What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climactic moments of the final act. It represents a path where you essentially surrender to the Absolute, allowing it to dominate the Netherbrain and, by extension, the world. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and navigating the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Along the way, you will encounter the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence repeatedly, and your choices will shape your relationship with this powerful entity. By the time you reach the final act, you will have the opportunity to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow the Absolute to take control.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue and decision-making during the final confrontation. When you face the Netherbrain, you will be presented with several options. One of these options is to let the Absolute dominate the Netherbrain. This choice is not immediately obvious, as it requires you to align yourself with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals throughout the game. You must have shown a willingness to cooperate with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and made decisions that favor their agenda. If you have consistently resisted the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, this option may not be available to you.
Once you choose to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, the game will transition into a cutscene where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power overwhelms the Netherbrain. This results in the Absolute gaining complete control over the Elder Brain, which in turn allows it to dominate the minds of everyone connected to the hive mind. The world falls under the AbsoluteÔÇÖs rule, and your character becomes a servant of this new order. This ending is considered one of the darker outcomes, as it leads to widespread oppression and loss of free will.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to pursue this path. First, you need to ensure that your character is aligned with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. This means making choices that favor the Cult of the Absolute and avoiding actions that directly oppose them. For example, siding with Minthara in the early game and supporting her plans can help you build a rapport with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. Additionally, you should avoid destroying key artifacts or killing important figures within the Cult, as this can close off the path to this ending.
A common mistake to avoid is assuming that this choice is simply a matter of selecting the right dialogue option at the end. The game tracks your decisions throughout the story, and your ability to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain depends on your previous actions. If you have consistently opposed the Absolute, you may find that this option is unavailable to you. Therefore, itÔÇÖs important to plan your choices carefully from the beginning if you want to achieve this outcome.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. For example, playing as a character with a high Charisma score can make it easier to persuade key NPCs to support the AbsoluteÔÇÖs agenda. Additionally, having companions like Minthara in your party can provide unique dialogue options and interactions that further your alignment with the Absolute. You should also focus on building relationships with characters who are sympathetic to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause, as this can open up new opportunities to advance your goals.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is a clear example of an evil-aligned choice, as it prioritizes power and control over freedom and individuality. The gameÔÇÖs mechanics are designed to reflect the consequences of such choices, and the ending you receive will reflect the moral path you have chosen.
In specific scenarios, this choice can lead to unique interactions with your companions. For example, if you have romanced a character like Shadowheart or LaeÔÇÖzel, their reactions to this decision will vary based on their personal beliefs and alignment. Shadowheart, who has her own struggles with faith and control, may be deeply conflicted by this choice, while LaeÔÇÖzel, who values strength and order, might see it as a necessary step toward achieving her goals. These interactions add depth to the story and highlight the personal consequences of your decisions.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and alignment with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. By understanding the mechanics involved, making strategic choices throughout the game, and considering the consequences for your companions and the world, you can achieve this unique and impactful ending.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and navigating the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Along the way, you will encounter the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence repeatedly, and your choices will shape your relationship with this powerful entity. By the time you reach the final act, you will have the opportunity to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow the Absolute to take control.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue and decision-making during the final confrontation. When you face the Netherbrain, you will be presented with several options. One of these options is to let the Absolute dominate the Netherbrain. This choice is not immediately obvious, as it requires you to align yourself with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals throughout the game. You must have shown a willingness to cooperate with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and made decisions that favor their agenda. If you have consistently resisted the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, this option may not be available to you.
Once you choose to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, the game will transition into a cutscene where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power overwhelms the Netherbrain. This results in the Absolute gaining complete control over the Elder Brain, which in turn allows it to dominate the minds of everyone connected to the hive mind. The world falls under the AbsoluteÔÇÖs rule, and your character becomes a servant of this new order. This ending is considered one of the darker outcomes, as it leads to widespread oppression and loss of free will.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to pursue this path. First, you need to ensure that your character is aligned with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. This means making choices that favor the Cult of the Absolute and avoiding actions that directly oppose them. For example, siding with Minthara in the early game and supporting her plans can help you build a rapport with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. Additionally, you should avoid destroying key artifacts or killing important figures within the Cult, as this can close off the path to this ending.
A common mistake to avoid is assuming that this choice is simply a matter of selecting the right dialogue option at the end. The game tracks your decisions throughout the story, and your ability to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain depends on your previous actions. If you have consistently opposed the Absolute, you may find that this option is unavailable to you. Therefore, itÔÇÖs important to plan your choices carefully from the beginning if you want to achieve this outcome.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. For example, playing as a character with a high Charisma score can make it easier to persuade key NPCs to support the AbsoluteÔÇÖs agenda. Additionally, having companions like Minthara in your party can provide unique dialogue options and interactions that further your alignment with the Absolute. You should also focus on building relationships with characters who are sympathetic to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause, as this can open up new opportunities to advance your goals.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is a clear example of an evil-aligned choice, as it prioritizes power and control over freedom and individuality. The gameÔÇÖs mechanics are designed to reflect the consequences of such choices, and the ending you receive will reflect the moral path you have chosen.
In specific scenarios, this choice can lead to unique interactions with your companions. For example, if you have romanced a character like Shadowheart or LaeÔÇÖzel, their reactions to this decision will vary based on their personal beliefs and alignment. Shadowheart, who has her own struggles with faith and control, may be deeply conflicted by this choice, while LaeÔÇÖzel, who values strength and order, might see it as a necessary step toward achieving her goals. These interactions add depth to the story and highlight the personal consequences of your decisions.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and alignment with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. By understanding the mechanics involved, making strategic choices throughout the game, and considering the consequences for your companions and the world, you can achieve this unique and impactful ending.