Mastering Baldur's Gate 3: Conquering Auntie Ethel Boss Battle

Auntie Ethel presents one of the most challenging boss fights in Baldur's Gate 3, often encountered early in the game. Despite facing a group of level twelve adventurers, she unleashes devastating spells and attacks that can easily overwhelm them. Additionally, players must navigate through obstacles and minions in between her two formidable phases.

To emerge victorious against Auntie Ethel, players must be well-prepared and have a clear strategy in mind. While Baldur's Gate 3 offers the possibility of winning the battle, achieving success may come at a significant cost. For those seeking to defeat Auntie Ethel efficiently, some helpful pointers may prove invaluable.

Auntie Ethel is first encountered in the Emerald Grove, where she appears to take the form of a kind old lady. Sadly, you will later find out she is not human and is holding a pregnant woman named Mayrina hostage. Once players are near Ethel's home, they need to be extra careful as the area ahead is full of traps, enemies, and difficult decisions in Baldur's Gate 3. Auntie Ethel is a formidable boss who can split herself into many other clones that will cause significant damage to your party members, and some might even die from a single hit.

This article divulges consequences within the game and reveals information the player's character may not know. Gamers committed to role-playing may wish to stop reading and find these things out for themselves.

Beating Auntie Ethel In Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 Auntie Ethel Reveals Herself - Beating Auntie Ethel In Baldur's Gate 3

Players have the option to not engage in combat with Auntie Ethel and instead maintain a friendly relationship with her. However, it is advisable for players, except those aligned with evil, to confront the vicious monster. Auntie Ethel has committed several murders throughout the campaign, and the list of her victims continues to expand as players uncover more about the hag.

Preparation

Baldur's Gate 3 Redcap Pretending To Be A Sheep - Preparation

Do not drink from the well yet.

Reject Auntie Ethel's cure.

Have both the Fire Bolt and Thunderwave spells or scrolls prepared.

Have either one jar of water or the Create Water spell prepared.

Have a spell with a long debuff duration, such as Bane, prepared.

Have four to six dispensable and inexpensive items in the inventory.

Have one low-damage grenade in the inventory.

Eliminate the Redcaps/sheep that are outside.

In addition to these suggestions, it is advisable to ensure you are well-rested and in good health. Auntie Ethel holds numerous valuable items, so it is important to manage your inventory in Baldur's Gate 3 by either selling excess items to a vendor or leaving unnecessary belongings at the camp. Although a low-level group may find a way to easily defeat the encounter, it is recommended to face this battle when your party is at least level ten.

fight the redcaps in baldurs gate 3 - The Redcaps outside will join the fight once initiated

Players can expect the Redcaps outside to join the fight once it is initiated. While this guide aims to help save every victim possible, it is important to note that these evil-aligned creatures have no redemption arc. To make the first stage of the battle easier, it is recommended to eliminate them before starting the boss fight.

drink from the well in baldurs gate 3 - Players who have already had water from the well should reload a new save file from before the well or take a long rest

To avoid the buff turning into a nasty debuff during the encounter, players who have already consumed water from the well should either reload a previous save file from before interacting with the well or opt to take a long rest. This precaution will ensure a smoother gameplay experience.

First Stage Of Combat

Baldur's Gate 3 Attacking Auntie Ethel With Obstacles Blocking The Way - First Stage Of Combat

The fight with Auntie Ethel begins shortly after locating Mayrina. Players can use clutter from around the home to block Auntie Ethel's path, limiting her attack abilities if she can't get into melee range. She tends to focus on melee attacks in this stage, reserving her best blows for later.

For those looking to gain the upper hand in the fight, attacking the Hag outside of conversation can be advantageous. While it may be satisfying to confront her verbally, landing a perfect first blow is crucial in a dangerous encounter like this one.

auntie ethel running away in baldurs gate 3 - When Auntie Ethel's health is down to half, she'll run past the back of the fireplace (which was an illusion)

When Auntie Ethel's health is down to half, she'll run past the back of the fireplace (which was an illusion). Follow her.

