Baldur’s Gate 3: The 8 BEST Legendary Items & Locations

Embark on a thrilling quest through the magical realm of Baldur's Gate 3 to get your hands on some legendary items.

The player base adores the fancy list of Baldur’s Gate 3 legendary items, and players are consistently eager to acquire these prized possessions in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3. The title generously features a comprehensive list of these BG3 legendary items, sparking a spirited competition among players as they ardently compete to attain these remarkable in-game treasures at the earliest possible juncture.

Important: Kindly be aware that this list of the top eight legendary items in BG3 and their location is subject to individual perspective and familiarity.
Key Takeaways
  • Most legendary items in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be found in Act Three, while is only 1 in Act One.
  • Around 20 legendary items in BG3 provide players an edge in battles and make their progress a lot easier.
  • Every legendary item has its own pros and cons; however, they’re hard to acquire, which is a common disadvantage.
  • The Helm of Balduran, guarded by Ansur the Dragon, offers protection and power.
  • The Blood of Lathander in Act One requires completing the Githyanki Creche questline.
  • Obtain the Gloves of Soul Catching through Raphael’s Act Three quest.
  • Unlock the Sorcerous Vault for legendary books at Sorcerous Sundries in BG3.
  • Get Viconia’s Walking Fortress shield by finding the House of Grief and defeating Viconia DeVir.

The Best Legendary Items in BG3

Here is my overview of these eight legendary items in-game, along with their location in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Acts in which they unlock, and their effects:

Item NameAvailable in ActLocation Effects Summary
Helm Of Balduran3Wyrm's Rock prisonThe helmet provides constant healing, Armor Class and Saving Throw bonuses, stun immunity, and prevents critical hits.
The Blood of Lathander1Githyanki CrecheThe item offers self-healing upon reaching 0 hit points, healing for allies, emits a blinding light affecting fiends and undead, and enables casting the Sunbeam spell.
Gloves Of Soul Catching3House of HopeThe gloves enhance unarmed attacks with force damage, provide self-healing or advantage on attacks/saves, and offer a +2 Constitution bonus.
The Red Knight's Final Stargem3Sorcerous VaultProvides the scroll of "Artistry of War," allowing casting of a Level 5 Evocation spell dealing 18-78 Force Damage, summoning 6 master strategists to deal additional damage on hit.
The Annals Of Karsus3Sorcerous VaultGrants the Dethrone scroll dealing Necrotic damage, tearing at a foe's essence through Weave manipulation.
Caution Before The Seelie3Sorcerous VaultProvides the Scroll of Bestial Communion, enabling the Deva to cast wrathful smite, Revivify, and Concussive Smash.
Tharchiate Codex3Sorcerous VaultThe book lowers the reader's Constitution by 5 (curse), grants 20 temporary HP after Long Rest, and allows the player to read the Necromancy of Thay.
Viconia's Walking Fortress3House of GriefThe shield enables counter-attacking when struck, provides spell protection advantages, offers defensive class actions, and unlocks the Level 2 Abjuration spell Warding Bond.

8. Helm Of Balduran

BG3 helm of balduran
Description of Helm of Balduran BG3 (Image by eXputer)
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Helmet
Weight Class Medium Armor
Item Effect
  • Balduran’s Vitality: The helmet heals you 2 hit points at the beginning of every turn.
  • Balduran’s Favour: You have a +1 bonus to Armor Class and Saving Throws.
  • Stun Immunity: You can’t be Stunned.
  • Attackers can’t land Critical Hits on the wearer.
Rarity Legendary
Weight 1
Price 760

The Helm of Balduran is a coveted treasure in Baldur’s Gate 3, shrouded in mystery and guarded by the formidable Ansur the Dragon. This impressive helmet is significant for players seeking protection and power and is also one of the best armor pieces in BG3.

