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Tag: BG3

  • Should You Form an Alliance with Gortash or Orin in BG3?

    Should You Form an Alliance with Gortash or Orin in BG3?

    Gortash is one of the main villains you face in Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3. When you meet him for the first time, he will try to make a deal with you. He wants you to kill Orin, take her Netherstone, and help him control the Elderbrain.

    If you agree to his offer, the game becomes a bit easier because you’ll only have to deal with Gortash instead of two enemies. However, you will have to give up some things to make this alliance. Be sure to check this guide to decide if it’s worth it.

    Updated April 13, 2026, by Ben Jessey: Even years after its release, players are still loving Baldur’s Gate 3. But many are hesitant about trusting Gortash. So, here’s the latest information on what happens depending on whether you accept or reject his offer.

    Outcomes of Making a Deal with Gortash

    When Gortash offers the deal, he promises you safe passage through the city. True to his word, you can focus on defeating Orin and completing side quests without trouble.

    Note: Accepting the deal will likely cause some disapproval from Karlach. But if your approval with her is high enough, she won’t turn against you. Still, choosing to side with Gortash means you won’t be able to complete certain quests, like disabling the Steel Watch or rescuing Wyll’s father from the underwater prison.

    If you take his deal and return with Orin’s Netherstone, Gortash will ask for both Netherstones. You can test if he’ll respect you by refusing to give them. Declining his request will solidify your alliance with him. Later, if your loyalty remains, Gortash will join you to face The Netherbrain. Unfortunately, he won’t survive—The Netherbrain will kill him, and Karlach might even laugh at his fate if she’s in your party.

    Outcomes of Refusing the Deal with Gortash

    There aren’t many downsides to refusing Gortash’s deal, provided you stay respectful. If you threaten him instead of agreeing, you’ll have to fight him early on, which can be a mistake since he has many Steel Watchers backing him.

    It’s best either to agree to his deal and betray him later or to avoid making any agreement altogether. If you don’t want an alliance, you’ll eventually need to confront him. Beyond that, your ability to move freely around the city remains mostly unchanged, and your approval with Karlach stays high—especially if you don’t bring her into the fight. You also won’t be blocked from side content by rejecting his deal.

    Should You Take Orin’s Deal Instead?

    Orin offers her own deal. She asks you to eliminate Gortash, take his Netherstone, and then visit the temple of Bhaal to fight her. Even if you accept her proposal, you’ll still have to fight her later on. She has kidnapped one of your allies and is using them as a hostage, threatening to kill them if you don’t deliver Gortash’s Netherstone.

    While her offer isn’t as friendly as Gortash’s, it doesn’t change much—you can still save the hostage regardless of what you choose.

  • Top Build for Jaheira in BG3: Completing and Solving

    Top Build for Jaheira in BG3: Completing and Solving

    Jaheira is a playable companion you can recruit in Baldur’s Gate 3. She belongs to the Harpers and has a rich history in Faerûn. You meet her during Act Two at the Last-Light Inn, and you can invite her to join your team near the end of that act.

    Initially, Jaheira is a druid from the Circle of the Land subclass, but once she joins your party, you can customize her class by assigning levels to different classes. You can progress her up to your current level, customizing her abilities.

    Update as of March 28, 2026, by Ryan Thompson-Bamsey: We’ve refined our Jaheira build guide by adding useful Fighter levels, strategy tips, and recommended spells to maximize her effectiveness.

    Best Subclass

    Circle of the Moon is the ideal choice for Jaheira. This subclass elevates her from a support role to a frontline tank capable of absorbing a lot of damage while your damage dealers operate freely.

    The main feature is Combat Wild Shape, which allows Jaheira to transform into animals using a bonus action rather than a full action. This is crucial: she can wild shape and still take an action on the same turn, meaning she can attack, use an item, or cast a spell before transforming into an animal. Without this, she’d have to spend her entire turn shifting.

    She also gains Lunar Mend, which lets her spend spell slots to heal herself while in Wild Shape. Her beast forms have their own health pools separate from her half-elf form, so she effectively has two pools of hit points. Lunar Mend helps her regenerate health from the second pool, making her very difficult to kill—especially given that her animal forms have high HP.

    Level Subclass Features
    2 Lunar Mend (heal in Wild Shape), Combat Wild Shape (bonus action shapeshifting), Wild Shape as a Bear (taunt enemies)
    4 Wild Shape as a Dire Raven (blend in, blind enemies)
    6 Primal Strike (beast attacks are magical)
    8 Wild Shape as a Sabre-Toothed Tiger (armor shred, HP regeneration)
    10 Wild Shape forms as Air, Earth, Fire, Water Myrmidons, gaining spell-like abilities.

    At level 6, Primal Strike activates, letting her animal attack damage bypass resistances. By level 10, the Myrmidon forms add elemental powers, making her a versatile threat beyond tanking.

    Overall, choosing the Circle of the Moon greatly boosts her survival and adaptability. For an even stronger start, investing in two levels of Fighter first grants her bonus fighting capabilities, making her a formidable presence early on.

    Tip: Casting Enlarge before Wild Shaping can make her animal form large, increasing her damage and reach—concentration is maintained through Wild Shape.

    Best Abilities

    Focus on Wisdom, the primary stat for Druids, and Constitution to help her endure damage. Dexterity is also useful to boost her AC.

    Strength Dexterity Constitution Intelligence Wisdom Charisma
    8 14 16 10 16 10

    This setup ensures she can support the party, stay alive, and be effective both in animal form and in her half-elf state.

    Level-by-Level Build

    For optimal effectiveness, consider this progression:

    • Level 1: Fighter 1 — proficiency in constitution saves, defense fighting style, second wind for self-healing
    • Level 2: Fighter 2 — action surge for extra actions each turn
    • Level 4: Druid 2 — select Circle of the Moon
    • Level 6: Druid 4 — pick the Ability Improvement feat, boosting Wisdom +2
    • Level 10: Druid 8 — gain access to the Myrmidon forms, adding spell-like effects

    Key Feat: The Alert feat adds +5 initiative, allowing Jaheira to act before enemies, cast spells like Spike Growth, then Wild Shape, setting up deadly combos.

    Best Spells

    Casting support spells before Wild Shaping is critical since their effects carry over into animal form.

    Cantrips:

    • Shillelagh: Enchants her weapon to scale with Wisdom, making melee attacks more effective.
    • Guidance: Adds +1d4 to ability checks, very useful in skill challenges.
    • Produce Flame: Provides her with a ranged attack option when mobility is needed.

    Important Spells:

    • Spike Growth (Level 2): Creates a chokepoint of damaging spikes. Shift into Bear form, then push enemies through it to deal massive damage.
    • Call Lightning (Level 3): Summons a storm to strike enemies for high damage over multiple turns.
    • Plant Growth (Level 3, no concentration): Slows enemies across a wide area, perfect for controlling the battlefield.

    Support Spells:

    • Healing Word (Level 1): Quick healing, especially useful when she’s in Wild Shape but needs to assist.
    • Mass Cure Wounds (Level 5): Emergency healing for multiple allies.

    Equipment

    Since Wild Shape ignores gear effects, focus on support and healing equipment when out of animal form.

    Early-Game Essentials:

    • Adamantine Scale Mail: High AC (16), damage reduction, but disadvantage on stealth.
    • Haste Helm: Boosts initiative and offers momentum at the start of combat.
    • Hellrider’s Pride: Grants resistance and bonus to strength saves, plus the ability to cast Revivify (revive a fallen ally) and other beneficial effects.
    • Vital Conduit Boots: Gives temporary HP when casting concentration spells.
    • Periapt of Wound Closure: Stabilizes dying allies automatically.
    • Ring of Salving: Adds bonus healing when you help others.
    • Khalid’s Gift Amulet: Prevents curses and boosts Wisdom.

    Late-Game Equipment:

    • Armour of Moonbasking: Enhances durability with temporary HP, damage reduction, and spell saving throws.
    • Shapeshifter Hat: Adds Wild Shape charges and boosts Nature skills.
    • The Reviving Hands: Provides healing, revivify, and damage reduction effects.

    Weapons

    Damage output in Wild Shape isn’t critical, but for her half-elf form, focus on support and utility weapons.

    • The Blood of Lathander: A mace with radiant effects and healing abilities, useful for frontline or support roles.

    Choosing weapons with damage scaling isn’t a priority; focus on gear that enhances her spellcasting and survivability outside of Wild Shape.

    This approach maximizes Jaheira’s versatility, survivability, and battlefield control, making her a key asset in any party.

  • Should You Accept Harleep’s Deal in BG3 and Completing His Quest

    Should You Accept Harleep’s Deal in BG3 and Completing His Quest

    Baldur’s Gate 3 features some spicy moments, and you can also encounter Raphael’s incubus look-alike. In the House of Hope, you get a rare chance to lie with a devil’s partner in exchange for important information.

    But, of course, dealing with any devil—be it a cambion or incubus—has its risks. If you’re unsure whether the danger outweighs the reward when dealing with Harleep, don’t worry; we’ve tested all possible outcomes so you can explore this devilish choice confidently.

    Updated March 23, 2026 by Ben Jessey: Since Baldur’s Gate 3 remains very popular and players keep encountering Harleep, we’ve added some extra details to our guide about how to handle the incubus in this update.

    What Happens If You Reject Harleep’s Offer?

    Many players will instinctively refuse Harleep’s offer because she’s an incubus. If you know what incubuses are, rejecting her is the smart move.

    However, turning her down triggers a battle where you must fight Harleep and some spawned imps using spells like Eldritch Blast with Repelling Invocation.

    The fight is tricky because of Harleep’s special ability, Ethereal Escape. When you successfully hit her once, she becomes immune to all damage until her next turn, meaning you’ll need to wait several rounds to finish her off. During that time, she’ll repeatedly cast Incubus Charm to control your party members. Failing a Wisdom saving throw can cause them to become her slaves for three turns.

