Baldur’s Gate 3: Should You Release the Pixie in BG3?

The great Pixie vs Moon Lantern dilemma: What should you do?

By Ali Usama

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game where every choice you make feels like walking a tightrope. So, let’s talk about that moment in the Shadow Cursed Lands when you’re clutching the Moon Lantern, contemplating whether to let the Pixie go or not. It feels like a big decision, doesn’t it? Because nobody wants to end up accidentally wiping their entire party off the map. But, as with many things in the game, there’s more to the Pixie situation than meets the eye. Wondering if you should release the Pixie in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)? Let’s explore the implications of this decision together, weighing the consequences, and understanding how deep the rabbit hole goes in Baldur’s Gate 3.

The Dilemma: To Release the Pixie or Not in BG3

Holding the Moon Lantern

On one hand, this lantern is your lifeline, protecting you from the Shadow Curse that threatens to devour you whole. The pixie also named ‘Dolly Dolly Dolly’ fuels the lantern, offering you a shimmer of light in a world swallowed by shadows. It’s a no-brainer, right? Keep the pixie, keep the light. But, as with everything in Baldur’s Gate 3, the waters are muddier than they appear.

Releasing the pixie feels like the good thing to do, a deed worthy of a hero by freeing an innocent poor guy. Yet, it’s akin to destroying your only torch in a cavern teeming with unknown dangers. The immediate risk sends shivers down your spine; after all, who willingly gives up their shield against darkness? But then again, the game has a knack for rewarding the bold and the benevolent in unexpected ways​​.

The decision isn’t just about choosing between good and evil; it’s a complex calculation of risk and reward, immediate safety versus potential long-term benefits. Do you hold onto the tangible security the Moon lantern offers against the Shadow Curse, or do you bet on the gratitude of a mystical creature, hoping your act of kindness pays dividends down the road? It’s a classic BG3 conundrum, where every choice ripples through your adventure in unforeseen ways.

Should You Release the Pixie from the Lantern in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?

So, what’s it gonna be? The choice, as always, is yours to make but it depends on the consequences of the decision. Below, we’ve broken down each option and explained how it could affect your party’s future.

Benefits of Releasing the Pixie

Pixie giving its blessing.

You might be thinking, “Why on earth would I let go of my one reliable light source in this accursed darkness?” I get it, truly. The Shadow Cursed Lands aren’t exactly a stroll through a sunny park. But the decision to release the Pixie, while seemingly small, has a few great perks that could very well be game-changers.

First off, releasing the Pixie isn’t only an act of kindness; it’s a good move for your party’s future. Imagine, instead of being tethered to a lantern, your entire group gets a blessing, a magical boon that’s like a protective bubble against the shadows. We’re talking about the Filigreed Feywild Bell, a powerful item that protects your party from the Shadow Cursed.

The beauty of this Pixie blessing isn’t just in the protection it offers. You should know how you have to huddle around the Moon Lantern to get its protection from the curse, limiting your movements and strategy. Well, with the Filigreed Feywild Bell, your party can spread out, strategize better, and explore without that invisible leash pulling you back. This level of flexibility is invaluable, especially in the heat of battle or when you’re trying to sneak past enemies.

And if you’re thinking long-term (which you should be, in a game like this), our Pixie friend promises to pay it forward. Not only does the blessing make Act 2 a breeze, but this companion also lends a hand in Act 3. That’s right; affecting your journey far beyond the immediate gratification of a safe stroll through the Shadow Cursed Lands.

Drawbacks and Considerations of Releasing the Pixie

Pixie inside the lantern.

Every rose has its thorn, and in the case of releasing the Pixie from the Moon Lantern, there are a couple of prickles to consider. Now, don’t get me wrong, the benefits are fantastic, but it wouldn’t be Baldur’s Gate 3 if there weren’t some complexities to mull over.

The main drawback, and it’s more of a hiccup than a full-stop, is the change in how you’ll handle certain shadowy threats. Without the lantern, spotting those sneaky Wraiths and Shadows becomes a bit more challenging. These critters love to play hide and seek, teleporting in and out of visibility, which can make combat feel like you’re trying to swat flies in the dark. While not a deal-breaker, it does add an extra layer of challenge to your battles, requiring you to adapt your strategies accordingly.

Here’s where the considerations come into play: strategy and playstyle. If you’re someone who relishes the tactical depth of combat, this new challenge might be a welcome twist. It encourages you to be more alert, to anticipate enemy moves, and to plan your actions with a bit more caution. On the other hand, if you prefer to have all the information upfront, to see your enemies as they creep up on you, this could require a bit of adjustment.

Moreover, it’s worth pondering how this decision fits into your overall journey through Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is a rich tapestry of choices, each with its own set of ripples. Freeing the pixie is a gesture of goodwill, and it’s rewarded with magical protection that spans across acts. But it also asks you to trade off a bit of your visual advantage in combat for broader strategic benefits elsewhere. But let’s weigh our options here: a minor inconvenience in battle versus immunity to a land that’s essentially out to get you? I’d say the scales are heavily tipped in favor of releasing the Dolly Dolly Dolly.

How to Free the Pixie from Moon Lantern in Baldur’s Gate 3

Freeing the Pixie from Moon Lantern in BG3

Acquiring the Moon Lantern is your ticket to this whole scenario. There are a couple of ways to get your hands on this crucial item. You could charm or persuade Nere to hand one over in Act 1, or maybe you’re more the adventurous type and stumble upon one while exploring the Ruined Battlefield in Act 2. If you collect a broken lantern, no worries; a little detour to Balthazar’s Room for some fixing, and you’re all set. Now, with the lantern in your possession, the stage is set for a decision that could very well alter the course of your adventure.

So, you’ve decided to free the Pixie in BG3? Here’s how it unfolds: inspect the Moon Lantern, and a scene will trigger, presenting you with the choice. This is your moment of decision, where the game transcends from mere mechanics to a narrative experience. The moment you decide to free the Pixie, the game acknowledges your choice with a reward. You will get the Filigreed Feywild Bell, a symbol of the pixie’s gratitude, which offers your party a buff against the darkness of the Shadow Cursed Lands. So, as you make your choice, remember: in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, every light cast also creates shadows.