*Disco Elysium: The Final Cut* stands out as a captivating and beloved game, renowned for its depth and engagement. The game's intricate world invites players to explore every nook and cranny, uncovering everything from power armor to unexpected *Attack on Titan* cosplays. As players delve into the game's environment and their character's psyche, they encounter various Thoughts that can be adopted, discarded, and internalized over time. These Thoughts shape the player's mindset, influencing gameplay in nuanced ways, often with both positive and negative effects. While the impact of these Thoughts can be subjective, some are considered among the **best Thoughts in *Disco Elysium*** due to their significant advantages.
*Updated on December 23, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra:* *Disco Elysium remains a standout RPG, lauded for its deep narrative and thought-provoking gameplay. The exceptional writing enriches every conversation, culminating in a satisfying resolution to the game's central murder mystery. Exploring Revachol is an immersive experience, with the amnesiac protagonist encountering a variety of Thoughts that offer distinct benefits. To maximize the detective's effectiveness across various skill checks, players should prioritize unlocking some of *Disco Elysium*'s best Thoughts.*
14 Ace's Low
How To Unlock: Shoot The Hanged Man And Slap It With Interlacing At 5 Or Greater
- +2 Empathy for Kim Kitsuragi
- +1 Esprit de Corps
Kim Kitsuragi is a pivotal character who evolves into one of the most cherished figures in Disco Elysium. Despite initial skepticism about the detective's capabilities, players can earn his trust and respect through their actions. One effective way to strengthen this bond is by adopting some of Disco Elysium's best Thoughts that foster a positive relationship with Kim, such as Ace's Low.
To unlock Ace's Low, players must cut down the body from the Hanged Tree and slap it with a sufficient Interlacing skill. This action allows the detective to contemplate the Ace's Low thought, which not only boosts Esprit de Corps but also deepens the connection with Kim Kitsuragi. It's an excellent thought to acquire early in the game to leverage its benefits.
13 Hardcore Aesthetic
How To Unlock: Ask Noid What True Life Is And Pass The Conceptualization Check
- +1 Volition
- +1 Endurance
Thoughts that enhance the main character's stats are highly valuable, as they increase the likelihood of success in skill checks. Hardcore Aesthetic is a prime example of such a thought, though unlocking it requires specific actions.
Players need to engage with Noid in the church and inquire about true life, triggering a Conceptualization check. Successfully passing this check allows Harry to ponder this thought, resulting in a beneficial increase in Volition and Endurance. This makes Hardcore Aesthetic one of Disco Elysium's best Thoughts, aiding players in navigating the game's challenges more effectively.
12 Searchlight Division
How To Unlock: Speak To Certain Characters About Missing People
- +2 Perception
As detectives, Harry and Kim frequently investigate missing persons cases in Revachol. By diligently questioning relevant characters about these disappearances, players can unlock one of Disco Elysium's best Thoughts: Searchlight Division.
This thought offers a significant boost to the Perception stat without any drawbacks, rewarding players for their thoroughness in the investigation. It's an essential thought for those looking to enhance their detective skills and uncover crucial clues.
11 Apricot Chewing Gum Scented One
How To Unlock: Smell The Card In The Damaged Ledger's Hidden Compartment And The Apricot Chewing Gum Wrapper
- +2 Perception
Harry's eccentric behavior during the murder investigation in Revachol is part of what makes him such a beloved character. His fixation on seemingly trivial scents, such as those from a card in a hidden ledger compartment and an apricot chewing gum wrapper, can lead to one of Disco Elysium's best Thoughts.
By spending time contemplating these scents, Harry gains a bonus in Perception, which can be crucial for passing skill checks and advancing in the game. This thought exemplifies the game's unique approach to character development and exploration.
10 Cleaning Out The Rooms
How To Unlock: Pass A Logic Check With Soona After Investigating The Void Of Sound
- +1 Suggestion
- +1 Inland Empire
- +1 Rhetoric
The church in Disco Elysium is a fascinating location filled with memorable interactions. After investigating the void of sound, players can discuss their findings with Soona to unlock one of the best Thoughts in Disco Elysium: Cleaning Out The Rooms.
This thought is highly beneficial, as it simultaneously enhances three key skills: Suggestion, Inland Empire, and Rhetoric. Investing in this thought allows players to reap significant rewards, making it a valuable asset in their detective toolkit.
9 Detective Costeau
How To Unlock: Call Yourself Detective Costeau
- +1 Savoir Faire
- +1 Esprit de Corps
Kim Kitsuragi's grounded nature complements Harry's eccentricity, allowing for humorous and engaging interactions. One such moment occurs when players fail a Conceptualization check and adopt the persona of Raphael Ambrosius Costeau, even after learning their true identity.
This amusing scenario not only strengthens the bond between Harry and Kim but also unlocks one of Disco Elysium's best Thoughts. By increasing Savoir Faire and Esprit de Corps, Detective Costeau enhances the player's social and team-building skills, showcasing the game's exceptional writing and character dynamics.
