Baldur’s Gate 3: Should You Take Raphael’s Deal?

There are plenty of decisions to make in Larian Studios’ grand CRPG. Some have wider-ranging consequences, while some don’t affect the narrative you’ve created all that much. Raphael offers a tempting trade in Act 3 that helps you release Orpheus. He’ll give you the Orphic Hammer if you give him the Crown of Karsus from the Netherbrain. But should you take Raphael’s deal in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Should You Take Raphael’s Deal in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The game makes it clear to Wyll that dealing with devils is dangerous. But the convenience of this deal might feel like it outweighs the risk.

Where to Deal with Raphael

Early on in Act 3, enter Shress’ Caress at the South Span of Wyrm’s Crossing Waypoint. There, you find Raphael and Kith’rak Voss (if you haven’t killed him) in the room called the Devil’s Den on the third floor. He offers the same deal as when you first meet him: he’ll remove the tadpole and give you the Orphic Hammer if you get him the Crown of Karsus.

Choice 1: Take Raphael’s Deal?

Naturally, your companions warn you against taking Raphael’s deal both times, and they’ll question you if you agree to work with Raphael. In the end, this isn’t a good trade to take. Giving Raphael the crown results in a bad ending where he makes sure that you know that your agreement doomed the world. Raphael takes over the Nine Hells with his power, and he states that he won’t stop there.

Choice 2: Refuse Raphael’s Deal?

If you don’t take the deal, you’ll have to get the Orphic Hammer yourself if you want to save Orpheus. That means you’ll be fighting Raphael, and that can be a tough battle. But rescuing Hope gives you a strong ally against him. It also gives you a reason to head into the House of Hope, which is tough but interesting and full of nice equipment.

So, should you take Raphael’s deal in Baldur’s Gate 3? Probably not, unless you’re playing an evil character. But even as an evil character, controlling the Absolute yourself would be a better ending than having to endure Raphael taking over the world. From here, check our BG3 guide hub for topics like how to get Crimson Mischief or how to get Balduran’s Giantslayer.