, you will be presented with a critical decision point where you can choose to either resist the Absolute or embrace its power. To side with the Absolute, you must actively choose to support its agenda during pivotal moments in the story.
One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is the influence of the Tadpole, the parasitic entity that connects you to the Absolute. Throughout the game, you are given opportunities to either resist or embrace the powers granted by the Tadpole. Embracing these powers increases your connection to the Absolute and makes it easier to justify siding with it in the final battle. Conversely, resisting the Tadpole's influence makes it more difficult to align with the Absolute, as your character will have developed a stronger sense of independence and resistance to its control.
To ensure you are in a position to side with the Absolute, you should prioritize choices that align with its goals. This includes supporting characters and factions that are sympathetic to the Absolute, such as the Cult of the Absolute or other groups that seek to exploit its power. Additionally, you should avoid actions that undermine the Absolute's influence, such as aiding its enemies or destroying key artifacts that empower it. Your dialogue choices and interactions with key NPCs will also play a role in determining your alignment with the Absolute, so be mindful of how you respond to their offers and demands.
In the final battle, siding with the Absolute will require you to make a decisive choice during a critical moment. This typically involves a dialogue or interaction where you must declare your allegiance. Once you make this choice, the game will shift to reflect your new alignment, and the story will progress accordingly. It is important to note that this decision is irreversible, so be sure you are committed to this path before proceeding.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when choosing to side with the Absolute. First, be aware that this choice will likely alienate certain companions and factions, particularly those who are opposed to the Absolute's goals. Characters like Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll may react negatively to your decision, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party. Additionally, siding with the Absolute may lock you out of certain quests and storylines that are tied to resisting its influence.
Common mistakes to avoid include making inconsistent choices throughout the game that weaken your connection to the Absolute. For example, if you spend most of the game resisting the Tadpole's influence and then suddenly decide to side with the Absolute in the final battle, the narrative may feel disjointed and unsatisfying. To avoid this, try to maintain a consistent approach to your choices, either fully embracing or resisting the Absolute's influence from the beginning.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the Tadpole's powers to gain an advantage in combat and dialogue. The Tadpole grants unique abilities that can be used to manipulate enemies, control the battlefield, and sway NPCs to your side. By mastering these abilities, you can strengthen your position and make it easier to justify siding with the Absolute. Additionally, consider building your character around abilities that complement the Tadpole's powers, such as high Charisma for persuasion or Intelligence for mind control.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Tadpole's influence can be seen as a form of corruption or alignment shift. In traditional D&D terms, siding with the Absolute would likely result in an alignment change towards evil, as you are embracing a force that seeks to dominate and control others. This can have implications for your character's interactions with the world and other characters, as well as their overall moral standing.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you are given the choice to use the Tadpole's powers to influence others or gain an advantage. For instance, during a key confrontation with a powerful enemy, you may be given the option to use the Tadpole to dominate their mind and force them to submit. Choosing to do so not only strengthens your connection to the Absolute but also demonstrates your willingness to embrace its methods. Similarly, in dialogue with NPCs, you may be given the option to use the Tadpole to manipulate their thoughts and actions, further solidifying your alignment with the Absolute.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration and consistent choices throughout the game. By embracing the Tadpole's powers, supporting sympathetic factions, and making decisive choices at critical moments, you can align yourself with the Absolute and shape the fate of Baldur's Gate in a darker direction. Be mindful of the consequences, both for your character and the world around you, and prepare for the challenges that come with this path.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final stages of Act 3. This involves completing key quests, such as dealing with the Netherbrain, the Elder Brain, and the various factions vying for control. As you approach the climax, you will be presented with a critical decision point where you can choose to either resist the Absolute or embrace its power. To side with the Absolute, you must actively choose to support its agenda during pivotal moments in the story.
One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is the influence of the Tadpole, the parasitic entity that connects you to the Absolute. Throughout the game, you are given opportunities to either resist or embrace the powers granted by the Tadpole. Embracing these powers increases your connection to the Absolute and makes it easier to justify siding with it in the final battle. Conversely, resisting the Tadpole's influence makes it more difficult to align with the Absolute, as your character will have developed a stronger sense of independence and resistance to its control.
To ensure you are in a position to side with the Absolute, you should prioritize choices that align with its goals. This includes supporting characters and factions that are sympathetic to the Absolute, such as the Cult of the Absolute or other groups that seek to exploit its power. Additionally, you should avoid actions that undermine the Absolute's influence, such as aiding its enemies or destroying key artifacts that empower it. Your dialogue choices and interactions with key NPCs will also play a role in determining your alignment with the Absolute, so be mindful of how you respond to their offers and demands.
In the final battle, siding with the Absolute will require you to make a decisive choice during a critical moment. This typically involves a dialogue or interaction where you must declare your allegiance. Once you make this choice, the game will shift to reflect your new alignment, and the story will progress accordingly. It is important to note that this decision is irreversible, so be sure you are committed to this path before proceeding.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when choosing to side with the Absolute. First, be aware that this choice will likely alienate certain companions and factions, particularly those who are opposed to the Absolute's goals. Characters like Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll may react negatively to your decision, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party. Additionally, siding with the Absolute may lock you out of certain quests and storylines that are tied to resisting its influence.
Common mistakes to avoid include making inconsistent choices throughout the game that weaken your connection to the Absolute. For example, if you spend most of the game resisting the Tadpole's influence and then suddenly decide to side with the Absolute in the final battle, the narrative may feel disjointed and unsatisfying. To avoid this, try to maintain a consistent approach to your choices, either fully embracing or resisting the Absolute's influence from the beginning.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the Tadpole's powers to gain an advantage in combat and dialogue. The Tadpole grants unique abilities that can be used to manipulate enemies, control the battlefield, and sway NPCs to your side. By mastering these abilities, you can strengthen your position and make it easier to justify siding with the Absolute. Additionally, consider building your character around abilities that complement the Tadpole's powers, such as high Charisma for persuasion or Intelligence for mind control.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Tadpole's influence can be seen as a form of corruption or alignment shift. In traditional D&D terms, siding with the Absolute would likely result in an alignment change towards evil, as you are embracing a force that seeks to dominate and control others. This can have implications for your character's interactions with the world and other characters, as well as their overall moral standing.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you are given the choice to use the Tadpole's powers to influence others or gain an advantage. For instance, during a key confrontation with a powerful enemy, you may be given the option to use the Tadpole to dominate their mind and force them to submit. Choosing to do so not only strengthens your connection to the Absolute but also demonstrates your willingness to embrace its methods. Similarly, in dialogue with NPCs, you may be given the option to use the Tadpole to manipulate their thoughts and actions, further solidifying your alignment with the Absolute.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration and consistent choices throughout the game. By embracing the Tadpole's powers, supporting sympathetic factions, and making decisive choices at critical moments, you can align yourself with the Absolute and shape the fate of Baldur's Gate in a darker direction. Be mindful of the consequences, both for your character and the world around you, and prepare for the challenges that come with this path.