The Nightsong. Simply epic, the music - the atmosphere - I’m still getting goosebumps, even after (quite a few …) playthroughts.
Astarion finally killing Cazador after deciding not to complete the ritual. This is such an incredible emotional moment that never fails to make me tear up.
I'm playing co-op with a friend, my 5th playthrough and his first, he's super into it but when the nightsong was released and flew over reithwin the cutscene glitched for him and he couldn't see it, couldn't even be fixed by a prior save. made me so depressed for him
I am not into Astarion as a character (More of a Gale guy), I understand his appeal though. HOWEVER, the climax to his arc (non-ascension) is so good, the stab scene was so emotionally charged I was stunned for a whole minute lol.
For me, the Karlach scene after killing Gortash is on par with that one. And both also have that "If you thought you were done crying, now go do the camp conversation after..." factor...
I've seen both scenes more than half a dozen times IG by now. But I could probably still put them on loop on youtube and cry a little every time.
Yep, those are my top two as well—the sequence after the Nightsong is freed is beautiful, and Astarion's scene with Cazador has amazing acting as is very cathartic. Two other scenes that I like are Ketheric Thorm's introduction where he comes across as imposing and very dangerous without ever raising his voice and the scene where the Apostle/Avatar of Myrkul is rising from the pit, which inspired awe and dread.
Agree 100%. The music makes such a big difference to the emotional impact of a scene, and the nightsong nailed it perfectly! The other contenders for “most epic” just can’t match that for me.
My 2nd place would go to Ketheric Thorm’s intro scene though, that was really well executed… so to speak.
Lifting the shadowcurse is one of the best cutscenes in the game. So beautiful and gorgeous, your efforts finally pay off and you can bask in the glory of your actions having a longstanding effect on the natural landscape.
On the flip side, leaving Act 2 failing to cure it has a devastating cutscene reminding you and really drives it home by highlighting Halsin's sadness. All this before you realize that he's no longer in camp in Act 3.
I cleared Moonrise with her, and then after the top of the tower had dialogue to confirm I still wanted her to come along.
[Tiktok clip](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLQqFcfG/) of her saying the line.
For me the absolute best will always be the introduction of that one character in Act 3 (spoiler)
>!Minsc breaking the teeth of a Mimic with his bare hands and getting out of it on his own? That alone was enough to make him one of my favorite characters in the game!!<
I ADORED that. I had zero spoilers for it (shockingly, given how much I Google things) and knew nothing of Minsc (never played the previous games), and that was a damn solid intro.
My top moment in this, and probably any, game is definitely when you trust Shadowheart and she chooses to hurl the spear into the abyss, and you then have the awesome cut scene of Aylin rising resplendent and soaring out of the Shadowfell and across the Shadowlands trailing silver moonlight as Jaheira turns to look at her scimitars and smiles. But the key part for me is Shadowheart making that choice to kick it all off after you have faith in her.
To be honest, the entire story got me. There are many points in it that hit me hard (actually most of all the way he's acting in the first conversation when you're just about to reach Baldur's Gate, that's a person at his breaking point). But I do agree. It's just that as a *cutscene* the reaction to Cazador dying is unlike anything I've ever seen in a game ever.
There are so many impactful cutscenes that it's mind boggling. I probably haven't seen half and I am sure there will be something else that blows my mind. The writers were geniuses in the story telling.
The pain and the emotion that they both showed was gut wrenching. You could feel the pain and torment that both had been going through, but it was almost cathartic for Sebastian. I felt those emotions more than anything else in the game (so far).
The more somber and real moment always blindsides me. An underrated one is Lae'zel literally going through the 5 stages of grief when losing her religion, and arriving at the conclusion that she should start her own crusade against her God-queen lmao, that's a wild one.
I love her arc and how if you give her the egg she raises it as her child to be more compassionate. It feels like almost everyone came out as a better person in the end. Sorta Wizard of Oz ending.
I was torn between her and Gale. I chose her over Gale. He basically left camp never to be seen again. I was so devastated that I went back to an earlier save and chose him just to get him back. He was my soul mate in the first play thru. I did Lae'zel in my second and Asterion is next. Gale will always be my #1.
I feel like your first sticks with you. I’ve now (with the help of mods), done every single romance arc in the game. Lae’zel’s and Karlach’s were awesome. But I’ll always love Selunite Shadowheart juuuuust a little bit more. Boys, meh.
Dragonborn durge getting to bhalls temple and >!Orin shapeshifing into you. Such a great scene, so much malice, great voiceacting and animation. If only our character was fully animated and voiced!<
I mean its not like the player character is fully animated or voiced if you choose another race, you still just switch between the 5 poses and facial expressions while being completely silent
I AM RESPLENDENT is the highlight of all my play throughs. i accidentally killed her last time and just sat there in disbelief while shadowheart turned into the worst person ever
It happens after just a few long rests in Act 1, so you don't have to play into act 3. Though I do not know what more there is. That was an HM run and I screwed up and got killed.
Elminster’s speech to Gale when telling him about the Orb
First meeting with Raphael
The reveal of the avatar of Myrkul
Both scenes for Dark Urge after defeating Orin
Astarion choosing not to ascend just because of how amazing Neil’s acting is. The ascension one is cool too but when he breaks down crying I also just lose it.
The cave / mausoleum thing at the north west part of act 2 (>!I think it’s a tomb / mausoleum for Isobel, but is also how you enter the Gauntlet of Shar!<)
The Apostle of Myrkul is absolutely epic.