Getting Past The Gnarled Door

Baldur's Gate 3 Confrontation With The Gnarled Door - Getting Past The Gnarled Door

Players will find themselves surrounded by Auntie Ethel's victims, trapped in a perpetual state of torment. Among them stands the imposing Gnarled Door, seemingly blocking their way. However, upon closer inspection, players will discover that even the door itself is a victim of Auntie Ethel's illusions.

use whisipering mask to pass in baldurs gate 3 - If players walk straight through the door, Auntie Ethel will set this victim on fire and kill him for not doing his job

To deal with the masked minions, players must use a Whispering Mask to save themselves from Auntie Ethel's deadly punishment. Simply equip the mask briefly before walking through the door, and then quickly unequip it to avoid being set on fire and killed for failing to carry out the task.

Baldur's Gate 3 Sneaking Past A Masked Opponent - Dealing With The Masked Minions

In this room, there are opponents wearing their own masks, all of whom are victims of Auntie Ethel. Players are faced with a choice as the second stage of the boss fight becomes significantly more challenging if these victims are left alive, as they will emerge and launch attacks on the party.

Passing The Noxious Fumes

Killing them now makes the second stage easier. Sadly, this does mean these poor souls will die. Good-aligned parties can sneak through this room. The exit is through a waterfall on the right. Wait for the one masked opponent over there to patrol facing away, then use the Stealth option. If this doesn't work, toggle off Group mode, then switch party members and guide each one past the waterfall individually, having them just to the other side at the end.

Baldur's Gate 3 Throwing An Object Over The Noxious Fume Vent - Passing The Noxious Fumes

Use the Fire Bolt cantrip to disable the Noxious Fumes. While the fiery area may still harm you, take advantage of this opportunity to find a Ruptured Stone. Place a worthless item on top of it to seal the vent, effectively stopping the Noxious Fumes and fire from escaping.

To safely navigate through the area, where there are Peculiar Flowers that explode on contact and require a Perception check to see, it is advisable to keep group mode toggled off. Guide each character through individually to avoid running over these potentially dangerous flowers.

Final Stage Of Combat

Baldur's Gate 3 Killing Auntie Ethel Instantly With Thunderwave - Final Stage Of Combat

Use the jar of water or Create Water spell to douse the cage when Auntie Ethel sets it on fire.

When Auntie Ethel splits into illusions of herself, search for the one marked with a debuff to identify the genuine boss.

When Auntie Ethel creates clones resembling Mayrina, employ a low-damage grenade to target both and expose the true hag.

save mayrina in baldurs gate 3 - As soon as the fight begins, Auntie Ethel will set Mayrina's cell on fire and summon the masked victims to attack on her behalf if the player leaves them alive

When the fight commences, Auntie Ethel will ignite Mayrina's cell and call upon the masked victims to aid her if they are not eliminated. Extinguish the flames to prevent further harm. A strategy to easily overcome this encounter is to cast Thunderwave and push Auntie Ethel off the nearby cliff to her demise. Although this method may result in missing out on valuable items and coins she carries, it guarantees the victims' safety.

attack auntie ethel in baldurs gate 3 - When fighting her traditionally, players will likely be unable to survive a prolonged fight, so focus on the true Auntie Ethel with the damage dealers and have the healers try to keep everyone alive

When engaging in combat with Auntie Ethel in a conventional manner, it is probable that players will struggle to endure a lengthy battle. Therefore, it is advisable to concentrate the efforts of damage dealers on the real Auntie Ethel, while healers should prioritize keeping the entire party alive. Auntie Ethel possesses the ability to cast Hold Person, rendering any affected individual essentially incapacitated for the duration of the confrontation. If players find themselves unable to resist this formidable spell, it may be necessary to revert to a previously saved point in the battle.

give the bitter divorce to mayrina in baldurs gate 3 - Now that she's gone, players should loot her makeshift laboratory for the wand, the Bitter Divorce, and finish Mayrina's quest

Now that Mayrina is no longer present, players can search through her makeshift laboratory to find the wand known as the Bitter Divorce. This will allow them to complete Mayrina's quest and progress further in the game. Additionally, it is recommended to speak to the Addled Frog for potential rewards and positive outcomes.

Editor's P/S:

This comprehensive guide to defeating Auntie Ethel in Baldur's Gate 3 provides a wealth of valuable information and strategies. The writer effectively conveys the challenges of the boss fight while offering practical tips and tricks to help players emerge victorious. The detailed walkthrough of the different stages of combat, including the obstacles and minions, is particularly helpful.

Overall, the article is well-written and informative, providing a valuable resource for players seeking to overcome this formidable boss. It is clear that the writer has a deep understanding of the game mechanics and has carefully considered the various strategies that can be employed to defeat Auntie Ethel.