How to Get Ketheric’s Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3

Ketheric’s Shield grants you extra protection against spellcasters, and you can earn it at the end of Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3).

Baldur's Gate 3 Ketheric Thorm screenshot

In Baldur’s Gate 3, legendary enemies often guard legendary loot, and few items are as formidable as Ketheric’s Shield. This powerful piece of equipment once belonged to Ketheric Thorm, a key antagonist whose dark legacy lingers in the shadow-cursed lands. In this guide, we’ll explore Ketheric’s Shield, how to acquire it, and tips for using it effectively in Baldur’s Gate 3.

What is Ketheric’s Shield in BG3?

Baldur's Gate 3 Ketheric's Shield BG3

In Baldur’s Gate 3 Ketheric’s Shield is a decent mid-game shield which can provide your character with some extra protection from spellcasters. The Arcane Enchantment is the bonus which grants you a +1 bonus to Spell Save DC and spell attack rolls. Additionally, this shield also grants you Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throw Checks.

Finally, like many other shields in the game, Ketheric’s Shield also grants you access to the Shield Bash reaction. Whenever a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to attempt to knock it Prone. The target must pass a Dexterity Saving Throw in order to not be incapacitated.

Ketheric’s Shield Abilities and Effects

Below are all the features, abilities, and effects of Ketheric’s Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Weapon Type: Shield
  • Armour: +2 AC
  • Requirements: Shield proficiency
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Location: Looted from Ketheric Thorm, Act 2.
  • Weight: 2.7 kg
  • Value: 300
  • Bonuses:
    • Arcane Enchantment: You gain a +1 bonus to Spell Save DC and Spell attack rolls.
    • Shield Bash: When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your Reaction to knock them Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity Saving throw.
    • Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws
  • Classes with Shield Proficiency: Barbarian, Bard (subclass College of Valour), Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger
  • Classes that Typically use a Shield In BG3: Cleric, Fighter, Druid, and Paladin.
  • Races with Shield Proficiency: Human, Half-Elf
  • Shield Proficiency Feat: Moderately Armored provides Medium Armor and Shields expertise.

How to Get Ketheric’s Shield in BG3? Explained

To get Ketheric’s Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3 you simply have to follow the main story quest through all of Act 2, where it will culminate with a confrontation against Ketheric Thorm at Moonrise Towers. So long as you are progressing through the main story, you cannot miss this fight. We recommend that you don’t try to rush through just to push the story forward in order to get this armour. There is a lot to see and do in Act 2, and you should definitely explore.

Baldur's Gate 3 Moonrise Towers map

When you’re prepared, head west across the bridges and then proceed directly south in order to locate Moonrise Towers. If you’re following the main story quest, you’ll reach your destination in due course, and we’ll refrain from revealing too much to avoid spoilers. Just know that you’ll ultimately engage in a direct confrontation with Ketheric Thorm.

Fight With Ketheric Throm

The initial stage of the battle occurs at the summit of Moonrise Towers, where you’ll face Ketheric alongside numerous cultists and Necrolites. These adversaries pose a moderate challenge. However, your main objective is to reduce Ketheric’s health to approximately 40% in this phase. Beware of his tendency to bash melee attackers with his shield, potentially incapacitating them.

The second stage of the encounter unfolds in two segments. Initially, you and your party will confront Ketheric, who is joined by Mind Flayers and Necrolites. If you’ve rescued the Nightsong, you’ll find her held captive in the back. Utilize a character with Misty step or high mobility to reach her and then liberate her using the Help action. The Nightsong can play a significant role in this battle, so enlisting her assistance should be a top priority. Afterwards, instruct her and the rest of your party to resume their focus on attacking Ketheric.

How to Get Ketheric's Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3

Ketheric may seem to go down quickly, but don’t get too confident yet. A short cut scene break and you’ll be back fighting again. Ketheric has now ‘morphed’ into his final form with the help of Myrkul. He can now consume Necrolites, which grant him the ability to cast the Finger of Death spell. This is basically a one-shot spell and should be avoided. Due to this it might be tempting to try and take out the Necrolites first so that Ketheric can’t use them. However, if you’ve got the Nightsong with you and the firepower in your party, it’s usually best to simply DPS him down.

Once you’ve defeated Ketheric there will be another cut scene. When it’s over, make sure to loot Ketheric’s body for his Shield before you leave Act 2!

How to Use Ketheric’s Shield in BG3?

The best way to use Ketheric’s Shield in BG3 is by equipping it to a one-handed and shield build for Paladin, Cleric, or Fighter. This combination will contribute to an effective tank build at mid-game, with its Shield Blow reaction and extra protection from spell attacks.

Tips and Tricks for Ketheric’s Shield in BG3

These are the best tips and tricks for finding and using Ketheric’s Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Mobility is important in the fight with Ketheric, so bring some extra Misty Step scrolls along to help save spell slots.
  • If you haven’t got the Nightsong to help you in this fight, you’ll want to set party members to prevent the Necrolites from empowering Myrkul.
  • Shield Blow, like other reactions, can only be used once per round.

FAQs about Ketheric’s Shield in BG3

Where can I find Ketheric’s Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You can find Ketheric’s Shield at the very end of Act 2, when you must fight and defeat Ketheric Thorm himself in the climatic battle.

Which classes or builds benefit most from Ketheric’s Shield?

A Paladin, Cleric, or Fighter build would benefit the most from equipping Ketheric’s Shield at the end of Act 2 of BG3.

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