Should You Side With the Grove or the Goblins in Baldur’s Gate 3? A Comprehensive Guide
The choice is a pivotal one: side with the Emerald Grove and its desperate defenders, or join the goblin horde in their destructive raid. There’s no simple answer, as each path offers distinct rewards and consequences, shaping your character’s story and affecting the companions you can recruit. Generally, siding with the Grove is considered the “good” path, leading to the preservation of life and offering access to certain companions. Siding with the goblins unlocks a darker, more ruthless storyline with its own, morally dubious rewards. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your desired playstyle and the narrative experience you crave.
Understanding the Consequences: A Deep Dive
Saving the Grove: A Path of Light and Companionship
Choosing to defend the Emerald Grove is the generally considered “good” option. By siding with the Druids and Tieflings, you solidify your position as a protector of the innocent.
- Companions: This path ensures the loyalty of Wyll and potentially recruits Halsin, a powerful Druid.
- Story: You experience a heroic narrative focused on protecting refugees and fighting against the forces of darkness. The Tieflings will eventually seek refuge in Baldur’s Gate, continuing their story.
- Gameplay: While the initial defense can be challenging, you gain allies and experience a sense of accomplishment.
- Character Alignment: This path aligns with a good or neutral alignment, appealing to players who prefer playing heroic characters.
Siding with the Goblins: Embrace the Darkness and a Different Kind of Power
Joining the goblin raid on the Emerald Grove unlocks a darker, more morally ambiguous experience. It allows you to explore the worship of the Absolute and the dynamics of a goblin army.
- Companions: This path allows you to recruit Minthara, a powerful and intriguing Drow paladin. Note that recruiting her traditionally comes at the cost of losing other companions.
- Story: You embrace a narrative of conquest and domination, exploring the darker aspects of the game’s lore.
- Gameplay: The raid itself can be easier due to the overwhelming force of the goblin army, offering a different kind of strategic challenge.
- Character Alignment: This path aligns with an evil alignment, appealing to players who enjoy playing morally flexible or outright villainous characters.
- Sacrifices: Siding with the goblins leads to the deaths of the Druids and Tieflings within the Grove. Be prepared for significant moral compromises.
Navigating the Nuances: Beyond Good and Evil
Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for more nuanced approaches than simply choosing between good and evil. It’s possible to manipulate situations, exploit loopholes, and even recruit Minthara without slaughtering the Grove (more on that below).
The “Good” Choice Isn’t Always Easy
Defending the Grove can be difficult. The goblins are numerous, and the defenses are limited. You’ll need to be strategic, utilize your companions’ abilities effectively, and make smart decisions about where to position your forces.
The “Evil” Choice Has its Own Challenges
Siding with the goblins might seem like the easier path strategically, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Managing the goblin army, dealing with the consequences of your actions, and navigating the moral implications of mass slaughter can be surprisingly complex.
The Consequences of Neglect
Delaying the decision or ignoring the questline altogether also has consequences. The Druids may complete their ritual, sealing off the Grove and potentially leading to the deaths of the Tieflings, who will eventually run out of supplies and either die or be captured by other forces. Indecision can be just as impactful as making a deliberate choice.
The Minthara Conundrum: Recruitment Without the Carnage?
One of the most debated aspects of this decision is the recruitment of Minthara. Traditionally, recruiting her involved siding with the goblins and participating in the Grove’s destruction. However, clever players have discovered alternative methods:
- Non-Lethal Takedown: It’s possible to knock out Minthara using non-lethal attacks, which might allow you to recruit her later in the game, although this is not guaranteed and can be buggy.
- The “Sheep” Method: A widely reported (though potentially patched) method involves using the spell Polymorph to turn Minthara into a sheep before she can lead the attack on the Grove. This might prevent her from being permanently hostile and open possibilities for later recruitment.
- Ignoring the Questline (Kind Of): The latest workarounds, and how the game is intended to be played, is to not kill Minthara and not initiate the raid. Move forward in the story and you’ll have an opportunity to recruit her later.
Important Note: These methods are not always reliable and may be subject to change with game updates. It’s recommended to research the latest information and be prepared for potential bugs or inconsistencies.
