How do I get Shadowheart to join my party in Baldur's Gate 3?

To recruit Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a specific sequence of events early in the game. Shadowheart is one of the first companions you can encounter, and she plays a significant role in the story due to her connection to the artifact known as the "Mysterious Artefact." HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to recruit her, along with tips and considerations to ensure you donÔÇÖt miss her or make mistakes that could complicate the process.

Shadowheart is first encountered during the prologue of the game, shortly after the Nautiloid ship crashes. She is trapped inside a Mind Flayer pod, and you have the option to free her. However, this is not the only opportunity to recruit her. If you miss her during the prologue, you can still find her later in the game. The key is to pay attention to her location and the dialogue options that lead to her joining your party.

During the prologue, after the Nautiloid crash, you will find Shadowheart unconscious on the beach near the wreckage. Approach her and interact with her to wake her up. She will be wary of you at first, but after a brief conversation, she will agree to join your party temporarily. This is your first chance to have her as a companion, but itÔÇÖs important to note that she may not stay with you permanently at this point. You need to build trust with her through your actions and dialogue choices.

If you miss Shadowheart on the beach, donÔÇÖt worry. She can also be found later in the game at the Druid Grove, where she is standing near the entrance. She will approach you and ask for your help with a personal matter. This is another opportunity to recruit her. Agree to help her, and she will join your party. ItÔÇÖs crucial to be mindful of your dialogue choices here, as certain responses can make her less likely to join you. Always choose options that show you are willing to work with her and respect her goals.

Once Shadowheart is in your party, you can manage her abilities and equipment just like any other companion. She is a Cleric, which means she has access to healing spells, support abilities, and some offensive magic. Her subclass, Trickery Domain, gives her access to unique spells like Disguise Self and Pass Without Trace, which can be very useful for stealth and deception. Make sure to equip her with armor and weapons that complement her abilities, such as a shield and a mace or a staff.

One common mistake players make is ignoring ShadowheartÔÇÖs personal quest, which revolves around the Mysterious Artefact she carries. This quest is tied to the main story, and progressing it will not only deepen your relationship with her but also unlock important story elements. Pay attention to her dialogue and make choices that align with her goals to gain her approval. High approval with Shadowheart can lead to romance options later in the game, so itÔÇÖs worth investing time in building a good relationship with her.

In terms of combat tactics, Shadowheart is a versatile companion who can fill multiple roles. She can heal and support your party, but she can also deal damage with spells like Guiding Bolt and Inflict Wounds. Positioning is key when using her in combat. Keep her at a safe distance from enemies so she can cast spells without being interrupted. Use her Channel Divinity ability, Invoke Duplicity, to create a duplicate that distracts enemies and gives your party an advantage in combat.

Advanced players can optimize ShadowheartÔÇÖs build by multiclassing or focusing on specific spells and abilities. For example, multiclassing into Rogue can give her additional stealth and sneak attack capabilities, making her even more effective in combat. Alternatively, focusing on her Cleric abilities and choosing spells that complement your partyÔÇÖs needs can make her an invaluable asset.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, ShadowheartÔÇÖs abilities are based on the Cleric class, with some modifications to fit the gameÔÇÖs mechanics. Her Trickery Domain subclass is unique to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 and offers a different playstyle compared to other Cleric subclasses. Understanding how her abilities work in the context of D&D 5E can help you make better decisions in combat and role-playing scenarios.

In summary, recruiting Shadowheart involves finding her either during the prologue or later in the Druid Grove, making the right dialogue choices, and building a relationship with her through her personal quest. Pay attention to her abilities and optimize her build to make the most of her in combat. Avoid common mistakes like ignoring her quest or making choices that lower her approval. With the right approach, Shadowheart can become a powerful and loyal companion in your journey through BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.