Here are the steps you need to follow to get the location of one of the legendary items BG3:

  1. To access Ansur’s hidden chamber, navigate through Wyrm’s Rock Fortress.
  2. Descend to the prison area, locating two dragon head torches.
  3. When struck with lightning magic, these torches reveal a concealed passageway.
  4. Beyond the passage lies a locked door leading to four trials: the Chamber of Justice, Courage, Strategy, and Insight.
  5. Successfully completing these trials grants access to Ansur’s lair.

Upon discovering the mighty dragon, a fierce battle commences. Defeating Ansur offers the chance to claim the Helm of Balduran and Balduran’s Giantslayer. The Helm of Balduran, positioned near Ansur’s resting place, can be found after the battle. 

7. The Blood of Lathander

BG3 blood of lathander
Details of Blood of Lathander BG3 [Image credits: eXputer]
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Mace
Effect
  • Lathander’s Blessing: Once per Long Rest, when your hit points are reduced to 0, you regain 2-12 hit points. Allies within 30ft also regain 1-6 HP.
  • Lathander’s Light: Sheds holy light in a 20ft radius. In combat, Fiends and undead standing in the light are Blinded unless they succeed in a Constitution Saving Throw.
Weapon Enchantment +3
Spells Sunbeam (Level 6 Evocation Spell)
Rarity Legendary
Weight 3.6
Price 640

The Blood of Lathander stands among the initial legendary items attainable in Baldur’s Gate 3, holding unparalleled significance for adventurers. Encountered during Act One, it emerges as a vital asset for formidable boss battles, boasting the ability to avert death’s grasp.

Process to Obtain the Blood of Lathander:

  1. Reach Rosymorn Monastery and obtain the Ceremonial Mace, Warhammer, and Battleaxe.
  2. Place these weapons on their designated altars to obtain the Dawnmaster’s Crest.
  3. Go to Creche Y’llek Below the Monastery.
  4. Reach the Captain’s Quarters and access the Inquisitor’s Chambers.
  5. Solve the Statues puzzle to reveal a secret door.
  6. Navigate through the Secret Chamber by disengaging yellow barriers, disarming traps, or breaking bright crystals.
  7. Enter the central room with a shiny pedestal.

After successfully navigating the traps and challenges, the Blood of Lathander awaits in the last room. It hovers at the platform’s end, imbued with levitation. Employ the Dawnmaster’s Crest to acquire one of the legendary items, BG3.

6. Gloves Of Soul Catching

BG3 gloves of soul catching
Quest completion reward Gloves of Soul Catching [Screenshot Grab: eXputer]
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Gloves
Effect
  • Soul Fist: Your unarmed attacks deal 1-10 force damage.
  • Soul Catching: Once per turn on an unarmed hit, you regain 10 HP. Alternatively, You may also forgo the healing to gain an advantage on attack rolls and saving throws until the end of your turn.
  • +2 Constitution (up to 20).
Rarity Legendary
Weight 0.5
Price 960

Venturing into the treacherous realm of Hell in Baldur’s Gate 3 unveils a thrilling quest to obtain the coveted Gloves of Soul Catching. The journey begins in Act Three with Raphael’s quest, and it is important to have the Orphic Hammer to acquire this legendary item.

To unlock the portal leading to the House of Hope to find these legendary gloves, the following setup is required:

  • Skull Placement: Position the Skull on the star point adjacent to Helsik’s desk.
  • Coin of Mammon: Place the Coin of Mammon to the right of the Skull.
  • Diamond Placement: Continue clockwise, placing the Diamond on the subsequent point.
  • Incense Placement: Proceed by positioning the Incense after the Diamond.
  • Infernal Marble: Finally, center the Infernal Marble in the star’s heart.

BG3 does warn you about the difficulty of Hell, and don’t ignore the warning since, in the end, you will have to face level 10 Raphael. 

