Learn how to defeat the Grym in Baldur’s Gate 3 as we explain mechanics, strategy, loot, honour mode, and how to beat this boss.
How to Defeat Grym in Baldur’s Gate 3
The best way to defeat Grym is by activating the Adamantine Forge, and then taking the higher ground platforms above using range attacks. With this strategy, you can avoid additional enemies, fire damage, and any damage coming from Grym the Eternal Protector of the Forge. However, this range strategy takes some preparation and understanding of where to position your teammates. However, we highly recommend doing this as it’s very easy to complete Honour Mode difficulty with this strategy and earn the A Grym Fate achievement.
To start the Grym fight, you will need to find Mould and Mithral to activate the Adamantine Forge. This lowers the platform and requires you to turn a valve which releases the Grym Eternal Protector of the Forge. Once this is done, the fight is initiated, and killing Grym will reward you with the Grymskull Helmet and whatever adamantine item choose to craft. We suggest following our detailed Adamantine Forge guide for how to unlock and find the necessary materials.
Let us continue this guide and explain more about Grym, and the best strategy and tactics on how to defeat it.
Grym Stats & Resistances BG3
Below are Grym Eternal Protector of the Forge Stats and features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Level: 8 (10 on Honour Mode)
- HP: 300 (450 on Honour Mode)
- AC: 18
- STR: 24
- DEX: 6
- CON: 24
- INT: 3
- WIS: 11
- CHA: 1
- Race: Golem
- Type: Construct
- Resistances: Slashing, Piercing, Cold, Thunder, Acid, Force
- Immunity: Poison, Fire, Lighting, Pyshic, Necrotic, Radiant
- Vulnerability: Bludgeoning
During the fight with Grym, he initially starts immune to all the damage! To remove Grym’s damage immunity, you need to position him in the lava. Once positioned in the lava, Grym receives a two-turn debuff called Superheated. Once this is done, Grym then becomes resistant to Slashing, Piercing, Cold, Thunder, Acid, and Force. What’s most important, however, is that Grym becomes vulnerable to Bludgeoning damage. Vulnerable means the target takes twice the damage from that source. Thus, you want bludgeoning-based damage like Mauls.
Lastly, Grym will follow whoever attacked him last. Therefore, you need to have one ranged damage dealer attack him last, with the intent that he will travel through lava to maintain the Superheated debuff. There’s an overpowered method for defeating Grym by throwing Torches with a Barbarian. Let’s discuss mechanics and then show you how to defeat Grym in Baldur’s Gate 3 with our guide.
Grym Attacks, Abilities, & Mechanics
The Legendary Boss Grym is an entirely melee-based damage dealer. Thus, playing close will be a punishing experience. Below are all of Grym’s Eternal Protector of the Forge mechanics and abilities:
- Awaken: Grym spends its first turn readying for combat.
- Seismic Wrath: Action-based usage with unknown purpose.
- Slam: Hit a target and its small surrounding area, dealing 4d8 damage, possibly knocking all affected creatures Prone (action).
- Quake: Stomp the ground to cause a massive shockwave, deal 3d4 damage, and knock nearby creatures Prone (bonus action).
The most difficult part about Grym is, that this boss massive area-based attacks in melee range. It has a high movement speed of 12 meters per turn, so it’s hard to outrun its range without Misty Step. Moreover, Grym can use Slam and Quake in the same turn, nearly killing any players below 50 health instantly. This makes highly mobility, ranged-based builds most effective, especially those that can throw or use Bludgeoning damage.
Grym Legendary Action – Adamantine Reverberation
If you play on Honour Mode, Grym with an additional Legendary Action Adamantine Reverberation. Grym’s form vibrates after being struck, providing 10 temporary hit points and doubling its movement speed while the temporary hit points are present. When the temporary hit points are removed, a shockwave pushes targets back 4m and deals 4d8 damage.
Adamantine Reverberation is a devastating attack, in conjunction with Slam and Quake can wipe out your entire party in one turn. Legendary Actions in Honour Mode are a unique resource that does not consume an action or a bonus action. Legendary Actions refresh every turn, and Grym’s adds 10 temporary health making it very challenging to do enough damage to lower him with Superheated Debuff. If you engage Grym on Honour Mode, we recommend being level 7 or higher.