Making Your Decision: Factors to Consider
Ultimately, the decision to side with the Grove or the goblins depends on your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Roleplaying: What kind of character do you want to play? Do you want to be a hero, a villain, or something in between?
- Companions: Which companions do you want to recruit and keep in your party?
- Story: Which storyline appeals to you more? Do you want to experience a heroic tale of defending the innocent, or a darker narrative of conquest and power?
- Gameplay: Do you prefer a challenging defense or an easier raid?
- Moral Compass: Are you comfortable making morally questionable decisions? How far are you willing to go to achieve your goals?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game about choices, and there are no right or wrong answers. The best decision is the one that leads to the most enjoyable and fulfilling experience for you. Each choice has unique rewards and consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if you side with the goblins?
If you side with the goblins, you’ll participate in a raid on the Emerald Grove, slaughtering the Tieflings and Druids residing there. This will significantly impact your relationships with certain companions and lock you out of certain quests.
2. What companions leave if you side with the goblins?
Wyll and Karlach will leave your party if you side with the goblins and attack the Emerald Grove. Halsin, if still alive, will attack you later. Gale may also leave depending on his approval.
3. Is there a way to get Minthara without killing the Grove?
Yes, there are reported methods to recruit Minthara without slaughtering the Grove, such as using non-lethal attacks or the Polymorph spell. These methods are not always reliable and may be subject to change, but you may have an opportunity to recruit her in Act 2 by skipping both the defense and the raid.
4. What happens to the Tieflings if you side with the goblins?
If you side with the goblins, the Tieflings in the Emerald Grove will be killed during the raid. Their storyline will end abruptly.
5. What happens to Halsin if you side with the goblins?
If Halsin is alive and aware of your betrayal, he will become hostile and attack you in your camp. You will be forced to kill him.
6. Is raiding the Grove worth it?
Whether raiding the Grove is “worth it” depends entirely on your goals and playstyle. It unlocks a darker storyline and allows you to recruit Minthara, but comes at the cost of losing other companions and committing a morally reprehensible act.
7. What is the best outcome for the Grove in BG3?
The “best” outcome is subjective. From a purely “good” perspective, saving the Grove is the best outcome, as it protects innocent lives and allows you to recruit certain companions.
8. Can I still romance Shadowheart if I side with the goblins?
Yes, it is possible to romance Shadowheart even if you side with the goblins, provided you have a high approval rating with her. Her morality is more flexible than some other companions.
9. Where do the Tieflings go after they leave the Grove?
If you save the Grove, the Tieflings will eventually travel to the Last Light Inn in Act Two, where they seek refuge from the dangers of the Shadow-Cursed Lands.
10. Is Minthara worth recruiting?
Minthara can be a powerful and interesting companion, but her recruitment traditionally requires making significant sacrifices. Her storyline also has its own set of challenges, so whether she’s “worth it” depends on your preferences.
11. Should I make the Tieflings leave the Grove?
Forcing the Tieflings to leave the Grove without resolving the goblin threat will likely lead to their demise. It’s generally not a recommended course of action unless you intend to betray them anyway.
12. What happens if you betray the Grove?
Betraying the Grove results in Wyll leaving your party, and you lose the opportunity to recruit Halsin. You also lock yourself out of quests related to the Grove’s inhabitants.
13. What is the Grove decision in BG3?
The Grove decision is the choice between defending the Emerald Grove from the goblins or siding with the goblins to raid the Grove. This decision has significant consequences for the story, your relationships with companions, and the overall fate of the Druids and Tieflings.
14. How do you save Minthara and the Tieflings?
Traditionally, you cannot save both Minthara and the Tieflings. To get her, you must side with her and slaughter them all. To save the Tieflings, you must side with them and kill her. However, there are bugs and other methods to recruit her without killing the Tieflings.
15. Can I still get all the achievements in Baldur’s Gate 3 if I side with the Goblins?
Yes! As long as you save a game where you do things the opposite way to get the others, it is possible to obtain all the achievements within Baldur’s Gate 3.
This decision, like many in Baldur’s Gate 3, is entirely your choice. Weigh the consequences, consider your character’s values, and choose the path that leads to the most compelling and enjoyable experience. After all, the most important thing is to have fun and make the game your own!
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