    Start by having one character focus on attacking Harleep while others deal with the imps. Once the imps are defeated, you can concentrate your attacks on Harleep herself.

    The Rewards and Consequences of Defeating Harleep

    When you finally defeat Harleep, you’ll gain the Helldusk Gauntlets, a piece of a legendary armor set and one of the best armor choices in the game.

    Harleep is also holding a key to Raphael’s safe. But if you refuse her offer, she won’t tell you the safe’s location. Instead, you can use the Speak with Dead spell on Harleep’s corpse to learn a clue about where the safe might be — although she won’t give full details. The safe is hidden in her boudoir, so you’ll need to search there, paying close attention to Raphael’s paintings, which might hide clues.

    What If You Accept Harleep’s Offer?

    Choosing to accept her deal means you get to lie with her to get the information about Raphael and the safe. You can pick the gender of the Harleep you want to lie with. This choice doesn’t affect gameplay directly, but from that point, you must follow all of Harleep’s instructions without free will.

    You can attempt to resist her charms using a Wisdom or Performance check (DC 18). Succeeding warns you that something’s off about her. You can then make a Constitution save (DC 25) to push her away.

    Pushing her off will lead to rejecting her deal and starting combat. But note—you’ll start this fight entirely naked, with no weapons or armor. It’s best to try initiating the fight before stripping down.

    The Risks of Submitting to Harleep

    If you agree to her deal, you can choose to allow her to take either your body or your heart and soul. Giving up your heart and soul results in an immediate game over.

    If you just give her your body, she will gain the ability to transform into you and will feel every intimate act with your form. You won’t see any immediate consequences in the House of Hope, but after returning from Avernus, a random event occurs where you might suddenly experience intense pleasure or orgasm in public without warning. This happens unpredictably and more often near certain locations, like the Lower City Central Wall.

    Interestingly, the only character who doesn’t react with disgust—often showing empathy—is Astarion, which might be amusing for fans of his character.

    The Deal’s Hidden Bonus

    Turning the deal to Harleep also offers a humorous bonus: you can ask her about Raphael’s performance in bed. Doing this can be useful for mocking Raphael when he returns to the House of Hope, which triggers instant combat. While this gag has no direct game effect, it adds a fun, cheeky element to the encounter—almost worth considering the deal just for that.

    Final Notes

    Accepting her deal will fulfill your part of the bargain, and Harleep will later teleport away, preventing further attacks. She also won’t inform you about Raphael’s safe unless you accept her offer and follow her instructions exactly.

    If you choose to accept, the only real benefit is that she’ll give you the location of Raphael’s safe and the key to unlock it, but you can’t complete the Helldusk armor set afterward. Plus, the encounter alters the way Harleep appears later, adding a distorted, unsettling twist.

    Whether you reject or accept Harleep’s proposal, each choice has its own risks and rewards, making this encounter one of the most intriguing choices in Baldur’s Gate 3.

  • How To Solve Free The Artist in BG3

    How To Solve Free The Artist in BG3

    If you happen to encounter Gnolls near Waukeens Rest while exploring in Baldur’s Gate 3, you might also come across Rugan and Olly, two men who need your help. Approaching from the Gnoll’s side, Rugan and Olly might leave you to fight alone. But if you find them first, they’ll join your fight. Regardless of how it happens, they’ll lead you to the Zhentarium Hideout during Act One.

    Your main goal is to get their cargo safely to the hideout. If you deliver it as is, you’ll gain the group’s trust. If you choose to open the cargo, you’ll find a flask containing an unusual creature that you can keep for later. Either way, head to the hideout—this is also where you will meet Oskar to see how your choices affected him.

    Updated February 26, 2026, by Kaitlyn Peterson:
    This guide now includes details on how to find and rescue Oskar from the Zhentarim Hideout, in addition to previous tips about saving Oskar in Lady Jannath’s estate.

    How to Free Oskar from the Zhentarim Hideout

    When you arrive at the Zhentarim Hideout (X: -113, Y: 613), which should be marked on your map after meeting Rugan and Olly, make your way inside until you find a merchant named Brem. Talk to him, and he’ll ask if you want a portrait painted by his pet artist.

    If you ask about the artist, you’ll get a dialogue option to convince Brem to release Oskar. Depending on your skills and choices, you’ll need to pass a check to persuade Brem, or you can buy Oskar outright if you’re unable to convince him. Successful persuasion or payment will free Oskar.

    Speak with Oskar afterward to share the good news. He’ll tell you about himself, stating that he’s engaged to a wealthy woman in Baldur’s Gate who promises to repay your party if you lend him some gold for his journey. Whether you lend him money or not, he’ll leave, and the “Free The Artist” side quest continues in the city until you reach Baldur’s Gate.

    Where Is Oskar in Baldur’s Gate?

    In Act Three, you’ll find Oskar after gaining access to the Lower City, which is past the bridge north of South Span Wyrm’s Crossing. You can persuade the Flaming Fist guards to lower the bridge or find another way inside.

