Baldur’s Gate 3: Early Game Tough Choices That Offer Significant Benefits

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a myriad of challenging choices that can dramatically alter a character’s narrative arc. This intricate design ensures that no two playthroughs are alike, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. Choices not only impact the story’s direction but also determine which companions remain in the party. Some characters have distinctive endings that vary based on player decisions, enhancing replayability.

One of the game’s standout summons, Connor Vinderblad, can be easily overlooked by players due to an early interaction. Unlike many companions, Connor presents unique opportunities and strategies that can benefit players throughout their journeys. While characters like Scratch provide essential support by reviving fallen allies, Connor’s abilities make him a valuable asset in combat scenarios.

The Moral Dilemma: Rescuing Mayrina or Keeping Connor?

Connor Vinderblad: A Surprisingly Valuable Summon

Players who rescue Mayrina from Auntie Ethel’s lair during Act 1 will encounter a pivotal moment. After defeating the hag, Mayrina can be found next to Connor, her deceased husband. If the player possesses the “Bitter Divorce”wand, they face a significant choice regarding Connor’s fate. Typically, players aligned with good will opt to revive Connor, restoring him to life and enabling Mayrina to continue their journey together.

However, players should consider the implications of their decision. Without radiant damage or a critical hit, Connor’s passive ability, “Undead Fortitude,”allows him to regain 1 hit point if his health drops to zero while summoned. Conversely, refusing to revive him is also an option, especially for players following the Oath of the Ancients, who would break their oath by resurrecting him. Those choosing a darker path might find satisfaction in denying Mayrina and breaking the wand, but this also means they may miss out on the unique advantages Connor brings as a summon.

Leveraging Connor Vinderblad in Your Campaign

Connor’s Poison Immunity as a Tactical Advantage

Connor’s immunity to poison damage renders him exceptionally useful for players navigating perilous environments in Baldur’s Gate 3. As highlighted by user ArbitriumVincitOmnia, his ability to block poison vents can save players the hassle of using heavy items to navigate such traps. This feature is particularly advantageous when facing enemies that utilize poison tactics, like Balthazar Thorm with his Cloudkill spell.

Although Connor has relatively low hit points—only 22 (or 28 in tactician/honor mode)—his ability to be re-summoned sets him apart from standard zombies that perish permanently upon reaching zero health. There’s no apparent limit to his re-summons, although each summon requires an action. Consequently, in tactical scenarios where players might not wish to launch a direct attack, summoning Connor can provide critical support without sacrificing strategic placement.

The Impact of Keeping Connor on Future Quests

Players Won’t Miss Out on Key Opportunities

Players may ponder how retaining Connor affects Mayrina’s storyline, particularly concerning the “Help the Hag Survivors”quest. Completing this quest can lead to the rewarding “Save Vanra”mission, where players receive valuable items like the Duellist’s Prerogative scimitar and the Windrider Amulet from Vanra’s mother, Lora. Furthermore, players can initiate the quest independently without Mayrina’s involvement, making her presence optional.

While aiding Mayrina results in her growth and a potentially gratifying conclusion, tactically, keeping Connor does not hinder the story’s progression in any meaningful way. In a strategic honor mode run, summoning Connor offers significant advantages without imposing negative repercussions on overall gameplay.

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