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

How to Speak With The Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3?

As mentioned earlier, there are two ways to speak with the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Speak With Animals Spell
• Potion of Animal Speaking

Here is a brief explanation of both of these methods:

Using the Speak With Animals Spell

Speak With Animals is a spell that you can cast on yourself to converse with animals in the game. Once cast, its effects will last until your next Long Rest. However, not all classes are privy to this spell, and only the following have access to it:

• Warlock
• Ranger
• Bard
• Oath of Ancient Paladin
• Druid
• Wildheart Barbarian

Using the Potion of Animal Speaking

For other classes, the only way to speak to the Strange Ox is by using the Potion of Animal Speaking. You can acquire the recipe for this potion on the upper floor of the Rosymorn Monastery. You will also be able to purchase it from these vendors:

• Derryth in Myconid Colony
• Aaron in Emerald Grove

The effects of the Potion of Animal Speaking in Baldur’s Gate 3 also lasts till your next Long Rest once you have consumed it.

FAQs About Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3

Q: Should I help the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Helping the Strange Ox gives you a strong ally during the final battles in Baldur’s Gate 3. On the other hand, killing the Strange Ox drops the rare Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring and Hat of Fire Acuity. The choice depends on whether you want a strong ally or items to help you in the later stages of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Q: Is it worth killing the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You should not kill the Strange Ox if you want to experience some of the funniest interactions in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Q: Is the Strange Ox evil in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The Strange Ox is not necessarily evil, but has it seems to have a questionable past in Baldur’s Gate 3. In fact, the Strange Ox is a shapeshifter and likely a follower of Cyric.

Q: What do you do with the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You can either help the Strange Ox sneak into Baldur’s Gate by carrying it as a “strange apple”, thereby earning its aid in the final battle. You can also fight and kill it for unique magical items like the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring and Hat of Fire Acuity.

Q: How to get Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring without killing Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3?

This is a complex process where you need to move your entire team very far from the Strange Ox and then have your Wizard summon a Mage Hand to attack the Ox instead. Ensure that Mage Hand loses the fight, and then move your entire team back to the Strange Ox, speak with it and trade the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring. In this way, you can get the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring without killing the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3.

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