Master the Art of Conquering Cazador: Dominate Baldur's Gate 3 with These Winning Strategies!

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Use Radiant Spells, Like Daylight And Moonbeam

Deal With Minions & Sacrificial Circles, But Keep Cazador CC'ed

Try Simply Shoving Cazador Off The Edge

In the final act of Baldur's Gate 3, there is a hidden gem located in the upper-center area of the Lower City that Astarion can never forget – the mansion of Cazador Szarr. Cazador, who used to be Astarion's master when he was under the control of a Vampire, holds a significant place in Astarion's memory. Now liberated from the usual afflictions that afflict Vampire Spawn, Astarion is determined to seek revenge.

However, Cazador's ambitions go beyond being a mere puppetmaster for the rest of his existence. He desires to Ascend by sacrificing thousands of his spawn simultaneously. Whether players choose to confront and defeat him or take charge of the ritual, the strategies to overcome Cazador in Baldur's Gate 3 remain unchanged.

Keep Astarion Far Away Until The Fight Begins

To increase your chances of success against Cazador and other bosses in Baldur's Gate 3, it is recommended to enter the battle with as many party members as possible. However, if Astarion is in the party, he will be taken away and confined to the ritual circle, unable to fight until released. Nevertheless, there is an alternative approach.

By separating Astarion from the rest of the group and keeping him at a safe distance from the combat area, such as at the entrance to the sub-area near the top of the stairs, he will not be automatically involved in the conversation with Cazador. Once the battle starts, simply select Astarion and move him to the ritual area, where he can join the fight without being subjected to Cazador's telekinesis. This strategy prevents Cazador from gaining a buff at the beginning of the ritual and allows all four party members to actively participate in the fight from the outset.

Players who find it challenging to defeat the Vampire Lord may discover it advantageous to have the fourth party member present at the beginning of the encounter, even though it may seem like cheating. An alternative approach is for players to make one of their other party members invisible just before the dialogue starts, and then guide them to where Cazador will eventually position Astarion in the cutscene.

Subsequently, during the Cazador fight, this character can easily release Astarion and involve him in the battle. If Astarion is not a member of your party, he will not appear, and all four companions should be accessible right from the start of the combat.

Use Radiant Spells, Like Daylight And Moonbeam

Cazador, being a Vampire Lord, possesses only a few vulnerabilities, yet there is one specific type of damage that proves to be extremely effective against him, to the extent that it could potentially sway the outcome of the battle. Radiant Damage is commonly associated with spells used by Clerics and Druids, such as Daylight and Moonbeam, although there are numerous other sources that can inflict this type of damage.

When Daylight: Enchant Item is directly cast upon Cazador, it continuously inflicts damage on the Vampire Lord throughout the entire fight, preventing him from transforming into Mist Form. On the other hand, the Druid's Moonbeam is more concentrated, and while it can be relocated, it deals direct damage rather than solely targeting Vampires.

One method to easily defeat this enemy is by initiating a Dialogue with him and then having another party member cast Daylight on him while in the middle of the conversation. Despite not initiating any attacks, Cazador will continue to take damage, gradually decreasing until it reaches zero. Consequently, the ensuing final Cazador cutscenes with Astarion will be accessible once he re-emerges inside his coffin located in the center of the room.

Deal With Minions & Sacrificial Circles, But Keep Cazador CC'ed

The Cazador fight becomes significantly more challenging due to two main factors: a multitude of adversaries accompanying him, and Vampire Spawn trapped in Sacrificial Circles amid an ongoing sacrifice.

The Spawn contribute to Cazador's strength during the ritual, but their buff can be disrupted. Standing inside one of the circles, even for summoned creatures like Planar Ally and Elementals, will deactivate them and weaken Cazador.

Before attempting to cut off Cazador's Spawn, it is important to eliminate his allies. Bats, Werewolves, and other enemies join the fight initially, but they can be defeated relatively easily with appropriate spells. Utilize a Cleric to quickly eliminate the bats by using Radiant-type Spirit Guardians in their vicinity. Alternatively, either push the Werewolf off the edge or focus on it concurrently with the bats.

In order to hinder Cazador and limit his ability to control the Vampire Spawn, it is important to keep him under crowd control effects. Utilizing sources of Radiant damage, such as Daylight, will restrict his mobility and deceptiveness. However, it is essential to note that Cazador still possesses immense power even without his ability to transform into Mist Form.

To enhance your chances of success in the encounter, consider acquiring a Scroll of Otto's Irresistible Dance or preparing the corresponding spell. This magical intervention will incapacitate Cazador, preventing him from taking any actions for a maximum of 10 turns. For this battle, it is advisable to have Level 6 spells available and characters at Level 12 or higher.

Try Simply Shoving Cazador Off The Edge

To defeat Cazador easily, the most effective strategy is to push him into the abyss surrounding the central platform. Usually, pushing an enemy into a Chasm would prevent the party from looting that character. However, since Cazador is a Vampire, simply killing him won't suffice to destroy him. He will reappear inside the Coffin in the middle of the room after being defeated, regardless of how players manage to overcome him.

Various methods can be used to push enemies, including spells such as Thunderwave, the Smokepowder and Roaring Thunder arrows, Eldritch Blast with specific Eldritch Invocations, and the Shove Action available to all classes. Additionally, Illithids possess various pushing and pulling abilities, and any Void Bulbs collected on the Nautiloid can be extremely useful here. Utilize these techniques to quickly deal with Cazador, spend the following turn or two eliminating his minions, and witness Astarion's final moments with his former master unfold.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available for PC and PlayStation 5. A version for Xbox Series X|S is currently in development.