What happens if I let Gale explode in Baldur's Gate 3?

If you let Gale explode in Baldur's Gate 3, it results in a dramatic and game-changing event. Gale, a wizard companion, carries a dangerous secret: he has a Netherese Destruction Orb embedded in his chest, which he can detonate under extreme circumstances. This explosion is tied to his personal questline and can have significant consequences for your playthrough. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved in this event.

To trigger GaleÔÇÖs explosion, you must first progress his personal questline. Early in the game, Gale will reveal his condition and explain that he needs to consume magical artifacts to stabilize the orb. If you fail to provide him with these artifacts or make choices that push him toward desperation, he may eventually decide to detonate the orb. This decision is often tied to moments of high tension, such as when facing a powerful enemy or during critical story moments.

The mechanics of GaleÔÇÖs explosion are tied to the D&D 5E rules, specifically the concept of a catastrophic magical event. When Gale detonates, the explosion is massive, dealing immense damage to everything in a wide radius. This includes enemies, allies, and even the environment. The explosion is so powerful that it can instantly end combat encounters, but it also results in GaleÔÇÖs permanent death and can have far-reaching consequences for your party and the story.

To let Gale explode, you need to make specific dialogue choices that align with his growing desperation. For example, during conversations about his condition, you can encourage him to consider the orb as a last resort. Additionally, if you refuse to give him magical artifacts or fail to find them in time, he may reach a breaking point and decide to use the orb. This is more likely to happen if his approval of you is low, as he will feel less supported and more inclined to take drastic measures.

One important tip is to carefully manage your interactions with Gale. If you want to avoid the explosion, prioritize finding magical artifacts for him and maintain a positive relationship. However, if you are considering letting him explode, be prepared for the consequences. The explosion can be a strategic move in difficult battles, but it will permanently remove Gale from your party and may alter the story in unexpected ways.

A common mistake is underestimating the impact of GaleÔÇÖs explosion. While it can be a powerful tool in combat, it also eliminates a valuable companion and can disrupt your partyÔÇÖs balance. Additionally, the explosion may destroy important items or NPCs in the area, potentially locking you out of certain quests or rewards. Always weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding to let Gale explode.

Advanced techniques involve using GaleÔÇÖs explosion as a tactical nuke in specific scenarios. For example, if you are facing a particularly tough boss or a large group of enemies, positioning Gale in the center of the battlefield and triggering the explosion can turn the tide in your favor. However, this requires careful planning to ensure that your other party members are out of harmÔÇÖs way. You can also use GaleÔÇÖs explosion to bypass certain obstacles or destroy environmental hazards, but this is a high-risk strategy.

In terms of related D&D rules, GaleÔÇÖs explosion is akin to a high-level spell like Meteor Swarm or Wish, which can cause massive destruction. The Netherese orb is a unique artifact with its own set of rules, reflecting the ancient and dangerous magic of the Netherese empire. This ties into the lore of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 and the broader Forgotten Realms setting, adding depth to GaleÔÇÖs character and the stakes of his personal quest.

Specific examples of when GaleÔÇÖs explosion might be useful include the final battle of Act 2 or encounters with powerful foes like the Githyanki patrol. In these situations, the sheer power of the explosion can make the difference between victory and defeat. However, always consider the long-term impact on your story and party composition before making this choice.

In summary, letting Gale explode in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a high-stakes decision with significant consequences. It requires careful management of his personal questline and approval, as well as strategic planning to maximize its benefits. While it can be a powerful tool in combat, it also comes with risks that can alter your playthrough in unexpected ways. Always weigh the pros and cons before deciding to let Gale unleash the full power of the Netherese Destruction Orb.