    Once in the Lower City, head west past Lower City Central Wall and Bloomridge Park until you reach Lady Jannath’s Estate. Outside, her butler will be muttering to himself. Inside, you’ll hear chaos—furniture crashing, chairs flying—which indicates a fight. Lady Jannath and Oskar are on the second floor in her bedroom.

    Lady Jannath mentions that Oskar is possessed and asks you to find a way to end the curse. After speaking with both, a fight will trigger.

    How to Subdue Oskar

    Lady Jannath requests that Oskar be subdued without lethal force. Enable non-lethal attacks by toggling the “Passives” setting at the bottom of your HUD (or on your action wheel on consoles). After activation, any melee attack will deal non-lethal damage, preventing Oskar from dying during combat.

    Note: Non-lethal attacks only apply to melee; spells will still deal lethal damage.

    How to See the Ghosts

    During the fight, poltergeists and invisible entities will be present. To see them, you need an ability to reveal invisible creatures, such as:

    • Volo’s Ersatz Eye (if previously obtained)
    • A See Invisibility potion
    • The spell See Invisibility
    • The Faerie Fire spell

    Once you’ve subdued Oskar, the ghosts will vanish, and the fight will end.

    How to Break Oskar’s Curse

    After the fight, you can ascend Lady Jannath’s house to locate the source of the possession. However, you won’t be able to stop it, and a tough battle will ensue if you attempt.

    Instead of going upstairs directly, you should acquire the Torch of Revocation. A character in Baldur’s Gate holds this item and requires your help to get it. Return to the Lower City near Basilisk Gate, proceeding west past Sorcerous Sundries, then south.

    There’s a building south of the Heapside Strand waypoint, seemingly sealed and inaccessible. Approach from the west side and find a magically sealed stone door, which can be opened using spells like Knock or by brute force with a strong character.

    Inside Philgrave’s Mansion, Mystic Carrion will ask you to find parts of his missing crew member, Thrumbo. The quest location is close to Philgrave’s mansion—leave the mansion, head back to the Heapside Strand waypoint, and then look for a broken balcony to the right of the stairs. Vines will lead you down into a small shack, where blood traces lead to a wardrobe.

    Loot the wardrobe, and Thrumbo will jump out. To help Oskar, you may kill Thrumbo or steal the Jar of Mystic Carrion’s Heart from him. The jar contains a part of Mystic Carrion, and giving it to him can persuade him to increase your reward and hand over the Torch of Revocation.

    While Mystic Carrion will still request Thrumbo’s body parts as part of his side quest, you can return to Oskar with the torch afterward.

    How to Get Upstairs in Lady Jannath’s Estate

    Once armed with the Torch of Revocation, return to Lady Jannath’s house. As you go up the stairs, you’ll be affected by Phantasmal Force for ten turns. CSursed Skulls will try to Thunderwave you back down, so your goal is to get at least one party member to the attic.

    Many ghosts are invisible initially. You don’t need to defeat every ghost—just ensure someone makes it upstairs. The Skulls will only push back the first time you encounter them. Use fire or force damage to weaken the Skulls, or cast spells like Remove Curse to get past the obstacles blocking the stairs.

    To avoid or bypass the ghosts altogether, use a nimble character with Misty Step or Fly spells. A balcony across the hall from Jannath’s bedroom can be reached by jumping out the window—then use Fly or Misty Step to reach the rooftop balcony, providing quick access to the attic and avoiding the poltergeists.

    On the rooftop, pick up clues and interact with paintings, easels, and hidden panels. Using the Torch of Revocation on a secret painting will break the curse, and the ghost haunting the estate will head directly to Lady Jannath’s room in an attempt to attack Oskar—unless you intervene. Burning the hidden painting will make the ghosts disappear, allowing you to return downstairs to protect Oskar and finish the quest.

  • How to Beat Cazador in BG3: Completing & Solving Strategies

    How to Beat Cazador in BG3: Completing & Solving Strategies

    In Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3, players face the climax of personal stories, including Astarion’s, a vampire spawn enslaved for 200 years by Vampire Lord Cazador. You will have a chance to help Astarion confront his former master and stop a deadly blood ritual that requires 7,000 sacrifices.

    Cazador’s quest for divine power threatens Baldur’s Gate, and defeating him is a major challenge. With the right approach, however, you can turn the battle in your favor. This guide explains how to face Cazador and offers strategies to ensure victory.

    Approaching Cazador with Astarion

    It’s tempting to bring Astarion along for the final fight. But if he’s with you when you face Cazador, he will lose control and attack the villain regardless of your dialogue choices. This causes Cazador to lock Astarion into the ritual, rendering him unable to move while he remains part of the process. The fight is limited to three turns, after which Astarion and all 7,000 vampire spawn disintegrate. Cazador then turns into a much stronger Vampire Ascendant.

    If Astarion gets trapped in the ritual, you can use the Help action to free him during combat or kill some of the spawn—including Astarion—to prevent Cazador from ascending. During the boss fight, Cazador gets a +9 initiative bonus and cannot be surprised, although his minions can.

