What happens if I let Gale destroy the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?

If you choose to let Gale destroy the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3, it leads to a significant and dramatic ending for the game. This decision is tied to Gale's personal quest and his connection to the Netherese Orb within him. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved in this choice.

To achieve this ending, you must first ensure that Gale is in your party and that you have progressed his personal questline. GaleÔÇÖs quest revolves around the Netherese Orb, a powerful and dangerous artifact embedded in his chest. Throughout the game, Gale will seek ways to stabilize or remove the orb, but one of the options he presents is using the orbÔÇÖs destructive power to destroy the Netherbrain, the central antagonist of the game. This choice becomes available during the final stages of the game, specifically when you confront the Netherbrain in the climactic battle.

The mechanics of this choice involve dialogue options and narrative decisions. As you approach the endgame, Gale will express his willingness to sacrifice himself by detonating the orb to destroy the Netherbrain. This is a selfless act that can save the world but at the cost of GaleÔÇÖs life. To proceed with this option, you must support GaleÔÇÖs decision during key conversations. This involves choosing dialogue options that affirm his willingness to make the sacrifice and agreeing to let him carry out the plan when the moment arrives.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to achieve this outcome. First, ensure Gale is in your party and that you have built a strong relationship with him. This means gaining his approval through dialogue choices and actions that align with his values, such as showing respect for knowledge and magic. As you progress through the game, Gale will share more about his condition and the orb. During Act 3, you will reach a critical point where Gale discusses the possibility of using the orb to destroy the Netherbrain. You must encourage this idea and reassure him that it is the right choice.

When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, Gale will offer to use the orb. At this point, you must choose to let him proceed. This will trigger a cutscene where Gale channels the orbÔÇÖs power, resulting in a massive explosion that destroys the Netherbrain and ends the threat. However, this also means Gale will perish in the process.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the consequences of this choice. While it is a heroic and selfless act, it means losing Gale permanently. If you have a strong emotional attachment to Gale or rely on his abilities in combat, this can be a difficult decision. Additionally, this choice affects the overall ending of the game, as it resolves the main conflict in a way that prioritizes sacrifice over other potential solutions.

Common mistakes to avoid include not building a strong enough relationship with Gale, which might prevent him from offering this option. Additionally, failing to support his decision during key conversations can lock you out of this ending. ItÔÇÖs also important to consider the impact on your party composition, as losing Gale can leave a significant gap in your teamÔÇÖs capabilities, especially if he is your primary spellcaster.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve preparing your party for the final battle without Gale. This might include ensuring other characters can fill his role, such as having another character with strong spellcasting abilities or adjusting your strategy to compensate for his absence. Additionally, you can explore other endings and outcomes to see how they compare, as BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 offers multiple ways to resolve the main conflict.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of sacrifice and the use of powerful artifacts. In Dungeons & Dragons, artifacts like the Netherese Orb are often tied to significant narrative consequences, and using them can have both positive and negative effects. GaleÔÇÖs decision to use the orb aligns with the idea of a heroic sacrifice, a common theme in D&D storytelling.

Specific examples and scenarios include moments where Gale discusses the orbÔÇÖs potential and his willingness to use it. For instance, during a camp scene in Act 3, Gale might express his fears and hopes about the orb, giving you the opportunity to support his decision. Another example is the final battle, where GaleÔÇÖs offer to use the orb is a pivotal moment that can change the course of the game.

In summary, letting Gale destroy the Netherbrain is a powerful and emotional ending that highlights themes of sacrifice and heroism. To achieve this, you must build a strong relationship with Gale, support his decision throughout the game, and be prepared for the consequences of his sacrifice. This choice offers a unique and impactful conclusion to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, making it a memorable option for players who value narrative depth and character-driven storytelling.