Should I Kill Big Pete?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: Big Pete is hostile, aggressive, or part of an enemy faction that you must eliminate to advance the story. In many RPGs, removing hostile NPCs clears obstacles, completes combat objectives, and protects allied characters.
• Good fit: Killing him provides unique loot, quest rewards, reputation gains, or access to a restricted area that you cannot obtain through stealth or persuasion. If you are playing a combat-focused or villain-aligned character, this may be the intended path.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Big Pete is a quest-giver, merchant, companion candidate, or faction leader. Killing him can permanently lock quests, shops, romance options, or storylines and may trigger long-term faction hostility.
• Warning sign: Your character build relies on stealth, speech, or high reputation. Unnecessary killings can raise bounties, lower karma or reputation, turn allies hostile, and limit peaceful solutions later in the game.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Immediate rewards such as experience points, weapons, armor, keys, or currency, plus the satisfaction of resolving a threat directly.
• May unlock combat-only outcomes, clear map areas, or advance a faction storyline where violence is the required or preferred solution.

Cons

• Permanent loss of future quests, dialogue, trading, or ally support if Big Pete had a larger role in the game world.
• Potential reputation damage, bounty, karma loss, or faction retaliation that complicates the rest of your playthrough.

Decision Checklist

• Does the game mark Big Pete as essential, or will he stay dead permanently? Essential NPCs often respawn or cannot be killed, while killable NPCs may be gone for good.
• Have you exhausted dialogue and quest options with him? Talk to him first to learn whether he offers quests, items, or an alternative resolution.
• What are the faction and reputation consequences in your current region? Check whether attacking him will turn nearby guards or allies hostile.

Alternatives to Consider

Before attacking, try non-lethal options. Persuade, bribe, intimidate, or pickpocket Big Pete to get what you need. Sneak past him if he is optional, or complete any quests he offers first so you can collect rewards and still remove him later if desired. Some games allow non-lethal takedowns or knockout mechanics that avoid reputation penalties. Save your game before the encounter and test one approach; if the outcome is worse than expected, reload and try another.

Final Recommendation

If Big Pete is a hostile obstacle or offers rewards that fit a violent playthrough, killing him is a reasonable choice. If he is a friendly or useful NPC, leave him alive until you have completed his quests and purchased his goods. For the best outcome, save before the encounter, exhaust dialogue, and check your quest log and faction standings. Because consequences vary by game and mod setup, consult a game-specific wiki or guide if you want exact outcomes.

FAQ

Should I kill Big Pete?

It depends on your playstyle and the game. If he is hostile or guards something you need, killing him can make sense. If he offers quests or is a merchant, keeping him alive is usually better until you have used his services.

What should I consider before I kill Big Pete?

Check whether he is essential or killable, talk to him first, save your game, and review possible faction or reputation consequences. If you want a peaceful outcome, look for persuasion, stealth, or bribery options first.