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. It is a greatsword that deals additional fire damage, making it a highly desirable weapon for melee-focused characters, especially those who rely on strength-based builds like Fighters, Paladins, or Barbarians. The blade is unique because it is already enchanted with fire damage, which is rare for a weapon you can acquire so early in the game. 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 blade, you must defeat Zhalk and loot it from his body. However, this is easier said than done, as Zhalk is a formidable opponent with high health and strong attacks. 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 positioning and strategy. When the battle starts, you will be fighting alongside a Mind Flayer against Zhalk and a group of Imps. The Mind Flayer is a powerful ally, but it is not invincible. Your goal is to keep the Mind Flayer alive for as long as possible, as it can deal significant damage to Zhalk. Use your character and any companions you have to focus on the Imps first, as they can overwhelm you if left unchecked. Once the Imps are dealt with, you can turn your attention to Zhalk.

One effective strategy is to use ranged attacks or spells to whittle down Zhalk's health from a distance. If you have a character with high Dexterity, such as a Rogue or Ranger, you can use a bow or crossbow to deal consistent damage without getting too close to Zhalk. Spellcasters like Wizards or Sorcerers can use cantrips like Fire Bolt or Ray of Frost to chip away at his health. If you are playing a melee character, be cautious when engaging Zhalk directly, as his attacks can deal significant damage. Use abilities like Second Wind (for Fighters) or Rage (for Barbarians) to mitigate damage and stay alive.

Timing is crucial in this fight. The Nautiloid will crash after a certain number of turns, so you need to act quickly. Focus on dealing as much damage to Zhalk as possible while keeping your party alive. If the Mind Flayer is still alive, it will continue to attack Zhalk, which can help you finish him off faster. Once Zhalk is defeated, loot his body to obtain the Everburn Blade. Be sure to do this quickly, as the Nautiloid will crash soon after, and you will be forced to leave the area.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when attempting to obtain the Everburn Blade. First, do not ignore the Imps. While they may seem like minor threats, they can quickly overwhelm you if you focus solely on Zhalk. Second, do not waste too many resources on Zhalk early in the fight. Save your most powerful abilities and spells for when Zhalk's health is low, as this will increase your chances of finishing him off before the Nautiloid crashes. Finally, do not forget to loot Zhalk's body after defeating him. It is easy to get caught up in the chaos of the crashing ship and miss the opportunity to grab the blade.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to increase your chances of success. If you have a character with high Charisma, such as a Bard or Warlock, you can use dialogue options to distract or delay Zhalk, giving you more time to deal damage. Additionally, if you have a character with the Command spell, you can use it to force Zhalk to drop his weapon, making him less dangerous in combat. Finally, if you are playing on a higher difficulty, consider using consumables like healing potions or scrolls to give yourself an edge in the fight.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Everburn Blade functions similarly to a +1 greatsword with added 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, such as certain types of undead or creatures with low resistance to elemental damage. However, be cautious when using the blade against enemies with fire resistance or immunity, as the additional fire damage will be less effective.

In conclusion, obtaining the Everburn Blade in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, quick thinking, and a bit of luck. By focusing on positioning, managing your resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of defeating Commander Zhalk and claiming this powerful weapon. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, the Everburn Blade is a valuable addition to your arsenal and can give you a significant advantage in the early stages of your adventure.