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 explore 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. This can be done by following the main story questline, which will lead you to the camp after investigating the crash site of the Nautiloid. Once you arrive at the camp, you will need to navigate through the area carefully. The goblins are hostile by default, but you can use stealth, dialogue, or deception to avoid unnecessary combat. However, if you want to obtain the Bloodied Greataxe, you will eventually need to confront Dror Ragzlin.

Dror Ragzlin is located in the Shattered Sanctum, which is the main building in the Goblin Camp. He is surrounded by other goblins and a bugbear, making the fight challenging. Before engaging in combat, it is advisable to prepare your party. Ensure that your characters are well-equipped with armor, weapons, and healing items. Spells like Bless, Shield of Faith, or Haste can provide significant advantages in this fight. Additionally, positioning your party strategically before initiating combat can give you an edge. For example, placing ranged characters on high ground or using choke points to limit enemy movement can be effective.

When the fight begins, focus your attacks on Dror Ragzlin. He has a high amount of health and deals significant damage, so it is crucial to take him down as quickly as possible. Use abilities like Smite, Rage, or Action Surge to maximize your damage output. Crowd control spells like Hold Person or Sleep can also be useful to disable him temporarily. Be mindful of the other enemies in the room, as they can overwhelm you if left unchecked. Prioritize taking out weaker enemies first if they pose an immediate threat.

Once Dror Ragzlin is defeated, you can loot his body to obtain the Bloodied Greataxe. This weapon has a unique property that allows it to deal additional damage when the wielder is below half health, making it particularly effective for characters who can sustain themselves in combat. It is an excellent choice for Barbarians, who often benefit from being in a low-health state due to their Rage ability.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when attempting to obtain the Bloodied Greataxe. One is underestimating Dror Ragzlin's strength and the number of enemies in the room. Failing to prepare adequately can result in a quick defeat. Another mistake is not managing your resources effectively during the fight. Using all your spell slots or abilities too early can leave you vulnerable in the later stages of the battle. It is also important to avoid aggroing additional enemies outside the room, as this can make the fight even more difficult.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. One is using environmental hazards to your advantage. The Shattered Sanctum has several explosive barrels that can be used to deal massive damage to Dror Ragzlin and his allies. Another strategy is to use stealth to initiate the fight on your terms. Sneaking into the room and positioning your party before attacking can give you a significant advantage. Additionally, using consumables like potions of speed or scrolls of fireball can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Bloodied Greataxe's mechanics are inspired by the concept of being "bloodied," which refers to a creature being below half health. This mechanic is not explicitly defined in the core rules but is often used in homebrew or variant rules. The axe's additional damage when the wielder is bloodied aligns with the idea of a character becoming more dangerous as they are pushed to their limits.

In conclusion, obtaining the Bloodied Greataxe in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic combat, and effective resource management. By preparing your party, focusing on Dror Ragzlin, and using advanced tactics, you can successfully acquire this powerful weapon. Whether you are a Barbarian looking to maximize your damage output or a Fighter seeking a reliable melee weapon, the Bloodied Greataxe is a valuable addition to your arsenal.