How to Free Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

Find Shadowheart on the Nautiloid

You can find Shadowheart early in the game during the Nautiloid prologue. She is trapped inside a Mind Flayer pod and asks you to help her escape.

Freeing her is optional, but it is worth doing because she can join you for the rest of the prologue and become a companion later.

Get the Eldritch Rune

To open the pod, go into the nearby room connected to Shadowheart’s area. Search the room and loot the body or nearby container to find the Eldritch Rune.

This is the key item needed to activate the console beside her pod.

Use the Console Beside the Pod

Return to Shadowheart’s pod and interact with the console next to it. Insert the Eldritch Rune when the option appears.

After that, choose the dialogue option to use the console and open the pod. Shadowheart will be freed and can join your party for the escape.

Can You Free Her Without the Rune?

Some characters may get special dialogue, class options, or checks that can open the pod without using the Eldritch Rune.

If these options appear, you can try them. The rune method is still the easiest and most reliable way for most players.

What Happens If You Free Shadowheart?

If you free Shadowheart, she helps you during the Nautiloid escape. After the crash, you can find her again on the beach near the starting area.

She will remember that you helped her, which gives you a better start with her as a companion.