Should you give the Emperor the Netherstones in Baldur’s Gate 3?

There are many game-changing decisions throughout the entirety of Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether they affect your character, your companions, or your enemies, it’s tough to know what decision is best to make. By the end of Act 3, you have to decide who’s going to face off against the Netherbrain. This means that either you or your companions need to become a Mind Flayer, or you could give the Netherstones to the Emperor. If you’re wondering whether or not you should give the Emperor the Netherstones in Baldur’s Gate 3, continue reading.

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3): Should you trust the Emperor with the Netherstones?

Whoever gets the Netherstones will consume Orpheus’ power, and can attempt to overpower the Netherbrain. The only issue is that these Netherstones are extremely powerful, and you may not 100% trust your guardian. Personally, I believe you shouldn’t give the Emperor the Netherstones in Baldur’s Gate 3, and instead you should free Orpheus (we have a guide on how do so). Let me explain why this is the better ending for your character and your companions.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Whoever decides to use the Netherstones will kill Orpheus in the process. Although this can lead to a totally winnable ending, there are some consequences. If you want to help Lae’zel on her quest to free her people, freeing Orpheus is the way to go. Killing him will lead to Vlaakith’s continued reign, and this isn’t a good ending for the githyanki. Make sure you have the Orphic Hammer to free Orpheus once you make it to the Astral Plane again.

This ending also doesn’t force you or a party member to transform into a Mind Flayer. In my playthrough, Karlach offered to take the responsibility and use the Netherstones, which then led her to become a Mind Flayer. She was still herself, and she could now survive without having to retreat to Avernus. Although this was a nice ending for her, I would’ve preferred to free Orpheus and help the githyanki.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

If you do decide to give the Emperor the Netherstones, this will not lead to betrayal. This decision simply leads to the githyanki people stuck under Vlaakith’s terrible rule. You can still win against the Netherbrain without Orpheus, but if you want to help Lae’zel and her people, free Orpheus instead.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.