How to save Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, there are numerous options to choose from, and one of the initial decisions you must make in the prologue is whether or not to rescue Shadowheart.

Shadowheart, a Cleric and High Elf of the Trickery domain in Baldur’s Gate 3, possesses versatile skills that make her an invaluable ally. She excels in healing, dealing damage, and bolstering the defenses of her comrades. Unfortunately, she is currently confined within an Illithid mind flayer pod, having been captured by these creatures.

If you wish to preserve her (which we highly suggest, as she can be a valuable ally), here is the exact method to do so.

Rescue Shadowheart in BG3 — Larian Studios

Recruiting Shadowheart adds a healer to your arsenal, which can be very useful.

Step-by-Step Guide to Freeing Shadowheart from the Mind Flayer Pod

Shadowheart is an essential ally in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering her skills and expertise in the battle against Commander Zhalk and the Mindflayer. Follow these steps to successfully rescue and enlist her aid:

To proceed, head north through the fleshy door labeled Sphincter next to the pod and continue walking.
Ascend the staircase and search the deceased Thrall’s body to obtain the Eldritch Rune. Additionally, you may acquire other valuable items such as a Gold Key, which can be utilized to open a chest located outside of the room.
Head back to Shadowheart, interact with the console, and select “Insert the rune into the socket.”
As you place your hand on the console, you will be prompted to use your Illithid Wisdom to “Will the pod to open” or “Ignore the sensation.”
Select Illithid Wisdom and choose to release Shadowheart, who will then be added to your party automatically.

There is an alternative method for rescuing Shadowheart that does not involve utilizing the Key or Rune. However, this approach is only available to those who possess the skills of a Wizard or Warlock. Successfully passing the skill check will allow you to free Shadowheart without having to follow any of the previously mentioned steps.

Consequences of Not Saving Shadowheart

Shadowheart location in Baldur's Gate 3 — Larian Studios/ dexerto

Shadowheart survives the Nautiloid crash whether you wish to save her or not.

Choosing not to save Shadowheart will not result in any consequences, as you will still encounter her immediately after the prologue.

The sole distinction is that instead of waiting on the beach where you awaken, she will be waiting at the entrance of the Dank Crypt, as specified on the map above. You can then opt to enlist her and even pursue a romantic relationship with her.

Can you save Shadowheart and her parents?

House of Grief location in Baldur's Gate 3

Caution: This paragraph contains spoilers for Act 2 and 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3.

While it is possible to rescue Shadowheart and her parents, this action will have significant repercussions. In order to locate Shadowheart’s parents, one must first make the journey to the House of Grief, where they are currently being held in the deepest chamber, as marked on the map provided.

Shadowheart’s journey will ultimately bring her to Nightsong. Depending on her decision to either end Nightsong’s life or set her free, Shadowheart will either embrace the path of a Dark Justiciar or reject Shar’s teachings.

If one chooses to follow the Dark Justiciar Shadowheart path, Shar will insist that Shadowheart must kill her own parents as the ultimate test. This will enhance Shadowheart’s strength, but it will also result in her parents being subjected to eternal torment by Shar.

Opting for the Selûnite Shadowheart path, which involves rejecting Shar, will result in Shar once again demanding the death of Shadowheart’s parents. However, this sacrifice will break the painful curse of Shar and cause Shadowheart’s parents to transform into Moonmotes, forever accompanying her as celestial lights.

Having learned about the consequences of saving Shadowheart, you also have the option to deepen your connection with her by choosing to pursue a romantic relationship. If you are interested in romancing other characters, you can also find out if it is possible to have multiple romantic partners.