  1. At the House of Hope, a spectral figure named Hope seeks liberation.
  2. Agreeing triggers the “Rescue Hope” quest, advancing the story.
  3. Free Hope by using the Orphic Hammer to break her shackles in her prison.
  4. Protect Hope during the battle with Raphael, your primary objective.

5. The Red Knight’s Final Stargem

BG3 Red Knights Final Strategem
The book Red Knights Final Strategem & its scroll [Image by eXputer]
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Book
Scroll Artistry of War
Scroll Effect Deals 18-78 Force Damage. Summon the apparitions of 6 master strategists. Each apparition strikes 8-18 force damage on hit. (Level 5 Evocation) (Wizard Class)
Item Description WARNING: Extremely powerful knowledge and may include curses.
Rarity Legendary
Weight  0.5
Price 2000

Obtaining the legendary item in BG3 is simpler than it seems since the book’s location is right next to the portal.

Follow my steps to get your hands on Red Knight’s Final Stargem:

  1. After exiting the portal, find a button behind you.
  2. Press the button to reveal a hidden wall.
  3. Inside, in a hall filled with boxes, there’s a transparent display case.
  4. Unlock it with a Dexterity check (DC 20) to obtain the Red Knight’s Final Stargem book.

With some luck and skill, you’ll unlock the showcase, gaining access to the invaluable Red Knight’s Final Stargem book. Once opened, just read the book, and you will receive Scroll Of Artistry Of War, a very rare scroll. 

4. The Annals Of Karsus

The book Annals of Karsus & its scroll [Image taken by eXputer]
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Book
Scroll The Scroll of Dethrone
Scroll Effect Deals 38-80 Necrotic damage. Shred a foe’s very essence by pulling on strands of the Weave. (Level 5 Necromancy) (Wizard Class)
Item Description WARNING: Extremely powerful knowledge and may include curses.
Rarity Legendary
Weight  0.5
Price 2000

The Annals Of Karsus Book is part of the Wizard Of Waterdeep questline.

You can get your hands on this legendary book by following my steps:

  1. Go through the oak door after teleporting.
  2. Lockpick or break the Ramazith door.
  3. Enter doors in this order (watch for traps):
    • Silverhand
    • Abjuration
    • Silver
  4. Toggle the lever in the last Silver door to unlock the Karsus Vault path.
  5. Enter the Demon door, and the Karsus door in the next room is unlocked.
  6. Find the Karsus vault inside.

Inside the Vault, on top of the shelf, is the Annals Of Karsus. Read the book to get the very rare scroll: Scroll Of Dethrone.  

3. Caution Before The Seelie

BG3 Caution before the seelie
The Book Caution Before the Seelie & its Scroll [image by eXputer]
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Book
Scroll The Scroll Of Bestial Communion
Scroll Effect The deva can cast wrathful smite, Revivfy, and Concussive Smash.
Item Description A text dealing with the Seelie courts of the fae realms: summer, winter, and sarcastic octopus.
Rarity Legendary
Weight  0.5
Price 2000

Another hidden legendary item in the sorcerous sundries. The legendary book Caution Before The Seelie provides the Scroll Of Bestial Communion upon reading. The scroll is rare and can grant three powerful spells, rated among the best spells, in one go. 

To get the legendary item Caution Before The Seelie, all you need to do is:

  1. Go through the Oak door right in front of you as you leave the portal.
  2. Head right into the invisible path in the hallway. 
  3. Interact with the chest and go through the wall behind it (it’s an illusion).
  4. There will be a book placed on the bookshelf.

That book is the Caution Before The Seelie legendary book, and read it to get the Scroll Of Bestial Communion. 