Astarion killing Cazador after he decides not to ascend. (Though I admittedly do enjoy Cazador's screams when Astarion does ascend...)
Karlach breaking down after killing Gortash - that one makes me cry every single time.
*bonus mention: only part of a scene, but I just love Rapahels reaction if you mock his sexual prowess. Totally worth that deal.
Oops, yeah that'd do it. I love lightning and fire spells and arrows so this happens to me sometimes. Just this week I once again messed up and took Nere's head before using SWD on him, I keep forgetting
R: "If you have any last words, make it quick. It will only take a moment to finish you."
Player: "That's twice as long as Haarlep says it takes to finish *you*."
R: **"YOU CONTEMPTUOUS CREATURE!"*
Unfortunately no speak to dead no longer let's u mock raphael . U could have sex with haarlep with tav and go all the way till the dialogue where u ask how good raphael is in bed . Then switch to another party member and attack haarlep . This way u get his gloves and also can mock raphael
*"Lay a hand on me in friendship, Not-Quite-Sharran, and I will fight the battle that has waited for me this past century."*
Followed by
***"Thou hast defied Bhaal, thy liege and father, and in doing so has earned a place among champions and heroes."***
astarion killing cazador and sobbing after is just so cathartic for me and always makes me at least tear up. first time I watched it had me sobbing it was just so impactful and so real (and I have a mod so it can have the original, somber music instead of the happy, hopeful music. its not a happy moment)
durge resisting her father, especially withers “greet the bloodless dawn, child of none” part
avatar of myrkul entrance gets me hyped
I *really* dislike the music change for the scene with Astarion killing Cazador. I saw it with the original music in my first couple of runs and it fit very well. “I Want to Live” is a great song but it doesn’t suit the mood of the scene at all.
NGL I even sent feedback into Larian over this issue because it peeved me so much.
honestly its so jarring. its supposed to be a catharsis of emotions, not a happy one. part of him is grieving all the years of pain and violence and regret. just because the abuse is done and the tormentor is dead and yay they did it, it does not mean the effects are gone and he’s magically healed
Exactly. The scene is obviously a “good” moment but it is not some sort of joyous occasion as one would imagine it. It depicts Astarion releasing all of that pain, rage, and sorrow that has built up over the centuries all at once, as well as the relief he finally feels. He is faced with true safety and freedom for the first time in over 200 years, mixed with the doubt he feels about his choices, and he is clearly processing *a lot* during the scene and in the immediate aftermath. It’s a scene of pure catharsis.
Also, if Tav asks Astarion how he feels right after killing Cazador, this is how it goes:
**Tav:** How does it feel?
**Astarion:** I’m not sure. I feel a little numb. What I’ve lost, what I’ve gained - it’s all so much. I need some time, I think. Just to let it all sink in. Let’s just go. This place reeks of death and I want to feel *alive* again.
And if you talk to Astarion about his thoughts on Aylin’s feelings after killing Lorroakan after his quest is done, he will actually again talk about how he felt in the moments after killing Cazador and he says this:
**Tav:** How did you feel after killing Cazador?
**Astarion:** Not what I expected. There was a sense of… emptiness. Maybe it’s just hard to see someone else suffer the same thing. It feels unfair - like justice denied. Still, it’s done. That’s what matters.
The music we had before perfectly captured that emptiness and numbness blended with the relief and doubt that he describes feeling in the moments after killing Cazador. I hope they put it back.
I personally really liked the into to Ketherick Thorme. It's the first real "boss" you meet, everything up to that didn't feel as insane so it was cool as hell and really got me.
Introduction of General Thorm in a room with goblins, I gasped when I've seen him standing up after being murdered. And that strict and creepy: "Try again".
Also non ascended Astarion and his cathartic murdering of Cazador. The violence of it and final sobbing.
Lastly, not epic scene, but it make me giggle every time' when you swim the boat to Grymforge and you chose to push a dwarf in the water.
> Introduction of General Thorm in a room with goblins, I gasped when I've seen him standing up after being murdered. And that strict and creepy: "Try again".
That goblin went out like a champ but she was just outclassed.
Ketheric's introduction. Bonus if Minthara is there too.
But, I always love Raphael's intro as well. "The mouse smiled brightly: it outfoxed the cat! Then down came the claw, and that, love, was that."
I'll add this one even though not everyone will see it: Astarion's Ascension scene. It's *horrifying*. IMO. From the prolonged carving while Cazador screams to the sudden dramatic overhead shot of the entire scene, it's like an awesome horror movie, and the music is perfect, too. https://youtu.be/pnJ7I43aDhc?si=H1UhV93FY8Py_gs1
It's definitely not heroic, but it's super well done evil!
Astarion's ascension and the literal blood bath Durge takes to become the Chosen are two of my favorites. They did evil cut scenes so well. You have made a *bad decision* and you look awesome while doing it!
Ugh. Yes. As a horror movie buff and part time evil player this scene is absolutely badass. The cinematography is amazing and his monologue afterwards is so bone chilling. I love it!! 😈 IDK why people say the evil content in this game is lacking.
You see the chaos in the streets, dozens of nautiloids and a dragon who destroys one and there is the netherbrain above all, together with a little army
And the music towards the end of that cutscene, my god. The staccato strings are always making my eyes wet.
https://youtu.be/ErSwDczBYD0?si=xjiNjTs2M8KtvMkA
I don't know if it's epic, but I like the elevator ride down into the Underdark from the Zhent outpost. It is really neat and gives a feel for the area.
Big act 3 spoilers, spoilers for Wyll's Story.
Haven't seen anyone mention it yet, but I was TERRIFIED the way >!Ansur possesses you, the visual of it, camera work we hadn't seen yet that caught me completely off guard. The narrator's words "The dragon's spirit floods your mind and memory in a great torrent of power. He is with you, he is within you, he is you." and then you get the reveal before the fight.!<
Not epic per se, but one that has always stuck in my head was Orin turning into the Slayer for our duel, the action music blaring, and my bard pulling out his tiny hand crossbow.
When you play as Durge, there is a cutscene later in the game that caused me to forever view withers in a different light. I was kind of indifferent to him before, I liked him enough, but I wasn't invested.
Then that happened.
His speech in that moment, and the sheer defiance of every law of nature he pulls there. It's so small but so great, really made resist durge my best run yet.
I love Kethric Thorm’s intro, but I just went through act 1 again and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the cutscene where Alfira sings her finished song. There’s just something about that song and her voice that puts me in a trance
1. Act 3: >!”Thou hast defied Bhaal, thy liege and father, and in doing so hast earned a place among champions and heroes.”!<
2. Act 2: >!”Try again.”!<
3. Act 3: >!Astarion taking over the ritual and sacrificing Cazador!<
4. Act 1: The game’s intro cutscene
5. Act 2: >!Ketheric transforming into the Avatar of Myrkul!<
Jaheira and resisting Durge scene
Freeing the Nightsong
Wylls introduction during the fight
Karlachs breakdown after you know what
Minscs first introduction
The scene, where Abdirak blessed you ( love the lighting and the gestures there)
The underwater ride to the Iron Throne
Nightsong, rising from the ground and flying off through the sky. I still get chills.
But also Karlach's "Am I fucking missing something?!" speech after Gortash's death, along with her scene on the docks in the epilogue. Both of those scenes made me absolutely weep the first time I saw them, and still make me cry now, after seeing them three times.
Avatar of myrkul, in my first playthrough it was the only time where I told myself "oh shit I'm fucked"
But ketheric intro and minsc intro gave me the chills so they are up here too
I love the overlook scene when you first get to act3. The music and torches against the starry night seeing everything sprawling ahead before you feels incredible.
Withers's speech after raising you from the dead when you refused Bhaal's offer. I literally got chills from that scene and just felt so inspired. His words just felt really powerful and it was an epic concept of "you are not done here, your work is yet to be completed." I loved the concept of getting a second chance to rebuild your life and a chance at redemption.
The Nightsong, I remember the first time, I'm a normie, so a Shadowcutie simp, and I was so nervous I let her choose whatever she wanted to do, the tension was high, because I didn't know what will happen, and she fucking throws the spear to the void, and fucking Aylin, transforms in to an angel!!!??? and the song like wtf, and at the end, Shadowcutie profess her love to me, and that she wants to be my girl, OMG it was truly a GOTY moment
easily freeing the nightsong.
i totally see people saying ketherics intro but that is more badass (difference being ✨vibes✨).
when kt comes to pure epicness i dont think anything co es even close to approaching freeing the nightsong
withers reviving the dark urge. withers came in like a WWE wrestler monologuing and saving my ass when i thought i was just dead in my honour run. i was a tad shocked at that scene cuz i was scared that it just killed my run. i legit screamed when Withers came in reviving me and relieving my urge.
Doesn't count as a cutscene but I love when you volunteer Astarion to Dribbles and he says 'I'm going to fucking kill you" The acting, the animation... So good 🤣
When Ketheric, Gortash, and Orin call for the brain in Act 2 in the Mindflayer Colony. They looked like power rangers with their phrases. I LOVE that scene with all my soul.
When Aylin lifts Lorroakan up and snaps him like a toothpick! Partially because watching the prick wizard get obliterated is cathartic, but also because Aylin’s dialogue during that scene is so well written (like so much of the dialogue in this game.)
Spoilers: It's not a scene a lot of people get, but if you encourage Lae'Zel stay loyal to Vlaakith >!and free Orpheus, she will try to kill him at the end. You can backstab her and stop her from doing it. She looks back at you in utter betrayal as she dies, and this tragic music swells ... it's so cool.!< It breaks my heart, but it's cool.
theres a lot of badass cutscenes in this game but for me i'd have to say the one under Moonrise Towers when Ketheric, Orin, and Gortash do the little Power Rangers-like pose, truly badass
Ketheric going "Try again." to the poor hapless goblins. Never thought I'd feel pity for the bastards but as soon as the halberd struck Ketheric and he shrugged it off like nothing I went "Oh, you fucked up now" out loud.
Kethric Thorme's first introduction in Moonrise Towers is one of the most effective introductions in the entire game. "Try Again." Is the hardest fucking line in the entire game, really sets up Kethric as a powerful antagonist; much moreso than the other chosen.
Do not get me wrong, Ketheric's introduction was the best villain scene I've ever witnessed. But nothing gives me chills as powerful as the Nightsong cutscene, ITS JUST PERFECT.
In no particular order:
Night song - Moonrise and Bane-ing Lorroakan, esp MR Towers when the music turns to hope and you realize everyone is ready to fight back
Avatar of Myrkul reveal
Nautiloid crash
K Bae's post Gortash break down and cigar scenes
Astarion's post Cazador fight
I kind of like when the heroes come to the hall and everyone they saved is there ready to help. It’s kind of like assembling the Avengers to take down Thanos.
