Baldur’s Gate 3 has gained acclaim for its captivating narrative and the remarkable flexibility it provides players in shaping their own adventures. Often celebrated for its high replayability, many gamers have likely only scratched the surface of the myriad secrets woven throughout the game. This title embodies the essence of Dungeons & Dragons, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever quite the same.
One particularly engaging aspect of Baldur’s Gate 3 is the freedom to choose a morally ambiguous or “evil”path. These choices can profoundly influence the unfolding story and may result in missed opportunities, but they also bring with them a range of exciting benefits.
Unique Abilities and Cutscenes: The Evil Playthrough Experience
The Dark Urge: A High-Stakes Choice
While many players might initially strive for benevolent choices, Larian Studios has intentionally designed the game to accommodate those who wish to embrace an “evil”route. Following Patch 7, players can unlock 13 distinct ending cutscenes when pursuing an evil storyline based on the chosen Origin character. Among these, the Dark Urge Origin stands out as the most rewarding option, unlocking several exclusive items and cutscenes not available through other paths. Notably, this path permits players to engage with the enigmatic figure, Scleritas Fel.
If you played as an Origin Character and made some wicked decisions, you’ll also find that Patch 7 will offer you new, evil-ending cinematics! Tsk’va. But who is the real enemy? Spoilers ahead! pic.twitter.com/5hkI6ZWbtg — Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3) August 27, 2024
Adopting a villainous stance can also alter key battles throughout the game. For instance, many players discover that allying with Minthara in the Emerald Grove drastically reroutes the narrative in Act 1. Additionally, players can face entirely different confrontations—such as the repercussions following Isobel’s demise—in later acts. Depending on their decisions, adventurers might also end up with an altered roster of allies, potentially including unique characters like the Strange Ox, Auntie Ethel, and Bhaal’s minions.
|
Character |
Perks for Evil Routes |
|
Ascended Astarion |
|
|
The Dark Urge (Embrace Route) |
|
|
Dark Justiciar Shadowheart |
|
|
Wyll, After Killing Karlach |
|
Though some players may hesitate to intentionally harm beloved characters, venturing down a darker path can yield gameplay benefits and enhanced abilities. The Dark Urge’s Slayer Form, for instance, is among the most advantageous transformations available. Characters like Astarion and Shadowheart receive powerful new items and abilities upon embracing their malevolent sides. In Wyll’s case, if players eliminate Karlach, he will not transform into a devil but will obtain the Infernal Robes—a boon, albeit less impactful than the rewards offered to evil-aligned characters.
The Cost of Evil: Losing Beloved Characters
Evil Routes Can Result in Significant Companion Loss
While Larian strives to reward players for exploring evil choices, many find the rewards lacking when pursuing a malicious path. Players opting to make strictly evil decisions will typically raid the Emerald Grove, leading to the permanent departure of Karlach and Wyll from their party for the remainder of the game. Consequently, players miss out on their character arcs, including those of key figures like Mizora, Duke Ravengard, and Dammon who initially appear in the grove.
Additionally, many evil playthroughs restrict the recruitment of characters like Halsin and sometimes Jaheria, which in turn prevents Minsc from joining the party in Act 3, as Jaheria’s presence is crucial to his quest. This limitation often leads to a somewhat diminished storyline, given that the game’s companions usually strive to avoid the worst outcomes throughout their development. Although it is feasible to recruit Minthara, she offers minimal content compared to the wealth of experiences players miss from the five lost characters.
Frequent choices in evil runs include killing Isobel or allowing her abduction, yet players can maintain a positive rapport with Jaheria by persuading her of their innocence in her murder. Despite the Dark Urge providing an ideal avenue for a murderous playstyle, many players favor a redemptive journey that still grants access to much of the Origin content without fully committing to an evil route. Ultimately, while players do receive perks for steering characters toward tragic outcomes, there’s a notable scarcity of rewards associated with evil actions. For example, the raid on the grove yields minimal benefit unless players specifically seek Minthara’s romance scene, as she can be recruited later in the narrative.
Should You Undertake an Evil Playthrough in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Allure of Evil Playthroughs: Are They for You?
Experimenting with decision-making that deviates from a player’s typical moral framework can be an undeniably entertaining experience. However, for those seeking to immerse themselves in the story, the satisfaction derived from these choices may be fleeting. Although players can attain some of the game’s most powerful items during an evil playthrough, such pursuits often come at a considerable narrative cost. Players should certainly consider trying this route, but it’s advisable not to let an evil path substitute an initial good run.
Given the rich, intricate storyline of Baldur’s Gate 3, which can stretch over days or weeks of gameplay, many players may hesitate to invest time in a playthrough that might not deliver a satisfying experience. Nevertheless, some may still opt for evil decisions as a tactical strategy to complete Tactician or Honor mode, as abilities such as the Dark Urge’s Slayer Form might be crucial for success in tough battles. Ultimately, Baldur’s Gate 3 empowers players to craft their unique narratives, though many discover that the offerings of evil choices leave much to be desired.
Source: Baldur’s Gate 3/X
Leave a Reply