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. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain the Everburn Blade, along with tips and strategies to make the process easier.

To find the Everburn Blade, you need to defeat Commander Zhalk, the Cambion boss aboard the Nautiloid ship during the gameÔÇÖs prologue. The blade is wielded by Zhalk, and acquiring it requires careful planning and execution. The Nautiloid is the first area of the game, and this encounter happens shortly after you gain control of your character. The key to obtaining the Everburn Blade lies in defeating Zhalk before he escapes through a portal, which happens after a few turns.

HereÔÇÖs a step-by-step strategy to secure the Everburn Blade. First, ensure you have a character capable of dealing significant damage in melee combat. Fighters, Paladins, or Barbarians are ideal for this task due to their high damage output and survivability. If you are playing as a spellcaster or a class with lower melee capabilities, consider using LaeÔÇÖzel, the Githyanki companion you meet early in the Nautiloid. She is a Fighter and can deal substantial damage with her greatsword.

When the fight begins, focus your attacks on Commander Zhalk. Use your strongest abilities and spells to maximize damage. For example, if you are a Fighter, use Action Surge to gain an extra attack. If you are a spellcaster, consider using spells like Magic Missile or Guiding Bolt to deal consistent damage. LaeÔÇÖzelÔÇÖs Githyanki racial ability, Misty Step, can also be useful for repositioning her closer to Zhalk if needed.

One important tip is to use the Mind Flayer ally in the room to your advantage. The Mind Flayer will attack Zhalk and deal significant damage, but it is not invincible. Keep an eye on its health and try to finish off Zhalk before the Mind Flayer is defeated. If the Mind Flayer dies too early, Zhalk will become much harder to kill. Additionally, be mindful of the other Cambions that spawn later in the fight. These enemies are tough and can overwhelm you if you are not careful. Focus on Zhalk first and avoid engaging the other Cambions unless absolutely necessary.

A common mistake players make is spreading their damage too thin by attacking multiple enemies. This can lead to Zhalk escaping with the Everburn Blade before you can defeat him. To avoid this, concentrate all your attacks on Zhalk and ignore the other enemies unless they pose an immediate threat. Another mistake is not using consumables like healing potions or buffs. These can make a significant difference in your survivability and damage output during the fight.

For advanced techniques, consider using environmental hazards to your advantage. The NautiloidÔÇÖs environment is filled with explosive pods that can deal area damage. If Zhalk is near one of these pods, you can attack it to deal extra damage to him. Additionally, positioning is crucial. Try to keep your characters spread out to avoid being hit by area attacks from Zhalk or the other Cambions.

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 strength-based attacks. The fire damage is particularly useful against enemies vulnerable to fire, though it can be less effective against creatures with fire resistance or immunity. Keep this in mind when equipping the blade and plan your encounters accordingly.

Once you defeat Zhalk, loot his body to obtain the Everburn Blade. This weapon will serve you well in the early to mid-game, providing a significant boost to your damage output. It is especially useful for characters who specialize in two-handed weapons and can carry you through many of the gameÔÇÖs challenging encounters.

In summary, obtaining the Everburn Blade requires careful planning, focused damage, and effective use of your resources. By concentrating your attacks on Commander Zhalk, utilizing your Mind Flayer ally, and avoiding common mistakes, you can secure this powerful weapon early in the game. With the Everburn Blade in hand, you will be well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.