Orpheus, the Githyanki Prince, is a main character that heavily affects how the storyline unfolds in the game’s final phases. The choice, “Should you free Orpheus or not in Baldur’s Gate 3?” comes up at the end of Act 3, and the outcome of this choice builds or destroys the whole narrative you have been adopting in your journey so far.
After being defeated by Netherbrain, the Emperor takes you to the Astral Plane, where Prince Orpheus is held captive. He is the owner of Netherstones, which provide the power needed to help you in your final encounter against the Elder Brain, also known as The Absolute. He is also the one protecting you and your party members from turning into Mind Flayers and becoming a pawn of the absolute.
Your final choices will decide how you gain this power from the prince. You can side with the Emperor and kill Orpheus. Or you can betray the Emperor to save Orpheus by giving this Githyanki prince a better ending.
What happens if you Free Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3
If you have Lae’zel as a companion and have opposed the Emperor’s offers throughout your story, it is better to free Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3. It will turn the Emperor against you since he can no longer resist the Absolute’s influence. He will end up succumbing to it and joins the Elder Brain. This will make the final fight a bit more difficult as you must fight both now.
After the Emperor abandons your party, you must hit the mysterious prison with the Orphic Hammer. This will break Orpheus free of his shackles. You can obtain the Orphic Hammer in two ways. The first option is to sign the contract with Raphael and agree to give the Elder Brain crown to him. Raphael will give you the Orphic Hammer as a reward.
As an alternate, sneak into his safe in the House of Hope. We recommend the second route, as it won’t adversely affect your endgame. However, this will make you fight the most difficult boss in Baldur’s Gate 3, Raphael.
Once saved and freed from his prison, Orpheus will choose to fight the Elder Brain. He will share his power with you and shield you from The Absolute’s influence.
The dialogue options allow you to choose if you want to be the Mind Flayer yourself. You can also ask Orpheus to become an Illithid himself. Alternatively, you can let Karlach do the sacrifice. In any case, the one who accepts Baldur’s Gate 3 Illithid powers by becoming Mind Flayer will receive those Netherstones to counter the Elder Mind.
We recommend that you choose Karlach as she always wanted to go out as a warrior. Being an amazing companion, she deserves that chance to finish her story on a high note.
What happens if you don’t free Orpheus
If you let the Githyanki Prince remain in his trap, you will earn the Emperor’s trust and support. Orpheus dies in this scenario in Baldur’s Gate 3, leaving the same three options you were getting by siding with him. You can still become an Illithid or let Karlach become one. But it will not be necessary as the Emperor will consume Orpheus and acquire his powers instead.
Whoever is a Mindflayer at the end of Act 3 will take the Netherstones and confront the Elder Brain.
Emperor vs Orpheus, which one should you choose?
This is a very difficult question to answer. It all boils down to the narrative you have been building for hundreds of hours. We don’t want to intrude and want you to change your ending on a whim. However, below are some pros and cons of both actions.
The only difference occurs with the Githyanki people. So, it all depends on whether you want to give them a better ending or not. You will also end up losing at least one party character as they turn into a Mind Flayer. As for the people of Faerun, they will be freed once the Elder Brain is taken out of the picture by anyone. That is if you do not take over as the new Absolute yourself.