How to Prepare for Beating Grym Fight
When preparing for the Grym fight, mobility and Fly potions or spells will be the key. You will need to reach the Adamantine Forge and activate the press and Mould. Once activated, this will drop the platform and start the encounter. We recommend keeping 3 party members, with ranged damage on platform #1 shown in the above picture. They will not be damaged by Grym who has zero range and cannot move up the ledge. Thus, you will need one party member to start the encounter.
We used Lae’zel as a Gloom Stalker Ranger. At level 5, she will have access to two Misty Step spells and invisibility. Go invisible before you turn the lever. This will give you time to reposition after the level is pulled without being attacked immediately. Turn the lever, then run to the far side of the room to attack and make Grym target your range caster. At this point, 3 allies will be above, and you want Grym to travel through the lava on turn two. Thus, he will be superheated giving you 2 turns of damage. From this point, you can travel back up to platform 2 with Lae’zel for safety.
Additionally, consider using Oil of Accuracy, Potion of Heroism, and Acid Arrows. Acid Arrows will lower AC, making it easier for him Grym. Potion of Heroism gives the Blessed buff, which is helpful because he is likely to be out of target range. Then, Oil of Accuracy gives higher attack rolls, and this combination will increase damage and ease of the fight drastically.
Best Damage and Strategy for Beating Grym Fight
The best and easiest way to defeat Grym is by using the Barbarian with the Berserker Subclass and the Enraged Throw ability with a Torch atop the Adamantine Forge platform. A standard Torch is bludgeoning damage, and a Superheated Grym takes double the damage. As shown in the picture above, we can hit Grym for 42 damage each turn at a 65% chance and knock him prone! Additionally, have range bow users fire Acid Arrows to lower AC and increase the likelihood of hitting Grym.
Spellcasters have a difficult time with this fight due to running out of spell slots. However, you can use Force spells like Magic Missile which do decent damage. It’s suggested that you either respec or use multiple hirelings to make the fight go faster using the Barbarian throw method.
Beat Grym Steps
Additionally, you will need either an ally or a summon spell to aggro and move Grym into the lava. We found it easiest to use a Life Cleric and the Spiritual Weapon spell. Whatever you summon can attack, which you want to attack last so it targets that creature. You may need to consume or cast a “Fly” spell and have an ally come down onto the platform to move Grym into the lava. Lastly, Scratch and Mage Hand can also be helpful to get his attention and keep the Superheated debuff active.
In summary, to defeat Grym in the Adamantine Forge follow these steps:
- Reach Adamantine Forge with Mould and Mithral
- Position 3 party members on a platform above
- 1 party member activates levels starting the fight
- Attack and position Grym into lava
- Use range attacks above, and Throw with Torch preferred
- Keep Superheated Debuff active by forcing Grym into lava
We used this exact strategy on Honour Mode and earned the Achievement A Grym Fate: Kill the Adamantine Golem without using the Forge Hammer.
Where to Find Grym
To find Grym, the player will need to travel to the Underdark, then the Grymforge. Once in the Grymforge, you will need to unlock the Adamantine Forge, near the north side of the Grymforge. There will be an NPC blocking a path with boulders. You can use the NPC animals and or force damage to destroy the boulders and access the forge. Make sure you collect Mould and Mithral so you can use the forge to craft some of the best gear in Act 1, Adamantine Armour.
Loot and Rewards for Defeating Grym
After beating Grym, you can loot his body for the Grymskull Helm. Grymskull is a very rare heavy armour helmet that gives resistance to fire, critical immunity, and Hunter’s Mark spell. Consider it a powerful offensive helmet and a perfect fit for a Fighter or Paladin damage dealer.
Party Composition
For the Grym Fight on Honour Mode, we used the following builds at level 7:
- Ranger Gloom Stalker (Longbow, Medium Armour, Sword and Shield)
- Barbarian Berserker (Two-Handed Greatsword, Clothing, Heavy Crossbow)
- Sorcerer Draconic Bloodline (Quarterstaff, Clothing, No Bow)
- Cleric Life (Quarterstaff and Shield, Heavy Armour, No Bow)
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