Unleashing Shadowheart: Conquer the Gauntlet of Shar in Baldur's Gate 3!

Every player in Baldur's Gate 3 has the freedom to customize their own unique story, including their choice of companions and the option to pursue individual quests.

During the later stages of Baldur's Gate 3's second act, players will inevitably come across the Gauntlet of Shar, a sacred site dedicated to the deity of the same name. Shadowheart, being a devout Sharran, naturally has a place within this location. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the game, it is uncertain whether bringing her here will result in the most favorable consequences.

Should You Bring Shadowheart To The Gauntlet Of Shar?

Yes, players should definitely bring Shadowheart to the Gauntlet of Shar. This location is not only part of her companion quest, but she also provides valuable insight for conquering the temple's trials.

Being a devout Sharran, Shadowheart is well-versed in the mechanics of each trial and can offer hints about their objectives. While it is not mandatory, having a party member who knows what needs to be done can be quite beneficial.

The focal point lies at the end of the gauntlet - the temple's inner sanctum, which grants access to Shar's domain. Within awaits the Nightsong, the sought-after artifact by the adventurers from the druid's grove. Strikingly, the Nightsong is actually an Aasimar imprisoned and exploited for Ketheric Thorm's immortality.

At this juncture, players must make a fateful decision: either slay the Nightsong, thereby solidifying Shadowheart's position as a Dark Justiciar and forever binding her to the dark goddess, or spare her life, thus liberating Shadowheart from Shar's clutches and revealing the truth behind her religious beliefs. It is worth noting that the outcome of this choice greatly influences the course of the campaign, but that tale is best saved for another occasion.

While Shadowheart's aspiration to become a Dark Justiciar harbors some drawbacks, players can still have her as a party member even if she succeeds in killing the Nightsong (though her romantic storyline may undergo some challenges). Nevertheless, her disposition will become angrier, more fervent, and generally less cheerful. Aligning oneself with Shar means embracing darkness, and the trials within the temple have made it abundantly clear that Shar is not exactly a benevolent deity.

Choosing to convince Shadowheart to reject Shar will lead her to question her own existence. Taking a long rest will allow players to uncover more about her past through the Nightsong, so it is important to communicate with her after leaving Shar's domain. The choices made at this point will significantly influence the direction of the story, even if Shadowheart is not currently with the players, so it is crucial to make wise decisions.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC.