Baldur’s Gate 3 Fan Figures Out Isobel Dark Urge Exploit

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game where you can occasionally avoid the narrative consequences of your actions by playing erratically and “fooling” the system. We all know about the famous Minthara/Halsin exploit where you can add both companions to your party by knocking out Minthara at the Goblin Camp rather than outright killing her.

There are a couple of these opportunities in Baldur’s Gate 3. Although some would argue that these exploits aren’t in the spirit of the game, being able to play the game in your own way is one of the most compelling aspects of Larian’s masterpiece. A user on Reddit, the right honourable ThrowRA_Paarthurnax, has discovered a clever way of satisfying the Dark Urge’s bloodlust for Isobel without harming the inhabitants of the Last Light Inn, who rely on the resurrected cleric to protect them from the shadow curse.

The Silent Urge

For those pursuing a Dark Urge playthrough where they give in to the Urge, they’ll have no choice but to slay Isobel. However, the consequences of killing Isobel upon meeting her at Last Light are far-reaching, as everyone at the Inn will succumb to the Shadow Curse. This includes the Tieflings from the Emerald Grove, who everyone has a soft spot for. Jaheira also won’t be pleased unless the player succeeds in deceiving her.

However, the poster above has figured out a way to have your cake and eat it too. The key is to leave Isobel alive until after the big battle at Moonrise Towers and to not recruit Jaheira at the tower entrance. After the dust settles and Dame Aylin reunites with Isobel, travel back to the party camp and assassinate Isobel while invisible. The peculiar timing of this event causes Aylin not to become hostile, despite the Dark Urge slaying her beloved in front of her.

As Jaheira is still revelling in her victory at Moonrise Towers, speaking to her at this point will trigger dialogue related to the recent battle, allowing you to recruit her without addressing the recent death of Isobel. After a long rest, you’ll receive your commendations from Bhaal and nobody will be any the wiser about your recent misdeed.

It’s the kind of exploit that will only be used by players looking for this specific world state, so there’s likely no need for Larian to address it. Given the studio has a permissible attitude towards Minthara & Halsin, there’s no reason to suspect Larian would have a problem with this recent find.

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence