What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is one of the most significant and morally complex choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climactic moments of the main questline. It represents a pivotal moment where you decide the fate of the world, your companions, and yourself. To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path that involves aligning with the Absolute, a powerful and malevolent force that seeks to dominate all life. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this ending, along with important considerations and strategies.
First, to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must align yourself with the Absolute's goals throughout the game. This means making choices that support the Absolute's influence and power. Early in the game, you will encounter the Mind Flayers and the Tadpole that has been implanted in your brain. Instead of resisting the Tadpole's influence, you should embrace it. This involves using the Tadpole's powers whenever possible and making decisions that align with the Absolute's agenda. For example, when interacting with characters like the Githyanki or the followers of the Absolute, you should choose dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate with their plans.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter key moments where you can further align with the Absolute. One such moment is during the Goblin Camp questline. Here, you can choose to side with the Goblins and their leaders, who are loyal to the Absolute. By helping them eliminate the Druids and Tieflings at the Emerald Grove, you strengthen the Absolute's hold on the region. This decision will have significant consequences for your companions, as some may disapprove or even leave your party if they disagree with your choices. It is important to consider the impact on your relationships with your companions, as their loyalty and support can be crucial in the final battles.
Another critical moment occurs when you reach the Moonrise Towers. This location serves as a stronghold for the Absolute's followers, and your actions here will determine your alignment with the Absolute. To achieve the ending where the Absolute controls the Elder Brain, you should work with Ketheric Thorm, the leader of the Absolute's forces at Moonrise Towers. By assisting him and his allies, you further solidify your position within the Absolute's hierarchy. This may involve completing quests that advance the Absolute's goals, such as retrieving powerful artifacts or eliminating threats to their plans.
As you approach the endgame, you will face the Elder Brain, a massive and ancient entity that serves as the source of the Absolute's power. At this point, you will have the opportunity to make a final decision about the fate of the Elder Brain. To let the Absolute control it, you must choose to side with the Absolute and use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can influence the Elder Brain. By wielding the Netherstones, you can assert control over the Elder Brain and allow the Absolute to dominate the world. This decision will lead to an ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked, and you become a key figure in its new order.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this ending. First, be aware that aligning with the Absolute will alienate many of your companions, especially those who value freedom and individuality. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin may strongly oppose your choices and could leave your party or even turn against you. It is important to manage your relationships carefully and consider the impact of your decisions on your party dynamics.
Additionally, embracing the Tadpole's powers and using them frequently will grant you access to powerful abilities, but it also comes with risks. The more you use the Tadpole, the closer you come to transforming into a Mind Flayer. This transformation can have significant consequences for your character and the story, so it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully commit to the Absolute's agenda. If you waver in your support or make choices that undermine the Absolute's goals, you may not be able to achieve the ending where the Absolute controls the Elder Brain. Consistency in your decisions and actions is key to achieving this outcome.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the Tadpole's powers. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your mental and psychic capabilities can make you more effective in combat and dialogue situations. Additionally, forming alliances with powerful NPCs who support the Absolute can provide valuable resources and support in the final battles.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Tadpole's powers and the Elder Brain's influence are rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their psionic abilities. Understanding the rules related to psionics and mind control can help you make informed decisions about how to use these powers effectively. The Netherstones, which play a crucial role in controlling the Elder Brain, are unique artifacts with specific rules and properties that are central to the game's narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you must use the Netherstones to assert control. This moment is a culmination of all your choices and actions throughout the game, and it requires careful planning and strategy. By aligning with the Absolute and making decisions that support its goals, you can achieve an ending where the Absolute's influence reigns supreme, shaping the future of the world in its image.
First, to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must align yourself with the Absolute's goals throughout the game. This means making choices that support the Absolute's influence and power. Early in the game, you will encounter the Mind Flayers and the Tadpole that has been implanted in your brain. Instead of resisting the Tadpole's influence, you should embrace it. This involves using the Tadpole's powers whenever possible and making decisions that align with the Absolute's agenda. For example, when interacting with characters like the Githyanki or the followers of the Absolute, you should choose dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate with their plans.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter key moments where you can further align with the Absolute. One such moment is during the Goblin Camp questline. Here, you can choose to side with the Goblins and their leaders, who are loyal to the Absolute. By helping them eliminate the Druids and Tieflings at the Emerald Grove, you strengthen the Absolute's hold on the region. This decision will have significant consequences for your companions, as some may disapprove or even leave your party if they disagree with your choices. It is important to consider the impact on your relationships with your companions, as their loyalty and support can be crucial in the final battles.
Another critical moment occurs when you reach the Moonrise Towers. This location serves as a stronghold for the Absolute's followers, and your actions here will determine your alignment with the Absolute. To achieve the ending where the Absolute controls the Elder Brain, you should work with Ketheric Thorm, the leader of the Absolute's forces at Moonrise Towers. By assisting him and his allies, you further solidify your position within the Absolute's hierarchy. This may involve completing quests that advance the Absolute's goals, such as retrieving powerful artifacts or eliminating threats to their plans.
As you approach the endgame, you will face the Elder Brain, a massive and ancient entity that serves as the source of the Absolute's power. At this point, you will have the opportunity to make a final decision about the fate of the Elder Brain. To let the Absolute control it, you must choose to side with the Absolute and use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can influence the Elder Brain. By wielding the Netherstones, you can assert control over the Elder Brain and allow the Absolute to dominate the world. This decision will lead to an ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked, and you become a key figure in its new order.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this ending. First, be aware that aligning with the Absolute will alienate many of your companions, especially those who value freedom and individuality. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin may strongly oppose your choices and could leave your party or even turn against you. It is important to manage your relationships carefully and consider the impact of your decisions on your party dynamics.
Additionally, embracing the Tadpole's powers and using them frequently will grant you access to powerful abilities, but it also comes with risks. The more you use the Tadpole, the closer you come to transforming into a Mind Flayer. This transformation can have significant consequences for your character and the story, so it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully commit to the Absolute's agenda. If you waver in your support or make choices that undermine the Absolute's goals, you may not be able to achieve the ending where the Absolute controls the Elder Brain. Consistency in your decisions and actions is key to achieving this outcome.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the Tadpole's powers. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your mental and psychic capabilities can make you more effective in combat and dialogue situations. Additionally, forming alliances with powerful NPCs who support the Absolute can provide valuable resources and support in the final battles.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Tadpole's powers and the Elder Brain's influence are rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their psionic abilities. Understanding the rules related to psionics and mind control can help you make informed decisions about how to use these powers effectively. The Netherstones, which play a crucial role in controlling the Elder Brain, are unique artifacts with specific rules and properties that are central to the game's narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you must use the Netherstones to assert control. This moment is a culmination of all your choices and actions throughout the game, and it requires careful planning and strategy. By aligning with the Absolute and making decisions that support its goals, you can achieve an ending where the Absolute's influence reigns supreme, shaping the future of the world in its image.