The Ultimate Choice in Baldur's Gate 3: The Fate of Nightsong
Explore Shadowheart's captivating questline in Baldur's Gate 3 and face the ultimate decision: to eliminate or spare the enigmatic Nightsong Choose wisely as the fate of your journey and companions hang in the balance
In Baldur's Gate 3, players will encounter a multitude of impactful choices that have the power to shape their entire journey. In Act 2, a significant decision revolves around aiding Shadowheart in overcoming the Trials of Shar.
After successfully completing these trials, Shadowheart faces the dilemma of either embracing the role of a Dark Justiciar and suppressing the Nightsong, or setting the Nightsong free and abandoning her patron goddess. Both choices hold immense consequences for the future, prompting players to carefully consider the implications before making their decision.
This article contains massive spoilers for Shadowheart's story, up to and including Act 3.
Shadowheart's Story in Baldur's Gate 3
Shadowheart, a romanceable companion in Baldur's Gate 3, can be acquired by players during Act 1. It becomes apparent early on that she is devoted to Shar, the goddess of darkness and suffering. Should players not outright reject Shadowheart's beliefs, she will accompany them throughout the game. To complete her story quests, players must venture into the Temple of Shar, which lies beneath the cursed shadow lands. It is within these depths that the fate of this cleric will be determined, though player input will be taken into consideration.
To Kill the Nightsong in BG3 or Not
Up to this point, players will also have a range of options to consider that can influence Shadowheart's overall sentiments. If players have consistently leaned towards acts of goodness, such as aiding the Druid's Grove and rescuing Isobel from the invaders at Last Light Inn, Shadowheart will be more inclined to assist the Nightsong. Conversely, if the playthrough has consisted of more malevolent choices, such as aligning with the drow Minthara of the Absolute, Shadowheart will be more inclined to eliminate the Nightsong.
The decision of whether to pressure Shadowheart into killing the Nightsong holds immense influence over the unfolding of the story. If Shadowheart fully embraces Shar, she will teeter upon the brink of evil. Embracing Shar means surrendering to the depths of darkness, thereby complicating the process of lifting the curse upon the shadow-cursed lands. As Act 3 unfolds, should Shadowheart pledge her loyalty to Shar, she will be faced with the option of slaying certain family members. Ultimately, the outcome manifests as a more challenging, wrathful, and significantly darker version of Shadowheart.
If players in Baldur's Gate 3 opt to persuade Shadowheart into refraining from killing the Nightsong, transformations will occur. Shadowheart will exhibit greater kindness, abandoning her previous willingness to murder her own family members, and embracing the opportunity to rescue them instead. By saving the Nightsong, Shadowheart's affinity will shift towards the worship of Selune, the moon goddess and mortal adversary of Shar.
When deciding about the Nightsong, players should take into account that eliminating it will result in the death of all individuals at the Last Light Inn.
Astarion supports the idea of killing the Nightsong, but more compassionate allies like Halsin disagree. By sparing the Nightsong, players will gain an ally to assist them in defeating Ketheric Thorm.
Shadowheart will obtain a potent chest piece by defeating the Nightsong.
To determine which path to take, players should select the option that aligns with their preferred playstyle. Rescuing the Nightsong will provide an advantage when confronting the Absolute, while killing it will benefit those looking to align with the Absolute. Choose the option that aligns with the Dungeons and Dragons alignment that corresponds to the player avatar's previous choices. Regardless of the chosen path, it will serve as a valid reason for replaying the game to experience the alternative outcome.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available for PC.
