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

In Baldur's Gate 3, Gale is a companion who has a unique and dangerous condition tied to his backstory. Gale is a wizard who, due to a past mistake, has a Netherese Orb embedded in his chest. This orb requires him to consume magical artifacts periodically to stabilize it. If he fails to do so, the orb becomes unstable, and Gale has the potential to explode, causing massive destruction. Letting Gale explode is a significant story event with far-reaching consequences, and it is important to understand the mechanics, strategies, and implications of this choice.

To let Gale explode, you must first recruit him early in the game. Gale can be found near the Roadside Cliffs waypoint, where he is trapped in a magical sigil. Interacting with him and passing a series of skill checks will allow you to free him and recruit him into your party. Once Gale is part of your group, you will need to manage his condition by providing him with magical artifacts when he requests them. These artifacts are rare and valuable, so you must decide whether to give them to Gale or keep them for other purposes.

The key to letting Gale explode is to ignore his requests for magical artifacts. When Gale asks for an artifact, you have the option to refuse. If you refuse multiple times, the orb in his chest will become increasingly unstable. Eventually, Gale will warn you that the orb is on the verge of detonation. At this point, you can choose to let him explode, which will trigger a catastrophic event.

The explosion caused by Gale is massive and will result in the immediate death of all characters in the vicinity, including your party members and any nearby enemies. This event is essentially a game over scenario, as it wipes out your party and ends the game. However, it is also a unique and dramatic way to conclude your playthrough, and it can be an interesting choice for players who want to explore the darker aspects of the story.

There are several important considerations to keep in mind if you decide to let Gale explode. First, this choice is irreversible, and it will end your game. Make sure you are prepared for this outcome before proceeding. Second, the explosion will destroy any items or loot in the area, so you will lose access to valuable resources. Third, this choice will have a significant impact on your relationships with other companions, as they will react negatively to your decision to let Gale die in such a dramatic fashion.

In terms of advanced techniques, there are a few ways to optimize this choice if you are determined to see it through. One strategy is to ensure that Gale is in a location where the explosion will cause the most damage, such as a crowded area with many enemies. This can be a way to take out a large number of foes in one fell swoop, though it will still result in the death of your party. Another strategy is to use Gale's explosion as a last resort in a difficult battle, turning a potential defeat into a mutual destruction scenario.

From a D&D rules perspective, Gale's condition and the mechanics of his explosion are unique to Baldur's Gate 3 and do not have direct parallels in the tabletop game. However, the concept of a character with a dangerous and unstable magical condition is a common trope in fantasy storytelling, and it adds a layer of tension and drama to the game.

In summary, letting Gale explode in Baldur's Gate 3 is a dramatic and irreversible choice that will end your game. It requires you to ignore his requests for magical artifacts and allow the orb in his chest to become unstable. This choice has significant consequences, including the death of your party and the loss of valuable resources. While it is not a practical strategy for progressing through the game, it can be an interesting way to explore the darker aspects of the story and create a memorable ending to your playthrough.