The Shadow Cursed Lands is one of the most dangerous yet rewarding areas in Baldur’s Gate 3. This sprawling region north of Moonrise Towers is shrouded in darkness and cursed by a malevolent force. Monsters and undead lurk around every corner, but so do valuable treasures and powerful magic items for those brave enough to survive the journey. This guide will provide everything you need to successfully navigate the Shadow Cursed Lands.
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What is the Shadow Cursed Lands in BG3?
The Shadow Cursed Lands is a sprawling region to the north of Moonrise Towers in Baldur’s Gate 3. When you first lay eyes on the Shadow Cursed Lands, an ominous darkness permeates the atmosphere. The land itself appears corrupted and blighted. Undead creatures and monsters roam freely under the perpetual darkness that covers the area. Ruined structures like the Last Light Inn and Reithwin Town lay abandoned and decrepit. A malevolent curse seems to grip the entire region.
Despite the dangers, rumors persist of great treasures and magic hidden away in the Shadow Cursed Lands. Powerful weapons, valuable gold and gems, and ancient secrets await any brave enough to confront the horrors and shadows. Those who survive the journey will be rewarded handsomely. But it is no simple task. Only proper preparation and caution will allow you to explore the Shadow Cursed Lands and uncover its many secrets.
How to Get to the Shadow Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3
To reach the treacherous Shadow Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3, you must first complete the quest “The Gatehouse” which will take you to Moonrise Towers. Moonrise Towers lies directly south of the cursed lands.
Once you arrive at Moonrise Towers, head north until you reach the edge of the map. There you will find a large, corrupted statue. This marks the entrance to the Shadow Cursed Lands. Interact with the three plaques on the statue in the order of East, West, North to solve the puzzle and open the way forward.
As soon as you step through, you will be in the Shadow Cursed Lands. Darkness will surround you immediately and dangers lurk in every corner. But now the entire sprawling region is open for you to explore. Take care as you venture forth and be prepared for the enemies and environments that await you.
What are the Enemies in the Shadow Cursed Lands?
The Shadow Cursed Lands are crawling with undead creatures and monsters that you will need to defeat. Some of the most common enemies found in this region include:
- Blighted Zombies – Tougher than average zombies engulfed in necrotic blight. They can deal necrotic damage with their attacks.
- Blighted Wights – Fast and agile undead that deal tons of damage. They take reduced damage from necrotic attacks.
- Shadows – Dangerous enemies invisible to the naked eye. They can only be seen when attacking and they drain health.
- Driders – Half spider, half dark elf creatures with vicious claws and poison. They are resistant to fire.
- Mind Flayers – Telepathic creatures that control minds. They have powerful tentacle attacks and can cast devastating spells.
In addition to these primary enemies, you may also encounter undead beasts, phase spiders, specters, and even a Dracolich hidden away in the cursed lands. Make sure your party is ready for intense battles before venturing forth.
What is the Loot in the Shadow Cursed Lands?
Surviving the horrors of the Shadow Cursed Lands is made worthwhile by the loot found hidden throughout the region. Some of the notable treasures you can find include:
- Powerful Weapons – swords, axes, bows, crossbows and more. Useful for defeating enemies.
- Protective Armor – helmets, breastplates, gauntlets, and boots. Helps you survive enemy attacks.
- Magic Rings – Provide wearers with enhanced abilities and protection from various threats.
- Wands – Can cast a variety of useful spells to aid you on your journey.
- Gold and Gems – Can be used to purchase better gear or craft special items.
By thoroughly searching the Shadow Cursed Lands, you can equip your entire party with potent new gear to aid you on your adventure. Just don’t get too weighed down to escape!
How to Survive the Shadow Cursed Lands
The Shadow Cursed Lands are fraught with danger, but with the right preparations you can emerge victorious:
- Bring ample light sources like torches or lanterns. The darkness hinders your ability to see threats.
- Gear up with plenty of weapons and sturdy armor before entering. You will need to defeat countless enemies.
- Get protection from the encroaching Shadow Curse by acquiring a Moonlantern or earning the Pixie’s Blessing. This will prevent your health from draining away.
- Move slowly and carefully while exploring. Check every nook and cranny, but don’t rush in blindly.
- Work as a team when fighting the various monsters you encounter. Combining skills and abilities is key.
- Use stealth to sneak past any battles you can’t win. Discretion is often the better part of valor in the cursed lands.
- Cast protective and enhancement spells frequently to augment your party’s combat abilities. Magic can mean the difference between life and death.
Follow these tips and you will be much more likely to survive the harrowing journey through the Shadow Cursed Lands. Just don’t let your guard down until you escape the ominous region.
How to Get Rid of the Shadow Curse in Baldur’s Gate 3
The insidious Shadow Curse will slowly drain your health while you are in the Shadow Cursed Lands. To prevent being drained to death, you will need to either protect yourself from the curse or remove it entirely. Here are a few methods:
- Wear a Moonlantern – This handy item protects the wearer from the curse’s effects. Find one in the Shadow Cursed Lands or buy from a merchant.
- Earn the Pixie’s Blessing – Help the Pixies in the “Pixie’s Request” quest, and they will bless you with protection from the Shadow Curse.
- Complete “The Last Light Inn” – Finish this quest to obtain a cure for the curse from the afflicted inn refugees.
- Use Potions of Greater Restoration – These potions provide temporary reprieve from the curse, letting you pass through quickly.
