How do I get the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is one of the most powerful and sought-after weapons in Baldur's Gate 3. This legendary greatsword is tied to the Githyanki storyline and is particularly useful for characters who specialize in melee combat, especially those with a focus on strength-based builds. Obtaining this weapon requires careful planning, as it is tied to specific story choices and combat encounters. Here is a detailed guide on how to acquire the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane, along with tips and considerations to help you succeed.

To begin, the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is wielded by Kith'rak Voss, a high-ranking Githyanki warrior who appears during key moments in the game. The sword is not something you can simply loot or purchase; instead, you must engage in a specific sequence of events to obtain it. The most reliable way to get the sword is during Act 1, when you encounter Kith'rak Voss near the Mountain Pass. This encounter is part of the Githyanki Creche questline, which involves interacting with Lae'zel, the Githyanki companion, and making choices that align with her goals.

When you reach the Mountain Pass, you will encounter Kith'rak Voss and his red dragon. This is a tense moment, as Voss is a formidable opponent, and his dragon adds an extra layer of danger. However, you do not need to defeat Voss in combat to obtain the sword. Instead, you can use dialogue options and persuasion checks to convince him to hand over the sword. This requires a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion, so it is advisable to have a character like a Bard, Sorcerer, or Paladin in your party to increase your chances of success. If you fail the persuasion check, you will have to fight Voss, which is a difficult battle due to his high health pool and powerful attacks.

If you choose to fight Voss, you will need a well-prepared party with strong melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters. Focus on crowd control spells like Hold Person or Sleep to disable Voss temporarily, while your melee characters deal damage. Be mindful of the dragon, as it can deal significant area-of-effect damage. Use environmental advantages, such as high ground for ranged attacks, and keep your party spread out to avoid being hit by the dragon's breath weapon. Once Voss is defeated, you can loot the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane from his body.

It is important to note that killing Voss has consequences for the story, particularly in relation to Lae'zel. If you kill Voss, Lae'zel may become hostile or leave your party, depending on your previous interactions with her. This can impact your ability to complete her personal questline and affect the overall narrative. Therefore, it is generally recommended to try the persuasion route first, as it allows you to obtain the sword without alienating Lae'zel.

The Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is a +3 greatsword, making it one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It deals additional psychic damage, which is particularly effective against enemies with low Wisdom saves. The sword also has the ability to cast the spell Misty Step once per long rest, allowing the wielder to teleport to a nearby location. This makes it an excellent choice for melee characters who need mobility in combat, such as Fighters, Barbarians, or Paladins.

In terms of character builds, the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane synergizes well with classes that benefit from high damage output and mobility. For example, a Great Weapon Master Fighter can use the sword to deal massive damage with each attack, while a Paladin can use it to deliver devastating smites. The psychic damage also makes it effective against enemies resistant to physical damage, such as certain types of undead or constructs.

One common mistake players make is attempting to obtain the sword too early in the game. Kith'rak Voss is a high-level enemy, and engaging him without proper preparation can result in a party wipe. Make sure your party is at least level 5 or higher before attempting this encounter, and ensure you have plenty of healing potions and scrolls to keep your party alive. Additionally, avoid using area-of-effect spells that could accidentally hit the dragon, as this will provoke it to attack your party.

Advanced techniques for obtaining the sword include using stealth and invisibility to avoid combat altogether. If you have a Rogue or a character with the Invisibility spell, you can sneak past Voss and his dragon, allowing you to explore the area without triggering a fight. However, this method does not allow you to obtain the sword directly, so it is more useful for players who want to avoid combat for story reasons.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane is a homebrew item created specifically for Baldur's Gate 3. While it shares similarities with the Silver Sword from the tabletop game, its mechanics and abilities are tailored to fit the video game's balance and design. The +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls, combined with the psychic damage and Misty Step ability, make it a versatile and powerful weapon for any melee-focused character.

In conclusion, obtaining the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful dialogue choices. Whether you choose to persuade Kith'rak Voss or engage him in battle, the sword is a valuable addition to any melee character's arsenal. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire this legendary weapon and enhance your party's effectiveness in combat.