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Learn how to defeat Commander Zhalk in Baldur’s Gate 3 to get the Everburn Blade and start the game with a fiery advantage.
Commander Zhalk is the first boss in Baldur’s Gate 3, encountered on the bridge of the Nautiloid at the start of Act 1. The demonic commander is engaged in a pitched battle with a Mind Flayer, and fighting him is entirely optional when it comes to progression.
However, if you manage to defeat Commander Zhalk, he drops a powerful greatsword, the Everburn Blade, which perpetually blazes with infernal flames and deals an additional 1d4 fire damage. Defeating Zhalk is surprisingly simple once you know a few key tricks and triggers of the battlefield.
Table of Contents
Baldur’s Gate 3: How To Defeat Commander Zhalk
Command Spell: Drop
The Command spell is the most important piece of the puzzle for defeating Commander Zhalk. Shadowheart can cast the level 1 enchantment spell. Once in range of Zhalk, choose the spell and select “Command: Drop.” If the boss fails a Wisdom saving throw, he drops the Everburn Blade. Before his turn, have one of your party members pick up the Everburn Blade.
If the party member who picked up the weapon does not have proficiency with greatswords, open the inventory and transfer the Everburn Blade to Lae’zel. Equip the sword by spending an action. Not only will Commander Zhalk be unarmed, but you will be attacking him with his own weapon. However, the boss still deals significant damage bare-handed, which is where the next trick comes in.
Shove the Mind Flayer
Commander Zhalk only attacks the Mind Flayer and will only target your party members once the tentacled monstrosity is dead. You can use this against the boss to trigger attacks of opportunity.
- Surround Commander Zhalk with all your melee combatants.
- Use the “Shove” bonus action on the Mind Flayer to push him away from Zhalk.
- When Zhalk attempts to run after the Mind Flayer on his turn, all your party members can use a Reaction to make an attack of opportunity against him, essentially providing free damage.
Recruit Us
Us is an Intellect Devourer who can be recruited as a pet to aid you during the battle on the Nautiloid. Be sure to find and add Us to your party for extra damage output. Learn more about recruiting Us here.
Use Mage Hand
You can cast Mage Hand beforehand to assist you during the battle. Drop weapons from your inventory for Mage Hands to throw at enemies and add to your party’s total damage output. These familiars can also assist in healing multiple characters. If two party members are at low health, drop a healing potion from the inventory. Then, with low-health characters standing close together, have a Mage Hand throw the health potion between them to heal both.
Trigger Spawns Before Commander Zhalk Dies
If you kill Commander Zhalk and no other enemies are present, the Mind Flayer will become hostile. Before landing the finishing blow, have one party member advance toward the console. Doing so will spawn three more infernal enemies, ensuring the Mind Flayer remains friendly.
If the battle goes on for long enough, two Cambions will spawn in the corridor you entered the chamber through. Defeat Commander Zhalk and activate the console before they do, or use Nautiloid Tanks to set a trap for them.
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