How do I get the Amulet of Greater Health in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Amulet of Greater Health is one of the most powerful items in Baldur's Gate 3, offering a significant boost to your character's Constitution and overall survivability. This amulet sets your Constitution score to 23, which is far above the normal maximum of 20 for most characters. This increase not only grants you more hit points but also improves your Constitution saving throws, making you more resilient against effects that target your health or endurance. Obtaining this item requires careful planning, exploration, and sometimes combat, as it is tied to a specific quest and location in the game.

To acquire the Amulet of Greater Health, you must complete the quest related to the House of Hope, a hidden location in the city of Baldur's Gate. This quest is part of the main storyline and becomes available in Act 3. The House of Hope is a secret lair controlled by the archdevil Raphael, and it is filled with powerful enemies, traps, and puzzles. The amulet is located in Raphael's private quarters, specifically in a vault that requires a key to access. The key, called the Orphic Hammer, is also a critical item for the main quest, as it is needed to free Orpheus from his chains.

The first step in obtaining the Amulet of Greater Health is to reach Act 3 and progress the main story until you encounter Raphael in the city. He will offer you a deal to retrieve the Orphic Hammer from the House of Hope in exchange for your assistance in his plans. Accepting this deal will grant you access to the House of Hope, but you can also choose to infiltrate it without his help if you prefer. Once inside, you will need to navigate through the lair, which is filled with devils, traps, and environmental hazards. Be prepared for challenging combat encounters, as the enemies here are some of the toughest in the game.

As you explore the House of Hope, you will eventually reach Raphael's private quarters. Here, you will find a vault that contains several powerful items, including the Amulet of Greater Health. To open the vault, you will need the Orphic Hammer, which is located elsewhere in the lair. The hammer is guarded by a powerful enemy, so make sure your party is well-prepared for a tough fight. Once you have the hammer, return to the vault and use it to break the chains securing the door. Inside, you will find the amulet along with other valuable treasures.

One important tip to consider is that the House of Hope is designed to test your party's combat and problem-solving skills. Make sure your party is well-equipped with healing items, scrolls, and potions, as the enemies here can deal significant damage. Additionally, having a character with high Perception or Investigation skills can help you detect and disarm traps, which are plentiful in this area. If you are playing on higher difficulty settings, consider using buffs like Bless or Haste to give your party an edge in combat.

A common mistake to avoid is rushing through the House of Hope without proper preparation. The enemies here are strong and can overwhelm an unprepared party. Take your time to explore the area, rest when needed, and make use of environmental advantages, such as chokepoints or high ground, during combat. Another mistake is neglecting to bring a character with high Charisma or Persuasion skills, as there are opportunities to talk your way out of certain encounters or gain valuable information from NPCs.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your chances of success include using stealth to avoid unnecessary fights, especially if your party is low on resources. A character with high Dexterity and Stealth proficiency can scout ahead and identify threats before engaging. Additionally, using spells like Invisibility or Misty Step can help you bypass certain obstacles or escape from dangerous situations. If you have a character with the Knock spell, you can use it to open locked doors or chests without needing to find the corresponding keys.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Amulet of Greater Health is a legendary magic item that sets your Constitution score to 23, regardless of your original score. This is a significant boost, as it increases your hit points by 3 per level and improves your Constitution saving throws. The amulet does not require attunement, meaning you can equip it immediately upon obtaining it. However, keep in mind that it does not stack with other items or effects that increase your Constitution score, so you may want to reallocate any ability score improvements or feats that were previously used to boost Constitution.

A specific example of how the Amulet of Greater Health can be used effectively is with a Barbarian or Fighter character, who benefits greatly from the increased hit points and survivability. For a Barbarian, the amulet synergizes well with their Rage ability, which reduces damage taken and increases their durability in combat. For a Fighter, the extra hit points can make them an even more effective tank, allowing them to absorb more damage and protect their allies. Additionally, the amulet can be useful for spellcasters who rely on Concentration spells, as the increased Constitution score improves their chances of maintaining Concentration when taking damage.

In conclusion, obtaining the Amulet of Greater Health in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, exploration, and combat prowess. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire this powerful item and significantly enhance your character's effectiveness in the game. Whether you are playing a tank, damage dealer, or spellcaster, the Amulet of Greater Health is a valuable addition to your equipment that can help you tackle the game's toughest challenges with confidence.