When playing through the intense and morally complex world ofBaldur’s Gate 3, players are eventually faced with a difficult decision: should they kill Orin or Gortash first? Both of these antagonists represent unique threats and present different challenges, outcomes, and consequences depending on the order in which they are confronted. This choice is not just a matter of preference, but one that can significantly impact the pacing of Act 3, your companion quests, and the final stretch of the narrative. Understanding the implications of each path will help you determine which target should fall first in your journey to save the city.
Understanding the Stakes
Who Are Orin and Gortash?
Orin the Red is a shapeshifting assassin and a high-ranking Bhaalspawn. She thrives on chaos and murder, often lurking in the shadows while spreading fear and destruction. Gortash, on the other hand, is a calculated, power-hungry strategist who serves as one of the city’s new Archdukes. He controls an army of Steel Watchers and has established dominance through political maneuvering and military strength.
The City at War
Both characters hold pieces of the puzzle that tie into the final battle and your ability to control, or eliminate, the Elder Brain. Choosing which one to confront first will influence the enemy resistance you encounter in Baldur’s Gate, the safety of civilians, and how your allies react to unfolding events.
Reasons to Kill Orin First
Immediate Threat to Companions
One of the strongest reasons to kill Orin first is her direct threat to your party. Orin kidnaps one of your companions either Gale, Lae’zel, or another depending on choices made and holds them hostage. The companion will remain inaccessible until Orin is defeated. If you delay too long, you risk missing out on dialogue, combat help, and even potential romance paths.
Psychological Warfare
Orin thrives on fear and manipulation. By eliminating her early, you reduce the psychological tension she imposes on your party. It also allows your group to refocus on larger strategic objectives without worrying about their friend’s safety or being baited into emotional confrontations.
Combat Style and Accessibility
Orin’s dungeon, the Temple of Bhaal, is a dense and dangerous environment filled with assassins and traps. However, it is generally considered a more manageable area compared to Gortash’s stronghold, particularly if you’re geared toward melee combat or stealth. Killing her first might mean entering the Gortash fight more prepared and rested.
List of Benefits from Killing Orin First
- Rescue your companion early and restore your full party lineup.
- Eliminate the unpredictable wildcard from the battlefield.
- Gain critical story insight into Bhaal and Orin’s legacy.
- Make later city exploration safer without Orin’s minions lurking.
Reasons to Kill Gortash First
The Steel Watch Threat
Gortash controls the Steel Watch powerful mechanical constructs that patrol the city. These units can cause significant difficulty in battles throughout Baldur’s Gate. If you kill Gortash first, you can destroy the Steel Watch Foundry shortly after, rendering his robotic army useless. This dramatically reduces the danger level in the city and makes exploration easier.
Political Influence
As a political figure, Gortash has infiltrated the city’s leadership. Taking him out first can weaken the city’s corrupted ruling class and inspire resistance among the oppressed citizens. It also prevents him from consolidating more power while you’re dealing with Orin, which can affect the final stage of Act 3 if he’s left unchecked.
Tech-Focused Encounter
If your party includes characters who excel at ranged combat, tech-based traps, or disabling mechanical enemies, the Gortash fight may suit your skills better. It allows you to use certain magical abilities and hacking-style spells to outmaneuver his forces, particularly if you’ve upgraded your characters accordingly.
List of Benefits from Killing Gortash First
- Disable Steel Watchers early for easier city navigation.
- Destabilize the city’s political and military structure.
- Unlock new story threads related to resistance factions.
- Free up resources for dealing with Orin more aggressively.
How Your Choices Affect the Ending
Who You Kill First Affects the Other
If you kill Gortash first, Orin becomes more paranoid and erratic. She may strengthen her defenses and take further steps to manipulate or harm your party. If you kill Orin first, Gortash becomes more politically unstable but more aggressive militarily, unleashing his full power to protect his assets.
Storyline Impacts
Your choices also influence which factions rise or fall in the aftermath. Killing Orin may allow the Flaming Fist or other militaristic factions to gain traction, while killing Gortash first might give you better footing with morally ambiguous groups looking to take power after his fall. This all impacts the lead-up to the final battle and who joins or opposes you.
Tips for Deciding Who to Kill First
- Check Your Party Composition: If you’re magic-heavy, Gortash may be easier to handle first. If you have strong stealth or melee builds, Orin’s temple might suit you better.
- Monitor the City: Watch for which enemy faction is causing more disruption. If Steel Watchers are everywhere, prioritize Gortash. If assassinations or companion threats mount, go for Orin.
- Talk to Allies: Companions like Shadowheart, Wyll, and Astarion may have opinions on who to target first. Their insight can give you valuable story or combat clues.
Recommended Order for Most Players
For most players, killingOrin firstis the safer and more emotionally satisfying route. Rescuing your kidnapped companion not only restores your full party, but also stops Orin from toying with your mind and morale. Gortash’s threats can be managed temporarily with good tactics, while Orin’s presence is a lingering, more unpredictable danger. However, if you’re struggling with the Steel Watch or want to eliminate heavy resistance early, killing Gortash first is a valid and rewarding approach.
The choice between killing Orin or Gortash first inBaldur’s Gate 3is one of the game’s most impactful decisions. It affects not only combat difficulty and city exploration, but also narrative arcs, companion dynamics, and the buildup to the final act. Carefully weigh your current situation, your party’s strengths, and the specific threats each antagonist presents. Whether you slay the shadowy assassin or the armored tactician first, your decision will shape the fate of Baldur’s Gate and everyone in it.