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 overarching narrative of the Mind Flayer tadpole and the Absolute's control over the world. 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 tadpole in your 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 its goals.

The first step is to embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers early in the game. When you gain access to the Illithid Powers menu, choose to use them frequently. This will unlock more powerful abilities and increase your connection to the Absolute. Avoid resisting the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, as this will lock you out of the secret ending. Additionally, when given the option to consume more tadpoles to enhance your powers, do so. This will further strengthen your bond with the Absolute and open up new dialogue options and story paths.

Next, align yourself with factions that serve the Absolute. This includes the Cult of the Absolute and other groups that are under its control. When interacting with these factions, choose dialogue options that show your loyalty to the Absolute. For example, when dealing with Minthara, a key figure in the Cult of the Absolute, side with her and support her plans. This will deepen your connection to the Absolute and set the stage for the secret ending.

As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll encounter key moments where you must make decisions that impact the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans. One such moment is during the confrontation with the Githyanki. The Githyanki are enemies of the Mind Flayers and the Absolute, so siding with them will work against your goal of unlocking the secret ending. Instead, choose to oppose the Githyanki and support the AbsoluteÔÇÖs interests. This will further solidify your alignment with the Absolute and bring you closer to the secret ending.

In the final act of the game, youÔÇÖll face a critical decision that determines the outcome of the story. When you reach the final battle, youÔÇÖll have the option to either destroy the Absolute or embrace its power. To unlock the secret ending, choose to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power. This will trigger a series of events where you fully submit to the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence and become a vessel for the Absolute. The game will then transition to the secret ending, where you see the consequences of your choices and the AbsoluteÔÇÖs ultimate victory.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while pursuing this ending. First, make sure to consistently use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers and avoid resisting its influence. This is crucial for maintaining your connection to the Absolute. Second, always choose dialogue options that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, even if they seem morally questionable. Third, be mindful of your interactions with key characters like Minthara and the Githyanki, as these will have a significant impact on your ability to unlock the secret ending.

Common mistakes to avoid include resisting the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence, siding with factions that oppose the Absolute, and making choices that undermine the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plans. These actions will lock you out of the secret ending and lead to a different outcome. Additionally, failing to use the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers consistently can weaken your connection to the Absolute and prevent you from unlocking the necessary story paths.

Advanced techniques and optimizations can help you achieve the secret ending more efficiently. For example, focusing on a character build that enhances your Illithid Powers can make it easier to embrace the tadpoleÔÇÖs influence. Classes like the Sorcerer or Warlock, which have abilities that synergize with the tadpoleÔÇÖs powers, are particularly effective. Additionally, optimizing your party composition to include characters who support your alignment with the Absolute can make the final battle easier and increase your chances of success.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the secret ending is tied to the concept of alignment and the consequences of your choices. In D&D, alignment represents a characterÔÇÖs moral and ethical stance, and the choices you make in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 reflect this. By aligning yourself with the Absolute, you are essentially choosing an evil or chaotic path, which has specific consequences in the gameÔÇÖs narrative. Understanding these mechanics can help you make informed decisions and achieve the desired outcome.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Minthara in Act 1, where you must choose whether to side with her or oppose her. Siding with Minthara and supporting her plans will strengthen your connection to the Absolute. Another key moment is the encounter with the Githyanki in Act 2, where you must decide whether to oppose them or seek their help. Choosing to oppose the Githyanki and support the AbsoluteÔÇÖs interests is crucial for unlocking the secret ending.

In conclusion, unlocking the secret ending with the Absolute in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a deliberate and consistent approach to embracing the tadpoleÔÇÖs power and aligning yourself with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. By following the steps outlined above, avoiding common mistakes, and optimizing your character build and party composition, you can achieve this unique and impactful ending.