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Circle of Bones is the perfect headpiece for a Necromancer, and you can claim during the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3).
Baldur’s Gate 3 is packed with powerful and mysterious magical items, and the Circle of Bones is no exception. This rare item is particularly sought after by players looking to enhance their necromantic or dark magic builds. But like many hidden treasures in Faerûn, obtaining the Circle of Bones requires more than just luck—it demands exploration, combat prowess, and a keen eye for secrets. In this guide, we’ll explore the Circle of Bones, how to acquire it, and tips for using it effectively in Baldur’s Gate 3.
What is the Circle of Bones in BG3?
In Baldur’s Gate 3 the Circle of Bones is a headpiece which can be worn by any character or class, however it’s bonuses synergize really well with the Necromancy Wizard. The perk called Undead Ward grants all your allied undead within 6 meters resistance to Bludgeoning, Slashing, and Piercing damage. Additionally, wearing this circlet grants you access to the Level 3 Necromancy spell called Animate Dead. This spell allows spellcasters to animate a corpse to create an undead servant. In order to be successful, the target must be at least a small or medium sized corpse.
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Circle of Bones Abilities and Effects
Below are all the features, abilities, and effects of Circle of Bones in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Armor: Head piece
- Proficiency Requirement: None
- Rarity: Rare
- Weight: 0.5 kg
- Value: 240
- Location: Looted from Balthazar in the Gauntlet of Shar, Act 2
- Bonuses:
- Undead Ward: Allied undead within 6 m / 20 ft are Resistant to Bludgeoning, Slashing, and Piercing damage.
- Cast Animate Dead once per Long Rest.
- Classes that can use Circle of Bones: All
- Races that can use Circle of Bones: All
How to Get Circle of Bones in BG3? Explained
To get the Circle of Bones in Baldur’s Gate 3 you have to find Balthazar in the Gauntlet of Shar during Act 2 and defeat him in order to loot the circlet from his body. You can find the entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar on the 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.
Solve the Puzzle to Enter 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.
Finding Balthazar in the Gauntlet of Shar
The Gauntlet of Shar is a sprawling temple with lots to see and do. For a full run through of the space, check out our Gauntlet of Shar Guide. For the Circle of Bones, you are specifically looking for Balthazar and you’ll find him on the west side of the temple. He will be behind a locked door which is guarded by his undead servants. Walking into the space will trigger a conversation, which will be interrupted by an attack from Dark Justiciars. Defeat them and the door will open so that you can meet and potentially speak with Balthazar.
Fight with Balthazar
If you wish, you can simply directly attack Balthazar without speaking to him at all. He’s an interesting character, however, and can provide some story insight, as well. Moreover, speaking with him doesn’t mean you can’t attack him afterwards. Additionally, you can even make the upcoming fight a bit easier by using the Trade button to buy a Potion of Speed off of him. If you don’t, he’ll try to use it on his first combat turn.
This can be a tough fight, but the great thing about it is that you can take the time to position all of your party members because combat won’t start until you initiate the attack. There is at least once nice ledge you should put a ranged attack character on so they can gain Advantage on their attacks. You can see in the image above that he has Resistances to a lot of weapon damage, but that doesn’t mean that your melee characters can’t help by hitting him with some crowd control. Stun or trip him if you can. Try to take him out first because he has a bad habit of raising more dead to fight you.
Additionally, a spellcaster with some good area-of-effect spells like Fireball, Ice Storm, or Call Lightning would be beneficial for hitting multiple enemies at once. Drink Potions of Speed or cast Haste before the battle begins.
Once you’ve take Balthazar down, loot him to find the Circle of Bones!
How to Use the Circle of Bones in BG3?
The best way to use the Circle of Bones in BG3 is by equipping it to a Necromancy Wizard. This subclass should be prioritizing necromancy spells that create undead. Wearing this headpiece will give your Necromancy Wizard a free cast of Animate Dead to create another undead ally. Furthermore, it will give all of your undead allies within a 6 meter range and buff that grants them resistances to weapon damage.
Tips and Tricks for Circle of Bones in BG3
These are the best tips and tricks for finding and using Circle of Bones in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Balthazar is a tough fight, but it is easier to kill him in the Gauntlet than in the Shadowfell later on. While in the Gauntlet, he will not be immediately hostile and you can strategically position your party before attacking.
- Balthazar is resistant to most weapon damage, and unfortunately has no vulnerabilies. However, powerful spells can still hit him hard.
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FAQs about Circle of Bones in BG3
Where can I find Circle of Bones in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You can find the Circle of Bones by killing the undead necromancer Balthazar in the Gauntlet of Shar during Act 2 of BG3.
Which classes or builds benefit most from Circle of Bones?
A Necromancy Wizard would benefit the most from equipping the Circle of Bones in BG3.
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