Baldur’s Gate 3 Strange Ox Explained

Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the strangest creatures, whose mysterious identity is never outright revealed. Depending on which act you meet it in, you will learn more about it and get different loot.

The first encounter with Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate takes place in Act 1 in the Emerald Grove. Depending on the choices you make there, you may or may not see the mysterious creature in subsequent acts. While you may want to kill this strange being from the very get-go, we advise you to hold your violence and let the whole thing play out.

What Is the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The Strange Ox’s real name is Zlorb. By race, it is a Phasm, meaning it can shapeshift into any creature or object. The Strange Ox is a follower of Cyric (Prince of Lies), known as the evil deity of chaos, murder, death, and tyranny.

Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3: Top 10 Builds for Patch 8

Strange Ox Baldur’s 3 Locations and Walkthrough

Act 1 – Emerald Grove

You will find the Strange Ox in Act 1 opposite to Dammon’s Shop and above the Druid Sanctuary’s entrance in the Emerald Grove. A DC 10 Insight Check will decide whether you notice the creature’s odd behavior. Passing this is necessary to talk with it.

Speak With Animals spell (which Wyll has) or the Potion of Animal Speaking is required to converse with it. A successful DC 10 Arcana Check confirms the Strange Ox is not really an ox.

Upon passing a DC 10 Persuasion/Intimidation/Deception Check, the Strange Ox will reveal it is on its way to Baldur’s Gate. But it is unwilling to explain any more or reveal its identity.

You can choose to attack the Strange Ox here. If you do so, Toron and the nearby oxen will also become aggressive. Once the ox takes damage, it will spawn pools of acid. When you kill it, it will drop a Glyph of Warding: Acid that explodes for 8d8 acid damage. For your troubles, you get the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring.

If you don’t kill the Strange Ox and complete the Raid the Emerald Grove, it can be encountered in the next act.

Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 Checklist: All Things to Complete

Act 2 – Last Light Inn

The Strange Ox can next be found near the stables of the Last Light Inn. Again, with Speak With Animals or the Potion of Animal Speaking, interact with the creature to continue the conversation from where you left off in Act 1. You will need to pass a DC 14 Persuasion / Perception / Nature Check, after which the Strange Ox will show you violent images of corpses with screaming in the background.

If you pressure the Strange Ox to reveal its true identity (instead of backing out of the conversation), Zlorb will change its form into its true Phasm look. If you don’t choose to keep its secrets, you will have to engage in combat and kill it. It drops the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring, 2x Malachite gems, and the Hat of Fire Acuity. The Dark Urge can kill the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 during this interaction if the player chooses to criticize the creature’s bloodlust and violence.

Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 2 Checklist: All Things to Complete

Act 3 – Rivington (X: 36, Y: -149)

Near Rivington at coordinates X: 36, Y: -149, you will come across the Strange Ox yet again. This time, it seems happy to see the party, and you will need to pass a DC 10 Insight Check to confirm the creature. If you again decide to press it about its identity, it will take on its Phasm form. Instead, follow other available conversation lines to get the Help the Devilish Ox quest. The Strange Ox wants you to take it into Baldur’s Gate.

If you decide to help, it will turn into an apple that you can carry. Once you reach the Lower City, the apple will disappear from the inventory and conclude the quest. You will find the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring and a Slightly Slimy Note (thanking the party member for getting the creature in) in your possession instead. Completing this quest also allows you to call upon the Strange Ox for the final fight in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 3 Checklist: All Things to Complete

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