How do I get the Sword of Justice in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Sword of Justice is a powerful greatsword in Baldur's Gate 3 that can be obtained through a specific quest involving the Paladins of Tyr. This weapon is highly sought after due to its unique abilities and stat boosts, making it a valuable addition to any melee-focused character's arsenal. To acquire the Sword of Justice, you will need to navigate a series of interactions and combat encounters, so it's important to be prepared both in terms of character build and strategy.

To begin the quest for the Sword of Justice, you need to head to the Risen Road area, which is located to the northeast of the Blighted Village. Here, you will encounter a group of Paladins of Tyr who are hunting a devil named Anders. The quest starts when you speak to Anders, who is hiding in a building near the bridge. He will ask for your help in dealing with the paladins, claiming that they are corrupt and have falsely accused him of being a devil. This sets the stage for the conflict that will ultimately lead you to the Sword of Justice.

The first step is to engage in dialogue with Anders and the paladins. You have several options here, including siding with Anders, siding with the paladins, or attempting to mediate the situation. However, to obtain the Sword of Justice, you will need to side with Anders and help him defeat the paladins. This will involve a challenging combat encounter, so it's important to ensure your party is well-prepared. Make sure your characters are at an appropriate level, ideally around level 4 or higher, and that you have a balanced party composition with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities.

During the combat encounter, the paladins will be led by a powerful NPC named Anders, who wields the Sword of Justice. This weapon grants him additional abilities and makes him a formidable opponent. Focus your attacks on Anders first, as defeating him will allow you to loot the Sword of Justice from his corpse. Be mindful of the other paladins, who will also be attacking you. Use crowd control spells like Sleep or Hold Person to disable some of the enemies, and focus your damage-dealing abilities on Anders to bring him down quickly.

Once you have defeated Anders and the other paladins, you can loot the Sword of Justice from his body. This greatsword is a +1 weapon, meaning it has a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls, making it more accurate and powerful than a standard greatsword. Additionally, it has a unique ability called Tyr's Protection, which allows the wielder to cast the Shield of Faith spell once per short rest. This spell grants a +2 bonus to AC, making it a valuable defensive tool in combat.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when attempting to obtain the Sword of Justice. First, make sure your party is well-rested before engaging in the combat encounter. This will ensure that you have all your abilities and spells available. Second, consider using stealth to gain an advantage in the fight. You can position your party members in strategic locations before initiating combat, allowing you to get the first strike and potentially take out one or more enemies before they can react. Third, be aware of the terrain during the fight. The area where the combat takes place has some environmental hazards, such as fire and explosive barrels, which you can use to your advantage.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the paladins' strength and not focusing your attacks on Anders. The paladins are tough opponents, and if you spread your attacks too thin, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Additionally, failing to use crowd control spells or abilities can make the fight much more difficult. Make sure to disable as many enemies as possible to reduce the number of attacks you have to deal with.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your chances of success include using buff spells like Bless or Haste to enhance your party's combat effectiveness. Bless grants a bonus to attack rolls and saving throws, while Haste increases a character's movement speed, attack rate, and AC. These spells can give you a significant edge in the fight. Additionally, consider using consumable items like potions of healing or scrolls of fireball to turn the tide in your favor.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the Sword of Justice is a great example of a magical weapon that provides both offensive and defensive benefits. The +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls is a standard feature of magical weapons in D&D 5E, while the ability to cast Shield of Faith adds a layer of versatility. This makes the Sword of Justice a valuable tool for any character who specializes in melee combat, particularly those who rely on high AC to survive in battle.

Specific examples and scenarios include using the Sword of Justice in conjunction with other abilities and items to maximize its effectiveness. For instance, a Paladin character who wields the Sword of Justice can combine its Shield of Faith ability with their own defensive spells and abilities to become nearly untouchable in combat. Similarly, a Fighter or Barbarian who uses the Sword of Justice can benefit from its +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls, making them even more deadly in melee combat.

In conclusion, obtaining the Sword of Justice in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic combat, and a willingness to side with Anders against the Paladins of Tyr. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully acquire this powerful weapon and use it to enhance your character's combat effectiveness. Remember to prepare your party, use crowd control and buff spells, and focus your attacks on Anders to ensure victory. With the Sword of Justice in hand, you'll be well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead in your journey through Baldur's Gate 3.