Baldur's Gate 3: Confront the Elder Brain Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough
From this guide page you will learn how to get to the finale of Baldur's Gate 3 through the quest Confront the Elder Brain. We describe where to meet the Netherian Brain and how to rescue Orefus.
Last update: 21 September 2023
Confront the Elder Brain is a quest that completes the game - it leads directly to the ending, so if you have some side quests left, don't start it. Otherwise, on the following pages of the guide, you will learn how to complete the Confront the Elder Brain quest and finish Baldur's Gate 3.
Initiating the task
Return to Bhaal's Temple and head in the opposite direction - a path you haven't explored yet.
You will reach a boat - get in it and a cutscene will be displayed.
Next, go ahead along the path. There aren't many side paths here, so just keep going forward. Eventually you will reach the ambush site - defeat the enemies. They shouldn't pose a major threat to you, even if you are caught off guard.
Keep moving until you meet Gortash. Talk to him.
Confronting the Elder Brain
Follow him until a cutscene starts. The Netherbrain will appear before you in all its glory, and your task will be to take control of it. Passing the skill check will lower HP in the upcoming fight with the Netherbrain - apart from that, it has no effect.
After the cutscene is over, talk to the Emperor who saved you.
How to save Orpheus?
He will propose to you to become an Illithid yourself to defeat the brain. Alternatively, you can give him the stones to make him do it himself. Finally, you can free Orpheus provided you have the Orphic Hammer - you could get it from Raphael if you made a pact with him or if you've stolen it from the House of Hope. In this walkthrough, we will save Orpheus.
Choose the last dialogue option - the Emperor will leave you alone, and you will be able to free Orpheus. Attack two red stones, and then a cutscene will be triggered.
During it, you will have to decide - either you will let Orpheus turn into Ilithid, thanks to which he will control the Netherbrain, or you will do it yourself. After this, go through the portal to Baldur's Gate to complete the last task - Destroy the Elder Brain.