Unleashing Ultimate Power: Conquer Ketheric Thorm in Baldur's Gate 3 - Boss Guide +

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Phase Two: Tips To Beat Apostle of Myrkul

General Ketheric Thorm is formally introduced to players in Baldur's Gate 3 during Act 2, after they gain access to the deeper Shadow Cursed lands. Initially invulnerable, the General of the Absolute becomes vulnerable once players save the Nightsong from the Shadowfell, which deprives him of his immortality.

After overcoming various enemies in Moonrise Towers, players will eventually confront a weakened Ketheric Thorm. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate this boss fight in BG3. While the first phase is relatively easy, the second phase presents one of the game's most challenging and visually captivating battles.

Phase One: Tips To Beat Ketheric Thorm

Use Turn Undead & AoE CC To Negate Necrolytes

In the initial stage of the encounter with Ketheric Thorm, the General will frequently summon Necrolytes to strengthen the opposing forces. Although the Necrolytes do not pose a significant threat that diverts attention from Ketheric himself, utilizing area-of-effect abilities that specifically target Undead can prove immensely valuable in this scenario.

Turn Undead, a Channel Divinity power available to Clerics, should be the top choice for any party during a battle. While standing on Moonrise Towers in the midst of the battlefield, a Life Cleric can effectively remove the Necrolytes from the fight by literally turning them away, inflicting significant damage on each one.

Occasionally, Thorm will employ Incubate Death to create new Necrolytes after a period of growth. However, it may be advantageous to eliminate these growths in order to shift the Action Economy in favor of the player's party. This would result in the enemy team having fewer opportunities to take actions overall. For the Ketheric Fight, it is generally recommended to rely on area-of-effect attacks to handle the additional enemies and consider utilizing spells that specifically target Undead, causing extra damage or inducing additional effects.

Keep The Nightsong Healthy & Buffed

The preservation of the Nightsong is paramount in this combat scenario. Dame Aylin, possessing exemplary prowess, contributes significantly to the overall damage inflicted during her engagements. However, despite her divine lineage, even she can be incapacitated if her considerable pool of hit points is depleted entirely.

Keep a party member on support for the Ketheric Thorm boss fight, with a focus on buffing and supporting Nightsong over other party members. You will quickly discover that Nightsong is a formidable force, capable of dealing substantial damage. With the right setup, Nightsong can almost single-handedly defeat Ketheric within a few turns. However, it is important to note that Ketheric cannot be vanquished during this initial phase.

Focus Ketheric – The Tough Part Ends When He Reaches 40% HP

General Ketheric Thorm, previously invulnerable due to the Nightsong's release from the Shadowfell, now possesses mortal vulnerability. He can be wounded and killed, but not permanently defeated in this initial stage. Once players reduce his HP to 40% (which varies based on the chosen difficulty mode), the battle will conclude with a cutscene.

With the first phase of the Ketheric Thorm boss fight completed, players should converse with Jaheira and tidy up before venturing into the depths of Moonrise Towers to locate the Mind Flayer Colony. Here, players can engage in various questlines and uncover the truth about the Absolute (if they have not already) when encountering the three individuals who command it.

Phase Two: Tips To Beat Apostle of Myrkul

Use The Restoration Pod Before The Elevator

Just before descending to the boss room in the elevator, where players witness the cutscene featuring Ketheric, Orin, and Gortash, there is a Restoration Pod located to the right of the elevator. These Restoration Pods function similarly to those in the tutorial of Baldur's Gate 3 on the Nautiloid. When interacted with, the entire party will have their HP and spell Slots fully restored, while most negative Status Effects are removed.

The Restoration Pod can be utilized multiple times, so it is advisable to make use of it before venturing further into the Mind Flayer colony itself. Given the various activities and combat encounters within the colony, it is wise to utilize this healing station during the interim between Ketheric's first and second phases – and don't forget to save your progress.

Free The Nightsong As Soon As Possible

When the battle against the formidable boss known as the Apostle of Myrkul commences, players will notice the Nightsong once again tightly confined in the far right section of the room. Occupying the central spot is the imposing figure of the Apostle of Myrkul, who remains stationary. However, those brave enough to attempt a rescue should remain vigilant of the lurking Necrolytes and Mind Flayers that inhabit the outer regions of the room.

Content During the imprisonment of Nightsong, the Apostle of Myrkul becomes invulnerable. Therefore, it is essential for characters not involved in the rescue mission to clear the path and control other enemies as they approach the boss. Although Nightsong is a significant source of damage, it is crucial to prioritize the task of removing the Apostle's invulnerability during phase two.

To accomplish this, it is recommended to make one party member invisible. Ideally, someone with excellent mobility like Lae'Zel or someone who can move stealthily over long distances like Astarion. Utilize the Dash action to double movement speed, but remain mindful of the remaining distance. When there is only 3m movement speed left, use the Jump action to extend the distance covered, especially when crossing gaps or ledges.

Use Concentration CC & AoE To Take Minions Out

The Apostle of Myrkul presents a formidable challenge with its numerous minions spread throughout the room, and possesses the ability to summon even more allies at will. However, it is crucial to note that the Apostle of Myrkul cannot be harmed until the Nightsong is freed once again. Until this occurs, it is advisable to focus on progressing towards the Apostle of Myrkul while employing crowd control and area-of-effect attacks to deal with its minions.

To prevent the enemies on both sides of the Apostle's central location from engaging in combat, effective spells such as Hunger of Hadar, Confusion, and Hypnotic Pattern can be utilized.

Forget Healing: Buff & Focus Down The Apostle Instead

The Apostle of Myrkul possesses a unique Aura known as Bone Chill, which hinders any form of healing, including the Help action that typically revives fallen allies with 1 HP. Therefore, spellcasters should prioritize preparing spells that bolster and empower, such as Bless, Enlarge, and Freedom of Movement, rather than relying on healing spells. In addition, it is advisable to incorporate damaging spells into the spell selection. If a party member appears to be in poor condition, it is recommended to relocate them away from the ongoing combat and allies using the Disengage action, hoping that the Apostle's focus shifts towards someone with more remaining health.

Once the Nightsong is liberated, focus solely on engaging the Apostle of Myrkul. For this phase of the battle, single-target melee abilities and spells are perfectly suitable. However, AoE spells like Cloud of Daggers and Moonbeam possess extraordinary potency. These spells can often inflict damage multiple times within a single turn as the Apostle slightly maneuvers back and forth, repeatedly triggering the spell's effect. If the battle becomes overwhelmingly challenging, it may be valuable to prepare some AoE damage spells such as Cloud of Daggers in advance.

Once the boss is defeated, focus on dealing maximum damage quickly after its invulnerability wears off. Keep an eye on any minions that may break free from crowd control spells and check for existing Concentration spells before casting new ones. With a party of around level 8 or 9, the fight should typically be concluded within two or three turns from the moment the Nightsong is liberated. Baldur's Gate 3 can be enjoyed on PC and PlayStation 5, and an Xbox Series X|S version is currently being developed.