    How to include Astarion without getting him captured

    When entering Cazador’s location, don’t go straight to him. Instead, open your characters menu, ungroup Astarion, and leave him at the top of the stairs. Let the other party members talk to Cazador first. Initiate the fight, then switch to Astarion to have him run in and join the battle. This way, he will appear during combat rather than attacking instantly and being captured.

    Approaching Cazador without Astarion

    If Astarion is not with you, Cazador will recognize your connection. You can try a Deception check to promise him you’ll bring Astarion later, and he might let you leave. Otherwise, the conversation will escalate into combat. Without Astarion, you’ll face the full boss fight unequipped to handle his initial onslaught.

    Cazador’s Stats

    Cazador is a high-level Vampire (level 12), undead, with an AC of 21 and over 200 HP. His notable traits include:

    • Strength: 18
    • Dexterity: 18*
    • Constitution: 18
    • Intelligence: 17*
    • Wisdom: 15*
    • Charisma: 18

    He has saving throw proficiencies in certain areas and resistances to non-magical and magical attacks, with immunity to non-magical weapons. His features include:

    • Alert: +5 initiative, cannot be surprised
    • Arcane Enchantment: +1 spell save DC and attack rolls
    • Vampiric Traits: Regeneration, legendary resistance, and spellcasting abilities like Call Lightning and Misty Escape
    • Sunlight Hypersensitivity: Takes 20 radiant damage at dawn and has disadvantage on attack and ability checks in sunlight

    Given his toolkit, Cazador is a dangerous foe. Use enchanted weapons, spells like daylight, and strategies to counter his regeneration.

    Supporting enemies (“Backup”)

    He is assisted by creatures such as:

    • Predator Werewolves: Level 11, with high attack damage but low AC. They can multi-attack if prone or their health drops below 60%. They’re immune to non-magical attacks—so use magic weapons.

    • Fallen Gur Hunters: Level 6 Ghasts that swarm and Poison your group. They resist most damage types and can incapacitate with supportive spells like Eyebite.

    • Chatterteeth: Undead skeletons that cast supportive spells like Eyebite to incapacitate party members. Vulnerable to bludgeoning damage, they are easier to defeat with blunt weapons.

    • Bats and Other Creatures: These swarm targets and can be eliminated with area spells such as Sunbeam or Chain Lightning. They have high DEX and are vulnerable to bludgeoning.

    Tactics for the fight

    • Equip your melee fighters with magical weapons to bypass resistance.
    • Use radiant damage spells to prevent Cazador’s healing.
    • Rescue Astarion early to keep him alive and fighting.
    • Exploit his sunlight weakness with spells like daylight or effects that create sunlight.
    • Cast area spells to eliminate groups of enemies quickly.
    • Use Turn Undead (if available) against Ghasts and other undead.
    • Knock enemies off the edge of the ritual grounds—this kills them instantly, although Cazador himself can’t be pushed off due to patch updates.
    • Displacement and knockback effects are highly effective, particularly against weaker or vulnerable enemies.

    Final steps

    To defeat Cazador, you may choose to kill him in his sarcophagus when he’s retreating or confront him during the ritual. Approaching him with Astarion allows a dramatic showdown, where you can either help Astarion ascend or stop him from becoming a monster by killing him instead.

    If you finish him off without Astarion present, you can choose to kill him or leave him alive. Using spells like Detect Thoughts can give you insight into his past, influencing your choice.

    Defeating Cazador requires strategic planning, understanding his weaknesses, and managing his supporters. Careful use of magic, positioning, and timing will be key to overcoming one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s toughest enemies.

  • Completing the Best Giants Barbarian Build in BG3

    Completing the Best Giants Barbarian Build in BG3

    The final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3 has arrived, bringing with it 12 new subclasses for players to explore. For Barbarians, this includes the Path of the Giants, where characters can exceed their usual size limits and enjoy the advantages that come with being larger.

    Whether you’re looking to discover the new features of Giants or aiming to become a master of this subclass, we’ve got you covered. We will discuss every aspect of this powerful subclass, from its extended range capabilities to why it stands out as the top choice for Barbarians in Baldur’s Gate 3.

    Overview of Path of the Giants Barbarian

    Playing a Path of the Giants Barbarian is not solely about being massive, even though it has its advantages. Barbarians already excel as tanks, but when they grow in size while raging, they gain increased range and enhanced defensive capabilities. By level six, these Barbarians can also deal elemental damage more consistently than other subclasses. However, it’s wise to avoid having more than one Giant character on your team, as their size can complicate movement during battles.

    Optimal Starting Stats and Species for a Path of the Giants Barbarian


    Baldur's Gate 3 image showing character creation for a Barbarian.

    While you won’t access the Giant’s Path until level three, certain decisions during character creation can help optimize your Barbarian. Luckily, there aren’t any bad choices, just a few recommended ones.

    Species

    You can assign your stats regardless of the species you choose, giving you a variety of great options. However, it’s best to avoid species that gain spellcasting abilities since you won’t be able to cast these spells while raging.

    Karlach is not the best fit for the Path of the Giants since her species already grants her the Thaumaturgy cantrip, which this subclass provides. Although she gains other benefits, if you plan for two Barbarians in your party, consider selecting a different subclass for her.

