Tech

Baldur's Gate 3 – How To Save The Refugees In Druid Grove – GameSpot

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2023

There are many pivotal moments in Baldur’s Gate 3. One of these needs to be resolved during Act 1, and it’s the conflict between the Tieflings and Goblins. Regardless of your decision, a lot of people will die, and its up to you to find out which side wins. Our guide discusses the Baldur’s Gate 3 Save the Refugees quest, particularly the key factors that should help you win the battle.

How to Save the Tiefling Refugees in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Save the Refugees quest has multiple stages and objectives. Our guide primarily deals with the battle itself, so here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect prior to that:

Once you gain entry to the Druid Grove, you can aid various NPCs with their tasks. For instance, you can rescue Arabella from Kagha, while also learning that the latter is working with the Shadow Druids.
The important task here is to find the whereabouts of Halsin, the Arch Druid, as he seems to know a cure for the parasite. You’ll find him in the Goblin Camp/Shattered Sanctum. He’s imprisoned in bear form, but you can bust him out. Be forewarned that making him accompany you inside the dungeon will make all cultists hostile.
The Paladin Minthara is one of the leaders of the Cult of the Absolute. Instead of fighting Minthara in the Goblin Camp/Shattered Sanctum, you can tell her the location of the Druid Grove instead. Your companions might not like it, but you can tell them that you have a plan.
You can certainly side with her during the assault, as this decision allows you to romance Minthara. However, that means the Tieflings and Druids will die. Worse, companions like Wyll and Karlach will leave your party forever, and Halsin won’t consider helping you down the line.

You’ll rely on Gale, or a main character who’s also a Wizard, due to spells like Scorching Ray.

How to Win the Battle Against Minthara

Let’s say that Minthara’s army is ready to assault the camp, but you convinced her that you’re on her side. Simply take a long rest, and get ready to Save the Refugees in Baldur’s Gate 3. You’ll want to do the following before you begin the battle:

Talk to Zevlor atop the entrance gate. Tell him that you led Minthara’s army, but that she’s fallen for your trap.
Make sure that Gale has spells like Scorching Ray and Cloud of Daggers.
Ungroup your units so you can reposition them separately. We suggest placing Gale and another companion at the western side (i.e. near the warhorn). Meanwhile, a melee character like Karlach or Lae’zel can be in the eastern side.
When you’re ready, commence with the fight by interacting with the war horn.
Take note that you’ll be up against a dozen Goblins and their cohorts. It’s important to keep backup saves in case you need to reload due to unsuccessful rolls or misses.

Essentially, this battle is all about turning Gale into the MVP due to the aforementioned spells: Scorching Ray and Cloud of Daggers. You can also use a spellcaster main character if they have these spells.

Gallery

Left: Gale uses Cloud of Daggers; Right: Karlach throws an explosive barrel.

In any case, a couple of turns in, you’ll notice several sappers moving toward the gate. If they manage to throw their exploding barrels at the gate, it will get destroyed, and they’ll all start rushing in. But, with Gale, you can wait for them to get clustered, then target all of them with Scorching Ray. The explosion and successive flame effect should kill many units. Even better, since your foes don’t have explosives anymore, they’ll have no choice but to waste turns hitting the stone gate with melee weapons and arrows.

Likewise, you’ll notice a bunch of barrels that are close together. These will get thrown by the Ogre, causing Goblins to burst out of them to attack the defenders. Before that happens, you should cast Cloud of Daggers in that spot, which will destroy the barrels and damage the enemies hiding inside.

Lastly, the eastern side (i.e. the one with Karlach or Lae’zel) should get attacked by a couple of Spiderlings. You can take them out with melee hits. Once they’re dead, throw the explosive barrel at the remaining hostiles. With most of the opposing army dead, all that’s left is to continue pelting Minthara until she’s defeated.

That’s it: that’s how you complete the Save the Refugees quest in Baldur’s Gate 3. Although you lose the opportunity to romance Minthara, you’ll still be able to recruit Halsin much later in the campaign. Likewise, your good deeds mean that Wyll and Karlach will remain in your party. Just don’t piss them off in the future.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled to the brim with activities and secrets. You’ll no doubt be part of an adventure that can take countless hours to complete. For other tips, you can visit our BG3 guides hub.

The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors.
GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

1 hour ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 hours ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

4 weeks ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.