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 greataxe 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 can explore in Act 1. The Goblin Camp is a hostile environment filled with goblins, bugbears, and other dangerous creatures, so preparation is key. Before heading to the camp, make sure your party is well-equipped and leveled. A party of level 3 or higher is recommended, as the enemies in the Goblin Camp can be challenging, especially if you are not prepared.

The Bloodied Greataxe is wielded by a specific enemy named Dror Ragzlin, who is one of the leaders of the Goblin Camp. Dror Ragzlin is a formidable opponent, and defeating him is the primary way to obtain the Bloodied Greataxe. He is located in the Shattered Sanctum, which is the main building in the Goblin Camp. To reach him, you will need to navigate through the camp and deal with various goblins and traps along the way.

When you enter the Shattered Sanctum, you will find Dror Ragzlin in a large room with several other goblins and a mind flayer corpse. This room is heavily guarded, and engaging Dror Ragzlin in combat will likely draw the attention of nearby enemies. Therefore, it is crucial to approach this encounter strategically. One effective strategy is to use stealth and positioning to your advantage. Before initiating combat, position your party members in advantageous spots, such as high ground or behind cover. This will give you a tactical edge and allow you to control the flow of battle.

Once combat begins, focus your attacks on Dror Ragzlin. He has a significant amount of health and deals high damage, so it is important to prioritize him over the other enemies. Use crowd control abilities, such as spells or abilities that can stun or slow him, to limit his effectiveness in combat. Additionally, make use of your party's abilities to deal as much damage as possible in a short amount of time. For example, a Barbarian's Rage ability or a Paladin's Smite can be particularly effective in this situation.

After defeating Dror Ragzlin, 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 a powerful choice for characters who can withstand taking damage. It is especially effective for Barbarians, who often find themselves in the thick of combat and can benefit from the increased damage output when their health is low.

When using the Bloodied Greataxe, it is important to consider your character's build and playstyle. For example, a Barbarian with the Great Weapon Master feat can maximize the weapon's potential by dealing massive damage with each swing. Additionally, pairing the greataxe with abilities that increase your survivability, such as the Barbarian's Damage Resistance or the Fighter's Second Wind, can help you stay in the fight longer and make the most of the weapon's unique properties.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the Goblin Camp and Dror Ragzlin's encounter. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of enemies and the strength of Dror Ragzlin himself. Make sure to prepare adequately by stocking up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables before engaging in combat. Additionally, consider using environmental factors to your advantage, such as explosive barrels or chokepoints, to thin out the enemy numbers before focusing on Dror Ragzlin.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can use stealth and deception to gain an edge in the Goblin Camp. For example, you can disguise yourself as a goblin using the Disguise Self spell or by wearing goblin armor. This can allow you to move through the camp more freely and avoid unnecessary combat. Additionally, you can use dialogue options to manipulate the goblins and turn them against each other, reducing the number of enemies you need to face.

From a D&D rules perspective, the Bloodied Greataxe's mechanics are based on the 5th Edition rules, where weapons like greataxes are classified as heavy, two-handed weapons that deal 1d12 slashing damage. The additional damage when below half health is a unique property that adds a layer of strategy to its use, encouraging players to take calculated risks in combat.

In conclusion, obtaining the Bloodied Greataxe in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic combat, and a well-prepared party. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire this powerful weapon and enhance your character's effectiveness in combat. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, the Bloodied Greataxe is a valuable addition to any melee-focused character's arsenal.