Disco Elysium: Best Thoughts

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a captivating and critically acclaimed game renowned for its unique gameplay and immersive world. Players are encouraged to thoroughly explore this rich environment, uncovering hidden treasures and experiencing unexpected events, from discovering power armor to stumbling upon an unintentional Attack on Titan cosplay.

As players delve into the intricacies of Disco Elysium's world and their character's psyche, they encounter various Thoughts, which can be adopted, discarded, and internalized over time. Each Thought influences the player's mindset, impacting the game's progression in both positive and negative ways. While many Thoughts offer double-edged benefits, some stand out as objectively advantageous. This list highlights some of the best Thoughts in Disco Elysium, categorized for clarity.

Updated December 23, 2024: Disco Elysium's profound narrative and compelling writing enrich every interaction, culminating in a satisfying resolution to its central murder mystery. Exploring Revachol is a rewarding experience, with the amnesiac protagonist acquiring numerous Thoughts that offer significant advantages. Unlocking these Thoughts is crucial for enhancing the detective's capabilities and successfully navigating skill checks.

1. Wompty-Dompty Dom Centre:

   Unlock: Learn about the Wompty-Dompty Dom Centre from Trant Heidelstam.

   

   • Benefit: Encyclopedia passives grant +10 XP and 2 Reál.
   • Drawback: -2 Suggestion.

   This Thought significantly boosts the rewards from Encyclopedia passives, providing a consistent stream of XP and Reál, crucial for progression. The minor penalty to Suggestion is often easily outweighed by the financial and experience gains.

2. Rigorous Self-Critique:

   Unlock: Agree to become a "Sorry Cop."

   

   • Benefit: Failed INT & PSY red checks heal +1 Morale; failed FYS & MOT red checks heal +1 Health. Increased Pain Threshold learning cap to 6.
   • Drawback: None.

   This Thought transforms failures into opportunities for recovery, mitigating the risks associated with failed skill checks. The bonus to Pain Threshold further enhances the character's resilience.

3. Actual Art Degree:

   Unlock: Agree to become an "Art Cop."

   

   • Benefit: Conceptualization passives heal +1 Morale and grant +10 XP.
   • Drawback: -1 Hand/Eye Coordination.

   The substantial XP and Morale gains from successful Conceptualization passives far outweigh the minor reduction in Hand/Eye Coordination. This Thought rewards players for embracing their artistic side.

4. Mazovian Socio-Economics:

   Unlock: Earn 4 Communism points.

   

   • Benefit: Left-wing dialogue options grant +4 XP.
   • Drawback: -1 Visual Calculus, -1 Authority.

   This Thought provides a significant XP boost for those who align with communist ideals. While there are penalties, the accelerated XP gain often compensates.

5. Indirect Modes Of Taxation:

   Unlock: Wear the Brown Derbies trousers or acquire 4 Ultraliberal points.

   

   • Benefit: Ultraliberal dialogue options grant +1 Reál.
   • Drawback: -1 Empathy.

   This Thought offers a steady income stream for players who favor ultraliberal choices. The slight reduction in Empathy is a minor trade-off for the financial advantage.

6. Kingdom Of Conscience:

   Unlock: Wear the Interisolary trousers or acquire 4 Moralism points.

   

   • Benefit: Moralist dialogue options heal +1 Morale. Increased Volition and Logic learning caps to 5.
   • Drawback: Commits the player to the Moralist path.

   This Thought offers significant benefits for moralistic players, providing Morale recovery and boosting crucial skills. The commitment to a specific path is a consideration, but the rewards are substantial.

7. Bringing Of The Law (Law-Jaw):

   Unlock: Repeatedly identify yourself as "The Law," "Lawbringer," or a policeman.

   

   • Benefit: Hand/Eye Coordination learning cap raised to 6; automatically succeeds all Hand/Eye Coordination passives.
   • Drawback: -1 Rhetoric.

   This Thought significantly enhances Hand/Eye Coordination, making it a powerful choice for players who prioritize this skill. The slight reduction in Rhetoric is often negligible.

8. Jamais Vu:

   Unlock: Speak to Lena and Joyce.

   

   • Benefit: +1 XP for every orb clicked; all INT learning caps raised by 1.
   • Drawback: None.

   This Thought rewards exploration and enhances intellectual skills, making it a valuable asset throughout the game.

9. Detective Costeau:

   Unlock: Call yourself Detective Costeau (after failing a Conceptualization check).

   

   • Benefit: +1 Savoir Faire, +1 Esprit de Corps.
   • Drawback: None.

   This Thought boosts social skills and camaraderie, strengthening the player's relationship with Kim Kitsuragi.

10. Cleaning Out The Rooms:

    Unlock: Pass a Logic check with Soona after investigating the Void of Sound.

    

    • Benefit: +1 Suggestion, +1 Inland Empire, +1 Rhetoric.
    • Drawback: None.

    This Thought significantly enhances several key skills, providing a substantial boost to the character's capabilities.

11. Apricot Chewing Gum Scented One:

    Unlock: Smell the card in the damaged ledger's hidden compartment and the apricot chewing gum wrapper.

    

    • Benefit: +2 Perception.
    • Drawback: None.

    This Thought provides a notable increase in Perception, aiding in investigations and skill checks.

12. Searchlight Division:

    Unlock: Speak to certain characters about missing people.

    

    • Benefit: +2 Perception.
    • Drawback: None.

    This Thought rewards thorough investigation, boosting Perception and enhancing the detective's observational skills.

13. Hardcore Aesthetic:

    Unlock: Ask Noid what true life is and pass the Conceptualization check.

    

    • Benefit: +1 Volition, +1 Endurance.
    • Drawback: None.

    This Thought increases two important stats, enhancing the character's willpower and resilience.

14. Ace's Low:

    Unlock: Shoot the Hanged Man and slap it with Interlacing at 5 or greater.

    

    • Benefit: +2 Empathy for Kim Kitsuragi, +1 Esprit de Corps.
    • Drawback: None.

    This Thought strengthens the bond with Kim Kitsuragi and improves teamwork, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

These Thoughts represent some of the most beneficial options available in Disco Elysium. Their strategic utilization significantly impacts the player's success in solving the case and navigating the game's complex world.