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In Baldur's Gate 3, the main way to free Shadowheart from the Mindflayer Pod is by finding the Eldritch Rune and inserting it on the console. Read on to learn how to free Shadowheart Pod through the console, the alternative ways of freeing Shadowheart, and the results of choosing to free her.
List of Contents
Journal Entry | |
---|---|
Rescue Illithid's Captive | |
Rewards | Shadowheart (Companion) Shadowheart's Approval |
Related Quest | Escape the Nautiloid |
Location | |
Nautiloid |
Shadowheart is first encountered trapped in a Mind Flayer pod onboard the Nautiloid. The easiest way to open her pod is by finding the Eldritch Rune which is used to access the pod's console.
In the room where you first meet Shadowheart trapped inside the pod, move into the next room to the east. The direction of the room can be checked on the map.
The said room will house an Eldritch Rune, an item crucial to accessing the Mind Flayer Pod console beside Shadowheart.
Items Found | |
---|---|
Dead Thrall | Scimitar Gold Key |
Dead Thrall | Bronze Necklace Eldritch Rune |
Chest | Potion of Healing x2 |
Some of the items above may differ per playthrough.
The Eldritch Rune used to unlock Shadowheart's Mind Flayer Pod can be found at the Dead Thrall at the end of the room.
Be sure to also check the other bodies and the chest in the room since they have items!
Return to the console beside Shadowheart's pod and insert the rune to make an attempt to open the pod.
Dice Roll | |
---|---|
"Will the pod to open" | |
Type | Difficulty Class |
Illithid, Wisdom | 2 |
Choosing to insert the Eldritch Rune will prompt a dice roll event at the console. Succeeding this will free Shadowheart from the pod.
You will have the option to recruit Shadowheart to the party immediately. If not recruited, she can be found after escaping the Nautiloid at the Ancient Door, an entrance to the Dank Crypt.
Failing the dice roll will lock you out from saving Shadowheart on the Nautiloid. However, you can still meet and choose to recruit her at the Ancient Door after your escape.
The Illithid Power and using the Rune will allow you to use the Mindflayer's power inside your head. However, Using Illithid powers may have consequences for your game's story progression.
Does Using Illithid Powers Have Consequences?
Strength Dice Roll | |
---|---|
"Don't give up. Tear this thing open." | |
Type | Difficulty Class |
Barbarian, Strength | 10 |
When interacting with Shadowheart's pod, choose the Strength options to trigger a dice roll where you attempt to force open the pod.
Succeeding this dice roll will free Shadowheart from the pod without needing to access the console.
Arcana Dice Roll | |
---|---|
"There's magic at work here. Determine what kind." | |
Type | Difficulty Class |
Wizard, Warlock, Arcana | 7 |
The Warlock and Wizard have this a dialogue choice that will let them access the console without the Eldritch Rune. Choose to inspect the pod first and choose the options related to Arcana.
After choosing the said options, head over to the console and choose to inscribe runes. This will lead to the Wisdom-related Dice Roll without needing the Eldritch Rune.
Completing this sidequest will earn you more approval from Shadowheart compared to simply making any attempts to free her.
Improving the approval of Shadowheart can have you unlock new dialog and quest options for her.
Romance Guide and All Romance Options
Aside from increasing her Approval Rating, she will also temporarily join your party until the end part of the Nautiloid. The upcoming battle with Commander Zhalk is easy if you progress the fight according to the given script but turning your attention and helping the Mindflayer kill Commander Zhalk and the Cambions will net you some nice rewards like the Ever Burn Blade and if you wish to best them in the fight, you'll need every reinforcements you can get including a certain Intellect Devourer!
Even if you do not save Shadowheart on the Nautiloid, you'll find Shadowheart in a different starting location after escaping the Nautiloid. She'll originally be found lying on the beach but if you do not help her or fail to help her, you'll find her instead, banging on the ancient door that leads to the Dank Crypt.
All Prologue Side Quests | |
---|---|
How to Free the Intellect Devourer | How to Free Shadowheart |
The Risen Road Quests | |
---|---|
Find the Missing Shipment | How to Rescue the Grand Duke |
Rescue the Trapped Man | How to Free Oskar Fevras |
Goblin Camp Quests | |
---|---|
How to Get Volo's Ersatz Eye | Defiled Temple Puzzle |
Find the Nightsong | Ask the Goblin Priestess for Help |
Mountain Pass Quests | ||
---|---|---|
Steal a Githyanki Egg | How to Beat Gremishkas | How to Access Guardian of Faith Room |
Dawnmaster Puzzle Guide | Where to Find the Githyanki Creche | - |
This section is currently under construction. Check back later for updates!
Gauntlet of Shar Quests | |
---|---|
Gauntlet of Shar: All Trials and Umbral Gems | Kill Raphael's Old Enemy |
Mind Flayer Colony Quests |
---|
How to Solve the Necrotic Laboratory |
Rivington Quests | ||
---|---|---|
Investigate the Suspicious Toys | Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders | Find the Missing Letters |
How to Get to Wyrm's Rock Fortress | How to Find Dribbles the Clown | - |
Lower City Quests | ||
---|---|---|
How to Get to the House of Hope | How to Get to Cazador's Palace | Rescue Orin's Victim |
Aid the Underduke | How to Get to the House of Grief | Investigate the Murders |
How to Free Shadowheart
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