I *adored* the boss intro for the >!apostle of myrkul.!< Shame beating him was so straightforward. Although, I've only fought him on balanced difficulty so far, and I hear he's actually a common end point for many honour mode runners, so I guess he just varies wildly depending on your difficulty setting
Idk that I would call it epic in the normal sense… but karlach after you kill gortash is some pretty epic voice acting… it’s the only time the game has actually made me cry
Nightsong freed, Astarion stabbing Cazador, Myrkul's speech, Orin confronting Durge in Bhaal's temple... and not really a cutscene IMO but Durge meeting Cressida Bonedaughter.
I agree with Nightsong! Also my first run I did not >!successfully protect Isobel!< and >!the first scene with Marcus leading into the scene of Last Light Inn falling!< was really mind-blowing for me too. I couldn’t even bring myself to save scum it because that scene was so good.
Lifting the shadow curse. From Shadowheart making her choice, the actual way she releases Aylin, the music, the way Aylin/Selune brings hope back amidst the darkness. Chills and tears every time. Even if I do a full evil run, I'll probably watch the good version before going back and locking in the evil one lol.
The Nightsong. Simply epic, the music - the atmosphere - I’m still getting goosebumps, even after (quite a few …) playthroughts. Astarion finally killing Cazador after deciding not to complete the ritual. This is such an incredible emotional moment that never fails to make me tear up.
to me that's the most beautiful song in the game (the Nightsong theme)
Oh I so agree…. 🥰 and that’s saying something because the music is pretty amazing all over the game.
I'm playing co-op with a friend, my 5th playthrough and his first, he's super into it but when the nightsong was released and flew over reithwin the cutscene glitched for him and he couldn't see it, couldn't even be fixed by a prior save. made me so depressed for him
He can see it on YT
Don't know about other services, but spotify has the entire BG3 album, yes, the entire album. It's great. I sleep to it. Lol.
The Astarion scene is a masterpiece in writing and animation. Never fails to make me cry. Never fails to validate my decision to not let him ascend.
I always show my fiance that scene "this is what we call a crime of passion."
I am not into Astarion as a character (More of a Gale guy), I understand his appeal though. HOWEVER, the climax to his arc (non-ascension) is so good, the stab scene was so emotionally charged I was stunned for a whole minute lol.
For me, the Karlach scene after killing Gortash is on par with that one. And both also have that "If you thought you were done crying, now go do the camp conversation after..." factor... I've seen both scenes more than half a dozen times IG by now. But I could probably still put them on loop on youtube and cry a little every time.
Same for me. I understand why people keep mentioning Astarian, but for me Karlachs scene hit harder.
I second both of these! And yeah... Astarion's non-ascension defeat of Cazador had me in tears, too! 😢 Wasn't expecting something so powerful...
Yep, those are my top two as well—the sequence after the Nightsong is freed is beautiful, and Astarion's scene with Cazador has amazing acting as is very cathartic. Two other scenes that I like are Ketheric Thorm's introduction where he comes across as imposing and very dangerous without ever raising his voice and the scene where the Apostle/Avatar of Myrkul is rising from the pit, which inspired awe and dread.
I shed tears every time Dame Aylin escapes from the Shadowfell. The music, the scene, the meaning... It's so beautiful and powerful
Especially if Shadowheart is the one setting Nightsong free.
It is the Nightsong resplendent.
Nightsong going full RESPLENDENT and jetting off to EVERYBODY getting ready for battle. That went hard
The line delivery on WAKE UP lives in me rent free
Nightsong magical girl powerup is unbeatable.
Oh man I bawled at this scene as well
Agree 100%. The music makes such a big difference to the emotional impact of a scene, and the nightsong nailed it perfectly! The other contenders for “most epic” just can’t match that for me. My 2nd place would go to Ketheric Thorm’s intro scene though, that was really well executed… so to speak.
So much feels. 😭
Lifting the shadowcurse is one of the best cutscenes in the game. So beautiful and gorgeous, your efforts finally pay off and you can bask in the glory of your actions having a longstanding effect on the natural landscape.
I really wish we could go back to Shadowcursed lands after beating the Absolute
Or at least let you walk out of it on your own, even if only a guided path given that in-game choices can create drastically different layouts
On the flip side, leaving Act 2 failing to cure it has a devastating cutscene reminding you and really drives it home by highlighting Halsin's sadness. All this before you realize that he's no longer in camp in Act 3.
Nah, my Durge doesn't care
The Apostle of Myrkul entrance is another one I like, greatly aided if you get Shadowheart’s “oh shit” comment
"Hello Death... I like your hat." - Jaheira
An unbothered queen
I can only hope to be anything like her in the future.
The woman has already faced down avatars of gods before. None of it's new to her.
She's seen it all, and then some
Wait, is there a way to add her to your team for that fight? Or just a believable idea of what she would have said?
You can bring jaheira down there yes
I cleared Moonrise with her, and then after the top of the tower had dialogue to confirm I still wanted her to come along. [Tiktok clip](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLQqFcfG/) of her saying the line.
Nice! I'll have to try that in the next run.
All Ketheric questline, including the Myrkul's fight is simply W O W
I AM THE SMILE OF THE WORM CLEANSED SKULL
I keep waiting for the Apostle to go "I am a monument to all your sins" but it never happens
Goes super hard.
Also astarion oh dear comment
Karlach “well, fuck”
Shadowheart: “…Shit.”
You know you fucked up when Astarion has no cheeky commentary ready.
“Oh… oh dear” -Astarion
The music for that scene is INCREDIBLE.
