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The Moonlight Glaive is a powerful two-handed weapon, and you can earn it at the end of the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3).
The Moonlight Glaive, a potent and visually striking weapon, is a prized possession for many adventurers in Baldur’s Gate 3. This magical glaive, imbued with radiant energy, offers significant advantages in combat, particularly against foes vulnerable to radiant damage. Obtaining it, however, requires navigating a specific questline and making crucial decisions that will ultimately determine whether this luminous polearm ends up in your capable hands. In this guide, we’ll explore the Moonlight Glaive, how to acquire it, and tips for using it effectively in Baldur’s Gate 3.
What is the Moonlight Glaive in BG3?
In Baldur’s Gate 3 the Moonlight Glaive is a two-handed weapon with some bonuses that could make it a powerful option against foes who are weak against Radiant damage and light. Hits from this glaive not only give you normal Slashing damage, but will also give you another 1-4 HP of Radiant damage. The main perk on this weapon is called Moonlight Glaive: Glowing. This gives the weapon a permanent glow, providing the user with a radius of light that shines out for 6 meters.
Additionally, equipping the Moonlight Glaive also grants the user access to a unique weapon action. When you use Moonlight Butterflies to strike a foe, you deal additional Psychic damage equal to your proficiency bonus. This conjures an illusory swarm of moon-pale butterflies and you gain Advantage on attacks against the target. When the target moves away from your illusion, it takes 1d6 Psychic damage.
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Moonlight Glaive Abilities and Effects
Below are all the features, abilities, and effects of Moonlight Glaive in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Weapon Type: Glaive, Two-Handed
- Damage: 1d10+4 Slashing; 1d4 Radiant
- Requirements: Martial Weapon proficiency
- Rarity: Rare
- Location: Save the Nightsong at the end of the Gauntlet of Shar, Act 2
- Weight: 2.7 kg
- Value: 380
- Bonuses:
- Moonlight Glaive: Glowing: This object shines with a glowing light in a radius of 6 m / 20 ft.
- Weapon Enchantment +2
- Light (Permanent)
- Moonlight Butterflies: Strike a foe, dealing additional Psychic damage equal to your proficiency bonus, conjuring an illusory swarm of moon-pale butterflies and gaining Advantage on attacks against the target. When the target moves away from your illusion, it takes 1d6 Psychic damage.
- Classes with Martial Weapons Proficiency: Cleric(Tempest Domain, War Domain), Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, Barbarian, Bard (College of Valour)
- Companions Who Can Use This Weapon: Lae’zel, Minthara, Karlach, Minsc
Note: Major spoilers for the Gauntlet of Shar and Act 2 below.
How to Get the Moonlight Glaive in BG3? Explained
To get the Moonlight Glaive in Baldur’s Gate 3 you must complete the Gauntlet of Shar, and then find and free the Nightsong, after which you will receive the weapon as a reward. You will find the entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar on the upper-west side of the Act 2 map. Depending on how you enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands you’ll likely be either somewhere in the Shadowed Battlefield or perhaps at Moonrise Towers.
The entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar can be found first west and then north if you are in the Shadowed Battlefield or simply directly north if you are at Moonrise Towers. You’ll find the Grand Mausoleum waypoint nearby. Outside you’ll run into Raphael who will want to strike another deal with you and Astarion before you enter.
Unlock the Entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar
There is plenty to loot inside here, but what you’re looking for is the secret entrance to the Gauntlet. The ancient temple of Shar is behind the hidden door you can open in the North Wing. You’ll need to pass an automatic perception check and uncover the three buttons each under one of the paintings in the room. Press the buttons as follows:
- Moonrise Towers
- Grief
- General
Next, enter the Gauntlet of Shar by stepping on the platform and pressing the purple gem to be transported inside.
How to Save the Nightsong
The Gauntlet of Shar is a sprawling temple with lots to see and do. Make sure to bring Shadowheart along in your party. If you complete it without her, you run the risk of her leaving the party permanently. For a full run through of the space, with instructions for each of the Trials and how to find the Nightsong, check out our Gauntlet of Shar Guide. If you’re planning to free the Nightsong, it’s highly recommended that you fight and kill Balthazar when you meet him in the temple. Otherwise, you’ll have to fight him in the Shadowfell and that combat encounter is typically a lot harder due to the terrain.
Once you get to the end of the Gauntlet, you’ll finally discover the Nightsong, who you will discover is a person. You’ll have to make a decision about whether your want to let Shadowheart kill her, or persuade Shadowheart to save her. The dialogue with Shadowheart isn’t totally straightforward, however. If you try to push her too hard into a decision, she may do the opposite of what you want. In order to get the Moonlight Glaive you’ll have to convince Shadowheart to free the Nightsong.
Save the Nightsong Dialogue
As you approach the Nightsong a dialogue scene will trigger, with eventually these options:
- Trust Shadowheart – do not interfere.
- Do as you must.
- Is this truly what you want?
- Choose your own way, Shadowheart. You cannot allow your goddess to control you.
- Please, Shadowheart. Don’t do this.
If you choose the two bottom options, Shadowheart will say that this is her life’s purpose. Instead, pick 2nd option which will require a high persuasion check (30):
- [PERSUASION] No, it’s not. Your life is whatever you make it – don’t give up on yourself.
Then, after some more dialogue, you have two choices. You want to pick persuasion check again. If you fail it and she will kill Nightsong. You can also choose the third option and gain some approval from Karlach or Halsin if you have them in your group.
- Kill her. Let’s finish the ritual.
- [PERSUASION] Don’t do it, Shadowheart. Don’t kill her – you’ll regret it.
- She knows something about you. Spare her and see what she has to say.
- Say nothing.
Shadowheart will now hesitate even though she wields a spear already. Eventually, she will throw it away, and Nightsong will show you both her true nature and power. At the end, you’ll see a text box that displays your automatically granted reward of the Moonlight Glaive!
How to Use the Moonlight Glaive in BG3?
The best way to use the Moonlight Glaive in BG3 is by equipping it to a class that naturally has Martial weapons proficiency like Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger. Additionally, Half-Elves and Humans also have a race inherent martial weapons proficiency.
Without this proficiency, your character can equip the Moonlight Glaive but will not be able to use the special weapon actions including Moonlight Butterflies.
Tips and Tricks for Moonlight Glaive in BG3
These are the best tips and tricks for finding and using Moonlight Glaive in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- The Moonlight Glaive is placed in your inventory directly after the events in the Shadowfell.
- Unfortunately, the Moonlight Glaive is outclassed by the more prominent reward you get for saving the Nightsong, Selûne’s Spear of Night.
- However, it would still make a good weapon for a secondary character or other party member who needs an upgrade.
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FAQs about the Moonlight Glaive in BG3
Where can I find the Moonlight Glaive in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You can find the Moonlight Glaive by passing the Trails in the Gauntlet of Shar, reaching the Shadowfell, and sparing the Nightsong during Act 2 of BG3.
Which classes or builds benefit most from Moonlight Glaive?
Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, and Ranger are all classes that have a natural martial weapons proficiency and can equip and use the special weapon actions on the Moonlight Glaive in BG3.
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