Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

How to Free Shadowheart

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Baldur
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.

Side Quest Details

Journal Entry
Rescue Illithid's Captive
Rewards Shadowheart (Companion)
Shadowheart's Approval
Related Quest Escape the Nautiloid
Location
BaldurNautiloid

How to Free Shadowheart

Find the Eldritch Rune

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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.

Pick Up the Eldritch Rune

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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.

Opening the Pod with the Console

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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.

Should You Use the Illithid Power

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?

Alternatives to Opening the Mindflayer Pod

Unlock Pod with Strength

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.

Access the Console with Arcana

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.

Should You Free Shadowheart?

Extra Approval from Shadowheart if Rescued

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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

She Temporarily Joins Your Party Until Escaping the Nautiloid

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!

How to Beat Commander Zhalk

Not Rescuing Her Doesn't Have Grave Consequences

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.

Shadowheart Companion Guide

Baldur's Gate 3 Related Guides

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List of All Side Quests

Prologue Side Quests

All Prologue Side Quests
How to Free the Intellect Devourer How to Free Shadowheart

Act 1 Side Quests

Druid's Grove Quests

Druid Grove Quests
How to Steal the Sacred Idol Should You Save The Goblin Sazza? How to Avoid Tiefling Pickpockets
Save the Refugees How to Save Nadira How to Save Mirkon
How to Save the First Druid Halsin How to Open the Stone Slab Request Help from Nettie
How to Investigate and Expose Kagha Save Arabella -

The Risen Road Quests

The Risen Road Quests
Find the Missing Shipment How to Rescue the Grand Duke
Rescue the Trapped Man How to Free Oskar Fevras

Blighted Village Quests

Blighted Village Quests
How to Beat the Goblins: Blighted Village How to Open the Necromancy of Thay How to Recruit the Ogres
How to Finish the Masterwork Weapon That Barn: Avoid Killing Buthir Rescue the Gnome and Stop the Windmill

Goblin Camp Quests

Goblin Camp Quests
How to Get Volo's Ersatz Eye Defiled Temple Puzzle
Find the Nightsong Ask the Goblin Priestess for Help

Nautiloid Crash Region Quests

Nautiloid Crash Region Quests
Dank Crypt Guide The Dying Mind Flayer Auntie Ethel Quest Guide
How to Get Owlbear Cub Spiderling Nest Guide- How to Open the Selunite Chest
How to Get Scratch Should You Heal Pandirna Underground Passage Guide

Underdark Quests

Underdark Quests
Arcane Tower Guide Defeat the Duergar Intruders Save the Grymforge Gnomes
Find the Adamantine Forge Deliver Nere's Head How to Find the Mushroom Picker
How to Cure the Poisoned Gnome Help the Cursed Monk Omeluum Location

Mountain Pass Quests

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!

Act 2 Side Quests

Last Light Inn Quests

Last Light Inn Quests
Seek Protection from the Shadow Curse Rescue the Tieflings Rescue Wulbren
How to Lift the Shadow Curse: Where to Find Thaniel Find Zevlor Help He Who Was
Investigate the Selûnite Resistance - -

Gauntlet of Shar Quests

Gauntlet of Shar Quests
Gauntlet of Shar: All Trials and Umbral Gems Kill Raphael's Old Enemy

Mind Flayer Colony Quests

Mind Flayer Colony Quests
How to Solve the Necrotic Laboratory

Act 3 Side Quests

Rivington Quests

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

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

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