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. This greatsword is unique because it is permanently engulfed in flames, dealing additional fire damage on every hit. It is a highly sought-after weapon for melee-focused characters, especially those who specialize in two-handed weapons like Fighters, Paladins, or Barbarians. 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 weapon, you must defeat Zhalk and loot it from his body. However, this is no simple task, 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 teamwork. When the battle starts, you will be accompanied by Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Us, the Intellect Devourer. Use these companions effectively to maximize your chances of success. Shadowheart can provide healing and support, while Lae'zel is a strong melee fighter who can deal significant damage. Us is less powerful but can still contribute by distracting enemies or dealing minor damage.

The key to defeating Zhalk is to focus your attacks on him while managing the other enemies in the area. The Mind Flayer, who is also present, will attack Zhalk, making it easier for you to whittle down his health. However, the Mind Flayer is not your ally and will turn hostile if Zhalk is defeated, so be prepared for this possibility. Use your actions wisely, prioritizing attacks on Zhalk while keeping an eye on your health and positioning.

One effective strategy is to use ranged attacks and spells to damage Zhalk from a distance. If you are playing a spellcaster, spells like Magic Missile or Fire Bolt can be useful. If you are a melee character, try to position yourself behind Zhalk to gain advantage on your attacks. Lae'zel can also use her Action Surge ability to deal extra damage in a single turn. Shadowheart can cast Bless to improve your attack rolls or Healing Word to keep your party alive.

Timing is crucial in this encounter. You only have a limited number of turns before the Nautiloid crashes, so you must act quickly. Focus on Zhalk and avoid getting bogged down by the other enemies. If you are struggling, consider using consumables like healing potions or scrolls to give yourself an edge. Once Zhalk is defeated, loot his body to obtain the Everburn Blade. Be sure to do this quickly, as the ship will soon explode, forcing you to escape.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when attempting to obtain the Everburn Blade. First, do not spread your attacks too thin. Focusing on Zhalk is essential, as he is the primary threat and the one carrying the weapon. Second, do not neglect your positioning. Staying too close to Zhalk can result in taking unnecessary damage, so try to keep your distance when possible. Finally, do not forget to loot Zhalk's body before leaving the area. The Everburn Blade is a unique weapon, and missing it would be a significant loss.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. If you are playing a character with high Dexterity, you can use ranged weapons to attack Zhalk from a safe distance. This reduces the risk of taking damage and allows you to focus on dealing as much damage as possible. Additionally, if you have access to spells like Hold Person or Sleep, you can use them to incapacitate Zhalk, making him easier to defeat. However, these spells require careful timing and resource management, so use them wisely.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Everburn Blade functions similarly to a standard greatsword but with the added benefit of dealing fire damage. This makes it particularly effective against enemies vulnerable to fire, such as certain types of undead or creatures with low fire resistance. The weapon's damage output is further enhanced by its +1 enchantment, making it a powerful choice for melee characters.

In conclusion, obtaining the Everburn Blade in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, effective teamwork, and quick thinking. By focusing your attacks on Commander Zhalk, managing your positioning, and using your resources wisely, you can secure this powerful weapon early in the game. Avoid common mistakes like spreading your attacks too thin or neglecting to loot Zhalk's body, and consider advanced strategies like using ranged attacks or incapacitating spells to gain an advantage. With the Everburn Blade in hand, you will be well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead in your adventure.