How do I unlock the secret ending with Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3?

Unlocking the secret ending with Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a series of specific story choices and interactions that must be carefully navigated throughout the game. This ending is tied to the Githyanki storyline and requires you to make decisions that align with freeing Orpheus, a key figure in Githyanki lore. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this ending, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you need to understand the role of Orpheus in the story. Orpheus is a Githyanki prince who is imprisoned by the Mind Flayers. His freedom is central to the Githyanki rebellion against Vlaakith, their Lich Queen. To unlock the secret ending, you must side with Orpheus and ensure his release, which involves making specific choices during the game's final acts.

The first step is to align yourself with Lae'zel, the Githyanki companion in your party. Lae'zel's personal questline is deeply connected to Orpheus, and her loyalty to Vlaakith will be tested as the story progresses. To ensure Lae'zel supports Orpheus, you must encourage her to question Vlaakith's authority and consider the possibility of freeing Orpheus. This involves choosing dialogue options that challenge Vlaakith's rule and support Lae'zel's growing doubts. Building a strong relationship with Lae'zel through dialogue and quests is crucial, as her trust in you will influence her decisions later in the game.

As you progress through the story, you will encounter the Githyanki Creche, a key location tied to Orpheus. Here, you must make choices that align with freeing Orpheus. When you reach the Creche, you will be presented with the opportunity to interact with the Githyanki artifact known as the Astral Prism. This artifact is central to the story, as it contains the key to Orpheus's imprisonment. During your interactions with the artifact, you must choose to protect it and resist Vlaakith's influence. This will set the stage for Orpheus's eventual release.

In the final act of the game, you will face a critical decision regarding the Astral Prism and Orpheus. At this point, you must choose to free Orpheus rather than siding with the Emperor, the Mind Flayer who has been guiding you. This decision is pivotal, as it determines the fate of Orpheus and the Githyanki rebellion. To free Orpheus, you must reject the Emperor's offer to dominate the Netherbrain and instead seek Orpheus's aid. This will lead to a confrontation with the Emperor, who will oppose your decision. You must be prepared for this battle, as it is a challenging encounter.

Once Orpheus is freed, he will join your party and provide crucial support in the final battle against the Netherbrain. His presence significantly alters the outcome of the story, leading to the secret ending where Orpheus plays a central role in the Githyanki rebellion. This ending is only achievable if you have consistently made choices that align with freeing Orpheus and supporting Lae'zel's questline.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while pursuing this ending. First, ensure that Lae'zel remains loyal to Orpheus by consistently supporting her doubts about Vlaakith. Second, protect the Astral Prism at all costs, as it is the key to Orpheus's freedom. Third, be prepared for the final confrontation with the Emperor, as it is a challenging battle that requires strategic planning and strong party composition.

Common mistakes to avoid include siding with Vlaakith or the Emperor at critical moments, as these choices will prevent you from freeing Orpheus. Additionally, neglecting Lae'zel's questline or failing to build a strong relationship with her can result in her siding with Vlaakith, which will block the secret ending.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party for the final battles, ensuring you have strong combat abilities and strategic spells to overcome the challenges. Related D&D rules and mechanics include understanding the lore of the Githyanki and the significance of Orpheus in their history. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions throughout the game.

In summary, unlocking the secret ending with Orpheus requires careful navigation of the Githyanki storyline, consistent support for Lae'zel, and strategic choices that align with freeing Orpheus. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve this unique and rewarding ending in Baldur's Gate 3.