How to Free Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

As you wake up for the first time in the Nautiloid ship, you’ll meet a couple of the origin character companions within Baldur’s Gate 3, and Shadowheart happens to be the one that is trapped. You have the option to free her, but pulling it off isn’t obvious, and I’m here to help you make a friend.

How to Help Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

To free Shadowheart from her pod on the Nautiloid, you need to grab an Eldritch Rune from the room ahead or use a magical class like the Warlock to investigate the pod. In either scenario, you have to pass some dialogue checks, and it’s possible to fail completely. On my fighter, I failed my own checks, but I was still able to find the Eldritch Rune.

The Eldritch Rune can be found in the room to the right of Shadowheart’s pod, which is beyond the fleshy hole doors. When they squelch open, you’ll see another pod inside and a dead thrall on the far side of the room. Loot the thrall’s body and make sure to loot all the chests inside. Using the Alt key is an easy way to highlight all containers.

Related: What does +1d4 mean in Baldur’s Gate 3?

With the Eldritch Rune in hand, head back to Shadowheart and interact with the table on the right side of the pod. This is where you need to pass a dice roll check with the rune or as a Wizard/Warlock class. If you manage to pass the check and open the pod, then Shadowheart is free to leave in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How to Release Shadowheart in BG3:

• Head through the fleshy door to the right of the pod.
• Loot the thrall’s body and any nearby chests.
• Pick up the Eldritch Rune.
• Bring it back to the pod and interact with the table on the right.
• Pass the dice roll checks.

However, you don’t need to worry if you fail the checks and she remains trapped. Shadowheart is one of the first people you encounter shortly after on the ground. If you at least attempted to save her, she will appreciate your help. Those of you who listened to Lae’zel may need to offer up some explanations or apologies.

Once you’re back on the ground with Shadowheart, find out how you can recruit the dog in Baldur’s Gate 3 for yet another companion.