How do I get the Bloodied Greataxe in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Bloodied Greataxe is a powerful weapon in Baldur's Gate 3, and obtaining it requires careful planning and execution. This weapon is particularly valuable for characters who specialize in melee combat, such as Barbarians, Fighters, or Paladins, due to its high damage output and unique properties. Below is a detailed guide on how to acquire the Bloodied Greataxe, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

To begin, the Bloodied Greataxe is located in the Goblin Camp, which is one of the early areas you will encounter in Act 1. The Goblin Camp is a hostile environment filled with goblins, bugbears, and other dangerous creatures. The axe is held by a specific NPC named Dror Ragzlin, who is one of the leaders of the goblins. Dror Ragzlin is a formidable opponent, and defeating him is the key to obtaining the Bloodied Greataxe.

The first step is to reach the Goblin Camp. You can find it by following the main questline or by exploring the wilderness. Once you arrive, you will need to navigate through the camp, which is filled with enemies. It is advisable to approach the camp cautiously, as engaging in combat with too many enemies at once can be overwhelming. You can use stealth to avoid unnecessary fights or try to talk your way past some of the goblins using persuasion or deception checks.

When you reach the central area of the camp, you will find Dror Ragzlin in a large room with a pit in the center. This is where the fight will take place. Before engaging in combat, it is important to prepare your party. Make sure your characters are well-rested and have their abilities and spells ready. Consider using buffs like Bless or Mage Armor to increase your chances of survival. Additionally, positioning your party strategically can make a significant difference. Place your ranged characters in elevated positions where they can attack from a distance, while your melee characters should be ready to engage Dror Ragzlin up close.

The fight with Dror Ragzlin is challenging due to his high health pool and powerful attacks. He wields the Bloodied Greataxe, which deals significant damage, and he can also summon additional goblins to aid him in battle. Focus your attacks on Dror Ragzlin first, as defeating him will cause the other enemies to lose morale and become easier to handle. Use crowd control spells like Sleep or Hold Person to disable him temporarily, allowing your party to deal damage without retaliation. If you have a character with high Strength, consider using the Shove action to push Dror Ragzlin into the pit, which can instantly kill him or at least deal significant fall damage.

Once Dror Ragzlin is defeated, you can loot his body to obtain the Bloodied Greataxe. This weapon is a two-handed greataxe that deals 1d12 slashing damage and has a unique property: it deals additional damage to enemies who are already injured. This makes it particularly effective in prolonged fights where enemies are likely to take damage over time. The Bloodied Greataxe is an excellent choice for characters who rely on heavy melee attacks, as it synergizes well with abilities like Reckless Attack (for Barbarians) or Divine Smite (for Paladins).

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when attempting to obtain the Bloodied Greataxe. First, make sure your party is at an appropriate level before engaging Dror Ragzlin. He is a tough opponent, and being underleveled can make the fight much harder. Second, consider using consumables like healing potions or scrolls to give your party an edge in combat. Third, be aware of the environment during the fight. The pit in the center of the room can be used to your advantage, but it can also be a hazard if your characters are pushed into it.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating Dror Ragzlin's strength and failing to prepare adequately for the fight. Some players may try to rush into the Goblin Camp without proper planning, which can lead to a quick defeat. Additionally, ignoring the other enemies in the room can result in being overwhelmed, so it is important to manage the battlefield effectively.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the use of the Bloodied Greataxe include pairing it with abilities that increase your chances of hitting or dealing critical damage. For example, the Great Weapon Master feat allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for a +10 bonus to damage, which can be devastating when combined with the Bloodied Greataxe. Additionally, using spells like Haste or Enlarge can further enhance your damage output, making you a formidable force in combat.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Bloodied Greataxe functions similarly to a standard greataxe but with the added benefit of dealing extra damage to injured enemies. This mechanic is unique to Baldur's Gate 3 and is not found in the core D&D rules. However, the principles of using a greataxe effectively, such as maximizing Strength and taking advantage of feats like Great Weapon Master, still apply.

In conclusion, obtaining the Bloodied Greataxe in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and effective use of your party's abilities. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully acquire this powerful weapon and enhance your character's combat effectiveness. Whether you are a Barbarian looking to deal massive damage or a Paladin seeking to smite your enemies, the Bloodied Greataxe is a valuable addition to your arsenal.