Where can I find the Everburn Blade in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Everburn Blade is one of the most iconic and powerful weapons you can obtain early in Baldur's Gate 3. This greatsword is unique because it is permanently enchanted with fire, dealing additional fire damage on every hit. It is a highly sought-after weapon for melee-focused characters, especially those who specialize in two-handed weapons like Fighters, Paladins, or Barbarians. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain the Everburn Blade, along with tips and strategies to make the process easier.

The Everburn Blade is wielded by Commander Zhalk, a powerful Cambion enemy you encounter during the prologue of the game aboard the Nautiloid ship. To obtain the weapon, you must defeat Zhalk and loot it from his corpse. However, this is easier said than done, as Zhalk is a formidable opponent with high health and damage output. Additionally, the prologue is time-sensitive, as the Nautiloid is crashing, and you have limited turns to complete your objectives.

To begin, you will need to focus on the mechanics of the encounter. Commander Zhalk is located in the helm of the Nautiloid, where you are tasked with connecting the transponder to escape the ship. During this sequence, you will also encounter Mind Flayers and other enemies. The key to obtaining the Everburn Blade is to prioritize Zhalk while managing the other threats. Here is a step-by-step strategy to achieve this.

First, ensure your character is positioned effectively. You start the encounter near the transponder, but you should move closer to Zhalk to engage him directly. Use your party members to support you in this effort. Shadowheart, who is with you at this point, can provide healing and support spells. If you have a character with high Strength or Dexterity, such as a Fighter or Rogue, they will be ideal for dealing damage to Zhalk.

Next, focus your attacks on Zhalk while keeping an eye on the Mind Flayer. The Mind Flayer is an ally in this encounter and will attack Zhalk, significantly reducing his health. However, the Mind Flayer can also be unpredictable, so you should not rely solely on it to defeat Zhalk. Use your strongest abilities and spells to deal as much damage as possible. For example, if you are playing a Fighter, use Action Surge to gain an extra attack. If you are a spellcaster, use high-damage spells like Magic Missile or Guiding Bolt.

One important tip is to use the environment to your advantage. The Nautiloid's helm has several explosive pods that can deal area damage. If you position Zhalk near these pods, you can trigger them to deal significant damage. Additionally, you can use the terrain to block line of sight or create chokepoints, limiting Zhalk's movement and attacks.

A common mistake to avoid is spreading your damage too thin. Focus all your attacks on Zhalk rather than trying to deal with other enemies. The Mind Flayer and other allies will handle the lesser threats, allowing you to concentrate on the main objective. Another mistake is neglecting to heal or protect your party members. Zhalk deals heavy damage, so make sure to use healing spells or potions to keep your party alive.

For advanced techniques, consider using crowd control spells or abilities to incapacitate Zhalk temporarily. For example, if you have a character with the Sleep spell, you can use it to put Zhalk out of commission for a few turns, giving you more time to deal damage. Additionally, if you have a character with high mobility, such as a Monk or Rogue, you can use hit-and-run tactics to avoid Zhalk's attacks while dealing consistent damage.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Everburn Blade functions as a +1 greatsword with additional fire damage. This makes it an excellent weapon for characters who rely on melee combat. The fire damage synergizes well with abilities that enhance weapon attacks, such as the Paladin's Divine Smite or the Barbarian's Rage. Additionally, the weapon's enchantment makes it effective against enemies vulnerable to fire damage.

In conclusion, obtaining the Everburn Blade requires careful planning and execution. Focus on dealing as much damage as possible to Commander Zhalk while managing the other threats in the encounter. Use the environment and your party's abilities to your advantage, and avoid common mistakes like spreading your damage too thin or neglecting healing. With the right strategy, you can claim this powerful weapon early in the game and give your character a significant advantage in combat.