How to Get Cerebral Citadel Armour in Baldur’s Gate 3? Explained

The Cerebral Citadel Armour are a chest piece in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), and you can get it from the Emperor’s hideout in Act 3.

Choosing to Side with the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Cerebral Citadel Armour is a hidden and powerful piece of armour in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a unique blend of protection and traits that boost Illithid powers. Acquiring this special set of armour requires careful exploration and a keen understanding of the game’s more intricate quests and locations. If you’re looking to bolster your defences with this impressive gear, you’ll need to follow a specific series of steps, often involving navigating complex choices and hidden secrets. This guide will explain everything you need to know to track down the Cerebral Citadel Armour, how to get it, and the benefits it brings to your adventure in Faerun.

What is the Cerebral Citadel Armour in BG3?

Baldur's Gate 3 Cerebral Citadel Armour tooltip BG3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Cerebral Citadel Armour is a chest piece any class or companion with heavy armour proficiency can wear to gain an immunity and buffs to some saving throws. First, the Frightened Immunity trait does exactly what the name implies. You can’t be Frightend, a condition which freezes your movement. Secondly, the bonus trait Illithid Protection. With this, if your character has consumed another tadpole, then they will receive a +1 increase to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.

Finally, keep in mind that while wearing this armour, your character will also have a Disadvantage on Stealth Checks. This will make it much more difficult to hide or sneak.

Cerebral Citadel Armour Abilities and Effects

Below are all the features, abilities, and effects of the Cerebral Citadel Armour in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Armour Type: Heavy Armour
  • Armour Class: 18 AC
  • Requirements: Heavy Armour proficiency
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Weight: 20 kg
  • Value: 3,200
  • Location: Found inside a wardrobe in the hidden room in the Knights of the Shield Hideout, Act 3.
  • Bonuses:
    • Frightened Immunity: You cannot be Frightened.
    • Illithid Protection: If the wearer is infested by a mind flayer tadpole, they gain +1 to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving throws.
    • Disadvantage on Stealth Checks.
  • Classes with Heavy Armour proficiency: Fighter, Paladin, Cleric, and Ranger.
  • Companions Who Can Use This Armour: Lae’zel, Minthara, Minsc, Shadowheart

How to Get the Cerebral Citadel Armour in BG3?

To get the Cerebral Citadel Armour in Baldur’s Gate 3, you first need to locate the Knights of the Shield Hideout beneath the Elfsong Tavern. Once there, find and press a concealed button to reveal a secret door that leads to the Emperor’s former hideout. Inside, you’ll discover the Cerebral Citadel Armour and Glove tucked away in a wardrobe on the room’s eastern side.

Step 1- Secret Entrance in Basement of Elfsong Tavern

Baldur's Gate 3 How to get into Knights of the Shield Hideout

The Elfsong Tavern is located west of the Basilisk Gate waypoint in the Lower City, just past the Stormshore Tabernacle. From the front entrance, head into the kitchen area at the back. On the west side, you’ll find stairs leading down to a basement door. Be sure to highlight and click on the Wooden Stairs to descend, as clicking directly on the door won’t work.

Once in the basement, you’ll need to battle a group of rats. Afterwards, head left (west) to find a smaller room filled with wine racks. Towards the back, near a hole on the right side, you’ll spot a Button, but you’ll need to pass a Perception check to see it.

Press the button, and the wall will reveal a swinging wine barrel door. Go through, and you’ll find another door at the bottom of some stairs, which will lead you directly into the Knights of the Shield Hideout.

Step 3- Emperor’s Hideout in the Knights of the Shield Hideout

How to Get the Cerebral Citadel Gloves in Baldur's Gate 3

Inside the Knights of the Shield Hideout, you’ll encounter a group of Githyanki warriors. It’s a good idea to approach in Stealth to gain the upper hand and get some Advantage for the fight. Be sure to focus on taking out the casters who are opening portals to summon more Githyanki reinforcements.

Each side of the room has one portal and one caster. Instead of running around and up the stairs, use high Strength melee characters to jump. Additionally, you can utilize the Misty Step spell to quickly close the gap.

Once you’ve dealt with the Githyanki, head north toward the statue at the back of the room. Move behind it, and with a successful Perception check, you’ll spot a button. Press it, and a secret door will open nearby. This reveals the Emperor’s hideout, which contains several mementoes and some gear.

Inside, you’ll find the Cerebral Citadel Armour (and Gloves) in the Emperor’s Wardrobe, located on the left side of the room.

How to Use Cerebral Citadel Armour in BG3?

BG3 Astral Touched Tadpole

The best way to use the Cerebral Citadel Armour in BG3 is by equipping it to a melee build or class on a character who has consumed one of the tadpoles. These tadpoles that you have likely collected along your adventure can unlock unique Illithid powers that make you more of a threat on the battlefield.

When wearing the Cerebral Citadel Armour while infected with an additional tadpole, you will unlock the Illithid Protection trait. It grants +1 to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving throws. Nearly all spells in BG3 are cast using one of those three ability scores. Therefore, this is a great additional defence for frontline fighters against spellcasters.

FAQs about Cerebral Citadel Armour in BG3

Q1: Where can I find Cerebral Citadel Armour in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Answer: The Cerebral Citadel Armour can be found in the Knights of the Shield Hideout below the Elfsong Tavern. Defeat the Githyanki, then find the button that unlocks the door to the secret hideout.

Q2: Which classes or builds benefit most from Cerebral Citadel Armour?

Answer: Builds using heavy armour such as Fighters, Clerics, or Paladins will benefit most from using the Cerebral Citadel Armour in BG3. However, in order to get the full potential out of all the traits, the character equipping this item must have consumed one of the additional tadpoles.


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