should you kill kleon or help brasidas

OP Authors 2025

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16-03-2025

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Should You Kill Kleon or Help Brasidas? A Moral Quandary in Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey throws players into a world brimming with moral ambiguity, forcing them to make difficult choices with lasting consequences. One of the most debated decisions involves the fate of Kleon and the assistance offered to Brasidas. This seemingly simple choice branches into a complex web of political maneuvering, personal loyalty, and the inherent brutality of the Peloponnesian War. So, should you kill Kleon, or should you help Brasidas? The answer, as with most things in Odyssey, is not straightforward.

Kleon: The Tyrant of Samos

Kleon, the ambitious and ruthless tyrant of Samos, is presented as a villain. He's cruel, power-hungry, and his rule is marked by oppression. Eliminating him seems like a righteous act, a way to liberate the Samian people from his tyranny. From a purely utilitarian standpoint, killing Kleon benefits the populace, offering a chance for a more just and peaceful Samos. This choice aligns with the player who prioritizes justice and eliminating oppression.

However, assassinating Kleon is not without consequences. It escalates the conflict, potentially creating further instability and possibly leading to even harsher rule by a successor. Moreover, it casts the player in a morally grey area, highlighting the violent nature of solving political issues. This act plays into the larger theme of the game – questioning the very nature of heroism and the justification of violence.

Brasidas: The Spartan General

Brasidas, on the other hand, represents a different type of moral dilemma. He’s a skilled Spartan general, a formidable opponent, and fiercely loyal to Sparta. Helping him seems initially counterintuitive, especially given Sparta's reputation for ruthlessness. Yet, Brasidas is also presented with a degree of honor and military prowess. Aiding him offers a chance to contribute to the larger war effort, a chance to sway the balance of power, and potentially reshape the course of the conflict.

Choosing to assist Brasidas doesn't necessarily make the player complicit in Spartan atrocities. It's a strategic choice, a way to navigate the political landscape and perhaps influence events in a direction that might ultimately benefit the player's chosen goals within the game's narrative. This choice appeals to players who value strategic thinking and political maneuvering over immediate acts of justice.

The Impact of Your Choice

The ultimate consequence of either choice is surprisingly subtle. While both decisions significantly impact the immediate story and available quests, the long-term effects on the overall narrative arc are less drastic than other pivotal moments in Odyssey. The game cleverly avoids a simplistic "good" or "bad" outcome, instead focusing on the ripple effect of your decisions and how they shape your experience within the broader world.

The Verdict: It's Your Call

There's no objectively "right" answer. The decision to kill Kleon or help Brasidas reflects the player's personal values and approach to navigating the complexities of the game's world. Both choices offer compelling narratives, consequences, and opportunities. The best choice is the one that aligns with your preferred playstyle and interpretation of the moral landscape presented within Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Ultimately, the true reward lies in exploring the ramifications of your decisions and experiencing the multifaceted world that unfolds as a result.