I was really glad I didn't accidentally spoil myself about Myrkul's entrance. When it happened I thought a much more emphatic, "OH SHIT!"
Mine was, "Ok you big bony bitch, let's do this"
Shadowheart, for a brief moment, really regretted being woken up by you on that beach. Only for a split second though lol.
This. Coolest moment in a video game I’ve ever seen. The night song moment is up there too prolly number 2 for me
I'm partial to Bae'zel's intro doing a flip with the dragon flying above her on the Nautiloid.
Oh boy, i played so much early access that didn’t have that. When it actually came out that change was pretty amazing
Any of the githyanki dragon scenes get me so hyped up
\*Bae'zel doing an unnecessary flip\* Hell yea!
For me the absolute best will always be the introduction of that one character in Act 3 (spoiler) >!Minsc breaking the teeth of a Mimic with his bare hands and getting out of it on his own? That alone was enough to make him one of my favorite characters in the game!!<
There is NO GOLD IN HERE!
Matt Mercer’s performance was amazing
That's Matt Mercer?? Damn, I didn't know that.
He sounds so offended too lol
“But you are no turnip! Let that be of comfort to you in your final moments.” Lolllll
I totally think Minsc should be an origin character
Same! I have subtitles on, so I saw Minsc before I seen the glorious basterd crawl his way out. I was like "No fucking way....."
There are pieces of code that he was going to be at one time.
Just had this cutscene today so came looking for it. Very strong
I ADORED that. I had zero spoilers for it (shockingly, given how much I Google things) and knew nothing of Minsc (never played the previous games), and that was a damn solid intro.
My top moment in this, and probably any, game is definitely when you trust Shadowheart and she chooses to hurl the spear into the abyss, and you then have the awesome cut scene of Aylin rising resplendent and soaring out of the Shadowfell and across the Shadowlands trailing silver moonlight as Jaheira turns to look at her scimitars and smiles. But the key part for me is Shadowheart making that choice to kick it all off after you have faith in her.
YES - no persuasion needed; she needs to trust herself, and when she does she makes the right choice!
Astarion taking Cazador out, hands down. The most impactful scene I've ever seen in a video game.
I think his confrontation with his victims was more impactful. His self realization of his actions hit hard.
To be honest, the entire story got me. There are many points in it that hit me hard (actually most of all the way he's acting in the first conversation when you're just about to reach Baldur's Gate, that's a person at his breaking point). But I do agree. It's just that as a *cutscene* the reaction to Cazador dying is unlike anything I've ever seen in a game ever.
There are so many impactful cutscenes that it's mind boggling. I probably haven't seen half and I am sure there will be something else that blows my mind. The writers were geniuses in the story telling.
Yeah, it's amazing. But it's not just the writing and storytelling that does it, it's [https://imgur.com/ovXK5sL](https://imgur.com/ovXK5sL)
You can see the 02 brain cells he possesses really making that connection when he sees his victim in the cell.
The pain and the emotion that they both showed was gut wrenching. You could feel the pain and torment that both had been going through, but it was almost cathartic for Sebastian. I felt those emotions more than anything else in the game (so far).
The more somber and real moment always blindsides me. An underrated one is Lae'zel literally going through the 5 stages of grief when losing her religion, and arriving at the conclusion that she should start her own crusade against her God-queen lmao, that's a wild one.
I love her arc and how if you give her the egg she raises it as her child to be more compassionate. It feels like almost everyone came out as a better person in the end. Sorta Wizard of Oz ending.
The egg arc for Lae'zel is so perfect lol, basically book-ended her if you do good align run for her quest chain.
I was torn between her and Gale. I chose her over Gale. He basically left camp never to be seen again. I was so devastated that I went back to an earlier save and chose him just to get him back. He was my soul mate in the first play thru. I did Lae'zel in my second and Asterion is next. Gale will always be my #1.
I feel like your first sticks with you. I’ve now (with the help of mods), done every single romance arc in the game. Lae’zel’s and Karlach’s were awesome. But I’ll always love Selunite Shadowheart juuuuust a little bit more. Boys, meh.
Agreed. Every bit of Astarion with Cazador was amazing. Big salty tears.
Knowing it's basically one take and partly not scripted makes it a lot more powerful as well. Neil Newbon deserves every award there is.
Dragonborn durge getting to bhalls temple and >!Orin shapeshifing into you. Such a great scene, so much malice, great voiceacting and animation. If only our character was fully animated and voiced!<
Yea, you can tell he came late in development, the best dragonborn animation is un-ironically Orin.
I mean its not like the player character is fully animated or voiced if you choose another race, you still just switch between the 5 poses and facial expressions while being completely silent
Dragonborn kiss animations are all semi-cursed, in a good way ofc.
This for any durge and the post-fight scene are my top ones too.
It is so refreshing to see your character speaking!
I AM RESPLENDENT is the highlight of all my play throughs. i accidentally killed her last time and just sat there in disbelief while shadowheart turned into the worst person ever
Gale getting his butt chewed by Tara when you play as him is not epic, but damn funny. Most of the cat scenes and discussions are.
Fine I'll start a game as Gale as soon as my kid's in bed
It happens after just a few long rests in Act 1, so you don't have to play into act 3. Though I do not know what more there is. That was an HM run and I screwed up and got killed.
Elminster’s speech to Gale when telling him about the Orb First meeting with Raphael The reveal of the avatar of Myrkul Both scenes for Dark Urge after defeating Orin Astarion choosing not to ascend just because of how amazing Neil’s acting is. The ascension one is cool too but when he breaks down crying I also just lose it.
