Vlaakith’s Wish in Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t actually a plot hole

Despite initially appearing as a major plot hole related to Dungeons & Dragons, one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s instant death game overs can be easily explained.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has a maximum level of 12, which limits players from utilizing the more extravagant abilities available to D&D 5e players as they progress. As a result, they are unable to cast level 9 spells, which boast immense power and the ability to manipulate reality.

Although Tav and their allies may not possess epic magic, the same cannot be said for the NPCs. If the player encounters Vlaakith in the Githyanki Creche, it is possible to trigger a non-standard game over by provoking her to the point where she utilizes the powerful level 9 Wish spell to eliminate the party.

The issue with showcasing this impressive scene is that it reveals Vlaakith’s ability to cast Wish, prompting inquiries as to why she chooses not to use it to achieve her objectives. Why does she refrain from utilizing her Wish to gain control of Orpheus’ power or obtain the Astral Prism?

According to discussions among fans on the internet, it has been pointed out that there are multiple reasons why Wish would not be a solution for Vlaakith’s issues. Firstly, Wish is known for often having negative consequences for the caster, with Dungeons and Dragons DMs often manipulating the player’s words and providing them with unfavorable outcomes, particularly if the Wish is made for selfish purposes.

“You desire a +5 legendary sword? Well, you shall have it…along with the Archdevil who currently possesses it. Enjoy!”said the Dungeon Masters before they chuckled.

It would have been unwise to either steal Orpheus’ power or request the Astral Prism, as there was a strong possibility of it backfiring. Vlaakith, who is on the path to becoming a true god, holds control over her vast empire. Therefore, it did not make sense to take such a risk.

The Player’s Handbook for D&D 5e explains that Wish has a higher chance of going wrong when used for larger requests. It is safe to assume that experienced spellcasters in the D&D multiverse are aware of this and are cautious in their use of Wish.

This implies that Vlaakith’s Wish scene should simply be viewed as a humorous Easter Egg for players who enjoy being cheeky. Although she has the ability to cast Wish, it will not resolve her issues, and the fact that she chooses not to use it to prevent the story from unfolding is not a discrepancy in the plot.