Baldur’s Gate 3: Best build for Shadowheart

Shadowheart is one of the most popular companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 – but she can only be as powerful as you need her to be with the right build.

Crafting your character is one thing, but managing and leveling up the various companions who join your journey adds another layer of complexity to the game’s character development.

So, here’s the best build for Shadowheart to ensure the game’s rather tortured healer is as efficient and strong as possible, so you can take down whatever enemy you come across, and maybe even romance her.

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Where to find and recruit Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Shadowheart is available to recruit while you’re still aboard the Nautiloid. All you have to do is find a chamber with a bright red pod to the left as you make your way to the helm of the Nautiloid ship towards the end of the first act. Shadowheart is stuck in this very pod.

Go into the room that is to the pod’s left. You will find a body, a console, and another pod inside the room. All you have to do is search the corpse to find the Eldritch Rune.

After picking up the rune, go back to the other room to use the console and set Shadowheart free. Once this is done, all you have to do is pass the Illithid/Wisdom check which will set Shadowheart free and she will join your party.

Best subclass for Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

It’s up to you whether you keep her original subclass or opt for a change, but the best subclass for Shadowheart is undoubtedly the Life Domain rather than her original Trickery Domain.

If you do choose to change her class, then you’ll need to Respec her with Withers, which will cost you 100 Gold.

Best ability score spread for Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

In the same way as her subclass, you don’t have to change these, but if you choose to, this is the best ability spread to put into Shadowheart since her main stat is Wisdom:

• Strength: 10
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 16
• Intelligence: 8
• Wisdom: 16
• Charisma: 10

Constitution is always a key stat to focus on as it determines your health and will likely keep you alive. Then there’s Wisdom, which is her spellcasting modifier, and a focus on Dexterity for all those key skills she needs to excel in.

Best spells for Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

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Being a Cleric, spells are a vital element for Shadowheart. You want to focus on her having a mixture of healing, support, and damage, especially when having her as a Companion. Here are our recommendations for the best spells for Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Cantrip: Guidance
• Cantrip: Resistance
• Cantrip: Produce Flame
• Level 1: Healing Word
• Level 1: Protection from Evil and Good
• Level 1: Cure Wounds
• Level 1: Inflict Wounds
• Level 1: Shield of Faith
• Level 1: Command
• Level 2: Spiritual Weapon
• Level 2: Hold Person
• Level 3: Mass Healing Word
• Level 3: Remove Curse
• Level 3: Glyph of Warding
• Level 4: Freedom of Movement
• Level 5: Insect Plague
• Level 5: Dispel Evil and Good
• Level 5: Flame Strike
• Level 5: Planar Binding
• Level 6: Heal
• Level 6: Heroes’ Feast

Best Feat for Shadowheart

War Caster

War Caster is undeniably the best Feat for Shadowheart and is well worth adding to her character when she levels up to 20.

It’ll help her concentration spells stay up, allow her to make a reaction using a spell when an enemy moves out of her threat range and will strengthen her tenfold.

Best items for Shadowheart

Consumable items and gear in Baldur’s Gate 3 can make a big difference when you’re building your character. Here are some of the best items you can use in the game:

• Adamantine Splint Armour: Reduces all incoming damage by 2 and sends attackers Reeling. Additionally, attacks can’t land critical hits on the wearer.
• Boots of Aid And Comfort: Grants additional temporary HP to creatures healed by Shadowheart.
• Ring of Absolute Force: Allows Shadowheart to cast the Thunderwave spell

Best build for Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3

If you’re not too worried about altering her subclass, or you just want to know how to take her past 1st level, our build guide has you covered below:

There you have it, that’s the best Shadowheart build in Baldur’s Gate 3. While leveling up this fantastic Companion, take a look at the best companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can also check out how to respec your character if you wish to explore other build options.