How to deal with the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3

Once you reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll quickly learn why they’re called that. A Shadow Curse lingers over this area of Baldur’s Gate 3, and in order to get anything done, you’ll need to figure out how to deal with it.

Protection from the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3 comes in a few forms. Some, you can uncover through the story. Others, you’ll need to use your wits and problem-solving skills to figure out. And since there are different densities, so to speak, of the Shadow Curse, it’s best to figure out a permanent solution.

How to gain protection from the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3

For the first “layer” of the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3, there are a few easy solutions. The simplest is light: in the shallower parts of the curse, ambient light can push away the curse. There are a few solutions you can concoct for this, ranging from having your party carry torches to lighting ambient sources of light. Shadowheart can also learn the Daylight spell, a Level 3 spell that’s extremely useful throughout this area.

Speaking of Shadowheart, she gains natural resistance to the shallow density of the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3 as well. So if you need to gather some torches or light path, un-party her from your group (by dragging her portrait away) and send her on ahead.

While exploring, you’ll encounter some more permanent solutions to the lingering problem.

Getting permanent protection from the Shadow Curse

Reach Last Light Inn, and you can meet a Cleric named Isobel who will give your party basic protection from the shallow parts of the Shadow Curse. This is extremely helpful, as it removes the need for carrying torches. (You’ll still want to light any braziers or standing torches though, as many enemies in this area use darkness to their advantage.)

Speak with the Fist members on the bridge afterward, and you’ll work on finding a way to venture into the deeper density of the Shadow Curse. After setting up an ambush, you’ll stumble upon a Drider, leading a band of Absolute cultists with a special lantern.

At this point, you can opt to ambush the group, betray the Harpers and join the cultists, or convince the Drider to relinquish the lantern to you. Option 3 ends without potential bloodshed for your party, so I highly recommend that.

(A note: You can also get to this point by teaming up with the Drider and following the cultists down along the road. I haven’t personally taken this path here, but it results in the same confrontation between the cultists and Harpers.)

Whether you steal, loot, or talk your way into acquiring the Moonlantern, this is your ticket into all areas the Shadow Curse touches. There is a note, though: you can examine the Moonlantern to find a pixie trapped inside. Free it, and you can ask for protection from the Shadow Curse. This gets you the Pixie’s Blessing, meaning you can freely explore without the Moonlantern equipped. This is honestly the best-case solution, and I highly recommend taking it.

As for dispelling the Shadow Curse, you’ll need to work with Halsin on that one. We’ll have a guide for how to complete that quest soon.