Orin the Red is one of the most mysterious and dangerous figures players will encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3. Known for her gruesome methods and shapeshifting abilities, Orin becomes a major antagonist during Act 3. Her connection to Bhaal, the Lord of Murder, makes her central to the game’s darker plotlines. Finding Orin is essential to progressing the main story and confronting the growing threat she poses to Baldur’s Gate. However, tracking her down isn’t straightforward. Players must piece together clues, survive traps, and interact with the right characters to find her true location. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find Orin in BG3 and prepare for the deadly encounter that awaits.
Understanding Orin’s Role in Baldur’s Gate 3
Who Is Orin?
Orin the Red is a Bhaalspawn and a high-ranking assassin who plays a major role in Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3. She thrives on chaos and bloodshed and is infamous for her ability to shapeshift, making her difficult to track. She manipulates events from the shadows and uses fear as a weapon, targeting both your allies and the citizens of Baldur’s Gate.
Why You Need to Find Her
Finding Orin is not optional. If you want to complete the main storyline, defeat the key antagonists, and resolve the conflict between the gods, confronting her is required. Additionally, she will kidnap one of your companions, forcing you to take action if you want them back.
How to Trigger Orin’s Questline
Entering the Lower City
To begin the path to Orin, you need to reach the Lower City in Act 3. This area becomes available after progressing through Rivington and surviving the events surrounding Gortash and his Steel Watch. Once in the Lower City, you’ll begin encountering signs of Bhaalist influence and gruesome murders that point toward Orin’s presence.
Receiving the Kidnapping Event
Orin makes herself known by kidnapping one of your party members. This can vary depending on your party composition and decisions throughout the game. Characters like Lae’zel, Gale, or Halsin are frequent targets. The kidnapping is a scripted event and marks the start of your quest to locate Orin’s hideout.
Following the Trail of Clues
Investigate the Murders
Throughout the Lower City, you’ll come across a series of murder scenes with ties to the Bhaalist cult. These are not random. Investigating them provides crucial information about the cult’s network and Orin’s influence. Look for signs of ritual killings and speak to Flaming Fist officers or citizens nearby for leads.
Visit the Murder Tribunal
To find Orin’s lair, you’ll need to access the secretive Murder Tribunal, a Bhaalist cult enclave hidden within the city. To reach this location:
- First, head to Candulhallow’s Tombstones in the city.
- Use the passphrase or find clues to unlock the back room.
- Locate a hidden hatch that leads to the Murder Tribunal chambers.
Inside, you’ll face trials or negotiations depending on your choices and party composition. You may also face combat with cult members.
Confronting the Cult of Bhaal
Earn Their Trust or Go to War
Within the Tribunal, you have options. You can try to prove yourself as a follower of Bhaal to gain information, or you can choose to eliminate the cultists outright. Both paths lead you closer to Orin, but each has consequences. Playing along with the cult may offer more insights and avoid early combat, while fighting them clears your path with brute force.
Getting the Bhaalist Key
After passing the Tribunal (either diplomatically or violently), you will receive the Bhaalist Key or item needed to open the entrance to Orin’s lair. Without this, the path forward remains locked. Pay attention to environmental clues and loot everything thoroughly, as the key may not always be handed directly to you.
Locating Orin’s Lair
Go to the Temple of Bhaal
With the necessary key or information from the Murder Tribunal, you can now make your way to the Temple of Bhaal. This hidden temple is found deep within the sewers of the Lower City. To reach it:
- Enter the city sewers via entrances near the Undercity Ruins or Grey Harbour.
- Navigate through various tunnels filled with traps and hostile enemies.
- Look for markings or blood trails that indicate Bhaalist territory.
Eventually, you’ll reach the temple’s entrance, which is guarded and requires the Bhaalist Key to proceed.
Prepare for Combat Challenges
Before entering the temple, make sure your party is fully rested, stocked on healing potions, and prepared for battle. Orin’s followers are numerous and dangerous. Some areas within the temple include traps, illusions, and enemy ambushes. A balanced party with healing, magic, and crowd control is ideal for surviving the final approach.
Fighting Orin the Red
The Final Encounter
At the heart of the Temple of Bhaal, you’ll finally confront Orin. The battle is intense and features multiple phases, including the use of shapeshifting, stealth, and summoned allies. Orin is not only powerful but extremely mobile, so spells that limit movement, such as Hold Person or Web, can help manage the fight.
Rescue Your Companion
During the confrontation, your kidnapped party member may be present in a weakened state or restrained. Part of the battle may involve freeing them while surviving Orin’s attacks. Choose your actions wisely to prevent losing a valued companion permanently.
Victory and Consequences
Defeating Orin brings major rewards and progress in the main narrative. You’ll acquire key items related to the Bhaalspawn plot and gain access to endgame paths that influence your ultimate decisions. The game’s direction can shift dramatically based on how you handle Orin’s death and your interaction with her dark god.
Tips for Success
Use Dialogue to Your Advantage
Leading up to the final fight, pay attention to dialogue options. Some choices can give you an edge or delay combat long enough to reposition your party. If you have high Charisma or insight-based characters, you may uncover weaknesses or distractions that help in the boss fight.
Don’t Rush the Sewers
The Lower City sewers are vast and dangerous. Take time to explore thoroughly, collect gear, and level up before diving into the Temple of Bhaal. You’ll often find hidden vendors, side quests, and powerful items in these areas that can aid you against Orin.
Balance Party Composition
Orin is a mix of physical and magical threat. Bring at least one tank or melee fighter to draw aggro, a ranged DPS, a healer, and a spellcaster with area control. Buff your party before entering the temple and make use of environment-based advantages when possible.
Finding Orin in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a multi-layered journey filled with intrigue, combat, and high stakes. From investigating murders to infiltrating the Murder Tribunal and surviving the deadly Temple of Bhaal, players must stay sharp and strategic. Whether you play the diplomat or the warrior, locating and defeating Orin the Red is a memorable part of the BG3 experience. With the right planning and execution, you’ll uncover the truth behind the Bhaalist threat and bring one of the game’s most sinister villains to justice.