There is something to be said about the bosses you’ll face in Baldur’s Gate 3. In this game where attacks are largely predicated on dice rolls rather than pure stats, and where stats like strength don’t often increase following a level-up, it’s more important than ever to customize characters with spells, cantrips, and abilities. But, with so many choices, which ones make the best build?
In the case of Shadowheart, it’s made especially difficult because, at least in my experience, she doesn’t pack the biggest punch when compared to my original character or Karlach. It’s because of this that I have made her my party’s main support character, which is a blessing and a curse.
Here, I’ll be highlighting my Shadowheart build from the third act of Baldur’s Gate 3. I feel like this build is worth breaking down because it helped me to overcome the very intense final boss from the second act, and it hasn’t changed all that much for the few battles in Act 3. I imagine statistically speaking, there are probably better abilities and equipment out there, but this setup has worked wonders on my end.
Best Shadowheart Equipment
So, let’s start with equipment for Shadowheart. I normally don’t bother worrying about rings or instruments because they haven’t made a significant difference in my experience, but for this build I do have a Copper Band ring equipped. I can’t promise that it does anything in terms of a combat advantage, but I figured it’s worth noting.
For her helmet, I have the rare item Circle of Bones equipped. In addition to fitting her overall aesthetic, it has the effect Undead Ward, which makes any allied undead within a certain range resistant to bludgeoning, slashing, and piercing damage. It also unlocks the Animate Dead spell.
I have also equipped the rare medium armor Dark Justiciar Half-Plate for her body attire, which gives her an Advantage on Stealth Checks and on Constitution Saving Throws Checks. In addition, this armor unlocks the Shar’s Aegis abjuration spell.
When it comes to footwear, I have assigned Shadowheart the Swiresy Shoes, which increases her jumping distance by 1.5m and gives an extra point to Acrobatics, which can help if you need to get her out of the way of an incoming enemy. For gloves, I have the Drow Leather Gloves, which don’t seem to make a significant difference combat-wise. She wears the Absolute’s Talisman, which is an amulet that carries the effect of Absolute’s Mercy, which gives her an Advantage on Death Saving Throws.
In terms of weapons, she has Selune’s Spear of Night, which inflicts between 6 and 13 points of damage and comes with the effect Selune’s Blessing, which gives Advantage on Wisdom Saving Throws and Perception Checks. It also lets her see in the dark up to 12m, and unlocks the Moonbeam spell. For ranged, she has the Hellfire Hand Crossbow, which is a very rare weapon that comes with the effect Hellstalker, which could possibly inflict Burning on a creature whilst hiding or invisible. It also unlocks the very helpful Scorching Ray Shot spell.
Best Shadowheart Abilities and Spells
Instead of highlighting every spell and ability this build has at its disposal, I would rather discuss which abilities and spells have been most effective for me in progressing through Baldur’s Gate 3. I think the one spell I have used the most with Shadowheart has been any shield-based skill, like Shar’s Aegis, Shield of Faith, and Protection From Energy. The former two only require a bonus action to use, while the latter requires a primary action.
I have also been using her healing skills all throughout the game, such as Healing Word, which only requires a bonus action, and Cure Wounds, which requires a primary action. More recently, the Dimension Door ability has become very helpful, especially during the fight against Ketheric Thorm, when you need to cross a big distance rather quickly. Fun fact, my Shadowheart was actually the last person standing during my fight against Ketheric.
I may primarily use Shadowheart as a support main, but that doesn’t mean I never use her to inflict damage — it’s quite the opposite, actually. Some go-to offensive abilities include Fire Bolt, Sacred Flame, Flame Strike, and Scorching Ray Shot. Some are less effective than others, but I still find myself using these when I don’t feel like going with the traditional melee skills.
I hope this guide has helped you to customize Shadowheart to your liking. It’ll take a build all your own to overcome the mountains and behemoths before you, so continue to check out Destructoid for all your Baldur’s Gate 3 needs!
