Should I Kill Balthazar Before Nightsong?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: If you are aiming for a darker narrative outcome where Balthazar’s death unlocks a more challenging but rewarding post‑Nightsong storyline, killing him before the Nightsong quest can provide unique dialogue options and exclusive gear that are unavailable to players who spare him.
• Good fit: When you are playing on a higher difficulty setting and you need to eliminate a strong enemy early to reduce combat difficulty later; Balthazar’s abilities can make later encounters significantly tougher, so removing him beforehand can smooth the overall difficulty curve.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: If you are interested in exploring the “redemption” branch of the story, killing Balthazar will close off quests that reveal his back‑story and may prevent you from earning the “Balthazar’s Mercy” achievement.
• Warning sign: When you are playing a solo (or low‑level) character and you rely on Balthazar’s later assistance in the Nightsong battle; removing him could leave you under‑powered and force you to grind or restart.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Eliminating Balthazar early can simplify combat encounters that would otherwise require careful resource management.
• It opens alternative story threads, including secret dialogue and loot that are reserved for players who take the aggressive route.

Cons

• Permanent loss of a character who provides valuable information, side‑quests, and possible future allies.
• Potentially missing out on achievements, ending variants, and narrative depth that rely on Balthazar’s survival.

Decision Checklist

• Do I want a more combat‑focused playthrough, or do I value story complexity and character arcs?
• Am I prepared to accept the loss of any future content that requires Balthazar’s presence?
• Have I considered the difficulty level I am playing on and whether I can manage the fights without his assistance?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of an outright kill, you can choose to incapacitate Balthazar temporarily, using a “stun” or “banish” ability that removes him from the immediate fight but allows you to revisit the decision later. Another option is to complete the Nightsong quest first, then decide whether to finish him off after you have secured his loot or story rewards, preserving flexibility.

Final Recommendation

If your primary goal is to streamline combat and you are comfortable with a reduced narrative experience, killing Balthazar before Nightsong can be a viable choice. However, most players who enjoy full story depth and achievement hunting should consider sparing him until after the Nightsong quest, or using a temporary disabling method. As always, evaluate your play style, difficulty setting, and desired ending before committing, and consult community guides or forums for any game‑specific nuances.