How do I unlock the secret ending with the Illithid in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?
To unlock the secret ending involving the Illithid in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to make specific choices and follow a particular path that aligns with the Illithid's influence and power. This ending is tied to the game's overarching narrative about the Mind Flayers and the parasite in your character's head. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this ending, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand that the secret Illithid ending is heavily influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly those related to the parasite and the Illithid powers. From the very beginning, you will encounter opportunities to embrace or resist the parasite. To unlock the secret ending, you need to fully embrace the Illithid powers and make choices that align with the Mind Flayers' agenda. This means consistently choosing dialogue options and actions that show your willingness to use the parasiteÔÇÖs powers and side with the Illithid.
In Act 1, you will encounter the Dream Visitor, who will offer you the chance to use the parasiteÔÇÖs powers. To set the stage for the secret ending, you should always choose to use these powers when given the opportunity. This includes using the Illithid Wisdom ability in dialogue and combat. Additionally, you should consume the tadpoles you find throughout the game to enhance your Illithid powers. Each tadpole you consume increases your connection to the Illithid, which is crucial for the secret ending.
In Act 2, you will face more significant choices that will determine your path. One of the key moments is when you encounter the Mind Flayer colony. Here, you will have the option to fully embrace the Illithid transformation. To unlock the secret ending, you must choose to undergo the transformation. This decision will permanently change your character and grant you powerful Illithid abilities, but it will also lock you into the path that leads to the secret ending. Be aware that this choice is irreversible, so make sure you are committed to this path before proceeding.
As you progress into Act 3, your choices will continue to shape the outcome. You will encounter the Elder Brain, which is the central antagonist of the game. To unlock the secret ending, you must side with the Elder Brain and use your Illithid powers to dominate it. This requires a high level of Illithid power, so make sure you have consumed enough tadpoles and used your Illithid abilities consistently throughout the game. When you face the Elder Brain, choose the dialogue options that allow you to assert your dominance and take control of the Brain. This will lead to the secret ending where you become the new ruler of the Illithid.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a high Charisma score, as many of the dialogue options that lead to the secret ending require successful Charisma checks. Additionally, itÔÇÖs a good idea to have a character build that complements the Illithid powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, as these classes benefit greatly from the additional abilities. Be cautious of companions who may disapprove of your choices, as their loyalty can affect the outcome. If you want to ensure the secret ending, it may be necessary to dismiss or ignore companions who are resistant to the Illithid influence.
Common mistakes to avoid include resisting the Illithid powers or failing to consume enough tadpoles. If you do not fully embrace the Illithid transformation, you will not be able to unlock the secret ending. Additionally, be careful not to make choices that align with other factions, such as the Githyanki or the Absolute, as these can lead to different endings.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your character build to maximize the benefits of the Illithid powers. For example, combining the Illithid abilities with spells like Dominate Person or Mind Blast can make you incredibly powerful in combat. You can also use the Illithid powers to manipulate NPCs and gain advantages in dialogue and quests.
In terms of D&D rules, the Illithid powers in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 are based on the Mind Flayer abilities from the 5th Edition rules. These include abilities like Mind Blast, which deals psychic damage and stuns enemies, and Dominate Person, which allows you to control an enemyÔÇÖs actions. The game expands on these abilities, giving you unique powers that are tied to the parasite.
Specific examples of scenarios where you need to make crucial choices include the encounter with the Dream Visitor in Act 1, where you must choose to use the Illithid powers, and the confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3, where you must assert your dominance. Each of these moments is pivotal in determining whether you unlock the secret ending.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret Illithid ending in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a commitment to embracing the parasiteÔÇÖs powers and making choices that align with the Mind Flayers. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can achieve this unique and powerful ending.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand that the secret Illithid ending is heavily influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly those related to the parasite and the Illithid powers. From the very beginning, you will encounter opportunities to embrace or resist the parasite. To unlock the secret ending, you need to fully embrace the Illithid powers and make choices that align with the Mind Flayers' agenda. This means consistently choosing dialogue options and actions that show your willingness to use the parasiteÔÇÖs powers and side with the Illithid.
In Act 1, you will encounter the Dream Visitor, who will offer you the chance to use the parasiteÔÇÖs powers. To set the stage for the secret ending, you should always choose to use these powers when given the opportunity. This includes using the Illithid Wisdom ability in dialogue and combat. Additionally, you should consume the tadpoles you find throughout the game to enhance your Illithid powers. Each tadpole you consume increases your connection to the Illithid, which is crucial for the secret ending.
In Act 2, you will face more significant choices that will determine your path. One of the key moments is when you encounter the Mind Flayer colony. Here, you will have the option to fully embrace the Illithid transformation. To unlock the secret ending, you must choose to undergo the transformation. This decision will permanently change your character and grant you powerful Illithid abilities, but it will also lock you into the path that leads to the secret ending. Be aware that this choice is irreversible, so make sure you are committed to this path before proceeding.
As you progress into Act 3, your choices will continue to shape the outcome. You will encounter the Elder Brain, which is the central antagonist of the game. To unlock the secret ending, you must side with the Elder Brain and use your Illithid powers to dominate it. This requires a high level of Illithid power, so make sure you have consumed enough tadpoles and used your Illithid abilities consistently throughout the game. When you face the Elder Brain, choose the dialogue options that allow you to assert your dominance and take control of the Brain. This will lead to the secret ending where you become the new ruler of the Illithid.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a high Charisma score, as many of the dialogue options that lead to the secret ending require successful Charisma checks. Additionally, itÔÇÖs a good idea to have a character build that complements the Illithid powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, as these classes benefit greatly from the additional abilities. Be cautious of companions who may disapprove of your choices, as their loyalty can affect the outcome. If you want to ensure the secret ending, it may be necessary to dismiss or ignore companions who are resistant to the Illithid influence.
Common mistakes to avoid include resisting the Illithid powers or failing to consume enough tadpoles. If you do not fully embrace the Illithid transformation, you will not be able to unlock the secret ending. Additionally, be careful not to make choices that align with other factions, such as the Githyanki or the Absolute, as these can lead to different endings.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your character build to maximize the benefits of the Illithid powers. For example, combining the Illithid abilities with spells like Dominate Person or Mind Blast can make you incredibly powerful in combat. You can also use the Illithid powers to manipulate NPCs and gain advantages in dialogue and quests.
In terms of D&D rules, the Illithid powers in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 are based on the Mind Flayer abilities from the 5th Edition rules. These include abilities like Mind Blast, which deals psychic damage and stuns enemies, and Dominate Person, which allows you to control an enemyÔÇÖs actions. The game expands on these abilities, giving you unique powers that are tied to the parasite.
Specific examples of scenarios where you need to make crucial choices include the encounter with the Dream Visitor in Act 1, where you must choose to use the Illithid powers, and the confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3, where you must assert your dominance. Each of these moments is pivotal in determining whether you unlock the secret ending.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret Illithid ending in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a commitment to embracing the parasiteÔÇÖs powers and making choices that align with the Mind Flayers. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can achieve this unique and powerful ending.