What happens if I let the Absolute control me in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of the Absolute is central to the story, and the game presents players with the opportunity to either resist or embrace its influence. Letting the Absolute control you is a significant narrative choice that can alter the course of the game and lead to unique outcomes. This choice is deeply tied to the game's main storyline and involves interactions with key characters, including the Mind Flayers and the Cult of the Absolute. Here is a detailed explanation of what happens if you choose to let the Absolute control you, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.
To let the Absolute control you, you must align yourself with the Cult of the Absolute, a powerful and mysterious organization that worships the Absolute. This choice is not made in a single moment but is instead a series of decisions that gradually lead you down this path. Early in the game, you will encounter the Cult of the Absolute and its followers, who will attempt to recruit you. You can choose to cooperate with them, either by pretending to be a loyal follower or by genuinely embracing their ideology. As you progress, you will face key moments where you can choose to submit to the Absolute's will, such as during interactions with the Tadpole in your brain or when dealing with the Cult's leaders.
One of the most critical moments occurs when you reach the Goblin Camp. Here, you will meet leaders of the Cult, such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. If you choose to side with them and help them achieve their goals, you will be taking a significant step toward letting the Absolute control you. For example, you can assist Minthara in her plans to attack the Druid Grove, which will result in the destruction of the Grove and the deaths of many innocent people. This act of violence and betrayal solidifies your allegiance to the Cult and the Absolute.
Another important moment comes when you encounter the Mind Flayers, who are closely connected to the Absolute. The Mind Flayers will offer you power in exchange for your submission, and you can choose to accept their gifts. This includes using the Tadpole's powers to enhance your abilities, which can make you stronger in combat but also brings you closer to becoming a Mind Flayer yourself. If you continue to embrace these powers, you will eventually reach a point where the Absolute's control over you is nearly complete.
Letting the Absolute control you has significant consequences for the story and your relationships with other characters. Many of your companions, such as Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll, will disapprove of your choices and may even leave your party if they feel you have gone too far. On the other hand, characters like Minthara and Astarion may support your decision, as they have their own reasons for aligning with the Cult. Your choices will also affect the game's ending, as submitting to the Absolute can lead to a darker outcome where the Cult's influence spreads across the land.
When making this choice, it is important to consider your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing as an evil or morally ambiguous character, embracing the Absolute may align with your goals. However, if you are playing as a good or heroic character, this choice may feel out of character and could lead to a less satisfying experience. Additionally, you should be aware of the long-term consequences of your actions, as some choices cannot be undone and will permanently alter the game world.
In terms of gameplay, letting the Absolute control you can provide certain advantages, such as access to powerful abilities and resources. However, it also comes with risks, as you may lose the trust of your companions and face greater challenges in the later stages of the game. To optimize your experience, you should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each decision and consider how they align with your overall strategy.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control you in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that can lead to a unique and darker narrative path. By aligning with the Cult of the Absolute and embracing the Tadpole's powers, you can gain significant advantages but also face serious consequences. This choice requires careful consideration of your character's alignment, motivations, and the potential impact on your companions and the game world. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate this path and experience a different side of Baldur's Gate 3's rich and branching story.
To let the Absolute control you, you must align yourself with the Cult of the Absolute, a powerful and mysterious organization that worships the Absolute. This choice is not made in a single moment but is instead a series of decisions that gradually lead you down this path. Early in the game, you will encounter the Cult of the Absolute and its followers, who will attempt to recruit you. You can choose to cooperate with them, either by pretending to be a loyal follower or by genuinely embracing their ideology. As you progress, you will face key moments where you can choose to submit to the Absolute's will, such as during interactions with the Tadpole in your brain or when dealing with the Cult's leaders.
One of the most critical moments occurs when you reach the Goblin Camp. Here, you will meet leaders of the Cult, such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. If you choose to side with them and help them achieve their goals, you will be taking a significant step toward letting the Absolute control you. For example, you can assist Minthara in her plans to attack the Druid Grove, which will result in the destruction of the Grove and the deaths of many innocent people. This act of violence and betrayal solidifies your allegiance to the Cult and the Absolute.
Another important moment comes when you encounter the Mind Flayers, who are closely connected to the Absolute. The Mind Flayers will offer you power in exchange for your submission, and you can choose to accept their gifts. This includes using the Tadpole's powers to enhance your abilities, which can make you stronger in combat but also brings you closer to becoming a Mind Flayer yourself. If you continue to embrace these powers, you will eventually reach a point where the Absolute's control over you is nearly complete.
Letting the Absolute control you has significant consequences for the story and your relationships with other characters. Many of your companions, such as Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll, will disapprove of your choices and may even leave your party if they feel you have gone too far. On the other hand, characters like Minthara and Astarion may support your decision, as they have their own reasons for aligning with the Cult. Your choices will also affect the game's ending, as submitting to the Absolute can lead to a darker outcome where the Cult's influence spreads across the land.
When making this choice, it is important to consider your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing as an evil or morally ambiguous character, embracing the Absolute may align with your goals. However, if you are playing as a good or heroic character, this choice may feel out of character and could lead to a less satisfying experience. Additionally, you should be aware of the long-term consequences of your actions, as some choices cannot be undone and will permanently alter the game world.
In terms of gameplay, letting the Absolute control you can provide certain advantages, such as access to powerful abilities and resources. However, it also comes with risks, as you may lose the trust of your companions and face greater challenges in the later stages of the game. To optimize your experience, you should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each decision and consider how they align with your overall strategy.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control you in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that can lead to a unique and darker narrative path. By aligning with the Cult of the Absolute and embracing the Tadpole's powers, you can gain significant advantages but also face serious consequences. This choice requires careful consideration of your character's alignment, motivations, and the potential impact on your companions and the game world. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate this path and experience a different side of Baldur's Gate 3's rich and branching story.