The Sword of the Emperor grants extra damage against shapeshifters, and you can get it during Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3).

Embark on an epic journey in Baldur’s Gate 3 as you seek to acquire the legendary Sword of the Emperor. Renowned for its immense power and historical significance, this formidable weapon is a coveted prize for adventurers aiming to carve their name into the annals of the game’s rich universe. In this guide, we’ll explore the Sword of the Emperor, how to acquire it, and tips for using it effectively in Baldur’s Gate 3.
What is the Sword of the Emperor in BG3?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Sword of the Emperor is made to give you an extra advantage against shapeshifters and additional protection against spells. This weapon deals Slashing damage, and with the Shapeshifter Slayer bonus will do additional damage against shapeshifters and polymorphed creatures. Moreover, this will include creatures that you have successfully cast the Polymorph spell on. That Level 4 Transmutation spell can transform an enemy into a sheep.
Additionally, this weapon also grants the user the Magical Durability bonus. This gives the wielder a +2 bonus to all Saving Throws against spells.
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Sword of the Emperor Abilities and Effects
Below are all the features, abilities, and effects of Sword of the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Weapon Type: Longsword
- Damage: 1d10 (1d8)+6 Slashing
- Requirements: Martial Weapons or Longswords Proficiency
- Rarity: Rare
- Location: Found inside the hidden room in the Knights of the Shield Hideout, Act 3.
- Weight: 1.35 kg
- Value: 250
- Bonuses:
- Shapeshifter Slayer: This weapon deals an additional 1d4 damage against shapeshifters or polymorphed creatures.
- Magical Durability: The wielder has a +2 bonus to Saving throws against spells.
- Weapon Enchantment +2
- Classes with Martial Weapons Proficiency: Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, and Ranger
- Races with Longswords Proficiency: Elf, Githyanki
- Companions Who Can Use This Weapon: Karlach, Lae’zel, Minthara, Minsc
How to Get Sword of the Emperor in BG3? Explained

To get the Sword of the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3 you must enter the City in Act 3, discover the basement under the Elfsong Tavern and then find the hidden room in the Knights of the Shield Hideout. You can find the Elfsong Tavern just west of the Basilisk Gate waypoint, just past the Stormshore Tabernacle.
From the front entrance, you’ll want to walk into the back kitchen area. On the west side, you will find some stairs leading down into a basement door. You have to highlight and click on the Wooden Stairs to go down into the basement. Trying to click directly on the door won’t work.

Down in the basement, you’ll have to fight a group of rats, which should be easy. Next in our search for the Sword of the Emporer, you’ll want to go to the left/west to find a smaller room lined with wine racks. Towards the back, near a hole on the right side, you will hopefully find a Button that should pop up with a successful Perception check. Press it and through the hole in the wall, you should see the door to a wine barrel swing open. Head inside, and you’ll find another door at the bottom of some stairs. This will take you directly into the Knights of the Shield Hideout.
Inside the Knights of the Shield Hideout
Inside you will find a group of Githyanki. Try to sneak up in Stealth to gain a bit of Advantage for this fight, if you can. Additionally, you’ll want to take out the casters opening portals for new Githyanki to come through. Otherwise, this fight can be frustrating.
There is one portal and caster each on either side of the room. You should have high Strength melee characters jump up instead of running around and up the stairs. Or make good use of the Misty step spell to get close quickly.
Find the Hidden Room at the Knights of the Shield Hideout

Once the Githyanki have been dealt with, head north towards the statue at the back of the room. Move into the space behind it and a successful Perception check should reveal a button. Press this button and a secret doorway will open nearby. Inside is the Emperor’s hideout, with several mementos and a few pieces of gear scattered throughout.
On one of the weapon racks in the middle of the room, you will find the Sword of the Emperor.
How to Use the Sword of the Emperor in BG3?
The best way to use the Sword of the Emperor in BG3 is by only equipping it if you are going to be facing shapeshifters or polymorphed creatures. Otherwise, in regular combat there are going to be much better weapons to give to your melee warriors at end game.
Tips and Tricks for Sword of the Emperor in BG3
These are the best tips and tricks for finding and using Sword of the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- When fighting the Githyanki, always attack the spellcasters maintaining the portals first.
- Otherwise, new Githyanki warriors will continue to join the battle.
- The Shapeshifter Slayer also applies to ranged attacks, so long as the Sword of the Emperor is equipped.
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FAQs about Sword of the Emperor in BG3
Where can I find Sword of the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You can find the Sword of the Emperor in a Hidden Room accessed through the basement in the Elfsong Tavern during Act 3 of BG3.
Which classes or builds benefit most from Sword of the Emperor?
A Fighter or Paladin build facing a group of shapeshifters or polymorphed enemies would benefit the most from equipping the Sword of the Emperor in BG3.
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