    The most straightforward option, especially for the classic roles Barbarians take on, is the Gold Dwarf. As a Path of the Giants Barbarian, you can thrive without much aid, making the extra health from this species beneficial for enduring combat longer.

    Background

    The Athletics skill features heavily in the Path of the Giants abilities, so choosing a background that boosts this skill is advantageous. The Soldier background fits particularly well as it also provides training in Intimidation and could grant you inspiration following difficult battles.

    Stats and Skills

    The suggested stats are nearly ideal for the class, though minor tweaks can enhance your performance. By reducing Wisdom to 10 and increasing Dexterity to 14, you can gain an extra point on your armor class, which, when combined with a higher Constitution later, will significantly improve your durability in battle.

    STR

    DEX

    CON

    INT

    WIS

    CHA

    17

    14

    15

    8

    10

    10

    As mentioned, Athletics is crucial, so ensure you prioritize it, especially if you opt for a background other than Soldier. Beyond that, your additional skills can align with your personal playstyle, though you may find yourself using Stealth more frequently than expected, particularly on higher difficulty settings.

    Tips for Playing a Path of the Giants Barbarian Effectively


    Baldur's Gate 3 image showing Karlach with her arms stretched.

    Path of the Giants Barbarians are exceptional at engaging enemies from a distance, thanks to their increased size and abilities to throw weapons or opponents. Each new ability you acquire changes your combat approach, so take time to thoroughly understand each one.

    By level five, you’ll gain the Boots of the Giants, which enhances the Shove action, allowing you to push foes while inflicting damage. Manipulating enemy positions can lead to devastating outcomes, like sending them off cliffs or into traps, making this ability particularly valuable.

    While Barbarians may not be the most sociable class, they do have unique dialogue options because of their fierce nature. Though adept at combat, they can occasionally serve as engaging party members.

    At level six, you’ll unlock Elemental Cleaver, transforming any weapons you wield while raging into elemental force with the added bonus that they return to your hand when thrown. This feature means you won’t need to invest in ranged weapons; all your weapons effectively become ranged weapons.

    The final ability, Mighty Impel, is available at level ten. Although it might seem similar to the throw action, it uniquely allows you to throw enemies without a Strength requirement and with a fixed distance. This bonus action is an excellent means of tossing enemies into danger without needing to make checks.

    Best Equipment for a Path of the Giants Barbarian


    Baldur's Gate 3 image showing Karlach looking at Astarion.

    Top Weapons

    At the start, aim to wield the most powerful two-handed weapons available, often acquired from various bosses you’ll face throughout the game. As you progress, to maximize your size and range, consider the Polearm Master feat, which will allow you to make the most of a specific type of two-handed weapon in the late game.

    Given the nature of your subclass, you won’t require traditional ranged weapons, but it might be wise to keep a crossbow handy until level six. After unlocking the Elemental Cleaver, you can simply rage and throw your primary weapon, which will always return to your hand.

    Optimal Armor and Accessories

    As a Barbarian, you shouldn’t wear traditional armor, but you can still dress appropriately. In Act Two, you can purchase the Mighty Cloth from Quartermaster Talli, which provides a beneficial two points of Strength to the wearer—making it advantageous to ally with the Druids in Act One.

    In terms of accessories that enhance more than just statistics, several items are favored by Barbarians for their additional damage when throwing objects or enemies. Notable examples include the Ring of Flinging, available from Arron at the Druid Grove, and the Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo, a reward for saving Baelen in the Underdark.

    Level-Up Choices for a Path of the Giants Barbarian


    Baldur's Gate 3 image showing the level up screen for a Barbarian.

    The primary decisions you will face as a Barbarian relate to your subclass and the feats you choose. Below, we outline the feats recommended for each level, assuming you select the Path of the Giants at level three.

    Level

    Feat

    Reason

    4

    Polearm Master

    This maximizes your improved range.

    8

    Tavern Brawler

    Significantly boosts your thrown weapon damage, and lets you enhance either Constitution or Strength.

    12

    Ability Score Improvement

    Best for rounding out your stats at this point, though you might also opt for a feat like Sentinel if your numbers are solid.
  • Mastering Theft: Top Strategies for Pickpocketing in BG3

    Mastering Theft: Top Strategies for Pickpocketing in BG3

    In Baldur’s Gate 3, your equipment is crucial. While it might be tempting to splurge on rare gear, that can quickly drain your resources. What if you could equip your entire party with impressive items without spending a single coin? The solution lies in pickpocketing.

    When you activate stealth mode, you can quietly approach any unsuspecting shopkeeper and take whatever you desire. But beware of getting too greedy! Follow this guide to explore the best strategies for pickpocketing and stealing items in BG3.

    Updated January 21, 2025, by Jack Filsinger: As of 2025, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains popular, with crossplay functionality available on all platforms! If you’re diving in for the first time or returning for another adventure, mastering the art of pickpocketing is essential. This guide has been refreshed with new tips and tricks to enhance your chances of success in BG3.

    Understanding the Basics of Pickpocketing

    How to Steal Without Getting Caught

    First off, you don’t need to be a Rogue to steal; even a Fighter dressed in heavy armor can attempt it (though they’ll face a tougher challenge).

    Activate sneak mode by pressing ‘C’ on your keyboard or holding down the D-pad, and you’ll clearly see your target’s field of vision.

    Avoid the red zone at all costs—if you step into it, you’ll likely get caught.

    Approach your target closely and click on them to begin pickpocketing. Select the item(s) you wish to steal, and a sleight-of-hand roll will determine whether you succeed.

    The more valuable the item, the more difficult the check will be.

    Top Strategies for Successful Pickpocketing

    Astarion communicating with Tav in Baldur's Gate 3.

    Choosing the Right Character

    To improve your chances of success while stealing, consider having Astarion do the job or take the reins yourself if you’re playing as a Rogue. Rogues have a natural advantage in sleight of hand compared to other characters like wizards or clerics.

    Even clerics can assist, as they can cast Guidance on your rogue to bolster their skills.

    What to Do During and After the Theft

    Once you’ve successfully picked a shopkeeper’s pocket, make your escape quickly. As soon as they realize they’ve been robbed, they’ll start looking for the thief, and you want to avoid a confrontation.

    If possible, target individuals who are alone, since trying to steal from someone in a crowd increases the risk of being seen.

    You can attract a target’s attention away from a group if you have a cat familiar.

    Boosting Your Pickpocketing Chances

    Now that you’ve got the basics down, you might be asking how to enhance your success rate when pickpocketing in BG3.

    The most effective way to improve your odds is to use magical items or cast spells that bolster your abilities. Here are some useful items and spells that are easy to acquire:

    Name Type How to Obtain
    Smuggler’s Ring Ring Found on a skeleton hidden in a bush near The Risen Road at coordinates X:58, Y:512.
    The Graceful Cloth Armor Located on the Rosymorn Monastery Trail at coordinates X: -43, Y:-129.
    Gloves of Thievery Gloves Found in the Zhentarim Basement at coordinates X: 295, Y: -250 after completing the quest “Find the Missing Shipment”.
    Guidance Spell Can be cast by clerics and druids at level one, or by warlocks at level three.
    Enhance Ability Spell Available to bards, clerics, druids, and sorcerers at level three. Use the Cat’s Grace ability for advantage on dexterity checks.
    Hex Spell Available to bards and warlocks. This spell can impose disadvantage on perception checks and debuff your targets.

    What to Do If You’re Caught

    A range of dialogue options in a confrontation with a tiefling in BG3

    Reload the Game or Charm Your Way Out

    Even with the best intentions, getting caught can happen. If you’ve saved your game recently, just reload and try again.

    If you haven’t saved, you can try to talk your way out of trouble with a Persuasion or Deception roll. Keep in mind, though, that the difficulty for these checks may be high, and you might not convince your accuser.

    Alternatively, you might try to fight your way out, but be cautious—other NPCs will likely join the fray, especially if you’re in a populated area.

    Your last option is to surrender and let yourself be taken to jail. While it might slightly tarnish your reputation, escaping from jail is usually feasible.

    In many situations, you can simply pick the lock on your prison cell door to get out.

  • Impact of Shadowheart Saving Her Parents in BG3

    Impact of Shadowheart Saving Her Parents in BG3

    Your adventure in the world of Faerûn while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t have to be a solo journey. You have the option to gather companions along the way, each with their own unique backstories to discover. One of these companions is Shadowheart, a half-elf cleric who adds a rich layer to your quest.

    When you first encounter Shadowheart, she is reserved and her background is cloaked in secrecy. As you progress alongside her, her narrative gradually unfolds, influenced by your decisions, leading to different possible outcomes for her character.

    Every Possible Ending for Shadowheart

    While following Shadowheart’s storyline, the choices you make can significantly alter her fate. Depending on your decisions, her story can lead to one of several distinct conclusions.

    Spoiler Alert! Prepare yourself for potential spoilers regarding Shadowheart’s various endings as you read on.

    Shadowheart Becomes the Mother Superior

    If Shadowheart decides to kill the Nightsong, she will embrace her role as a Dark Justiciar and remain loyal to her goddess, Shar. This choice leads her to become the Mother Superior, a position once held by Viconia DeVir.

    If you are in a romantic relationship with her, Shadowheart will end the relationship out of loyalty to Shar. As Mother Superior, she will reside in the House of Grief, where her devotion will flourish.

    Shadowheart Continues the Life of an Adventurer

    Conversely, if Shadowheart opts not to kill the Nightsong, she effectively rejects Shar’s control and uncovers her lost memories. This decision will bring a significant shift in her personality and appearance.

    Upon visiting the House of Grief, you must confront the Mother Superior, Viconia DeVir. With her defeat, Shadowheart will finally reconnect with her long-lost parents.

    Next, she faces a difficult choice imposed by Shar: save her parents or rid herself of Shar’s curse. Your guidance will play a role in her decision-making. If you encourage her to break free from Shar’s influence, unfortunately, it means her parents will meet their end.

    In this scenario, Shadowheart will achieve freedom from Shar’s control, fulfilling her parents’ wishes. Subsequently, she will embrace a new life as an adventurer, wholeheartedly fighting against the followers of Shar.

    Shadowheart Lives a Quiet Life in the Country

    In an alternate ending, if Shadowheart spares the Nightsong but decides to live with Shar’s curse to save her parents, she will enjoy a tranquil, fulfilling life alongside them after the final showdown.

    In this scenario, she will settle in a peaceful country farmstead, cherished by the loving environment she lost in her youth.

    If you have developed a romantic bond with Shadowheart, you will have the opportunity to join her in this quiet life. However, while she finds solace, Shar’s curse will still linger, though it will not weigh as heavily on her as it once did.

  • Unlocking All Minthara Endings in BG3: A Complete Guide

    Unlocking All Minthara Endings in BG3: A Complete Guide

    Quick Links

    Baldur’s Gate 3 features a vibrant assortment of companions, each with unique storylines that can end in various ways based on players’ decisions—ranging from heartwarming to deeply unsettling. It’s a classic case of "I can change them/I can make them worse," all happening within the confines of a wild adventuring group.

    Nightwarden Minthara

    Minthara, known as Nightwarden, stands out as one of the few non-Origin companions. Initially, she serves as an adversary, but players have the opportunity to recruit her and potentially have her by their side during the final battle. However, her journey toward Baldur’s Gate is fraught with peril, presenting multiple chances for her untimely end.

    Killed at the Goblin Camp

    After consulting with Zevlor and the druids in the Grove about their goblin issues, you’ll receive the quest "Defeat the Goblins." This entails taking down three leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Nightwarden Minthara. In this scenario, Minthara can meet her most frequent demise—either being pushed into a conveniently placed chasm or being killed, leaving behind the most stylish camp gear until Act 3.

    To see Minthara again in the game, players must either knock her unconscious rather than kill her or choose to bypass the "Defeat the Goblins" quest entirely.

    Fight at the Grove

    Alternatively, instead of battling the goblins at their camp, players can lure them to the Grove and initiate a confrontation there. This tactic offers the advantage of having allies, as the players and tieflings together can outnumber the goblins, though it can also occur as part of the "Save the Goblin Sazza" quest.

    Choosing this route presents a different challenge, placing players in a defensive role rather than an aggressive one. Here, only Minthara will assault the Grove, and defeating her and her forces ensures quest progress.

    Important Note: Minthara cannot be spared during this encounter, leading to her guaranteed death.

    Opting for this strategy may simplify the encounter but complicates the pursuit of the "Leave No One Behind" achievement.

    Lover’s Embrace

    This particular ending is exclusive to players who choose the Dark Urge Origin character. The Dark Urge is a distinctive origin choice—fully customizable in appearance and class but burdened by amnesia and an unsettling desire for violence.

    If you select the Dark Urge and embark on the "Raid the Grove" quest, fighting alongside Minthara and the goblins, you may find yourself offered the chance to spend the night with her afterward. Should you accept, the ensuing dialogue may lead to the Dark Urge contemplating the act of snapping Minthara’s neck, leading to her immediate demise.

    Abandoned in Moonrise Towers

    Should players have spared Minthara in Act 1, she will reappear in Act 2 during the events in Moonrise Towers, facing a trial for her failure to acquire the Mysterious Artifact. Despite the dialogue choices, she will ultimately be taken away for torture, triggering the quest "Decide Minthara’s Fate."

    Following Minthara and her captors into the dungeon offers players the option to allow her torturers to erase her mind completely. This does not kill her but transforms her into a mindless servant of the Absolute, rendering her unrecruitable. Ignoring the quest entirely will lead to Minthara’s death as well.

    Companion Minthara

    If Minthara survives the various threats posed throughout the game, she will go back to the Underdark after the Netherbrain encounter to reclaim her position in House Baenre. If you engage in a romantic relationship with her, you will have the option to join her. If you did not romance her, she will reappear at Withers’ epilogue gathering, having started her rebellion.

    On the other hand, should you undergo ceremorphosis before the final battle, Minthara will surprisingly embrace this change and remain loyal to you.

    Embracing The Urge

    Confronting the Netherbrain allows you to choose whether to let your illithid ally finish it off or betray them and become the Absolute instead. If playing as the Dark Urge, both Minthara and your darker instincts will push you toward the latter path.

    If you betray the illithid and seize power as the Absolute, the fates of your party members—including Minthara—will be decided by your choices, with her survival hinging on whether she was romanced.

    Become Absolute

    Adventurers can slip into malevolence without Bhaal’s influence—just listen to Minthara tell you that you deserve to rule. If you choose betrayal, you can opt to either rule alongside her or force her to kneel, condemning her to the same grim fate as your other companions. A non-romanced Minthara will share the fate of the rest—either death or servitude.

    With varying outcomes contingent on your choices, Minthara’s journey throughout Baldur’s Gate 3 is one marked by complexity and intrigue, making her a pivotal character in this richly woven narrative.