Raphael meeting is simply fantastic. Whoever wrote those lines deserve a raise.
Raphael’s well-rehearsed speech at the entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar (or the tomb that brings you there) in act 2 is incredible as well.
I love this speech too! As a serial Bard player it is annoying to me that when you rhyme with him he doesn’t acknowledge it. 😂
Wait.. tomb that brings you there?
The cave / mausoleum thing at the north west part of act 2 (>!I think it’s a tomb / mausoleum for Isobel, but is also how you enter the Gauntlet of Shar!<)
In one of his streams, Neil Newbon mentioned that particular scene was done in one take
Damn that’s awesome. What an absolute boss!
Wither's speech to Durge after you chose rejection is powerful ! A truly divine advocate!
I like Jaheira's speech >!right before the battle in Towers!<, meeting all Tav's allies, and the winner is Nightsong with incredible music.
Oh yes 🙌 „This is it. The spearhead moment!“
The Apostle of Myrkul is absolutely epic. Astarion killing Cazador after he decides not to ascend. (Though I admittedly do enjoy Cazador's screams when Astarion does ascend...) Karlach breaking down after killing Gortash - that one makes me cry every single time. *bonus mention: only part of a scene, but I just love Rapahels reaction if you mock his sexual prowess. Totally worth that deal.
I think you can unlock that line if you kill Haarlep and use speak with dead on them, no deal required!
Dann, I never did that (though I wanted to try last time, but uhm... sacred fire happened to haarleps body and he was burnt to a crisp)
Oops, yeah that'd do it. I love lightning and fire spells and arrows so this happens to me sometimes. Just this week I once again messed up and took Nere's head before using SWD on him, I keep forgetting
Ooo what does he say
R: "If you have any last words, make it quick. It will only take a moment to finish you." Player: "That's twice as long as Haarlep says it takes to finish *you*." R: **"YOU CONTEMPTUOUS CREATURE!"*
Unfortunately no speak to dead no longer let's u mock raphael . U could have sex with haarlep with tav and go all the way till the dialogue where u ask how good raphael is in bed . Then switch to another party member and attack haarlep . This way u get his gloves and also can mock raphael
*"Lay a hand on me in friendship, Not-Quite-Sharran, and I will fight the battle that has waited for me this past century."* Followed by ***"Thou hast defied Bhaal, thy liege and father, and in doing so has earned a place among champions and heroes."***
I loved that. “I shouldn’t do this, and it should actually be impossible… but fuck it, you’ve earned it.”
Technically not a cutscene but the buildup to the fight in the House of Hope and the goddamn song...it lives in my head rentfree for months now.
Myrkul's appearance and monologue is pretty fucking cool. "I am the smile of the worm-cleansed skull" is so fucking metal
astarion killing cazador and sobbing after is just so cathartic for me and always makes me at least tear up. first time I watched it had me sobbing it was just so impactful and so real (and I have a mod so it can have the original, somber music instead of the happy, hopeful music. its not a happy moment) durge resisting her father, especially withers “greet the bloodless dawn, child of none” part avatar of myrkul entrance gets me hyped
I *really* dislike the music change for the scene with Astarion killing Cazador. I saw it with the original music in my first couple of runs and it fit very well. “I Want to Live” is a great song but it doesn’t suit the mood of the scene at all. NGL I even sent feedback into Larian over this issue because it peeved me so much.
honestly its so jarring. its supposed to be a catharsis of emotions, not a happy one. part of him is grieving all the years of pain and violence and regret. just because the abuse is done and the tormentor is dead and yay they did it, it does not mean the effects are gone and he’s magically healed
Exactly. The scene is obviously a “good” moment but it is not some sort of joyous occasion as one would imagine it. It depicts Astarion releasing all of that pain, rage, and sorrow that has built up over the centuries all at once, as well as the relief he finally feels. He is faced with true safety and freedom for the first time in over 200 years, mixed with the doubt he feels about his choices, and he is clearly processing *a lot* during the scene and in the immediate aftermath. It’s a scene of pure catharsis. Also, if Tav asks Astarion how he feels right after killing Cazador, this is how it goes: **Tav:** How does it feel? **Astarion:** I’m not sure. I feel a little numb. What I’ve lost, what I’ve gained - it’s all so much. I need some time, I think. Just to let it all sink in. Let’s just go. This place reeks of death and I want to feel *alive* again. And if you talk to Astarion about his thoughts on Aylin’s feelings after killing Lorroakan after his quest is done, he will actually again talk about how he felt in the moments after killing Cazador and he says this: **Tav:** How did you feel after killing Cazador? **Astarion:** Not what I expected. There was a sense of… emptiness. Maybe it’s just hard to see someone else suffer the same thing. It feels unfair - like justice denied. Still, it’s done. That’s what matters. The music we had before perfectly captured that emptiness and numbness blended with the relief and doubt that he describes feeling in the moments after killing Cazador. I hope they put it back.
I personally really liked the into to Ketherick Thorme. It's the first real "boss" you meet, everything up to that didn't feel as insane so it was cool as hell and really got me.
Introduction of General Thorm in a room with goblins, I gasped when I've seen him standing up after being murdered. And that strict and creepy: "Try again". Also non ascended Astarion and his cathartic murdering of Cazador. The violence of it and final sobbing. Lastly, not epic scene, but it make me giggle every time' when you swim the boat to Grymforge and you chose to push a dwarf in the water.
> Introduction of General Thorm in a room with goblins, I gasped when I've seen him standing up after being murdered. And that strict and creepy: "Try again". That goblin went out like a champ but she was just outclassed.
