Baldur's Gate 3 Hidden Mechanic: Secret Zombie Results
Baldur's Gate 3 is a game full of difficult decisions, thus even sparing some of the most unlikeable NPC might produce interesting results. True Soul Nere is one such character most players probably ignore. Sparing Nere, though, could cause him to resurface later in the game as a zombie, so twisting the narrative unexpectedly.
Sparing Nere in Baldur's Gate 3: Zombies Returns in the Gauntlet of Shar
Nere's main role in Baldur's Gate 3 is that he is imprisoned behind a wall and players must figure out how to release him. Although the game forbids players from allowing Nere live, those who do spare him will see something different. Players might come upon Nere as a zombie under Balthazar's control during the Gauntlet of Shar. This event only occurs if Nere stays faithful to the Absolute, so underlining the long-lasting consequences of player decisions.
Turning Act 1 NPCs Into Zombies: Balthazar's Influence
Not only can Nere turn into a zombie under Balthazar's influence, but other NPC can as well. Ketheric Thorm will imprison players who choose to side with Balthazar and let him bring Dame Aylin to Moonrise Towers, so causing a confrontation with Balthazar in his Necrotic Lab. This meeting exposes the terrible results of Balthazar's deeds, transforming other Act 1 NPCs—including Minthara, Dror Ragzlin, even some Tiefling characters from the Emerald Grove—into zombies.
For These Zombie Encounters, Is It Worth Sparing Nere and Balthazar?
Although seeing familiar NPCs as zombies can be an interesting experience and evidence of Larian Studio's meticulousness, siding with Balthazar has little advantages. Players will still have to beat him and Thorm independent of their behavior. The decisions that lead to these zombie meetings have no major benefits, thus players may discover that other paths produce more fulfilling results.
But the zombie encounter can be a fascinating component for players looking to experience every playthrough possibility. These players could find it reasonable to follow this particular road. Those who want to experience the zombie encounters but are not ready to make this sacrifice can always save their game before facing Balthazar in the Shadowfell and then undo their save following visits to the Necrotic Lab.
