"Baldur's Gate 3: To Free Orpheus or Not?"

Throughout the epic journey of ***Baldur's Gate 3***, players face numerous pivotal decisions, but none are as crucial as the one encountered near the story's climax. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, players must decide whether to **liberate the imprisoned Gith Prince Orpheus** or allow **The Emperor to manage the situation on his own**.

After acquiring the Orphic Hammer from the House of Hope, players are presented with the opportunity to break Orpheus' chains. Yet, this choice carries significant consequences that could alter the party's fate. Here are the potential outcomes of this decision.

Updated on February 29, 2024, by Nahda Nabiilah: Before deciding Orpheus' fate, players must first conquer Ketheric Throm, Lord Enver Gortash, and Orin. This requires a thorough exploration of both the upper and lower districts of Baldur’s Gate to locate and defeat these formidable foes. The weight of the Orpheus decision is further compounded by the possibility that some companions may sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Players need to be well-prepared, as certain interactions demand a roll of 30 to influence companions' decisions before and after the Netherbrain confrontation.

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?

This decision is fraught with complexity, hinging on what players seek from their playthrough. At the onset of Act 3, The Emperor warns that Orpheus' captivity is the sole barrier preventing the party from transforming into Illithids. Should Orpheus be freed, there's a risk that one or all party members could succumb to becoming Mind Flayers.

After a failed attempt against the Netherbrain, The Emperor teleports the party into the Astral Prism, presenting them with a critical choice: should they liberate Orpheus, or allow The Emperor to assimilate the Gith Prince and harness his power?

Side With The Emperor

Choosing to side with The Emperor leads to Orpheus' demise, as he absorbs the prince's cerebral knowledge. This decision might not sit well with companions like Lae'zel and Karlach, whose personal quests are intricately linked to Orpheus' fate. While siding with The Emperor may provide the strategic edge needed to defeat the Netherbrain, it could alienate fans of these beloved characters.

Freeing Orpheus

Conversely, freeing Orpheus results in The Emperor aligning with the Netherbrain. As previously noted, this action could doom at least one party member to become a Mind Flayer, contradicting the party's initial mission. However, Orpheus will join the battle against the Netherbrain, bolstered by the Githyanki forces. Should players request Orpheus to transform into a Mind Flayer instead, he will willingly do so to protect his people.

To summarize, players should align with The Emperor if they wish to avoid becoming Mind Flayers, and they should free Orpheus if they are willing to risk the transformation for themselves or their companions. The former may lead to Lae'zel's betrayal and force Karlach back to Avernus, preventing further issues with her Infernal Engine. Ultimately, the choice rests with the players to determine which path aligns with their desired outcome.

What's The Morally Good Play Here?

The morality of this decision is subjective, primarily revolving around loyalty. Orpheus, as a descendant of Gith, is the rightful ruler of the Githyanki and stands in opposition to Vlaakith's tyranny. For players roleplaying as Githyanki, supporting Orpheus is a natural choice. However, for others, fulfilling the wishes of Voss and Lae'zel might seem overly demanding, given the Githyanki's focus on their own interests over the broader world.

On the other hand, The Emperor is portrayed as a benevolent figure, dedicated to thwarting the Netherbrain and aiding the party. He understands that some victories require sacrifice, which might mean players becoming Mind Flayers. Yet, this path could lead to a morally upright outcome. Remember, Baldur's Gate 3 offers multiple endings, so strategic play could result in an ending that satisfies all parties involved.