Should you let Gale use the Netherese Orb in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Gale’s story in Baldur’s Gate 3 is quite a sad tale, if you really think about it. The goddess Mystra dumped him after he tried to go too far in the relationship, and now he has a dangerous Netherese Orb inside him that could explode if he doesn’t munch on enough magic items. Not only that, but Mystra told him his destiny is to use his orb to destroy the Elder Brain, which would end up with Gale dying. If you want to know whether or not you should let Gale use the Netherese Orb in Baldur’s Gate 3, continue reading.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Should Gale sacrifice himself?

There are multiple different endings for Larian Studios’ latest title; some that keep Gale alive, while others that end with his death. You can activate the Netherese Orb at any time, but if he’s close to his party members, they’ll go down with the ship as well. In my opinion, you should not let Gale use the Netherese Orb in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Throughout the later parts of the game, Gale will continuously tell your character that his end is near, and that he wants to obey Mystra. His selfless act could end with him being the hero of Baldur’s Gate, but it will also take his life. If you want a nice, happy ending for Gale and the party, don’t let him explode. The fight against the Elder Brain will end swiftly if this happens, but you can still beat it without killing Gale.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

As someone who wanted to keep as many companions alive as possible, I convinced Gale to not use the orb. I assured him that we could beat the Elder Brain together, and although it was an extremely tough fight, we won in the end. What’s also interesting is that there are other situations to use the Netherese Orb that’ll end the game much faster. At the end of Act Two, when the three main villains are standing together, Gale can wipe them all out in one move, and you’ll roll credits.

It may be interesting to try using the orb in different scenarios, but in all honesty, you don’t need Gale to sacrifice himself. I believe in you, and you certainly don’t need to take a life to save others when there are other routes to follow.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.