The Ultimate Guide to Optimal Playthrough Choices in Baldur's Gate 3

Highlights

Saving the Emerald Grove is the best course of action as it preserves important vendors, NPCs, and quest-givers for Act 2, while destroying it locks off content and romances.

Protecting Isobel in the battle at Last Light Inn is absolutely crucial, as her capture or death would result in the demise of everyone in the Inn and the loss of the opportunity to lift the curse. However, it is highly advisable to spare Nightsong, an aasimar and the daughter of Selune, as she plays a pivotal role in lifting the Shadow Curse and ultimately defeating Ketheric. Killing her solely for Shadowheart's quest would not be wise.

Baldur's Gate 3 boasts an extensive amount of content, offering numerous quests that require players to make critical decisions. These choices have far-reaching consequences, as characters reappear in later stages and are influenced by earlier decisions. This element of the game can be anxiety-inducing, as seemingly insignificant choices can turn out to be pivotal moments in the storyline.

While there isn't a definitive "perfect" playthrough in Baldur's Gate 3, certain decisions yield better outcomes due to the rewards they offer, the impact they have on the game world, or the additional content they unlock. Similarly, many decisions result in a playthrough where the player consistently aligns with the forces of good.

Save the Grove and the Tieflings

Saving the Emerald Grove: The Definitive Choice for Act 2 Progression

Protect Isobel

Isobel, a devoted follower of Selune, comes across as a cleric with an intriguing aura in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. One would be surprised to discover the extent of her profound associations with Ketheric Thorm and the Nightsong. These secrets, however, remain concealed within her, compelled by the pressing need for discretion. Within the walls of Last Light Inn, Isobel has ingeniously established a sanctuary that effectively safeguards against the encroaching curse.

Spare Nightsong

Her association with Thorm leads to the invasion of Last Light Inn, initiating a troublesome battle worsened by the interference of the AI. Despite her apparent indifference towards her own survival, it is crucial to persistently reload until the battle concludes with her remaining alive and fully conscious. The consequences of her capture or demise are dire, resulting in the death of everyone within the Inn and the complete loss of any chance to lift the curse.

The search for the Nightsong begins as early as the goblin camp in Act 1, but it is only in the final moments of Act 2 that the true identity of the Nightsong is revealed: she is an aasimar, and the daughter of the moon goddess Selune. Shadowheart's mission to become a Dark Justiciar forces her to confront the decision of killing the Nightsong, but it is actually more beneficial to spare her, as she holds the key to breaking the Shadow-Curse and defeating Ketheric.

Lift the Shadow-Curse

The lands surrounding Moonrise Towers are plagued by the Shadow Curse, a deadly enchantment created by Shar. Anyone who lingers in this cursed area is killed and transformed into undead minions. The curse has also affected Thaniel, the nature spirit who once ruled over the land. However, there is hope for lifting the curse. Important choices must be made in Acts 1 and 2.

Firstly, Halsin, who is trapped in the goblin camp, needs to be rescued in order to save the Grove. Once Halsin joins the camp, he will share his expertise on how to break the Shadow Curse. In the Shadow-Cursed Lands, there is a comatose Flaming Fist soldier named Art Cullagh at Last Light Inn. To awaken him, a lute found on Malus Thorm in the House of Healing must be used. Art Cullagh will reveal that he saw Thaniel in the Shadowfell, Shar's realm. Consequently, Thaniel must be rescued, and his other half recovered from the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Lastly, the curse will be completely lifted once Ketheric is killed.

Side with Orpheus

The conflict between the githyanki and the illithids is a major part of the central conflict in Baldur's Gate 3. The key to the githyanki's victory lies in possessing the Astral Prism, a mysterious artifact that prevents the party from transforming into mind flayers. Within this artifact resides Orpheus, the son of Gith and the legitimate heir to the throne. His survival poses a threat to Vlaakith's power and would ignite a revolution among the githyanki.

Regrettably, despite the Emperor being an ally throughout, he vehemently opposes releasing Orpheus. If the player chooses to free him, the Emperor will turn against them. However, freeing Orpheus is the optimal choice, particularly for those concerned about Lae'zel's approval or the broader consequences their actions have on the world of Baldur's Gate 3. Vlaakith consistently acts as an antagonistic force, while Orpheus represents the promise of positive change for the githyanki.

Don't Ascend Astarion

Despite Astarion's insistence on the need to ascend for freedom, his desires and necessities diverge. The act of ascending engenders his self-loss and the sacrifice of all his virtuous qualities in exchange for power. By remaining a vampire spawn, Astarion recognizes that not ascending is preferable as it preserves his autonomy and authenticity. An ascended Astarion presents a stark contrast and proves to be a particularly detrimental choice for those involved in a romance with him, as he loses all regard for any partner who remains by his side.

Give Mystra the Crown of Karsus

The Crown of Karsus possesses the ultimate power of the three Chosen and holds enough strength to dominate an Elder Brain. It is a highly coveted artifact pursued by various beings who seek to enhance their abilities, such as the devil Raphael. Within Gale's personal journey, he ponders the idea of utilizing the Crown to ascend into divinity and challenge Mystra, the deity of magic, aiming to claim her position. On the other hand, Raphael presents an alternative path where the player exchanges the Crown for the Orphic Hammer through a contractual agreement.

Neither of these options is ideal, and it would be preferable to relinquish the Crown to Mystra, thereby denying anyone from possessing it. The experiences portrayed in Baldur's Gate 3 and the historical context surrounding the Crown demonstrate that its power only brings suffering. In Gale's Origin story, if he were to utilize the Crown to challenge Mystra and ascend to godhood, she effortlessly overcomes him without any grand spectacle.

You can currently play Baldur's Gate 3 on PC and PS5, while an Xbox Series X/S version is anticipated to be released in late 2023.