Baldur’s Gate 3: Is It Worth It to Free Orpheus?

Throughout the immersive journey of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter numerous pivotal choices that shape their character’s fate and the world around them. One of the most consequential decisions resides at the conclusion of the story: the choice between liberating the imprisoned Gith Prince Orpheus or leaving the situation in the hands of The Emperor. This choice not only impacts the storyline but significantly influences the destinies of the party members.

After acquiring the Orphic Hammer within the House of Hope, players face the dilemma of choosing whether to break Orpheus’ shackles. While that may appear to be a noble act, it can lead to unexpected and potentially dire consequences for the party’s future. Here is an analysis of the possible outcomes of this critical scenario.

Updated on February 29, 2024, by Nahda Nabiilah: Before making this final decision, players must confront formidable adversaries, including Ketheric Throm, Lord Enver Gortash, and Orin. To prepare for this, players need to thoroughly explore both the upper and lower districts of Baldur’s Gate, locating and defeating each of the three “chosen ones.”Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that this decision impacts party dynamics, as some companions may choose to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Success in affecting their opinions requires careful preparation, as certain interactions depend on achieving a roll of 30.

This article contains spoilers regarding the climax of Baldur’s Gate 3. Reader discretion is advised.

Should You Free Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Baldur's Gate 3 Orpheus closeup in the Astral Plane

The choice to free Orpheus is complex and ultimately hinges on players’ goals for their gameplay experience. At the onset of Act 3, The Emperor warns that maintaining Orpheus’ imprisonment is crucial in preventing the party from becoming Illithids. Thus, freeing Orpheus could result in one or more party members facing a grim fate as Mind Flayers.

Should players fail in their battle against the Netherbrain, The Emperor transports the party to the Astral Prism, where they must decide whether to undauntedly release Orpheus or submit to The Emperor’s plan to absorb the Gith Prince’s power.

Choosing to Side With The Emperor

Opting to side with The Emperor leads to Orpheus’ downfall, as he is forced to absorb all of his brain’s knowledge. This choice could alienate characters like Lae’zel and Karlach, whose personal quests are intimately connected to Orpheus’ survival. While this decision may provide the necessary strength to confront the Netherbrain, character fans may find this resolution less satisfying.

The Case for Freeing Orpheus

Conversely, choosing to free Orpheus leads The Emperor to ally with the Netherbrain in Baldur’s Gate 3. As previously noted, risking a party member’s transformation into a Mind Flayer counters the group’s original purpose. However, Orpheus will join the fight against the Netherbrain alongside the Githyanki forces, and he will not hesitate to become a Mind Flayer to protect his people if requested.

In summary, players should consider siding with The Emperor if they aim to avoid the transformation into Mind Flayers, while they might choose to set Orpheus free if they are willing to embrace the risk of such a fate. The former choice could lead to Lae’zel disapproving of the player and compel Karlach to return to Avernus, as her Infernal Engine poses additional concerns. Ultimately, players must weigh which conclusion aligns best with their aspirations.

What’s the Morally Right Choice?

This determination largely depends on players’ personal ethics, but it fundamentally revolves around the concept of loyalty. Orpheus rightfully claims his position as the Githyanki ruler through his lineage, standing in opposition to Vlaakith’s oppressive reign. For players embodying Githyanki characters, siding with Orpheus is a natural inclination. However, for others, the expectations from Voss and Lae’zel may feel excessively demanding, given the Githyanki’s self-serving nature.

The Emperor, by contrast, is generally portrayed as a benevolent figure. His objective is to thwart the Netherbrain and bolster the party’s mission. Nevertheless, he recognizes that victories often come with sacrifices. Players may find themselves transformed into a “squid”by the end of the game if they abide by The Emperor’s strategy, but they would have the satisfaction of remaining on a morally upright path. Keep in mind the narrative complexity of Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for various endings, offering players the chance to navigate toward a conclusion that best suits all parties involved.

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