HomeGuidesBaldur’s Gate 3
How to save Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3Learn how to save Shadowheart on the Nautiloid in Baldur’s Gate 3
Learn how to save Shadowheart on the Nautiloid in Baldur’s Gate 3
Image credit:Larian Studios
Image credit:Larian Studios
In this guide, we’ll break down how to rescue the captive in Baldur’s Gate 3’s opening mission, so that you can helpShadowheartescape the mind flayer pod on the Nautiloid.
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settingsNow that Baldur’s Gate 3 has left early access, vid bud Liam reckons it was worth the wait.Watch on YouTube
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
How to save Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3
While you can also interact with the pod and converse with Shadowheart while trying to find a way to get it open, this doesn’t actually yield any significant results. Using the Eldritch Rune is the only way to unlock it.
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Larian Studios
The Eldritch Rune is found at the end of an adjacent passage, into and out of which you’ll see an Intellect Devourer running back and forth in a repeated loop. Follow the Intellect Devourer into the room, where you’ll find another mind flayer pod in the centre of a large chamber.
Follow the walkway past the mind flayer pod and up the stairs on the other side, where you’ll find a “Dead Thrall” corpse. Loot the corpse to find the Eldritch Rune, and then head back to Shadowheart and interact with the console on the right side of her pod.
When you interact with the console, you’ll get the following option:
After inserting it, the console will power up (or come to life, because it’s rather fleshy).
You’ll then get two more options:
The Arcana check has a difficulty class of 10, meaning that’s the minimum number you need to achieve with your roll + any bonuses that you get from your abilities and proficiencies.
When you eventually place your hand on the pod, you’ll get two more choices:
If you choose to ignore the sensation, you are prompted to leave the pod, ending your interaction. However, you can simply approach and play through the scenario again.
If you decide to make the Illithid Wisdom check, you must exceed a measly minimum of 2. This is, of course, laughably easy, and succeeding will open the pod and release Shadowheart from captivity.
Regardless of whether you attempt to free Shadowheart or not, you’ll meet her again shortly after escaping the Nautiloid and landing on the beaches below. She’ll join your party either way, but failing to save her on the Nautiloid will move her approval rating down, which is bad if you want toromanceher.
That wraps up everything you need to know to save Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you’re still figuring out which playstyle you prefer but fully diving into the adventure, make sure to check out ourBaldur’s Gate 3 classes guide. For some extra loot early on, take a look at our guides onhow to open the elaborate chestandhow to move the scuffed rock in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Disclosure: Former RPS deputy editor Adam Smith (RPS in peace) now works at Larian and is the lead writer for Baldur’s Gate 3. Former contributor Emily Gera also works on it.
