Shadowheart, a mysterious High Half-Elf, embarks on a romantic journey intertwined with destiny in Baldur’s Gate 3. As a Cleric of trickery, she possesses an array of fascinating abilities, from healing spells to unique stealth and deception spells.
At her core, Shadowheart is a disciple of secrets, cunning, and strategy. Her guarded nature is a product of her past, making her cautious of those she interacts with, and yet, under her steely exterior lies a heart that values peace, kindness, and wit.
As with all characters in the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, relationships are multifaceted. Navigating the intricate dance of gaining a companion’s trust, securing their approval through choices, and potentially courting them for romance forms an essential and immersive part of the gaming experience.
How to Recruit Shadowheart as a Companion
During the Prologue, while on the Nautiloid, you’ll come across a pod containing Shadowheart. To free her, insert a Rune into the console close to the pod. Once released, Shadowheart proposes to accompany you to the helm of the Nautiloid, ensure that you accept her offer. After your escape from the Nautiloid, you’ll discover her unconscious on the Ravaged Beach.
She will thank you for rescuing her and offer to become a member of your team. If, for any reason, you skip or miss the opportunity to release Shadowheart from her pod on the Nautiloid, don’t worry, you can still recruit her. Make your way to the Dank Crypt (also known as the Abandoned Ruins) located at the northern end of the Ravaged Beach. You’ll find Shadowheart stationed at the entrance, ready to join your party.
If you missed this opportunity as well, Shadowheart can be later found in Druid’s Grove, where you can ask her to join your party. An important note here is that, if Lae’zel is in your party, you will need to complete a persuasion check to recruit Shadowheart.
How to Increase Approval Rating with Shadowheart
Shadowheart is a being of intricacy. Winning her approval demands a balance between respecting her boundaries and showing genuine curiosity.
Actions that increase Shadowheart’s approval:
- Respecting her privacy.
- Utilising deception, wit, and persuasion in conflict resolution.
- Successful checks in persuasion, deception, religion, or insight.
- Gifts or locations she has expressed interest in, like the night orchid.
Actions that decrease Shadowheart’s approval:
- Unnecessary cruelty or rash actions.
- Prioritising Lae’zel’s opinions over hers.
- Blatant blasphemy or disrespect to Shar.
How to Have a Relationship and Romance Shadowheart
Embarking on a romantic journey with Shadowheart requires a deep dive into her past, deities, and the challenges she faces.
Below we’ll cover the key points throughout the game to facilitate a relationship with Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3.
ACT I
In Act I, keep an eye out for the quest “Save the Refugees”. Start your relationship on the right foot by ensuring the safety of the Tieflings. This decision will lay the foundation for your bond with Shadowheart.
During the campsite celebration that follows the rescue of Druid Halsin, make an effort to engage with Shadowheart. For this, it’s essential to have a high approval rating to increase your chances. Make sure to engage in some side quests until it is.
Initiate the conversation by opting for the dialogue, “I can’t help but feel like you and I might have missed a chance to connect. Truly connect.”
As the day finishes, interact with your bedroll, you’ll note an option to seek out Shadowheart. Doing so leads to a memorable encounter at the cliffside, culminating in the first kiss that officially begins your romantic relationship.
ACT II
The events in the Silent Library located within the Gauntlet of Shar are pivotal in understanding Shadowheart’s deep-seated ties with her faith.
During your exploration, you’ll come across the Statue of Shar. You can guide your characters to pray at the altar. Given Shadowheart’s intricate relationship with the deity, we advise not encouraging Shadowheart towards prayer. The most defining moment in this act is the Nightsong Dilemma. After facing off with Balthazar, a significant decision about the Nightsong awaits.
We strongly recommend persuading Shadowheart to spare the Nightsong. If you fail and she is killed, Shadowheart may truly devote herself to Shar. Meaning she will no longer have time nor interest in a relationship with you. After successfully saving the Nightsong, the path to renouncing Shar and opening up to you has been taken.
ACT III
With the previous events loosening her ties to Shar, Shadowheart starts embracing Selune, the moon goddess. This transition is not easy, and your support can make all the difference. As the story progresses, Dame Aylin, revealed as the daughter of Selune, provides information about Shadowheart’s past, shedding light on her aversion to swimming and more that we won’t spoil here.
Towards the end of this act, you’ll be presented with a heartwarming and symbolic gesture, when Shadowheart invites you for a skinny dip. It’s more than just a cheeky and romantic swim. It signifies her letting go of the past and choosing a future with you.
With empathy, understanding, and unwavering support, you can weave a rich romance with Shadowheart in Baldur’s gate 3.