Baldur’s Gate 3: Who is the Guardian?

Baldur’s Gate 3 asks you to customize a mysterious character called the Guardian right at the beginning of your adventure. They play an important but secret role throughout the game. Here’s who the Guardian is in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3‘s entire plot is shrouded in mystery, especially since it’s linked to Mind Flayers, one of the most enigmatic creatures in Dungeons & Dragons. There are numerous secrets to be uncovered in your travels, but figuring them all out will take hours or even multiple playthroughs.

One such secret is teased early on when you must customize a character called the Guardian. Little is revealed about the character until you progress through the main plot in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, when the game does reveal the secrets, they catch you off guard.

So here’s all you should know about the Guardian in Baldur’s Gate 3, including who they are and whether you can romance them.

Keep in mind that the article contains Baldur’s Gate 3 SPOILERS AHEAD.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Who is the Guardian?

The Guardian in Baldur’s Gate 3 is none other than the great Balduran. He is the legendary explorer after whom Baldur’s Gate is named.

The Guardian will show up in your main character’s dreams in Baldur’s Gate 3. The first interaction is triggered when you rest for the second or third time in Act 1. The Guardian claims they’re protecting you and your party, insisting it was they who saved you from the Nautiloid crash. They also want you to harness the power of the parasite to save the world.

The Guardian appears for the second time once you encounter the Cult of the Absolute in Baldur’s Gate 3. They explain that the Absolute manipulates its cult leaders with tadpoles and can transform them into Mind Flayers at will. They also claim to be engaged in a constant fight to protect you and will be needing your help soon.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, you find out the true identity of the Guardian right after Act 2. As mentioned before, the Guardian is Balduran. He was transformed into a Mind Flayer when he entered the Moonrise Towers. However, unlike the other Mind Flayers, he retains free will and memories after ceremorpohosis and calls himself The Emperor.

He ran Baldur’s Gate from the shadows after escaping the Hive Mind but was captured and sent back by Gortash, one of the game’s antagonists. The Hive Mind orders The Emperor to find Prince Orpheus, whom he imprisons instead. Orpheus’ power allows him to regain his free will, escape the Hive Mind, and prevents you from becoming a Mind Flayer. As such, the Emperor is constantly fighting an invading Githyanki force who are attempting to rescue Orpheus.

How to romance the Guardian in Baldur’s Gate 3

As long as you don’t betray them and continue to be friendly, romancing the Guardian is fairly simple in Baldur’s Gate 3. Simply locate their room in Act 3 by entering the Lower City Sewers or the kitchen of the Elfsong Tavern. Check out everything in the room and learn about The Emperor’s past. They will then come to you at night.

Just like before, remain friendly and understanding towards them, and they will visit you again at a later time. Here’s what you should pick during this encounter:

• “You don’t really sound like a mind flayer” or “You led an exciting life. Why did you conceal it from me?”
• “True” or “You’re trying to flirt with me now?”
• “I’m not stopping you” or “Perhaps.”

When asked if you prefer the other form, select one of the following:

• “Please do” will trigger a romantic scene featuring you and the customized Guardian you created at the game’s start.
• If you pick “I prefer this one. Just… show me what to do,” a romantic scene featuring you and the Emperor in Mind Flayer form will ensue.

You then wake up to realize that the Emperor didn’t shut their minds off, so your companions were able to see everything.

That’s all there is to know about the Guardian in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you wish to know more about the game, check our guides below:

Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Bard build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Necromancer build | Best weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 | How to craft Potions in Baldur’s Gate 3