Journey Through Baldur’s Gate 3: Uncovering the Mysteries of the Nightsong Quest

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a sprawling adventure filled with complex quests and rich narratives. One of the side quests, "Find the Nightsong," stands out because of its depth and impact on the storyline. This quest, which spans all three acts of the game, has players seeking out a mysterious relic, the Nightsong. However, the true nature and purpose of the Nightsong remain enigmatic until critical junctures in the quest. Join us as we delve into the steps needed to locate the Nightsong, the challenges you'll face, and the significant choices that await you.

Starting the Quest: Early Clues in Act 1

Initiating the "Find the Nightsong" quest can happen in several ways, but the earliest opportunity appears when players interact with Aradin at the Emerald Grove. Aradin introduces the idea of a powerful relic known as the Nightsong, intimating its significance and hinting at further involvement with other characters, such as Halsin. Halsin, it turns out, has been captured by goblins, setting the next course of action toward the Goblin camp to search for leads. The Goblin camp, found in the western section of the Act 1 map, offers numerous approaches for entry.

Players can choose to persuade guards, use the assistance of a captive goblin named Sazza, or battle their way in. However, diplomacy is often recommended to uncover additional dialogues and interactions within the camp. Infiltrating the camp diplomatically allows players to converse with Trackker Klagga, who provides crucial information on what lies beneath the camp, guiding you toward the Underdark.

Diving into the Underdark

Reaching the Underdark from the Goblin camp requires another step: solving a puzzle in the Defiled Temple located within True Soul Gut’s chambers. This puzzle unlocks the stone door, allowing access into the Underdark. The sheer expanse and mystique of the Underdark make exploration a thrilling endeavor, with ample treasures and perils alike. To progress in the quest, players need to make their way to the Decrepit Village within the Underdark.

Here, they will find the Underdark Duergar Boat, which ferries them to the Gymforge. Upon arrival, further exploration eastward leads to an elevator, transitioning players into Act 2. Alternatively, the Mountain Pass offers another route into Act 2, encouraging players to first explore and complete the Mountain Pass area before diving deeper into the Underdark to ensure they maximize their experience.

Navigating the Shadow-Cursed Lands

The transition into Act 2 introduces players to the foreboding Shadow-Cursed Lands. To survive in this area, acquiring a lantern or receiving a blessing is essential. The journey through these lands is challenging and lengthy but critical to reaching the Thorm Mausoleum. The recommended path to the Thorm Mausoleum passes through key locations. First, visit Last Light Inn, then proceed southwest to Reithwin Town, and finally, head north towards the House of Healing. The Mausoleum is located just north of the House of Healing. Within the mausoleum, players will encounter traps and puzzles, including a sequence involving three large paintings, which must be interacted with correctly to proceed.

Encountering the Gauntlet of Shar

Beyond the Mausoleum doors lies the Gauntlet of Shar, a complex dungeon that tests players with four separate trials. Completing these trials requires collecting four Umbral gems and the Spear of the Night. The path forward involves navigating through numerous adversities and leveraging player skills in puzzle-solving and combat.

Once players have acquired the necessary items, they can use them to teleport to the Shadowfell realm, where the true nature of Nightsong is unveiled. The revelation that Nightsong is an Aasimar Paladin serving the Moon Goddess Selune adds depth to the narrative, highlighting her imprisonment by the antagonist Balthazar, whose downfall is crucial for advancing the quest.

The Final Decision: Fate of the Nightsong

In the Shadowfell, players must confront Balthazar and his ghouls before they can interact with the Nightsong. Once victorious, the conversation with Dame Aylin — Nightsong — presents players with a pivotal choice: to release or end her. Choosing to release Nightsong aligns with a more righteous path, providing her as an ally against Ketheric Thorm. This decision also opens up additional quests for further enrichment of the game's narrative.

On the other hand, choosing the darker path fulfills Shadowheart’s quest to become a Dark Justiciar but closes multiple narrative arcs associated with the Nightsong. Each decision comes with unique consequences, reiterating Baldur’s Gate 3’s emphasis on choice and the resulting impact on the story.