Make Your Choice: Free Orpheus and Shape Your Baldur's Gate 3 Adventure!

Players will encounter numerous decisions throughout their Baldur's Gate 3 campaign, but the most significant one arises towards the end of the story. This decision carries tremendous weight as it involves the fate of the world. Players must choose between liberating the imprisoned gith Prince Orpheus or entrusting the Emperor to handle the situation alone.

Once players acquire the Orphic Hammer from the House of Hope, they will have the opportunity to break Orpheus' shackles. However, caution should be exercised, as this action may have a profound impact on the party's future. Let us explore the potential outcomes of this pivotal scenario.

The following contains spoilers for the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. Reader discretion is advised.

Should You Free Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3?

Making this decision is challenging, and it ultimately hinges upon what players desire from their gameplay experience. At the onset of Act 3, the Emperor will inform players that restraining Orpheus is the sole safeguard against the party transforming into Illithids. Consequently, if Orpheus is released, every member of the party will be fated to become Mind Flayers.

After their unsuccessful attempt to defeat the Netherbrain, the Emperor will transport the party into the Astral Prism. At this point, they will be faced with a decision: to liberate Orpheus or allow the Emperor to absorb the gith prince's abilities for his own advantage.

Choosing to align with the Emperor will result in Orpheus's demise. Lae'zel and Karlach may not approve of this decision since their individual quests are directly connected to his survival. While this choice will provide the party with the necessary advantage to defeat the Netherbrain, it may not be the most desirable outcome for fans of these characters.

Siding with the Emperor will prevent the party from becoming Mind Flayers and will require them to face the Netherbrain alongside Orpheus and the Githyanki. However, freeing Orpheus means embracing the tentacles and potentially losing Lae'zel's loyalty, as well as forcing Karlach to return to Avernus to avoid further issues with her Infernal Engine. Ultimately, the players will need to choose the outcome that aligns best with their preferences.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC.