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 acquire early in Baldur's Gate 3. This greatsword is unique because it 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 wielded by Commander Zhalk, a powerful Cambion enemy, during the prologue of the game aboard the Nautiloid ship. Obtaining the Everburn Blade requires careful planning and execution, as it is not a straightforward task.

To acquire the Everburn Blade, you must defeat Commander Zhalk during the Nautiloid prologue. This encounter occurs shortly after you free Shadowheart from her pod. Commander Zhalk is a formidable foe, and the fight takes place in the helm of the Nautiloid, where he is engaged in combat with Mind Flayers. The key to obtaining the Everburn Blade lies in exploiting the chaos of this battle and ensuring that you land the killing blow on Zhalk. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this.

First, ensure that your character is prepared for combat. If you are playing a class with low health or weak melee capabilities, such as a Wizard or Sorcerer, you may want to rely on Shadowheart to assist you. Shadowheart can provide healing and support, which is crucial for surviving the encounter. Additionally, make sure to loot any nearby containers for healing potions or other useful items before engaging in the fight.

As you approach the helm, you will see Commander Zhalk fighting a Mind Flayer. The Mind Flayer is a powerful ally in this scenario, as it can deal significant damage to Zhalk. Your goal is to let the Mind Flayer weaken Zhalk while you position your party to finish him off. Be cautious, as Zhalk can deal heavy damage with his Everburn Blade, and his attacks can quickly overwhelm you if you are not careful.

One effective strategy is to use ranged attacks or spells to chip away at Zhalk's health while staying out of his melee range. If you are playing a class with access to ranged weapons or spells, such as a Warlock or Ranger, you can deal damage from a safe distance. Shadowheart can also use her Sacred Flame cantrip to deal radiant damage to Zhalk. Keep an eye on Zhalk's health bar and be ready to move in for the kill when his health is low.

Timing is critical in this encounter. If the Mind Flayer kills Zhalk, you will not be able to loot the Everburn Blade. Therefore, you must ensure that you or one of your party members lands the final blow. Once Zhalk is defeated, quickly loot his body to claim the Everburn Blade. Be aware that the Nautiloid will begin to crash shortly after this encounter, so you need to act swiftly.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when attempting to obtain the Everburn Blade. One mistake is engaging Zhalk directly without letting the Mind Flayer weaken him first. Zhalk is a powerful enemy, and trying to take him on alone early in the game can result in a quick defeat. Another mistake is failing to position your party effectively. Make sure to keep your characters spread out to avoid being hit by Zhalk's area-of-effect attacks. Additionally, do not forget to loot Zhalk's body immediately after defeating him, as the Nautiloid's destruction will force you to leave the area soon after.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. If you are playing a class with high mobility, such as a Rogue or Monk, you can use your movement abilities to stay out of Zhalk's reach while dealing damage. Additionally, if you have access to crowd control spells or abilities, such as Sleep or Hold Person, you can use them to temporarily disable Zhalk and make the fight easier. Another advanced technique is to use environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, you can try to lure Zhalk into areas where he might take additional damage from falling debris or other hazards.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Everburn Blade functions similarly to a greatsword with an added fire damage effect. Greatswords are heavy, two-handed weapons that deal 2d6 slashing damage, and the Everburn Blade adds an additional 1d4 fire damage to each attack. This makes it a powerful weapon for characters who rely on melee combat. However, keep in mind that greatswords require strength to wield effectively, so characters with low strength may not benefit as much from this weapon.

In conclusion, obtaining the Everburn Blade in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic positioning, and precise timing. By leveraging the Mind Flayer's assistance, using ranged attacks, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully defeat Commander Zhalk and claim this powerful weapon. The Everburn Blade is a valuable asset for any melee-focused character, and acquiring it early in the game can give you a significant advantage in combat. With the right strategy and execution, you can add this legendary weapon to your arsenal and enhance your character's effectiveness in the battles to come.