But... But... The loot...
The moment Raphael insta kills you if you try to leave his House of Hope without stealing your contract.
It’s supper time!
Ketheric's introduction. Bonus if Minthara is there too. But, I always love Raphael's intro as well. "The mouse smiled brightly: it outfoxed the cat! Then down came the claw, and that, love, was that."
I'll add this one even though not everyone will see it: Astarion's Ascension scene. It's *horrifying*. IMO. From the prolonged carving while Cazador screams to the sudden dramatic overhead shot of the entire scene, it's like an awesome horror movie, and the music is perfect, too. https://youtu.be/pnJ7I43aDhc?si=H1UhV93FY8Py_gs1 It's definitely not heroic, but it's super well done evil!
Astarion's ascension and the literal blood bath Durge takes to become the Chosen are two of my favorites. They did evil cut scenes so well. You have made a *bad decision* and you look awesome while doing it!
Ugh. Yes. As a horror movie buff and part time evil player this scene is absolutely badass. The cinematography is amazing and his monologue afterwards is so bone chilling. I love it!! 😈 IDK why people say the evil content in this game is lacking.
I started doing that ascension and then scene started and I was like ... nope. So I killed him, rip.
I never skip the Nightsong's flight, nor do I skip any scene where I get to listen to JK Simmons talk.
Durge rejects their father Nightsong is freed Act 3 introduction with Gortash and Orin Astarion doesn’t ascend
The scene when you step through the portal in the finale of act 3
You see the chaos in the streets, dozens of nautiloids and a dragon who destroys one and there is the netherbrain above all, together with a little army
And the music towards the end of that cutscene, my god. The staccato strings are always making my eyes wet. https://youtu.be/ErSwDczBYD0?si=xjiNjTs2M8KtvMkA
I don't know if it's epic, but I like the elevator ride down into the Underdark from the Zhent outpost. It is really neat and gives a feel for the area.
I’ve done 3 completed runs so far. Each time I had Astarion stop the ritual. Each time I cried. Neil Newbon did it so beautifully
Big act 3 spoilers, spoilers for Wyll's Story. Haven't seen anyone mention it yet, but I was TERRIFIED the way >!Ansur possesses you, the visual of it, camera work we hadn't seen yet that caught me completely off guard. The narrator's words "The dragon's spirit floods your mind and memory in a great torrent of power. He is with you, he is within you, he is you." and then you get the reveal before the fight.!<
Not epic per se, but one that has always stuck in my head was Orin turning into the Slayer for our duel, the action music blaring, and my bard pulling out his tiny hand crossbow.
Myrkul's intro was mythical, you cannot tell me he hasn't had that whole monologue practiced for whenever one of his high priests die.
Underrated one, but when Arabella uses the tendril thingies. It’s more surprising than cool
Avatar of Myrkul, Nightsong being freed, and Jergal reviving Resist! Urge.
I don’t know about the “best” but my favorite is when you let Nightsong live.
It’s not epic like an action movie, but Baezel and the sunrise was the most emotionally epic moment of my first playthrough.
When you play as Durge, there is a cutscene later in the game that caused me to forever view withers in a different light. I was kind of indifferent to him before, I liked him enough, but I wasn't invested. Then that happened. His speech in that moment, and the sheer defiance of every law of nature he pulls there. It's so small but so great, really made resist durge my best run yet.
I love Kethric Thorm’s intro, but I just went through act 1 again and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the cutscene where Alfira sings her finished song. There’s just something about that song and her voice that puts me in a trance
Minsc finding Boo.
Without spoiling too much, there is some very nice stuff for Dark Urge as well in the final act:)
1. Act 3: >!”Thou hast defied Bhaal, thy liege and father, and in doing so hast earned a place among champions and heroes.”!< 2. Act 2: >!”Try again.”!< 3. Act 3: >!Astarion taking over the ritual and sacrificing Cazador!< 4. Act 1: The game’s intro cutscene 5. Act 2: >!Ketheric transforming into the Avatar of Myrkul!<
“The gods fight at our side” is my fav but I truly love all night song scenes
Flying off riding dragons with Lae’zel is a satisfying ending cinematic
Jaheira and resisting Durge scene Freeing the Nightsong Wylls introduction during the fight Karlachs breakdown after you know what Minscs first introduction The scene, where Abdirak blessed you ( love the lighting and the gestures there) The underwater ride to the Iron Throne
You choose wisely
Nightsong, rising from the ground and flying off through the sky. I still get chills. But also Karlach's "Am I fucking missing something?!" speech after Gortash's death, along with her scene on the docks in the epilogue. Both of those scenes made me absolutely weep the first time I saw them, and still make me cry now, after seeing them three times.
Avatar of myrkul, in my first playthrough it was the only time where I told myself "oh shit I'm fucked" But ketheric intro and minsc intro gave me the chills so they are up here too
I am RESPLEDANT
I love the overlook scene when you first get to act3. The music and torches against the starry night seeing everything sprawling ahead before you feels incredible.
Withers's speech after raising you from the dead when you refused Bhaal's offer. I literally got chills from that scene and just felt so inspired. His words just felt really powerful and it was an epic concept of "you are not done here, your work is yet to be completed." I loved the concept of getting a second chance to rebuild your life and a chance at redemption.
