Venturing into the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3 brings a deadly challenge – the spreading Shadow Curse. Left unchecked, this curse will rapidly sap the life from your party. To delve deeper and survive, you’ll need to find various means of magical protection.
Understanding the Shadow Curse and Light Mechanics
While Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t center its gameplay on light mechanics like some of its counterparts, the second act brings the shadow curse to the forefront. This curse, which inflicts damage each turn, poses a significant threat to your party. Should one of your companions succumb to its effects, prepare for an unpleasant surprise.
To counter this sinister force, players have three layers of protection at their disposal: light sources, Selunite’s blessing, and complete protection.
How to Survive from the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3
Torches
The first and most basic protection comes from light sources like torches. Equipping a torch will provide a bubble of safety, but only works in the outer areas of the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The curse gets stronger the deeper you travel, eventually overpowering any torch. These are good for brief trips but inadequate for a full exploration.
Isobel’s Blessing of Selune
A better safeguard comes from Isobel, a Cleric of Selune residing in the Last Light Inn. After helping Isobel defend the inn, she can bless your party with Selune’s protection. Isobel’s blessing shields your party from the Shadow Curse’s basic effects, allowing you to travel deeper than is possible with a simple torch. However, her blessing still has limits, and cannot protect you in the most dangerous depths.
Moonlanterns
These rare lanterns completely block the Shadow Curse’s effects when activated, allowing safe exploration of even the darkest corners. Moonlanterns can be looted from enemies like the drider Kar’niss or found in places like Moonrise Towers. However, they occupy a weapon slot when used.
Pixie’s Permanent Blessing
The best protection comes from freeing a pixie trapped in a moonlantern obtained by ambushing Kar’niss with the Harpers. Releasing the pixie grants a permanent blessing protecting your entire party from curse damage without needing to equip any item. This allows full freedom to delve into the cursed lands.
By combining these methods of protection, you can safely delve into the heart of the Shadow-Cursed Lands. There you’ll find mysteries and challenges like the Gauntlet of Shar, as well as ways to eventually lift the sinister Shadow Curse itself. With smart preparation, Baldur’s Gate 3‘s deadliest zone can be made survivable.
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