How do I unlock the secret ending with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?
To unlock the secret ending involving the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to make specific choices and follow a particular path that aligns with the Absolute's influence. This ending is tied to the game's main storyline and requires careful decision-making throughout the game, especially in Act 3. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this ending.
First, it is important to understand the mechanics involved. The Absolute is a central figure in the game's narrative, representing a powerful force that seeks to dominate the world. To unlock the secret ending, you must align yourself with the Absolute and make choices that further its goals. This involves siding with certain factions, making morally ambiguous decisions, and completing specific quests that contribute to the Absolute's rise to power.
Step-by-step instructions to achieve this ending begin in Act 1. Early in the game, you will encounter the Cult of the Absolute. It is crucial to avoid outright hostility towards them. Instead, try to infiltrate their ranks by pretending to be one of them. This can be done by using deception or persuasion checks during dialogues. In Act 2, you will face more significant decisions. When you reach Moonrise Towers, you will have the opportunity to side with Ketheric Thorm, a key figure in the Cult of the Absolute. To unlock the secret ending, you must support Ketheric and help him achieve his goals. This means completing quests that strengthen his position and weaken his enemies.
In Act 3, the path to the secret ending becomes more defined. You will need to make choices that align with the Absolute's agenda. One critical moment occurs when you confront the Elder Brain. Instead of trying to destroy it, you must choose to control it. This decision is pivotal and will lead you down the path to the secret ending. To do this, you need to have gathered the necessary artifacts and knowledge throughout the game. These include the Netherstones, which are essential for controlling the Elder Brain. Make sure to collect all three Netherstones by the time you reach this point in the story.
Important tips and considerations include managing your party's alignment and relationships. Some companions may disapprove of your choices to side with the Absolute, so be prepared for potential conflicts. It is advisable to have a party that is either neutral or evil-aligned, as they are more likely to support your decisions. Additionally, pay attention to dialogue options and skill checks that allow you to manipulate situations in your favor. High Charisma and proficiency in Deception or Persuasion can be very useful.
Common mistakes to avoid include being too aggressive towards the Cult of the Absolute early in the game. If you openly oppose them, you may lock yourself out of the secret ending. Another mistake is failing to collect all three Netherstones. Without them, you cannot control the Elder Brain, which is a requirement for the secret ending. Also, be cautious about your choices in Act 2. If you side against Ketheric Thorm, you will not be able to proceed with the secret ending.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve carefully planning your character build and party composition. A character with high Charisma and proficiency in social skills will have an easier time navigating the necessary dialogues and checks. Additionally, consider the abilities and spells that can help you in combat and exploration, as some quests may require you to fight or sneak past enemies.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of skill checks and alignment. In D&D 5E, skill checks like Deception and Persuasion are crucial for influencing NPCs and altering the course of the story. Your character's alignment can also affect how NPCs react to you and the choices available to you. In Baldur's Gate 3, these mechanics are implemented to create a dynamic and responsive narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. When you first meet him, you have the option to either fight him or join him. Choosing to join him is essential for the secret ending. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3. Here, you must choose to control it rather than destroy it. This decision will lead to the secret ending where you and the Absolute dominate the world.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret ending with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, specific choices, and a willingness to align with morally ambiguous forces. By following the steps outlined above, managing your party's alignment, and making the right decisions at key moments, you can achieve this unique and powerful ending.
First, it is important to understand the mechanics involved. The Absolute is a central figure in the game's narrative, representing a powerful force that seeks to dominate the world. To unlock the secret ending, you must align yourself with the Absolute and make choices that further its goals. This involves siding with certain factions, making morally ambiguous decisions, and completing specific quests that contribute to the Absolute's rise to power.
Step-by-step instructions to achieve this ending begin in Act 1. Early in the game, you will encounter the Cult of the Absolute. It is crucial to avoid outright hostility towards them. Instead, try to infiltrate their ranks by pretending to be one of them. This can be done by using deception or persuasion checks during dialogues. In Act 2, you will face more significant decisions. When you reach Moonrise Towers, you will have the opportunity to side with Ketheric Thorm, a key figure in the Cult of the Absolute. To unlock the secret ending, you must support Ketheric and help him achieve his goals. This means completing quests that strengthen his position and weaken his enemies.
In Act 3, the path to the secret ending becomes more defined. You will need to make choices that align with the Absolute's agenda. One critical moment occurs when you confront the Elder Brain. Instead of trying to destroy it, you must choose to control it. This decision is pivotal and will lead you down the path to the secret ending. To do this, you need to have gathered the necessary artifacts and knowledge throughout the game. These include the Netherstones, which are essential for controlling the Elder Brain. Make sure to collect all three Netherstones by the time you reach this point in the story.
Important tips and considerations include managing your party's alignment and relationships. Some companions may disapprove of your choices to side with the Absolute, so be prepared for potential conflicts. It is advisable to have a party that is either neutral or evil-aligned, as they are more likely to support your decisions. Additionally, pay attention to dialogue options and skill checks that allow you to manipulate situations in your favor. High Charisma and proficiency in Deception or Persuasion can be very useful.
Common mistakes to avoid include being too aggressive towards the Cult of the Absolute early in the game. If you openly oppose them, you may lock yourself out of the secret ending. Another mistake is failing to collect all three Netherstones. Without them, you cannot control the Elder Brain, which is a requirement for the secret ending. Also, be cautious about your choices in Act 2. If you side against Ketheric Thorm, you will not be able to proceed with the secret ending.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve carefully planning your character build and party composition. A character with high Charisma and proficiency in social skills will have an easier time navigating the necessary dialogues and checks. Additionally, consider the abilities and spells that can help you in combat and exploration, as some quests may require you to fight or sneak past enemies.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of skill checks and alignment. In D&D 5E, skill checks like Deception and Persuasion are crucial for influencing NPCs and altering the course of the story. Your character's alignment can also affect how NPCs react to you and the choices available to you. In Baldur's Gate 3, these mechanics are implemented to create a dynamic and responsive narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. When you first meet him, you have the option to either fight him or join him. Choosing to join him is essential for the secret ending. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3. Here, you must choose to control it rather than destroy it. This decision will lead to the secret ending where you and the Absolute dominate the world.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret ending with the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, specific choices, and a willingness to align with morally ambiguous forces. By following the steps outlined above, managing your party's alignment, and making the right decisions at key moments, you can achieve this unique and powerful ending.