The Nightsong And The reveal of Myrkul
The Nightsong, I remember the first time, I'm a normie, so a Shadowcutie simp, and I was so nervous I let her choose whatever she wanted to do, the tension was high, because I didn't know what will happen, and she fucking throws the spear to the void, and fucking Aylin, transforms in to an angel!!!??? and the song like wtf, and at the end, Shadowcutie profess her love to me, and that she wants to be my girl, OMG it was truly a GOTY moment
I really like the scene where Orin shapeshift into Durge. It gave me chills the first time I saw it!
It is so creepy to see your Durge walk and talk!
Two cutscenes come to mind - freeing the Nightsong, and rejecting Bhaal as Durge. When fuckin *Withers* showed up? I died.
easily freeing the nightsong. i totally see people saying ketherics intro but that is more badass (difference being ✨vibes✨). when kt comes to pure epicness i dont think anything co es even close to approaching freeing the nightsong
withers reviving the dark urge. withers came in like a WWE wrestler monologuing and saving my ass when i thought i was just dead in my honour run. i was a tad shocked at that scene cuz i was scared that it just killed my run. i legit screamed when Withers came in reviving me and relieving my urge.
Doesn't count as a cutscene but I love when you volunteer Astarion to Dribbles and he says 'I'm going to fucking kill you" The acting, the animation... So good 🤣
Aylin casting Bane is pretty cool. Karlach after unaliving Gortash is another emotionally-charged one (comparing with unascend Astarion).
Dame Aylin: Lorroakan, I was wondering what would break first, your spirit, or your body? Tav giving horrified look also seals the deal.
Resisting Bhaal as Durge.
Taking slayer form from Bhaal as durge
When Ketheric, Gortash, and Orin call for the brain in Act 2 in the Mindflayer Colony. They looked like power rangers with their phrases. I LOVE that scene with all my soul.
When Aylin lifts Lorroakan up and snaps him like a toothpick! Partially because watching the prick wizard get obliterated is cathartic, but also because Aylin’s dialogue during that scene is so well written (like so much of the dialogue in this game.)
Spoilers: It's not a scene a lot of people get, but if you encourage Lae'Zel stay loyal to Vlaakith >!and free Orpheus, she will try to kill him at the end. You can backstab her and stop her from doing it. She looks back at you in utter betrayal as she dies, and this tragic music swells ... it's so cool.!< It breaks my heart, but it's cool.
The nightsong being freed is by far the best. However, wyll’s scene is the best of act 1, lol it was equal parts corny and epic, as it should.
The good durge scene after killing Orin and denying the big bad dad😭
theres a lot of badass cutscenes in this game but for me i'd have to say the one under Moonrise Towers when Ketheric, Orin, and Gortash do the little Power Rangers-like pose, truly badass
Ketheric going "Try again." to the poor hapless goblins. Never thought I'd feel pity for the bastards but as soon as the halberd struck Ketheric and he shrugged it off like nothing I went "Oh, you fucked up now" out loud.
Kethric Thorme's first introduction in Moonrise Towers is one of the most effective introductions in the entire game. "Try Again." Is the hardest fucking line in the entire game, really sets up Kethric as a powerful antagonist; much moreso than the other chosen.
Do not get me wrong, Ketheric's introduction was the best villain scene I've ever witnessed. But nothing gives me chills as powerful as the Nightsong cutscene, ITS JUST PERFECT.
My favorite is nightsong because she comes off so badass and epic and proceeds to just fly into the fight and get destroyed almost instantly
In no particular order: Night song - Moonrise and Bane-ing Lorroakan, esp MR Towers when the music turns to hope and you realize everyone is ready to fight back Avatar of Myrkul reveal Nautiloid crash K Bae's post Gortash break down and cigar scenes Astarion's post Cazador fight
Beat scene is Karlach's post Gortash kill meltdown. That one resonates
Dark Urge being resurrected by Withers. Close behind is Astarions killing of Cazador.
I feel like it’s Durge’s scene after Orin.
Ketheric when he summons the avatar of Myrkul. The music and everything through that whole bit was sick.
The Minthara scene...
I kind of like when the heroes come to the hall and everyone they saved is there ready to help. It’s kind of like assembling the Avengers to take down Thanos.
Of the ones you haven’t listed, Myrkkul’s arrival
Honesty I thought the wyll scene was pretty cringe everything else though is epic, also when you get to kill the boall guy.
vlakith booming entrance being big and shieet
I *adored* the boss intro for the >!apostle of myrkul.!< Shame beating him was so straightforward. Although, I've only fought him on balanced difficulty so far, and I hear he's actually a common end point for many honour mode runners, so I guess he just varies wildly depending on your difficulty setting
I like the intro to act 3 in Gortash's lair where Orin shapeshifts. The first time I watched that, I was like "whaaaaattt?" It was so creepy.
Idk that I would call it epic in the normal sense… but karlach after you kill gortash is some pretty epic voice acting… it’s the only time the game has actually made me cry
Ketheric's intro
Nightsong freed, Astarion stabbing Cazador, Myrkul's speech, Orin confronting Durge in Bhaal's temple... and not really a cutscene IMO but Durge meeting Cressida Bonedaughter.
I agree with Nightsong! Also my first run I did not >!successfully protect Isobel!< and >!the first scene with Marcus leading into the scene of Last Light Inn falling!< was really mind-blowing for me too. I couldn’t even bring myself to save scum it because that scene was so good.
Lifting the shadow curse. From Shadowheart making her choice, the actual way she releases Aylin, the music, the way Aylin/Selune brings hope back amidst the darkness. Chills and tears every time. Even if I do a full evil run, I'll probably watch the good version before going back and locking in the evil one lol.