How to Free Shadowheart

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
Nautiloid

How to Free Shadowheart

Find the Eldritch Rune

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of All Side Quests

Prologue Side Quests

Act 1 Side Quests

Druid's Grove Quests

The Risen Road Quests

Blighted Village Quests

Goblin Camp Quests

Nautiloid Crash Region Quests

Underdark Quests

Mountain Pass Quests

This section is currently under construction. Check back later for updates!

Act 2 Side Quests

Last Light Inn Quests

Gauntlet of Shar Quests

Mind Flayer Colony Quests

Act 3 Side Quests

Rivington Quests

Lower City Quests