what happens if you kill the dragon bg3

3 min read 21-01-2025

The world of Baldur's Gate 3 is brimming with challenging choices, and few are as impactful as deciding the fate of the dragons you encounter. Killing a dragon, a seemingly straightforward act of self-preservation, ripples through the game's narrative in unexpected ways. This article explores the potential consequences of slaying these majestic (and deadly) creatures, examining both immediate repercussions and longer-term effects on your gameplay experience.

Immediate Aftermath: A Bloody Victory?

Killing a dragon in Baldur's Gate 3 isn't a simple matter of loot and experience. While you certainly gain valuable treasure and a significant XP boost, the act itself creates immediate consequences. The environment may shift dramatically. The dragon's lair, once a dangerous haven, might become a new area to explore, revealing hidden secrets or even triggering further encounters. However, this victory may come at a cost:

Increased hostility: Eliminating a dragon, especially one with significant ties to the region's ecosystem or other factions, can significantly alter the political landscape. Expect increased aggression from creatures or factions previously allied with the slain dragon.
Environmental shifts: A dragon's death may disrupt the delicate balance of nature. This could lead to ecological changes in the game world, affecting the distribution of resources and the appearance of new threats.
Missed opportunities: Killing a dragon outright may prevent you from completing certain quests or gaining valuable knowledge. Some dragons may possess unique information, magical items or even quests that are only accessible if you choose a different path.

Long-Term Consequences: A Ripple Effect

The consequences of killing a dragon in BG3 extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. The choices you make regarding these powerful beings have a profound impact on your relationships with other characters and factions, altering the flow of the narrative:

Impact on Relationships

Factional shifts: Some factions in BG3 are closely tied to dragons, either directly or indirectly. Killing a dragon important to a particular faction could permanently damage your relationship with them, impacting future quests and interactions.
Character reactions: The morality of your actions will be judged by your companions. Killing a dragon may lead to disapproval from certain companions, affecting their loyalty and potentially even leading to conflicts.

Altered Questlines and Storylines

Missed quests: Certain quests in BG3 involve negotiation or interaction with dragons. Eliminating them prematurely will prevent access to these quests, potentially missing out on unique rewards, items, and narrative arcs.
Shifting alliances: Depending on the dragon and your methods, slaying them could create unforeseen alliances or partnerships with other factions previously at odds with the slain dragon.

Gameplay Changes

Resource scarcity: Dragons sometimes act as guardians of valuable resources. Their death might impact resource availability in certain areas, leading to difficulties later in the game.
New challenges: Eliminating one threat may pave the way for a new one. The power vacuum left by the dragon's death may attract new, even more dangerous adversaries.

Should You Kill the Dragon? A Question of Morality and Strategy

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to kill a dragon in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex one with no single "right" answer. It depends heavily on your playstyle, moral alignment, and long-term goals. Careful consideration of potential consequences before making your choice is essential. Remember that exploring different approaches – diplomacy, negotiation, or even strategic avoidance – can often lead to rewarding outcomes and a richer gameplay experience.

Conclusion: Weighing the Scales of Justice (and Dragons!)

The decision to kill a dragon in Baldur's Gate 3 is a far more impactful choice than it initially appears. The consequences, both immediate and long-term, significantly shape your gameplay experience. Before engaging in such a dramatic act, carefully consider the potential repercussions to your character, your companions, and the world itself. The world of Baldur's Gate 3 rewards thoughtful decision-making, and slaying a dragon is a decision that truly underscores that principle.