What Happens If You Let Volo Take Your Eye?
If you allow Volo, the flamboyant and self-proclaimed scholar in Baldur’s Gate 3, to attempt his experimental eye surgery, you will permanently lose one of your eyes. However, it’s not all bad news! In its place, Volo will implant a replacement prosthetic eye. This eye, at first glance, seems underwhelming as it appears to grant only permanent See Invisibility. While seemingly useful, the eye has some long-term effects that make it less of a boon than it initially appears. You may regret the decision due to the potential for other choices and how they might affect your relationships with your party members and certain quests.
The Volo Surgery: A Risky Procedure
Volo offers to perform a surgical procedure to remove the tadpole residing in your brain. He’s confident, although undeniably eccentric, in his abilities. However, his actual skill is… questionable, to say the least. Choosing this option initiates a gruesome and comically inept scene. Volo uses a variety of unconventional tools, including an ice pick, and ultimately fails to remove the tadpole. Instead, he ends up accidentally removing your eye.
Initial Reaction and the Prosthetic Eye
The immediate aftermath of the surgery is shocking and painful. You’ll suffer a temporary debuff. Volo, feeling responsible (or perhaps just eager to cover up his mistake), quickly offers a replacement eye. This prosthetic eye grants the passive ability See Invisibility. You can now detect invisible creatures and objects. While this seems like a helpful ability, its effectiveness depends on your play style and party composition. If you already have characters with this spell, it somewhat decreases the value of having it permanently.
The Drawbacks of See Invisibility from the Prosthetic Eye
While the See Invisibility ability can be beneficial, it comes with some drawbacks. The most significant is the loss of an opportunity to obtain a potentially more powerful and versatile reward by choosing a different course of action regarding the tadpole. Some players also find the permanent glowing effect of the eye aesthetically unappealing. The decision is final; once the eye is implanted, it cannot be removed or reversed.
Is Letting Volo Take Your Eye Worth It?
The answer depends on your priorities and play style. If you value exploration and having See Invisibility available at all times, it might be worthwhile. However, if you’re concerned about optimizing your character and obtaining the best possible rewards, you might want to reconsider. There are alternative ways to gain similar or even better advantages later in the game. Furthermore, many players find the cosmetic alteration to be a negative aspect, preferring their character’s original appearance.
Ultimately, the Volo eye surgery is a gamble. The benefits are relatively minor, and the potential downsides, including the missed opportunities, make it a questionable choice for many players. Consider your options carefully before letting Volo near your eye with his… implements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Volo’s Eye
1. Can I get my original eye back?
No, once Volo removes your eye and replaces it with the prosthetic eye, the change is permanent. There is no way to revert to your original eye in Baldur’s Gate 3.
2. Does the prosthetic eye give me any other abilities besides See Invisibility?
No, the primary and only ability granted by Volo’s prosthetic eye is the passive ability to See Invisibility. It does not provide any other stat boosts, resistances, or special powers.
3. Can I remove the tadpole in my brain another way?
Yes! There are several other paths to explore regarding the tadpole’s influence on your character. Most of these paths are more beneficial. Volo’s method is a risky and ultimately ineffective attempt at removing it.
4. Does having the prosthetic eye affect any dialogue options or interactions?
While the prosthetic eye itself doesn’t dramatically alter dialogue options, characters may comment on your appearance. More significantly, choosing to allow Volo to perform the surgery can influence your relationship with some companions who may disapprove of your decision-making.
5. Is See Invisibility worth it in Baldur’s Gate 3?
See Invisibility is a situational ability. It can be useful for detecting hidden enemies, traps, and objects. However, many classes can learn the See Invisibility spell, rendering the prosthetic eye less valuable if you already have a reliable source of this ability within your party.
6. What are the alternatives to letting Volo take my eye?
The main alternative is to pursue other avenues related to the tadpole’s influence. This can involve seeking help from other characters, experimenting with your newfound abilities, or embracing the changes the tadpole is causing. Each path leads to different quests, rewards, and outcomes.
7. Does the prosthetic eye have any visual effects?
Yes, the prosthetic eye has a distinct glowing effect. This can be noticeable during cutscenes and gameplay. Some players find it visually appealing, while others consider it distracting or undesirable. The glow is constant and cannot be toggled off.
8. Does Volo’s surgery have any impact on my character’s stats?
The surgery itself doesn’t directly impact your core stats (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma). However, the loss of an eye can have an indirect impact on your gameplay experience, particularly if you value having a specific appearance for your character.
9. Does letting Volo perform surgery affect my relationship with any companions?
Yes, your companions have opinions on your decisions. Some companions may disapprove of you letting Volo operate, viewing it as reckless or foolish. This can negatively impact their approval rating and potentially affect your relationship with them. Others may be more indifferent.
10. Can I use the prosthetic eye to see invisible enemies in combat?
Yes, the See Invisibility ability granted by the prosthetic eye allows you to see invisible enemies, giving you an advantage in combat by allowing you to target and attack them more effectively.
11. Is there any way to improve the prosthetic eye?
No, the prosthetic eye remains the same throughout the game. Its ability, See Invisibility, cannot be upgraded or enhanced in any way. You are stuck with that single ability for as long as you have the eye implanted.
12. Can I respec my character to undo Volo’s surgery?
No, respeccing your character using Withers allows you to change your class, skills, and feats. However, it does not undo permanent choices like Volo’s surgery. The lost eye is a permanent consequence.
13. Are there any achievements related to Volo’s surgery?
No, there are no specific achievements directly tied to letting Volo perform the eye surgery. The decision and its consequences do not unlock any special trophies or accomplishments.
14. Does the prosthetic eye work in cutscenes?
Yes, the See Invisibility effect from the prosthetic eye functions in cutscenes as well. This means you might be able to spot invisible characters or objects during dialogues and important story moments.
15. If I have the ‘Detect Thoughts’ power, is the prosthetic eye still useful?
While Detect Thoughts is useful, it serves a different purpose than See Invisibility. Detect Thoughts allows you to read the surface thoughts of those around you, while See Invisibility allows you to perceive things that are visually hidden. If you are looking for the best path, it may be better to rely on Detect Thoughts. It really depends on your playstyle.