How to Get the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, The Hellfire Engine Crossbow is a unique weapon that can be crafted in Act 3, and it’s easy to miss. Here is how to get it!

Hellfire Engine Crossbow - BG3 - Thumb - Baldur's Gate 3

The Hellfire Engine Crossbow is one of the most powerful and unique ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3, making it a must-have for any adventurer looking to dominate their foes from a distance. With its devastating fire-based abilities and impressive stats, this crossbow is a game-changer for those who prefer ranged combat. However, acquiring the Hellfire Engine Crossbow isn’t a simple task—its location is hidden behind puzzles, dangerous enemies, and complex choices. In this guide, we’ll explore the Hellfire Engine Crossbow, how to acquire it, and tips for using it effectively in Baldur’s Gate 3.

What is Hellfire Engine Crossbow in BG3?

Hellfire Engine Crossbow - BG3 - Baldur's Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Hellfire Engine Crossbow is a two-handed range weapon you can get in Act 3. You can equip it to your character’s main hand weapon slot in the inventory, providing additional bonuses and buffs. The user needs Martial Weapon proficiency or suffers penalties while wearing the weapon.

Hellfire Engine Crossbow Abilities and Effects

Here are all Hellfire Engine Crossbow features in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Weapon Type: Heavy Crossbow, Two-Handed
  • Damage: 1D10+2 Dexterity modifier Piercing Damage
  • Range: 18m
  • Requirements: Ranged Martial Weapon proficiency
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Location: Can be crafted in the Steel Watch Foundry (X: -325 Y: -134) after collecting the Watcher Crossbow Blueprint, Targeting Module, and Steel Watcher Arm. Act 3
  • Weight: 8.1 kg
  • Value: 960
  • Bonuses:
    • Gain once per Long Rest Lighting Arrow(Level 3 Transmutation Spell): After the arrow hits, smaller bolts snake out from the target towards nearby creatures. – 4d8 +2d8 Lightning Damage
    • Reposition Malefactor: Pulls the creature closer to you if it fails a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. (9 m range)
    • Weapon Enchantment +2
    • Unlocks Piercing Shot: Shoot a foe in the chest and possibly inflict Gaping Wounds. Undead and Constructs can’t suffer Gaping Wounds.
    • Unlocks Brace (Ranged): Spend 6 m of your movement. For the rest of your turn, roll ranged damage twice and use the highest result.
  • Classes with Martial Weapons Proficiency: Cleric (Tempest Domain, War Domain), Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, Barbarian, Bard (College of Valour)
  • Companions Who Can Use This Weapon: Lae’zel, Minthara, Karlach, Minsc

How to Get the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in BG3? Explained

You must find the Watcher Crossbow Blueprint, Targeting Module, and Steel Watcher Arm in Steel Watch Foundry to craft Hellfire Engine Crossbow in Baldur’s Gate 3.

To get the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in Baldur’s Gate 3, head to the Steel Watch Foundry (X: -291 Y: -163). It is located on the west in Lower Baldur’s Gate City in Act 3, and it is also where you can get the most powerful legendary Bow Gontr Mael. We suggest also checking out the guide on how to get it because as soon as you enter the Steel Watch Foundry, quests related to obtaining the weapon will trigger.

The area around the Steel Watch Foundry (X: -291 Y: -163) is guarded by Steel watchers and other Gortash guards. Make your way inside by unlocking the door with a 20 DC Slight of Hand skill check. You will be automatically presented with the cutscene. You can sneak inside and try to collect the required items unnoticed or pick up the fight with the guards and try to save oppressed workers, which is part of the Save the Gondians quest.

Regardless of your choices, next, you need to collect three items in this area to craft the Hellfire Engine Crossbow:

  • Watcher Crossbow Blueprint (X: -331 Y: -155)
  • Targeting Module (X: -305 Y: -156)
  • Steel Watcher Arm (X: -280 Y: -164)

Targeting Module

Targeting Module Location - Hellfire Engine Crossbow - Baldur's Gate 3
Targeting Module Location

The targeting module (X: -305 Y: -156) is on the table next to the label on the northwest side of the factory. Pick it up and move to the next item.

Steel Watcher Arm

Steel Watcher Arm Location - Hellfire Engine Crossbow - Baldur's Gate 3
Steel Watcher Arm Location

On the northeast side, also on the table, close to where you found the targeting module is Steel Watcher Arm (X: -280 Y: -164)—a second required item.

Watcher Crossbow Blueprint

Watcher Crossbow Blueprint Location - Hellfire Engine Crossbow - Baldur's Gate 3
Watcher Crossbow Blueprint Location

The Watcher Crossbow Blueprint (X: -331 Y: -155) is on the table in the office, the closed room. To get there, you need to unlock the office door with a dexterity skill check, or if you defeated the guardians in the factory, two of them should have the key. You can read the blueprint, but you will also need it to craft the Hellfire Engine Crossbow, so add it to your inventory.

Craft the Hellfire Engine Crossbow

Steel Watch Foundry crafting table Location - Hellfire Engine Crossbow - Baldur's Gate 3
Steel Watch Foundry crafting table Location

You’ll notice the crafting table in the same office, just next to the stairs. Interact with it to open the crafting window. Place all three items inside: Watcher Crossbow Blueprint, Targeting Module, and Steel Watcher Arm, and click the “combine” button. The Hellfire Engine Crossbow will be automatically added to your inventory.

How to Use the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in BG3?

Among its bonuses, the Hellfire Engine Crossbow has decent damage and will be a perfect high-damage range weapon for Fighters, Paladins, or Barbarians. Proficiency with this crossbow unlocks the Reposition Malefactor action that can pull enemies to the user if they fail the dexterity saving throw. It allows primarily melee characters to close the distance while dealing damage.

Also, with Hellfire Engine Crossbow, you can cast the Lighting Arrow spell once per long rest. It deals with a single-target attack that inflicts additional damage to nearby enemies.

Tips and Tricks for Hellfire Engine Crossbow in BG3

These are the best tips and tricks for finding and using Hellfire Engine Crossbow in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • All of the items needed to craft the Hellfire Engine Crossbow can be found inside the Steel Watch Foundry.
  • If you are following the Save the Gondians quest, your goal will be to eventually destroy the Foundry. You must craft the Hellfire Engine Crossbow before you do that, or you will loose the option forever.
  • If you miss your target when you shoot a Lightning Arrow, the AOE damage still applies.
  • However, be careful when you shoot the Lightning Arrow because it can hurt your allies, as well.

FAQs about the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in BG3

Where can I find the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Go to the Steel Watch Foundry in Act3 and combine the Watcher Crossbow Blueprint, Targeting Module, and Steel Watcher Arm at the table on the main floor in the Security Office.

Which classes or builds benefit most from the Hellfire Engine Crossbow?

Barbarians, Fighters, and Paladins all have Martial Weapon proficiency and will benefit from equipping this weapon as a secondary ranged weapon in BG3.

What are the requirements to use the Hellfire Engine Crossbow BG3?

A character must have Martial Weapon proficiency in order to equip and use all of the special weapon actions that come with the Hellfire Engine Crossbow in BG3.


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