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Baldur’s Gate 3’s storyline is a culmination of every choice in every quest you’ve made throughout the game. When you near the end of Act 3 and are about to face the Elder Brain, you have the choice of freeing the Githyanki Prince, Orpheus and gaining him as an ally. However, this choice isn’t that simple and will heavily weigh in on your fight against the Elder Brain. Still, if you’ve decided to free Orpheus, here’s how you should go about it. Please note that this article contains minor spoilers.
How To Save Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3
The only way to free Orpheus without killing him is by using the Orphic Hammer. Get the Orphic Hammer from Raphael and dialogue with the Emperor, telling him you will free Orpheus. Equip the Orphic Hammer and strike the two crystals that bound Orpheus. He will be freed and join your party as a Monk.
As we mentioned before, depending on whatever route you decide to go down it will greatly influence how the story progresses. Freeing Orpheus will cause the Emperor to join forces with the Illithid Elder Brain, creating a disadvantage for you. But if you choose to side with the Emperor, you will lose Orpheus as an ally since he’ll be killed.
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How To Get the Orphic Hammer
There are two ways to get the Ophic Hammer Legendary weapon, both involving the Devil, Raphael. The first is where you strike a deal with Raphael. He gives you the Ophic Hammer, and in return, you give him the Crown of Karsus. Once this pact is made, you will receive the Ophic Hammer when you fulfill the conditions.
The second way is through defeating Raphael and taking the Hammer by force. For this, you need to venture to the House of Hope in Avernus (via Devil’s Fee and Helsik the Diabolist in the Lower City). Here, you need to defeat Raphael in his realm and reclaim the Hammer.
You can use either of these methods to get the Ophic Hammer and free Orpheus to progress to the final boss fight.
Should You Free Orpheus or The Emperor?
It is very easy to feel confused when it comes to choosing between Orpheus and the Emperor since siding with one causes you to lose the other.
Choosing to side with the Emperor is best if you haven’t invested too much time into the Githyanki storyline. This probably means you’re on good terms with the Emperor and have sided with him in the past. In this case, skip freeing Orpheus and give the Netherstones (obtained by defeating Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Lord Gortash) to the Emperor. Remember that this will entail someone from your party becoming a Mind Flayer (Karlach will suggest that she does it, as her days are numbered due to the Infernal Engine inside of her). If you happen to have Lae’zel in your party and want to side with the Emperor, you will have to pass a DC 30 Persuasion check or she will attack you,
On the other hand, if you already have strained relations with the Emperor and have Lae’zel on your team, you should opt to free Orpheus. This will have a positive impact on the Githyanki people, who will aid you in your fight against the Netherbrain. However, this will cause the Emperor to become allies with the Elder Brain. That said, if you choose this path, you’ll need to get the Orphic Hammer first to free Orpheus.
For more guides and information on Baldur’s Gate 3, check out these related pieces from our team: How To Increase Crit Chance, How To Loot in and out of Combat, and How To Free Shadowheart.