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Should I Let Gale Leave? A Comprehensive Guide to Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3

The question of whether to “let Gale leave” in Baldur’s Gate 3 is multifaceted and depends entirely on your desired narrative outcome and gameplay style. The short answer is no, you shouldn’t let Gale leave permanently at the beginning. Gale is a powerful companion with a compelling personal questline that offers significant rewards and story implications. Keeping him around unlocks unique dialogue options, combat strategies, and multiple potential endings, including “good” endings. Banishing him early, or allowing him to die permanently early in the game, cuts you off from a significant chunk of the game’s content. However, the type of leaving matters. Gale “leaving” as in sacrificing himself at the end is a legitimate (though often sub-optimal) choice that impacts the world state. He is a very interesting character and a powerful asset if managed correctly.

Gale: More Than Just a Wizard

Gale Dekarios is a complex character burdened with a Netherese Orb ticking away inside him, a relic of his ambition and a reminder of his past relationship with the goddess Mystra. This Orb requires him to consume magical items to prevent catastrophic consequences. Managing this aspect of his character is crucial early on. Ignoring his needs leads to negative consequences. However, his questline is far more than just a resource management minigame.

Gale’s story explores themes of ambition, redemption, the consequences of unchecked power, and the nature of divinity. His interactions with other characters and the world at large are often profound and thought-provoking. Romancing him, while potentially risky given his volatile situation, offers a unique perspective on his internal struggles and his desire for a normal life.

Why Keeping Gale is Beneficial

Powerful Spellcaster: Gale is a potent Wizard, providing invaluable magical support in combat. His access to a wide range of spells can turn the tide of battles.
Compelling Questline: His personal quest is one of the most engaging in the game, offering significant story rewards and impactful choices.
Multiple Endings: Gale’s questline has several possible endings, ranging from godhood to heroic sacrifice to a peaceful life. You can shape his destiny.
Unique Dialogue: Gale’s knowledge of magic and the Weave grants him unique dialogue options and insights into the game’s lore.
Romance Potential: For those interested, Gale offers a compelling romance option with its own set of challenges and rewards.

The Risks of Neglecting Gale

Game Over: Failing to feed Gale magical items early on leads to a catastrophic game over.
Missed Content: Banishing him early or letting him die deprives you of his questline and potential endings.
Lost Opportunity: You lose a valuable companion and a significant source of magical power.

Guiding Gale to a “Good” Ending

The “good” endings for Gale revolve around him resolving his Netherese Orb issue and finding a place for himself in the world. Here are a couple of the ideal outcomes:

Chosen of Mystra: If Illithid Gale surrenders the Crown, Mystra may offer to restore his humanity. This requires him to leave the mortal world and go to Elysium, where he becomes her Chosen.
Favored of Mystra: Even if he refuses the offer to become her Chosen, Gale can still receive Mystra’s gratitude and favor for his actions. This allows him to live a fulfilling life, free from the burden of the Orb.

Ultimately, guiding Gale toward a positive resolution involves supporting his decisions, encouraging him to resist the lure of absolute power, and helping him find a path to redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gale

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further assist you in managing Gale in your Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough:

1. What happens if I ignore Gale’s quest?

Ignoring Gale’s quest, particularly his need for magical items, has dire consequences. Eventually, the Netherese Orb will detonate, resulting in a game over. Furthermore, you’ll miss out on his entire personal questline and the potential rewards it offers. Gale may also start stealing magical items if ignored for too long.

2. Can I kill Gale permanently?

Yes, you can kill Gale, but doing so early in the game eliminates his questline and potential endings. You can safely kill him at the end of his questline if he chooses to keep the Crown of Karsus and pursue godhood, as this is the only way to stop him from becoming a threat.

3. How do I feed Gale magic items?

Early in the game, Gale will periodically ask you to feed him magic items. Simply interact with him when the prompt appears and choose the item you wish to sacrifice. Be mindful of the items you choose, as some are more valuable than others. After consuming enough items he will confess his condition is worsening.

4. What is the best way to manage Gale’s magic item consumption?

Prioritize sacrificing items that are less useful to your party. Potions, scrolls, and weaker magical weapons and armor are good candidates. Avoid sacrificing unique or powerful items that could benefit your characters.

5. Should I let Gale sacrifice himself to destroy the Absolute?

While letting Gale sacrifice himself is a viable option, it’s generally considered a less desirable ending. It resolves the immediate threat but comes at the cost of his life. There are other ways to defeat the Absolute without sacrificing Gale. Urge him not to when given the chance.

6. What happens if I let Gale become a God?

Allowing Gale to become a god incurs Mystra’s wrath and results in his death. It’s generally considered a negative outcome, as it highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of defying the natural order.

7. What happens if I don’t recruit Gale at all?

If you fail to recruit Gale at the beginning of the game, he may reappear later in Act 2. However, you’ll miss out on a significant portion of his questline and character development.

8. Is Gale a good or bad guy?

Gale is a complex character with both admirable and questionable traits. He’s capable of great heroism but also prone to arrogance and ambition. Ultimately, whether you perceive him as “good” or “bad” depends on your own moral compass and the choices you make throughout the game.

9. Can I romance Gale?

Yes, Gale is a romanceable character. His romance storyline explores themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the challenges of loving someone burdened with a dangerous secret.

10. What are the prerequisites for romancing Gale?

To romance Gale, you need to build a positive relationship with him through dialogue choices and actions that align with his values. Approving of his decisions, supporting his quest, and showing him empathy are key to unlocking his romantic interest.

11. Can Gale destroy the Absolute without sacrificing himself?

Yes, with the help of Mystra or other allies, Gale can find alternative methods to destroy the Absolute without sacrificing his life. This usually involves a combination of strategic planning, powerful magic, and a willingness to compromise.

12. What is the significance of Elminster in Gale’s quest?

Elminster Aumar, a powerful wizard and a Chosen of Mystra, serves as Gale’s mentor and guide. Consulting with Elminster is crucial for understanding the nature of the Netherese Orb and finding solutions to Gale’s predicament.

13. What happens if Gale dies during combat?

If Gale dies during combat, you can revive him using scrolls, spells, or Withers. However, if he dies permanently due to the Netherese Orb detonating, it’s game over.

14. Does Gale have any special abilities or skills?

Gale possesses a wide range of Wizard spells and abilities. He excels in dealing damage from a distance, controlling the battlefield, and providing magical support to his allies. His unique abilities make him a valuable asset to any party.

15. How does my dialogue affect Gale?

Your dialogue choices have a significant impact on Gale’s attitude and his overall questline. Supporting his decisions, encouraging him to be selfless, and guiding him away from the path of godhood are crucial for achieving a positive outcome.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game of choices, and your interactions with companions like Gale can dramatically alter the course of your story. Consider your options carefully and strive to make decisions that align with your desired outcome.

Understanding character relationships and motivations is a key element of gaming that educators and researchers at the Games Learning Society recognize as crucial for developing social and emotional skills. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Should I let Gale leave?