Where can I find the Sword of the Heavens in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Sword of the Heavens is a powerful legendary weapon in Baldur's Gate 3, and obtaining it requires careful planning, exploration, and sometimes a bit of luck. This weapon is highly sought after due to its unique abilities and stat boosts, making it a valuable addition to any character's arsenal. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and acquire the Sword of the Heavens, along with important tips and considerations to keep in mind.

To begin your quest for the Sword of the Heavens, you need to first reach the city of Baldur's Gate. This is a late-game area, so ensure your party is well-prepared with strong equipment and abilities. The Sword of the Heavens is tied to a specific questline involving a celestial being named Zariel, who is a fallen angel and a major figure in the lore of Dungeons & Dragons. The questline starts when you encounter a group of celestial beings in the Upper City of Baldur's Gate. They will inform you about a powerful artifact that has been corrupted and needs to be purified.

The first step is to locate the celestial beings. They can be found in a hidden temple in the Upper City. To access this temple, you need to solve a series of puzzles and defeat several powerful enemies. The puzzles involve aligning celestial symbols and activating ancient mechanisms. Pay close attention to the clues provided in the environment, as they will guide you through the process. Once you have solved the puzzles, you will gain access to the inner sanctum of the temple, where the celestial beings await.

The celestial beings will task you with purifying the Sword of the Heavens, which has been corrupted by dark magic. To do this, you need to collect three celestial shards scattered across the city. Each shard is guarded by a powerful enemy, so be prepared for tough battles. The first shard is located in the sewers beneath the city, guarded by a group of undead warriors. The second shard is in a hidden vault in the Lower City, protected by a powerful demon. The third shard is in the possession of a corrupt noble in the Upper City, who will only relinquish it if you complete a series of tasks for him.

Once you have collected all three shards, return to the temple and place them on the altar. This will initiate a purification ritual, during which you will need to defend the altar from waves of enemies. The enemies will include both celestial and demonic creatures, so be prepared for a challenging fight. Use area-of-effect spells and abilities to manage the large number of enemies, and focus on protecting the altar at all costs.

After successfully completing the purification ritual, the Sword of the Heavens will be restored to its full power. The celestial beings will reward you with the sword, along with a blessing that enhances its abilities. The Sword of the Heavens is a versatile weapon that can be used by both melee and spellcasting characters. It deals radiant damage, which is particularly effective against undead and fiends, and it also grants the wielder a bonus to their saving throws.

When using the Sword of the Heavens, it is important to consider your character's build and playstyle. For melee characters, the sword's high damage output and radiant damage make it an excellent choice for dealing with tough enemies. For spellcasters, the bonus to saving throws can provide valuable protection in combat. Additionally, the sword's abilities synergize well with other celestial-themed spells and abilities, so consider incorporating these into your build for maximum effectiveness.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the battles involved in obtaining the Sword of the Heavens. The enemies guarding the celestial shards are some of the toughest in the game, so make sure your party is well-equipped and prepared for a challenge. Another mistake is neglecting to solve the puzzles correctly, which can result in being locked out of the temple and unable to progress the questline.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the use of the Sword of the Heavens include combining it with other celestial-themed items and abilities. For example, pairing the sword with the Celestial Armor set can provide additional bonuses to radiant damage and resistance to necrotic damage. Additionally, using the sword in conjunction with spells like Divine Smite or Holy Weapon can further enhance its effectiveness in combat.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Sword of the Heavens is based on the concept of celestial weapons, which are imbued with divine power and are often used by paladins and clerics. The sword's radiant damage and bonus to saving throws are consistent with the abilities of celestial weapons in the D&D 5E ruleset. Understanding these mechanics can help you make the most of the sword's abilities and integrate it seamlessly into your character's build.

In conclusion, obtaining the Sword of the Heavens in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully acquire this powerful weapon and enhance your character's effectiveness in combat. Whether you are a melee fighter or a spellcaster, the Sword of the Heavens is a valuable addition to your arsenal and a testament to your skill and determination as a player.