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 achieve this ending, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align your character with the Absolute's goals, culminating in a pivotal moment during the final battle. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To side with the Absolute, you must first understand the narrative context. The Absolute is a powerful entity connected to the Mind Flayers, and its influence is felt throughout the game. Your character has a tadpole in their brain, which grants them powers but also ties them to the Absolute's will. As you progress through the story, you will encounter opportunities to embrace or resist the tadpole's influence. To side with the Absolute, you must consistently choose to embrace this power, making decisions that align with the Absolute's goals.

The first step is to embrace the tadpole's powers early in the game. When given the option to use the tadpole's abilities in dialogue or combat, choose to do so. This will increase your connection to the Absolute and unlock more powerful abilities. As you progress, you will encounter key moments where you can further align yourself with the Absolute. For example, in Act 2, you will meet the Absolute's chosen, who will offer you the chance to serve the Absolute. Accepting this offer is crucial to aligning yourself with the Absolute.

In Act 3, the final battle takes place in Baldur's Gate, where the fate of the city and its inhabitants hangs in the balance. During this battle, you will face off against powerful enemies, including those who oppose the Absolute. To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during the battle. When the opportunity arises to betray your allies and join forces with the Absolute, you must take it. This will involve turning against your companions and other factions that have been fighting against the Absolute.

One important tip is to ensure that your character is strong enough to survive the final battle. The final battle is challenging, and you will need a well-built character with optimized equipment and abilities. Focus on building a character with high damage output and survivability. Consider multiclassing to gain access to powerful abilities from multiple classes. For example, a Paladin/Warlock multiclass can be very effective, combining high damage with strong defensive capabilities.

Another consideration is the impact of your choices on your companions. Siding with the Absolute will likely result in the loss of your companions, as they will not support this decision. Be prepared for the emotional and narrative consequences of this choice. If you have built strong relationships with your companions, this decision will be particularly difficult. However, if your goal is to side with the Absolute, you must be willing to make this sacrifice.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully embrace the tadpole's powers early in the game. If you resist the tadpole's influence too often, you may not have the option to side with the Absolute in the final battle. Additionally, failing to optimize your character for the final battle can make it difficult to survive and achieve your desired outcome. Make sure to invest in powerful equipment and abilities that will give you an edge in combat.

Advanced techniques include using the tadpole's powers strategically in combat. The tadpole grants you access to unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. For example, the Mind Blast ability can stun multiple enemies, giving you a significant advantage. Use these abilities wisely to maximize their impact. Additionally, consider using consumables and buffs to enhance your character's performance in the final battle.

In terms of D&D rules, the tadpole's powers are based on the Mind Flayer's abilities from the 5th edition ruleset. These abilities include telepathy, mind control, and psychic damage. Understanding how these abilities work in the context of D&D can help you use them more effectively in the game. For example, psychic damage is particularly effective against enemies with low Wisdom saves, so prioritize targeting these enemies with your tadpole abilities.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can align with the Absolute include the encounter with the Absolute's chosen in Act 2. During this encounter, you will be given the choice to serve the Absolute or resist its influence. Choosing to serve the Absolute will set you on the path to siding with it in the final battle. Another key moment is during the final battle itself, where you will have the opportunity to betray your allies and join forces with the Absolute. This decision will determine the outcome of the game and the fate of Baldur's Gate.

In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in the final battle of Act 3 in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By embracing the tadpole's powers, making key narrative choices, and optimizing your character for combat, you can achieve this outcome and experience a unique ending to the game. Be prepared for the consequences of your choices, and use advanced techniques to maximize your chances of success.