Players are confused about whether to destroy or dominate the Elder Brain to conclude the game’s storyline in BG3.
Furthermore, the Player’s decision during the game plays a crucial role in giving them either good or evil endings.
Continue reading to gain more insights on how to dominate the Elder Brain in the endings of BG3 and become The Absolute.
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Can You Dominate The Elder Brain At First Encounter?
It is impossible to dominate the Elder Brain during your first encounter at the Caustic Brine Lake.
However, you can see the final check at DC99, the 2nd encounter with Netherbrain, which will allow you options to dominate it finally.
If, by chance, you manage a critical success (natural 20) at the first encounter, you will still not be able to dominate it.
Nonetheless, there will be a 10 percent decrease in its total health during the final battle.
Final Check At DC99 Against The Elder Brain
After your conversation with the Elder Brain, the Emperor will appear and drag you into the Astral Prism.
So, if you’re afraid of failing these roles, failure is not punished.
Inside the Astral Prism, you’ll make your final game-changing decision before the battle.
The decision is to choose either the Emperor or Orpheus to become The Absolute, else you can decide to choose the third option as well.
Guide To Baldur’s Gate 3 Endings
At the end of Baldur’s Gate 3 story, you will have to select whether you want to kill the brain or dominate it to become The Absolute.
The Crown of Karsus is a valuable piece of gems merged that has the power to kill and dominate the Elder Brain.
- Good ending: Command the Elder Brain to destroy itself along with the Illithid tadpoles.
- Evil ending: Dominate the Elder Brain and become the Absolute.
1. Destroy The Elder Brain: The Good Ending
In the good ending of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Netherbrain crashes into the sea before detonating.
With the Mind Flayers in disarray, the town’s people rise and eliminate them.
Your group watches from the harbor as the sun sets, marking farewells and new beginnings.
Note that players with Dark Urge tendencies who overcame their murderous inclinations and those who commanded the Netherbrain to self-destruct will also experience this ending.
2. Dominate The Elder Brain: The Evil Ending
It’s worth noting that the evil choice may involve the option to harm or kill your Illithid ally.
For Baldur’s Gate 3’s evil ending, your character must become The Absolute by dominating the Netherbrain.
This may involve the elimination of a Mind Flayer ally, such as the Emperor, Orpheus, or even Karlach.
I. Battle Against The Elder Brain
During the battle with the Netherbrain, it will resist the Chains Of Karsus, so you must defeat it before it breaks free using a Guilding bolt.
After you defeat the Elder Brain, it will ask you to reconsider killing her and voice for surrender.
The Netherbrain will ask you to spare her, join her to wield her and become The Absolute.
II. Betray Orpheus And Take The Crown
The Elder will now be on the cusp of her final thought, and it’s taking all of Orpheus’s strength to keep it there.
Furthermore, Orpheus has The Crown of Karsus that he can use to dominate the brain and become invincible.
You can seize this as an opportunity to Betray Orpheus so that you can use the crown to dominate the brain and wield it to your aid.
III. Kill Orpheus With The Sword
If you want to dominate the Elder Brain and become The Absolute, press the second option on your screen.
Moreover, roll the dice to gain strength, Melee weapon proficiency, Bless, the mask of soul perception, and the legacy of the masters.
Likewise, get the elixir of heroism to succeed in betraying and killing Orpheus.
Now, your character will charge straight at Orpheus with a sword, stabbing him three times in the chest and one to his neck to kill him.
Becoming The Absolute In BG3 Endings
The three stones merged into the crown will come to your hand, so use it to dominate the elder brain.
You can now conquer, rule, and command with Netherbrain becoming The Absolute.
However, all the companions of your group will be shocked and get mad at you for betraying your companion.
Still, you can make them part of your design by dominating their minds to your will.
1. Evolve As The Leader Of A New Illithid Empire
Finally, you will march towards the throne, sit on it, and become The Absolute in BG3.
Besides, your group cheers for you despite being furious, as you have gained control over their brain.
In the distance, other Illithids levitate while more Nautiloids appear, marking the dawn of a new Illithid Empire with you as its leader.
2. The End Of BG3 Storyline: A Touch Of Bhaal
If you worship Bhaal or are one of the Dark Urge players who rejected the god’s gift, you will say In my name.
However, if you remain aligned with the Lord of Murder, you will say in Bhaal’s name, and the story ends.
This ending does not include companion scenes in the harbor, the scene with Withers, or a moment with your romantic interest.
The Bottom Line
In BG3, getting a particular ending can be challenging but not impossible.
Your decisions shape the outcomes, like how you handled the companion quest and crucial decisions in the story.
Thus, follow the guide in this article to get the ending you desire in Baldur’s Gate 3.