- Cast Remove Curse – This spell will strip away the Shadow Curse completely when cast during your travels.
- Simply Rest – If you are not rushed, the Shadow Curse will slowly fade over time as you rest between adventures.
Once you have relieved yourself of the creeping Shadow Curse, you will be free to explore the Shadow Cursed Lands at your leisure without worrying about continuous health drain.
Where are the Shadow Cursed Lands in BG3?
The Shadow Cursed Lands are situated north of Moonrise Towers in Baldur’s Gate 3. After completing “The Gatehouse” quest, travel north from Moonrise Towers until you reach the edge of the map. Look for a large, corrupted statue and solve the plaque puzzle to gain entrance.
The Shadow Cursed Lands consist of 4 major quadrants each with their own points of interest:
Northwest – Contains the Last Light Inn, House of Healing, and Sharran Sanctuary
Northeast – Home to the abandoned town of Reithwin and the Fey Tribe
Southwest – Where you’ll find the entrance statue and corrupted forests
Southeast – Holds the ominous Shadowfell Woods and Shadowfell Citadel
Each quadrant is riddled with monsters to battle, treasures to discover, and quests to complete. Prepare for a lengthy and challenging journey no matter which direction you head first!
BG3 Shadow Cursed Lands Map
To help you navigate the sprawling cursed lands, here is a map detailing the major landmarks found throughout:
The Shadow Cursed Lands is divided into four distinct quadrants separated by rivers of blood. Each quadrant contains various points of interest that you can explore and use as landmarks during your travels.
In the Northwest lies the Last Light Inn, occupied by afflicted refugees. The House of Healing in the same quadrant is now home to a dark cult you must confront.
Venture Northeast to uncover the abandoned town of Reithwin and come to the aid of the struggling Fey Tribe.
The Southwest is where you first enter the cursed lands and contains twisted, corrupted forests.
Finally, in the Southeast you’ll traverse the Shadowfell Woods and come face-to-face with the Shadowfell Citadel.
Use this map as a guide as you journey through the Shadow Cursed Lands, but keep your wits about you. Even with a map, danger lurks around every turn!
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Harper Stash Guide
What are the Quests in the Shadow Cursed Lands?
The Shadow Cursed Lands contain a sweeping main questline as well as over a dozen side quests spanning the four quadrants. Here are some of the most notable:
- The Last Light Inn – Help cure the Inn’s residents of the Shadow Curse and restore hope.
- The House of Healing – Stop the corrupted cult from using the curse for evil.
- The Sharran Sanctuary – Uncover secrets and history within this ancient structure.
- Reithwin Town – Explore what remains of this settlement lost to the curse.
- The Fey Tribe – Protect this tribe of fairy folk from the blighted land inhabitants.
- The Pixie’s Request – Aid pixies and earn a blessing to resist the Shadow Curse.
- The Shadowfell Citadel – Battle through this imposing fortress and defeat its ruler.
Make sure to talk to every NPC you encounter and fully explore each quadrant to uncover additional side quests and optional content. It’s the best way to experience everything the Shadow Cursed Lands have to offer.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the Shadow Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Given the massive scope and wealth of content, completing the Shadow Cursed Lands in full is no small task. Just focusing on the critical path main quests, you can expect a complete playthrough to take around 10-15 hours.
However, if you take the time to fully explore the region and complete all side quests, you could easily spend 20-30 hours or more conquering the Shadow Cursed Lands.
Here are some factors that will influence your personal playtime:
- Party Level – Higher levels let you breeze through enemies faster.
- Party Composition – A balanced party finishes quests more efficiently.
- Playstyle – Slow & careful pacing takes longer than rushing the critical path.
- Completionist – Seeking 100% completion adds many more hours.
Don’t feel rushed on your first playthrough. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and uncover all the Shadow Cursed Lands’ secrets. But when you return on subsequent runs, you can aim to finish only the essential quests much quicker.
Whatever your approach, the cursed lands provide an epic and challenging journey well worth the time invested. Just watch your back adventurer and come prepared!
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Survival Instinct Tips
FAQ – August 10, 2023
What level should I be before entering the Shadow Cursed Lands?
It is recommended to be at least level 4 or 5 before entering the Shadow Cursed Lands. The enemies here are quite difficult, so having some levels and abilities under your belt will help a lot. Being under-leveled means you may have to rely on stealth and evasion more to survive.
What quests should I complete first in the Shadow Cursed Lands?
Good quests to start with are The Last Light Inn, The Pixie’s Request, and Reithwin Town. These will provide useful items and knowledge to help you explore further. They are also located near the entrance, so convenient to complete early on.
What is the deal with the rivers of blood?
The Shadow Cursed Lands features reddish rivers that appear to be filled with blood. The source is unknown, but contributes to the disturbing atmosphere. Avoid direct contact with the blood rivers, as some speculate they may have sinister magical effects.
Where can I rest safely in the Shadow Cursed Lands?
There are a couple locations relatively safe for resting. The Last Light Inn has beds you can use if you aid the residents. Some cleared areas like the House of Healing also work once enemies are defeated. But in general, resting in the open is very risky.
Can I return to the Shadow Cursed Lands later if I leave?
Yes, you are able to freely return to the Shadow Cursed Lands anytime after initially solving the statue puzzle. This lets you take breaks from the challenging enemies and atmosphere as needed before coming back.