2. Tharchiate Codex/Necromancy Of Thay

Baldur's Gate 3 Necromancy of Thay Book purple gemstone
Necromancy of Thay Book purple gemstone
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Book
Book Effect
  • Tharchiate Withering: reduces the reader’s Constitution by 5
  • Tharchiate Vigor: gives the reader 20 temporary HP after every Long Rest
  • Enables players to read Necromancy of Thay
Item Description WARNING: Extremely powerful knowledge. It may include curses.
Rarity Legendary
Weight  0.5
Price 2000

The Tharchiate Codex gives players some really powerful and game-changing effects. Not only that but with the combination of Necromancy Of Thay, the codex gives the player a totally broken spell. It makes the Tharchiate Codex one of the most powerful legendary items in Baldur’s Gate 3. 

To find out the location of this legendary item in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow my steps:

  1. Go through the oak door after teleporting through the portal.
  2. Lockpick or break the Ramazith door.
  3. Enter doors in this order (watch for traps):
    • Silverhand
    • Evocation
    • Wish 
  4. Activate the lever in the Wish room to unlock the path to Elminster Vault.
  5. Enter doors in this order:
    • Gate
    • Illusion
    • Elminster
  6. Find the Tharchiate Codex inside a display case in the Elminster Vault.

With the Tharchiate Codex read, try reading the Necromancy Of Thay, which you should have from Act One. You will get the ‘Danse Macabre’ Spell that summons six ghouls, which is pretty powerful and one of the reasons why Tharchiate Codex is among the best legendary items.

1. Viconia’s Walking Fortress

BG3 Viconia's Walking Fortress
Loot Viconia’s Walking Fortress from Viconia [image captured by eXputer]
ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION
Item Type Shield
Armor Class +3
Armor Effect
  • Rebuke of the Mighty: When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, dealing it 2-8 Force damage and knocking it Prone unless it succeeds a Dexterity Saving Throw.
  • Spellguard: You gain an Advantage on Saving Throws against spells. Spell Attack Rolls against you have a Disadvantage.
Skills / Spell Unlockables
  • Reflective Shell (Class Actions)
  • Warding Bond (Level 2 Abjuration spell)
Rarity Legendary
Weight 2.7
Price 760

Among the list of the most powerful legendary items is the shield Viconia’s Walking Fortress. It can be attained in Act Three and is closely linked to Nightshadow’s quest.

To find Viconia’s Walking Fortress shield in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow my steps:

  1. Locate the House of Grief north of Lady Jannath’s Estate, west of Basilisk Gate in the Lower City.
  2. Access the Cloister of Somber Embrace by performing the Mapping of the Heart ritual or, alternatively, find a hidden button with an Investigation Check (DC20).
  3. Talk to Mother Superior Viconia DeVir and engage in a battle with Sharran Cultists.
  4. Defeat them and loot Viconia’s Walking Fortress shield from her prone form.

In that way, you can get Viconia’s Walking Fortress shield and decide the fate of Viconia DeVir without the shield affecting your judgment. Note that if you don’t loot the shield when Viconia DeVir is prone and instead choose to spare her, she will take the shield with her. 

What I Think Is The Best Legendary Item

bg3 time played
My personal hours with BG3 [image by Me]
After 30+ hours with the game, I would say that the Tharchiate Codex, especially when combined with the Necromancy of Thay, stands out as the ultimate legendary item in Baldur’s Gate 3. Its ability to summon six ghouls as companions becomes a game-changer in challenging battles where sheer numbers prove more advantageous than relying on a single powerful attack.

While you are here, look at all the romance options BG3 has to offer, or if you are confused about the best party composition, I have a detailed guide on that, too. Or if you think BG3 is too difficult, I also have a compiled list of Baldur’s Gate 3 cheats for you.

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Moiz Banoori is the brains behind eXputer. Having worked at various Video Game sites, with 8 years of Content Writing Experience and a Journalism Degree at hand, he presently monitors teams, creates strategies, and publishes qualified pieces through his aptitude at eXputer. Feel free to get in touch with him through his gaming profile on Steam and PSN.

Experience: 8+ Years || Manages Teams, Creates Strategies, and Publishes Guides on eXputer || Education: Bachelors in Journalism.

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