Baldur's Gate 3: The Orpheus Liberation Dilemma

Throughout their Baldur's Gate 3 adventure, players face countless choices—but one near the climax stands above the rest. With reality hanging in the balance, they must decide: free the captive Gith Prince Orpheus, or trust The Emperor to manage the threat.

Updated on February 29, 2024, by Nahda Nabiilah: Before sealing Orpheus’ fate, players must also defeat Ketheric Thorm, Lord Enver Gortash, and Orin. This means combing every corner of Baldur’s Gate’s upper and lower districts, hunting down the three "chosen ones" one by one. The gravity of this final choice cannot be overstated—some companions may willingly give their lives for the greater good. Persuading them to stand by you before and after the Netherbrain fight takes careful planning; some dialogue checks demand rolls as high as 30.

Major spoilers for the ending of Baldur’s Gate 3 follow—read at your own discretion.

Should You Free Orpheus In Baldur's Gate 3?

This is a challenging choice, ultimately shaped by your preferred playthrough style. At the beginning of Act 3, The Emperor warns that containing Orpheus is the only thing stopping your party from transforming into Mind Flayers. So naturally, freeing Orpheus could doom one or all members to become Illithids.

Once the Netherbrain proves too formidable, The Emperor transports the party into the Astral Prism. There, you face a pivotal question: Do you release Orpheus, or let The Emperor absorb the Gith Prince and wield his power?

Side With The Emperor

Helping The Emperor means Orpheus’s end—he consumes the prince’s knowledge and abilities. Lae’zel and Karlach will likely disapprove, as his survival is central to their personal quests. Allying with The Emperor provides the firepower to destroy the Netherbrain, but may alienate devoted followers of these companions.

Freeing Orpheus

Freeing Orpheus, however, drives The Emperor to join the Netherbrain. Plus, as warned, at least one party member risks turning into a Mind Flayer—contradicting the very reason the group came together. Orpheus will join your fight against the Netherbrain alongside his Githyanki kin, and if asked to transform into a Mind Flayer himself to spare the party, he will not hesitate to save his people.

In short, ally with The Emperor if you wish to avoid tentacled transformation, and free Orpheus if you’re willing to risk your party’s humanity. The first option may turn Lae’zel hostile and force Karlach back to Avernus before her Infernal Engine fails. It’s up to you to choose the path that feels right for your journey.

What's The Morally Good Play Here?

This depends heavily on your view of "good," but at its core, it’s a matter of loyalty. Orpheus is Gith’s true heir, the Githyanki’s rightful ruler, and the primary challenger to Vlaakith’s tyranny. Githyanki roleplayers will likely feel drawn to side with him, though others may find Voss and Lae’zel’s expectations overbearing. The Gith tend to focus on their own survival, seldom considering the broader consequences.

The Emperor, meanwhile, genuinely opposes the Netherbrain and aids your party. Still, he recognizes that some victories require sacrifice. Following his plan to the end could leave you tentacled, yet morally clean. Remember, BG3 offers numerous endings; with the right choices, you may yet find one that brings the best outcome for all.