Baldur’s Gate 3: Should You Take the Ritual Dagger of Shar in BG3?

Is this dagger good enough to have it in your inventory?

By GamesRecon

In Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the choices you will come across and make a decision is whether to take the Ritual Dagger of Shar, a mysterious weapon that belongs to a dark goddess. In this guide, we will tell you where to find it, what happens if you take the dagger, and how it affects your relationship with Shadowheart in BG3, one of your trusty companions.

What is the Ritual Dagger of Shar?

BG3 Ritual Dagger of Shar Stats

The Ritual Dagger of Shar in BG3 is an uncommon weapon that packs a bit more punch than your standard dagger. When you use it, it does 1d4+1 Piercing damage and then tops it off with an extra 1d4 of Necrotic damage, which is pretty wicked if you ask me. You can throw this magic dagger at an enemy, and it’ll zip right back to you after you’ve made your attack. It’s very handy for players like rogues or anyone who likes to keep things sneaky and prefers fighting from a distance.

This dagger has a dark backstory, too. It’s tied to Shar, the goddess of darkness, loss, and secrets. Not exactly the cheeriest deity on the block, and she’s got a cult of shadowy followers, the Sharrans. These guys are into assassination and espionage, and they’re pretty devout followers of Shar, worshipping her away from prying eyes.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Ritual Dagger of Shar Location

Shar Altar Statue with Ritual Dagger

To get the Ritual Dagger of Shar, you’ll have to venture into the Shadowlands in Act 2. The Shadowlands are a twisted and corrupted version of the Underdark, where shadows and nightmares come to life. To access this area, you need to use the Moon Lantern, a magical device that can open portals to this realm.

Entering the Shadowlands will lead you to a Sharran Sanctuary, a secret shrine to Shar. To enter the sanctuary, you need to pass three skill checks: Perception, Investigation, and Religion. Inside the sanctuary, you will see a statue of Shar and this dagger on the pedestal. When you approach and interact with the statue, you get to make a choice. You can either spill a bit of your blood on the altar using the dagger as an offering, or just grab the dagger and make it yours.

What Happens If You Take the Ritual Dagger of Shar in BG3?

If you decide to snatch the Ritual Dagger of Shar for yourself, be ready for a bit of a rumble. You’ll end up facing off against three tough enemies: Charismatic Sentinel, Wise Sentinel, and an Intelligent Sentinel. These aren’t your average foes; they’re all level 7 with a hefty 120 HP each. Furthermore, they come with the tricky Shadow Condition that makes them pretty much shrug off most damage unless you hit them with Force, Psychic, or Radiant attacks. Here’s where that Moon Lantern you’re carrying comes in handy. Light it up, and you’ll see their resistance melt away, making them much easier to beat.

But there’s a bit of a personal twist to this decision. If Shadowheart, the half-elf cleric is in your party, she’s not going to be thrilled with you obtaining the dagger. As she’s a follower of Shar, taking the dagger is kind of a big no-no in her book. This will lower your approval rating with her, affecting your friendship or maybe something more down the line. So, it’s a serious matter to think about in Baldur’s Gate 3 before you make your move.

Dialogue Choices to Take the Ritual Dagger of Shar or Leave it

Should You Take the Ritual Dagger of Shar in Baldur’s Gate 3?

When it comes down to whether or not to take the BG3 Ritual Dagger of Shar, it hinges on what you’re into and how you like to play. If your character could use a magical dagger or you’re just itching for a good fight, obtaining this weapon can be the outcome you want. But if the idea of ticking off Shadowheart or duking it out with a trio of tough enemies doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, maybe just let the dagger be.

However, you can actually do a sacrifice and offer some blood to the Shar Altar instead of obtaining the dagger, which will net you some good rewards like scrolls and potions, and also let you keep a good relationship with Shadowheart. Remember, in Baldur’s Gate 3, every choice you make has an impact.