Baldur’s Gate 3: Should You Drink Formula Gruna in BG3?

Should you trust Araj and drink her offered potion?

By GamesRecon

You’ve probably found that Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of weird and wacky things your characters can munch on, sip, or otherwise imbibe. But there is something that takes the cake, or should I say, the potion. It’s the mysterious concoction called Formula Gruna.

If you cast your mind back to Act 2, you meet an intriguing Drow lady, Araj Oblodra. She’s the one who had a rather peculiar request for Astarion companion. Fast forward to Act 3, and you will come across Araj again. This time, she has an offer that’s hard to ignore: a chance to drink her enigmatic Formula Gruna.

You can either go into this experiment or politely say, “No thanks, I’ll pass.” The choice is yours, but it could change the way the story unfolds next. So, what’s it going to be? This guide explains what this Formula Gruna is in Baldur’s Gate 3 and whether it’s worth taking a sip of Araj’s strange brew.

What Happens If You Drink Formula Gruna in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The effects of drinking Formula Gruna in Baldur's Gate 3

Formula Gruna, in a nutshell, is a potion that turns your blood into something straight out of a fantasy thriller. This potion will change your blood so that it becomes explosively reactive when your blood meets fire or even a tiny spark. Moreover, this effect is permanent; once you drink this potion, there’s no going back. Your blood will be explosive, literally, for the rest of your game.

Now, you’re probably thinking about all the crazy scenarios this could lead to, and you should be. It’s not every day you get an offer to make your blood go kaboom. But, it also brings up a lot of questions. Like, is this safe? What’s Araj Oblodra really up to by offering you this drink? It’s not just a simple health potion you’re dealing with here.

What Benefits You Will Get By Drinking Formula Gruna in BG3?

Personally, I’m against drinking it which I will explain below but for now, let’s look at the bright side of drinking Gruna in BG3. Yes, there might be some perks to turning your blood into a personal explosive; sounds bizarre, I know, but here is the thing. If you’re in the thick of battle, things are getting intense, and at that moment, your blood puts the chaos on the field and turns the tides completely – take it as a secret weapon up your sleeve, or here, in your veins.

There’s also the element of surprise, your enemies won’t expect such a thing but it comes out of nowhere. One moment they’re attacking you, and the next, they’re caught off guard by an explosion. It’s not something you see every day in a fight, and it could give you a tactical edge. If you or your party members can control fire or sparks in battle, you could strategize around your explosive blood. With that, you are kinda like setting up a battlefield with hidden landmines, except the mines are inside you – a bit gruesome, sure, but potentially effective.

Also, in a game filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem, having explosive blood is one more story to tell; it’s something you’ll remember long. So, drinking Formula Gruna in BG3 has its potential upsides. It’s risky, sure, but also kind of exciting. So, do you play it safe, or do you take the plunge for a chance at something extraordinary? That’s an intriguing prospect of it for you.

The pros and cons of BG3 Formula Gruna potion

What You Shouldn’t Accept Araj’s Drink in BG3?

Having explosive blood means you’re walking around with a potential threat inside your body, and you don’t get to choose when it goes off. During the intense combat, suddenly your blood can start spilling everywhere. If there is a fire spell, you will have an explosion on your hands (and everywhere else). It means you can’t control when or where this happens; it could backfire harming you and your party more than the enemy.

Then there’s the damage factor, it sounds impressive to have explosive blood, but what if the explosions aren’t as powerful as you’d hope? What if they’re more like annoying firecrackers than mighty blasts? You might end up with a lot of flash but not much output, putting yourself at risk for an underwhelming payoff.

There’s also the impact on your team dynamics, like trying to coordinate with your party when you’re a walking hazard. And, of course, there’s the trust issue with Araj Oblodra. This potion comes from someone who’s already shown a penchant for the unusual and potentially dangerous. What if there are side effects she didn’t mention, or worse, what if the drink does something completely unexpected?

Fortunately, there are many alternatives you should go with without accepting Araj’s request and drinking her potion. Baldur’s Gate 3 is chock-full of spells, weapons, and other potions that offer a lot of benefits in battle. These options come without the unpredictable and potentially hazardous downsides of Formula Gruna. Why choose a risky potion when you can have other powerful abilities and gear that you understand and can control?

Should You Drink Formula Gruna in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Should You Drink Formula Gruna or Not in Baldur's Gate 3

When it comes to drinking Formula Gruna, here’s my two cents: I wouldn’t go for it. I’m not saying this to rain on your parade if you’re thinking about giving it a try, but let me share my perspective.

During my playthrough, I found myself facing the same dilemma. There is Araj, holding out this mysterious potion, and I’m thinking, “Should I? Shouldn’t I?” In the end, I decided against it, and here’s why; for me, the potential risks didn’t seem worth it. The thought of my character being a walking hazard zone didn’t sit well with me. I mean, imagine trying to be stealthy or strategic in a fight, and then – oops – your blood sets off an unwanted scenario. Not exactly my idea of a tactical advantage.

Additionally, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something off about Araj. Her intentions, her demeanor – it all seemed a bit shady. And in a game where every choice can have far-reaching consequences, I wasn’t keen on taking a gamble with something as permanent as this.

Well, I like to have unique playthrough experiences and love a good risk. But with Baldur’s Gate 3’s Formula Gruna choice, it felt like the cons outweighed the pros. Why choose a potion that could potentially backfire when there are so many other amazing abilities and items to explore? BG3 is rich with options that allow for creativity and flair in combat without the added worry of accidental self-combustion.

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