Should You Mutilate or Destroy the Brain in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Us is your friend in Baldur's Gate 3. Don't hurt Us!

by J.R. Waugh
Brain Baldur's Gate 3 Mutilate Destroy
Image: Attack of the Fanboy

Upon beginning Baldur’s Gate 3 you’ll find yourself on a curious Mind Flayer airship, the Nautiloid, where you meet a talking brain. This brain is encountered in the very second room in your playthrough and is a worthwhile early encounter you should consider. Should you mutilate or destroy the brain in Baldur’s Gate 3? Read on to find out!

Should You Mutilate, Destroy, or Free the Brain in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You absolutely should not do anything that harms or alters the brain in Baldur’s Gate 3 in the early game. Saving it will bring you a temporary ally in this opening area. This ally is known as Us, an intellect devourer, and Us is your friend. You don’t hurt friends, do you? But more to the point, if you choose to mutilate or destroy the brain in Baldur’s Gate 3, there are no real rewards for doing it.

Brain-Baldurs-Gate-3-Mutilate-Destroy-Us-Intellect-Devourer
Image: Attack of the Fanboy

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Multiplayer Guide – How to Play With Friends

The quickest way to know if you’re not mutilating or destroying the brain is to avoid explicit dialog options that suggest those results. You must free the brain from the unfortunate elvish body it inhabits, so consider the following skill checks:

  • INVESTIGATION: Inspect the exposed brain
    • (Upon successful check) MEDICINE: Attempt a cerebral extraction, staying mindful of the swelling
  • STRENGTH: Break the skull
  • DEXTERITY: Gently prise the brain from the skull
  • Brain-Baldurs-Gate-3-Mutilate-Destroy-Options
  • Brain-Baldurs-Gate-3-Mutilate-Destroy-Pass-Investigation-Check

These will naturally depend on your character builds. In my most recent playthrough, I went as a Warlock, choosing Investigation then Medicine, successfully extracting Us. Us joins you throughout this first area as a follower, joining you in battle and making life a lot easier, especially if you choose to fight some optional boss enemies before rushing the transponder in the final part of this opening dungeon.

- This article was updated on August 3rd, 2023

About The Author

J.R. is a content creator with AOTF and has been covering gaming and entertainment in the industry since 2022. Along with a B.A. in History from the University of Cincinnati, he has studied at the University of Birmingham, UK, and part of his M.A. at the University of Waterloo. You'll find J.R. particularly at home writing about the hottest manga and anime. He is highly passionate about horror, strategy, and RPGs, and anything about Star Trek or LOTR. When not ranting about fan theories or writing guides, J.R. also manages his local movie theater.