In the depths of the Undercity, where shadows dance and ancient horrors lurk, Baldur’s Gate 3 culminates in a heart-pounding confrontation with the Elder Brain. This formidable foe, the puppet master behind your harrowing journey, awaits at the Morphic Pool, ready to unleash its psychic might. As players navigate treacherous terrain and face off against relentless intellect devourers, the stakes couldn’t be higher: will you dominate this monstrous entity or succumb to its manipulations? Prepare for a battle that will not only decide your fate but also the future of Baldur’s Gate itself.
You will reach a boat – get in it and a cutscene will be displayed.
Next, go ahead along the path. There aren’t many side paths here, so just keep going forward. Eventually you will reach the ambush site – defeat the enemies. They shouldn’t pose a major threat to you, even if you are caught off guard.
Keep moving until you meet Gortash. Talk to him.
Confronting the Elder Brain
Confronting the Elder Brain marks a pivotal moment in Baldur’s Gate 3, where players face the formidable entity that has been orchestrating chaos throughout the game. This quest begins at the end of Act Two, revealing that the Elder Brain is under the control of the Chosen Three, setting the stage for an intense showdown. As players navigate through the Morphic Pool, they must gather Netherstones and prepare for a series of challenging skill checks to dominate or destroy the Elder Brain. The confrontation not only tests combat skills but also forces players to make critical decisions that will impact the fate of their party and the world of Baldur’s Gate. With high stakes and multiple possible outcomes, this quest encapsulates the game’s themes of power, control, and moral choice.
Follow him until a cutscene starts. The Netherbrain will appear before you in all its glory, and your task will be to take control of it. Passing the skill check will lower HP in the upcoming fight with the Netherbrain – apart from that, it has no effect.
After the cutscene is over, talk to the Emperor who saved you.
How to save Orpheus?
To save Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3, players must first defeat key antagonists and collect the three Netherstones. Once these tasks are accomplished, the journey leads to the Morphic Pools beneath the Lower City, where the Elder Brain resides. The crucial step involves obtaining the Orphic Hammer, either through a deal with Raphael or by stealing it, which allows players to shatter the crystals imprisoning Orpheus. During the confrontation with the Elder Brain, players must choose to free Orpheus instead of siding with the Emperor, which will lead to a final showdown where Orpheus can join the party to combat their common foes. This decision not only impacts gameplay but also influences character relationships and story outcomes, making it a pivotal moment in the narrative.
He will propose to you to become an Illithid yourself to defeat the brain. Alternatively, you can give him the stones to make him do it himself. Finally, you can free Orpheus provided you have the Orphic Hammer – you could get it from Raphael if you made a pact with him or if you’ve stolen it from the House of Hope. In this walkthrough, we will save Orpheus.
Choose the last dialogue option – the Emperor will leave you alone, and you will be able to free Orpheus. Attack two red stones, and then a cutscene will be triggered.
What are the key challenges when reaching the Elder Brain’s lair
Reaching the Elder Brain’s lair in Baldur’s Gate 3 presents several formidable challenges that players must navigate to succeed in this climactic encounter. Here are the key hurdles:
Key Challenges
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Preparation and Quest Requirements:
- Before confronting the Elder Brain, players must collect three Netherstones, specifically from Gortash and Orin, after defeating them in earlier quests. Attempting to reach the lair without these stones will result in immediate combat with cranium rats and other enemies, complicating your journey.
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Navigating the Morphic Pool:
- Upon arriving at the Morphic Pool, players face a series of Constitution checks to resist the mind-breaking influence of the Elder Brain. Failing these checks can significantly weaken your party before the final confrontation.
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Ambushes and Enemies:
- The path to the Elder Brain is fraught with ambushes from Intellect Devourers and Intellect Gluttons, which can explode upon defeat, dealing significant damage. Players need to employ crowd-control spells and strategic positioning to mitigate these threats.
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The Courtyard Battle:
- Upon entering High Hall, players will engage in an all-out battle against various enemies, including Mind Flayers and cultists. This area is heavily fortified, and players must decide whether to fight directly or attempt stealthy approaches to bypass some encounters.
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Final Confrontation Mechanics:
- The encounter with the Elder Brain itself involves complex mechanics, including a DC99 check for control attempts during the initial dialogue. Even if players succeed in this check, they only reduce its health by 10%, emphasizing that strategic combat is essential for victory.
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Psychic Shockwaves:
- During the battle with the Elder Brain, it releases psychic shockwaves that can incapacitate characters. Players should prepare by using psychic resistance potions and ensuring their party is well-healed to withstand this assault.
Successfully overcoming these challenges requires careful planning, resource management, and tactical execution as players strive to confront one of the most powerful adversaries in Baldur’s Gate 3.
What strategies can help survive the ambush at the Morphic Pool
Surviving the ambush at the Morphic Pool in Baldur’s Gate 3 requires strategic planning and execution. Here are key strategies to help you navigate this challenging encounter:
Strategies for Surviving the Ambush
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Preparation Before the Encounter:
- Ensure you have all three Netherstones before approaching the Morphic Pool, as this is crucial for progressing in the quest. Additionally, gather your party and stock up on healing potions and buffs.
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Utilize Stealth and Perception:
- Use characters with high stealth skills to scout ahead. This can help you spot enemies before they ambush your party. A successful Perception check can alert you to their presence, allowing you to set up your strategy accordingly.
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Positioning and Terrain Advantage:
- Take advantage of high ground or obstacles in the environment. Position your ranged attackers on elevated surfaces to maximize their effectiveness while keeping melee characters ready to engage when needed.
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Focus on High-Priority Targets:
- Quickly eliminate Intellect Gluttons, as they can explode upon defeat, causing significant damage to your party. Prioritize these targets to minimize collateral damage during the fight.
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Crowd Control Spells:
- Utilize spells that inflict crowd control effects, such as Fear or Hold Person, to incapacitate groups of enemies temporarily. This can provide breathing room for your party to regroup and heal if necessary.
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Area of Effect (AoE) Attacks:
- If positioned correctly, use AoE spells to hit multiple enemies at once, especially when they cluster together. Be cautious not to hit your allies in the process.
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Mobility and Escape Options:
- Keep mobility spells like Misty Step or Dimension Door ready for quick escapes or repositioning during combat. This can be crucial if you find yourself overwhelmed or need to reach a critical area quickly.
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Utilize Allies and Summons:
- If you have allies available from previous quests, summon them during the ambush to bolster your numbers. Their presence can distract enemies and provide additional firepower.
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Healing and Buffing:
- Make sure to have characters capable of healing or buffing others during the fight. Spells like Sanctuary can protect key party members, while healing potions can keep everyone in fighting shape.
By employing these strategies, players can significantly increase their chances of surviving the ambush at the Morphic Pool and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in confronting the Elder Brain.
