Baldur's Gate 3: The Orpheus Dilemma - Free or Not?

As players navigate the epic journey of ***Baldur's Gate 3***, one of the most pivotal decisions they face comes towards the end of the story. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, players must decide whether to **free the imprisoned Gith Prince Orpheus or let The Emperor manage the situation alone**.

After securing the Orphic Hammer from the House of Hope, players in Baldur's Gate 3 have the chance to break Orpheus' chains. Yet, this action could profoundly influence the party's ultimate fate. Here's a breakdown of the potential outcomes:

Updated on February 29, 2024, by Nahda Nabiilah: Before making the crucial decision about Orpheus, players must first conquer Ketheric Throm, Lord Enver Gortash, and Orin. This involves a thorough exploration of both the upper and lower districts of Baldur’s Gate to locate and defeat each of these formidable foes. The choice regarding Orpheus carries significant weight, as some companions may opt to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. To sway their decisions and keep them by your side before and after the final battle against the Netherbrain, players need to be well-prepared, as some interactions require a skill check as high as 30.

The following section contains spoilers for the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. Proceed with caution.

Should You Free Orpheus In Baldur's Gate 3?

This decision is a challenging one and hinges on the player's desired outcome for their playthrough. Early in Act 3, The Emperor warns that keeping Orpheus imprisoned is crucial to preventing the party from transforming into Illithids. If Orpheus is liberated, one or all party members could be destined to become Mind Flayers.

Following a failed attempt to defeat the Netherbrain, The Emperor teleports the party into the Astral Prism, where they must choose between freeing Orpheus or allowing The Emperor to assimilate the Gith Prince to harness his power.

Side With The Emperor

Choosing to support The Emperor leads to the demise of Orpheus, as The Emperor absorbs his knowledge. This decision may not sit well with Lae'zel and Karlach, whose personal quests are closely linked to Orpheus' fate. While this choice provides the strategic edge needed to defeat the Netherbrain, it might not satisfy fans of these characters.

Freeing Orpheus

Conversely, freeing Orpheus results in The Emperor aligning with the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3. As previously noted, this could doom at least one party member to Mind Flayer transformation, which contradicts the group's initial purpose. However, Orpheus will join the battle against the Netherbrain, supported by the Githyanki. If you persuade the Gith Prince to become a Mind Flayer instead, he will readily sacrifice himself for his people.

To summarize, players should align with The Emperor to avoid becoming Mind Flayers, whereas freeing Orpheus is advisable if they are willing to risk the transformation for themselves or their companions. The former may lead to Lae'zel's opposition and force Karlach back to Avernus due to her Infernal Engine. Ultimately, the choice depends on which outcome aligns best with the player's vision for their story.

What's The Morally Good Play Here?

The answer to this question largely depends on individual perspectives on morality, but fundamentally, it revolves around loyalty. Orpheus, as a direct descendant of Gith, is the rightful ruler of the Githyanki and stands against Vlaakith's tyranny. For players roleplaying as Githyanki, siding with Orpheus feels natural, though others might find the demands of Voss and Lae'zel overly stringent. The Githyanki's focus is on their own interests, even if their actions have broader implications.

On the other hand, The Emperor is portrayed as a benevolent figure committed to stopping the Netherbrain and aiding the party. However, he acknowledges that some victories require sacrifices. Following The Emperor's plan might lead to transforming into a Mind Flayer, but at least it would be a morally upright one. Remember, BG3 offers multiple endings, so strategic play can lead to an outcome that suits everyone involved.