To Mutilate, Spare, or Free: The Definitive Guide to the Brain in Baldur’s Gate 3

The question of what to do with the captured intellect devourer in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the first genuinely difficult choices you’ll face. Do you destroy it? Mutilate it? Or spare it, potentially gaining an unlikely ally? This article explores the ramifications of each decision, offering a comprehensive analysis to help you make the best choice for your playthrough.

Short Answer: In most cases, sparing the brain (and eventually freeing it) is the most beneficial outcome. This unlocks the ‘Us’ companion, a valuable asset, especially in the early game. However, the “best” choice is subjective and depends on your party composition, difficulty level, and roleplaying preferences.

The Weight of Choice: Understanding the Options

The captured intellect devourer, known affectionately (or perhaps not) as “Us,” presents three primary options:

• Mutilate: This act prevents Us from escaping. The game says you permanently damage it.
• Destroy: Utter annihilation. The intellect devourer is removed entirely.
• Spare: The compassionate path. You leave the brain intact, but trapped.

Each path has consequences, both immediate and long-term. Let’s break down the implications:

The Cruelest Choice: Mutilating the Brain

Mutilating the brain seems, at first glance, to be the safest option. After all, intellect devourers are undeniably dangerous creatures. This prevents Us from aiding the Mind Flayer, and it would never be able to turn against you.

The End: Destroying the Brain

Destroying the brain eliminates the potential threat. There is no potential help, but there also is no potential threat of betrayal. You’re freeing the poor brain from its current state.

The Potential Ally: Sparing the Brain

Sparing the brain opens up the possibility of acquiring Us as a temporary companion. Upon further interaction, you can free it entirely. This involves a skill check, which, if successful, transforms Us into a summonable ally using the ‘Summon Us’ spell.

Why Sparing Us is Usually the Best Option

• Early Game Power Boost: Us is surprisingly powerful in the early stages of Baldur’s Gate 3. Its melee attacks are effective, and its high health pool makes it a valuable tank. On Tactician difficulty, where every advantage counts, Us can be a lifesaver.

• Unique Companion: Us is one of the most unusual companions in the game, offering a unique dynamic to your party.

• Free: Us requires no cost.

• Quest Advancement: Interacting with Us and completing their quest line can provide valuable experience points and potentially unlock new areas or dialogues.

When to Consider Other Options

While sparing Us is generally recommended, certain circumstances might warrant a different approach:

• Low Charisma/Intelligence: If your character has exceptionally poor Charisma or Intelligence, the skill checks required to free Us might be insurmountable. In this case, destroying or mutilating the brain may be preferable.

• Roleplaying Concerns: If you are playing a character dedicated to eradicating all traces of Illithid influence, destroying the brain aligns with your roleplaying goals.

• Party Composition: If you already have a strong, melee-focused party, the benefits of adding Us might be less significant.

The Summon Us Item and Spell

After successfully freeing Us, you receive the ‘Summon Us’ item, which grants you the Conjure Us spell. This spell allows you to summon Us to aid you in combat. Us remains a valuable asset throughout Act One, providing additional damage and acting as a distraction for enemies. Remember that Us is a temporary companion; it will eventually leave your party as the story progresses.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Brain Decision

1. What happens if I fail the skill check when trying to free Us?

Failing the skill check can have various outcomes, depending on the specific check. In some cases, you might simply be unable to free Us. In others, you might damage the brain, potentially making Us hostile or rendering it useless.

2. Is Us a permanent companion?

No, Us is not a permanent companion. It is primarily a temporary ally for Act One. While its contributions are significant, don’t expect it to stay with you throughout the entire game.

3. Does sparing Us have any negative long-term consequences?

There are no known significant negative long-term consequences for sparing and freeing Us. The benefits generally outweigh any potential risks.

4. How does Us perform on Tactician difficulty?

Us is particularly useful on Tactician difficulty due to its high health and decent damage output. It can absorb significant damage, allowing your main party members to focus on dealing damage.

5. What are the best ways to utilize Us in combat?

Use Us as a melee combatant to soak up damage and engage enemies in close quarters. Position it strategically to protect weaker party members.

6. Does the “Summon Us” spell have any limitations?

Yes, the “Summon Us” spell can only be cast once per long rest. This means you need to use Us strategically, especially in challenging encounters.

7. Can I respec Us’s class or abilities?

No, you cannot respec Us’s class or abilities. Its stats and abilities are predetermined.

8. Is Us affected by equipment or buffs?

No, Us is not affected by equipment or standard buffs.

9. How does Us interact with other companions?

Us has limited dialogue options, primarily focusing on its own experiences and perspectives. Its interactions with other companions are minimal.

10. Can I romance Us?

No, you cannot romance Us. It is not a romanceable character.

11. Does my race or class affect my interactions with Us?

Your race and class have minimal impact on your interactions with Us.

12. Are there any achievements related to Us?

There are no specific achievements directly related to Us.

13. What happens if Us dies in combat?

If Us dies in combat, it simply disappears and cannot be resummoned until after a long rest.

14. How do I get the “Summon Us” item if I accidentally destroy the brain?

If you destroy the brain, you cannot obtain the “Summon Us” item.

15. Where can I learn more about Baldur’s Gate 3 and related topics?

You can explore resources such as the official Baldur’s Gate 3 website, fan wikis, and academic research like that produced by the Games Learning Society. You can explore the GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights.

Conclusion: Weighing the Options and Choosing Wisely

Ultimately, the decision of whether to mutilate, destroy, or spare the brain in Baldur’s Gate 3 rests with you. While sparing Us generally provides the most immediate benefits in terms of gameplay, other factors such as roleplaying considerations and party composition can influence your choice. Carefully consider the implications of each option before making your decision. Good luck!