BG3 Best Endings Guide: How to Get Every Ending & Which Is Best (2026)

All Major Endings

BG3 has approximately 17,000 ending variations but they converge into ~10 meaningfully different outcomes.

The Neutral/Good Ending (Default)

Requirements: Destroy the Netherbrain. Don’t dominate it. Outcome: Baldur’s Gate is saved. Companions go their separate ways. Bittersweet but satisfying.

The Evil Ending (Domination)

Requirements: Betray the Emperor/Orpheus at the final moment. Dominate the Netherbrain in the name of Bhaal. Outcome: You become the Absolute. Enslave everyone. Darkest ending.

The Sacrifice Ending

Requirements: Have Gale use the Netherese Orb in Act 3 (before final battle). Outcome: Gale dies destroying the brain. No final boss fight. Bittersweet but saves everyone.

Karlach’s Best Ending

Requirements: Convince Karlach to return to Avernus with Wyll (or with you). Don’t let her die. Outcome: Karlach lives. Epilogue shows her in Avernus, still fighting but alive and hopeful.

Astarion’s Best Ending

Requirements: Don’t let him ascend. Kill Cazador. Convince him he’s enough as he is. Outcome: Astarion remains a vampire spawn, free and at peace with himself.

Shadowheart’s Best Ending

Requirements: Convince her to spare the Nightsong. Reject Shar. Find her parents in Act 3. Outcome: Shadowheart embraces Selune, reunites with her parents (or frees them from Shar’s curse).

Dark Urge Ending

Requirements: Resist the Urge throughout the game. Reject Bhaal in Act 3. Withers intervenes. Outcome: Bhaal kills you, Withers resurrects you free of the Urge. Best redemption arc.

Lae’zel’s Best Ending

Requirements: Free Orpheus. Convince Lae’zel to lead the githyanki rebellion against Vlaakith. Outcome: Lae’zel flies off on a red dragon to liberate her people.

Gale’s Best Ending

Requirements: Convince Gale not to reforge the Crown. Return it to Mystra. Let him become a professor. Outcome: Gale teaches at Blackstaff Academy, content and at peace.

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Choices That Matter Most

Decision	When	Best Outcome
Shadowheart + Nightsong	Act 2 Shadowfell	Spare Nightsong
Astarion + Cazador	Act 3 Cazador’s Palace	Don’t let him ascend
Gale + Crown of Karsus	Act 3 endgame	Return crown to Mystra
Emperor vs Orpheus	Act 3 endgame	Free Orpheus (or let Emperor eat his brain)
Karlach’s choice	Act 3 post-final-battle	Go to Avernus together
Dark Urge + Bhaal	Act 3 Bhaal Temple	Reject Bhaal