8 Jamais Vu
How To Unlock: Speak To Lena And Joyce
- +1 XP For Every Orb Clicked
- All INT Learning Caps Raised By 1
Jamais Vu, the opposite of Deja Vu, represents the feeling of unfamiliarity. This thought rewards players with 1 XP for every orb clicked in the game world and raises the learning cap of all INT skills by one. While the bonuses may seem modest, they are significant in the long run.
Encouraging exploration with tangible rewards, Jamais Vu exemplifies how Disco Elysium seamlessly integrates story and gameplay. It's a testament to the game's innovative Thought Cabinet system, which should become a staple in RPGs.
7 Bringing Of The Law (Law-Jaw)
How To Unlock: Call Yourself The Law, Lawbringer, And A Policeman Multiple Times
- Learning Cap For Hand/Eye Coordination Raised To 6
- Automatically Succeed All Hand/Eye Coordination Passives
- -1 Rhetoric
Bringing of the Law is ideal for players who embrace the role of a confident, authoritative cop. This thought raises the learning cap for Hand/Eye Coordination and ensures automatic success in all related passives, despite a minor penalty to Rhetoric.
To unlock this thought, players must consistently choose dialogue options that assert Harry's role as a lawbringer. It's a valuable investment for those looking to maximize their Hand/Eye Coordination skills and gather crucial information effortlessly.
6 Kingdom Of Conscience
How To Unlock: Wear The Interisolary Trousers Or Acquire 4 Moralism Points
- Moralist Dialogue Options Heal +1 Morale
- Learning Cap For Volition Raised To 5
- Learning Cap For Logic Raided To 5
Kingdom of Conscience is a powerful thought for players committed to the Moralist path introduced in the Final Cut. It offers significant benefits, including healing Morale with Moralist dialogue choices and raising the learning caps for Volition and Logic.
While it requires a commitment to a specific ideological path, the advantages it provides in terms of skill development and morale management make it a worthwhile choice for many players.
5 Indirect Modes Of Taxation
How To Unlock: Wear The Brown Derbies Trousers Or Acquire 4 Ultraliberal Points
- Ultraliberal Dialogue Options Give +1 Reál
- -1 Empathy
For players struggling with financial constraints in the early game, embracing Ultraliberalism through Indirect Modes of Taxation can be a game-changer. This thought rewards players with additional Reál for choosing pro-capitalist dialogue options, despite a minor penalty to Empathy.
By consistently selecting dialogue that supports capitalist ideals and accepting bribes, players can accumulate a substantial amount of money over time, easing financial pressures and enhancing their gameplay experience.
4 Mazovian Socio-Economics
How To Unlock: Earn 4 Communism Points
- Left-Wing Dialogue Options Give +4 XP
- -1 Visual Calculus
- -1 Authority
Mazovian Socio-Economics offers a compelling alternative for players who reject capitalism and embrace communist ideals. By consistently choosing pro-working-class dialogue options, players can unlock this thought, which grants a significant XP boost despite penalties to Visual Calculus and Authority.
This thought is ideal for those committed to the communist path, as the XP gains can offset the skill penalties and enhance overall character development.
3 Actual Art Degree
How To Unlock: Agree To Become An Art Cop
- -1 Hand/Eye Coordination
- Conceptualization Passives Heal +1 Morale & Give +10 XP
Actual Art Degree is a powerful thought tied to the Art Cop stereotype, offering substantial benefits without locking players into a specific political alignment. By choosing artistic dialogue options, players can unlock this thought, which heals Morale and grants XP for every Conceptualization passive passed.
Despite a minor penalty to Hand/Eye Coordination, the thought's ability to provide healing and XP through passive interactions makes it a valuable asset for players focused on artistic expression and character development.
2 Rigorous Self-Critique
How To Unlock: Agree To Become A Sorry Cop
- INT & PSY Red Check Failures Heal +1 Morale
- FYS & MOT Red Check Failures Heal +1 Health
- Learning Cap For Pain Threshold Increased To 6
Managing Health and Morale is crucial in Disco Elysium, and Rigorous Self-Critique offers a unique solution by turning failures into opportunities for healing. This thought heals Morale or Health whenever Harry fails a red check in specific categories, making it invaluable for players who struggle with resource management.
By consistently apologizing in dialogue, players can unlock this thought, which not only aids in survival but also increases the learning cap for Pain Threshold, enhancing overall resilience.
1 Wompty-Dompty Dom Centre
How To Unlock: Learn About The Wompty-Dompty Dom Centre From Trant Heidelstam
- Encyclopedia Passives Give +10 XP & 2 Reál
- -2 Suggestion
Wompty-Dompty Dom Centre is a thought that empowers Encyclopedia passives, granting 10 XP and 2 Reál for each successful passive. This thought is ideal for players with a high Encyclopedia skill, as it ensures a steady income of money and XP.
Despite a penalty to Suggestion, the benefits of this thought far outweigh the drawbacks, making it an excellent choice for players looking to maximize their resources and enhance their detective skills.
