A special axe in Baldur’s Gate 3 can only be obtained if Shadowheart does not accompany you. To even be able to see it, you must follow certain steps. For players, the axe Sethan is considered the “most missable weapon” in the entire game.
Spoiler warning: The unique axe is a hidden weapon that lies behind a small puzzle. If you want to puzzle it out yourself, you should not continue reading. Without a guide, the weapon is nearly impossible to find.
What kind of weapon is this?
- Sethan is a +2 two-handed axe with corresponding damage: 1d12+2+Strength and the abilities you can execute with any axe.
- In addition, there are special spells you learn by wielding the axe: Weapon of Faith (Axe) at level 6, as well as Reduce.
- The weapon is thus ideal for Paladins who specialize in damage or Mystic Knights, even though they belong to the weaker classes.
This is how you get Sethan: The axe is available only late in the game, in Act 3. There it is sold by Ferg Drogher in Rivington. He will only speak to you if you do not have Shadowheart in your party.
If the Shar cleric accompanies you, Ferg will immediately recognize her and want nothing to do with you. He disappears and does not reappear, making the weapon irretrievably lost. That alone is a hurdle since Shadowheart is one of the most popular companions.
On Reddit, the user Silver-Scion has outlined the exact steps you must follow to obtain Sethan:
- As soon as you arrive in Rivington, send Shadowheart back to the camp, even if she complains.
- Talk to Ferg and do not look at his goods. A bug may prevent you from seeing Sethan otherwise.
- Ask Ferg where he gets his goods. You need to make a persuasion roll with DC 18 (which becomes a bit more difficult without Shadowheart).
- Ask him to show you his (exotic) goods. You should now be able to buy Sethan.
In the comments, some users claim that you don’t necessarily have to send Shadowheart to the camp. It’s supposedly enough if she stands very, very far away. Furthermore, Ferg should also talk to you if you follow the “dark” path for Shadowheart and have let her ascend to the Dark Justiciar. If you want to be sure, you should still leave her in the camp.
The “most missable weapon” in the game – How powerful is Sethan?
In terms of pure stats, Sethan is rather mediocre. Generally, greatswords are stronger than great axes as they roll 2d6 and thus offer higher minimum damage. The advantage is that axes, due to their maneuvers, are particularly well-suited against groups of enemies.
Additionally, the special abilities alone can make Sethan one of the best weapons in the game:
- Weapon of Faith is actually a level 2 spell that conjures a weapon dealing 1d8 damage plus spell modifier.
- At level 6, however, the damage increases to 3d8 (+2 for Sethan). Level 6 is the highest level players can normally cast – a better spell is only obtained by the Dark Urge.
- With Reduce, you shrink an opponent. His weapons deal less damage, and he becomes one size category smaller, which allows you to potentially throw him and thus directly kill him.
The weapon is best suited for Paladins who focus on Strength and Charisma, making them pure “hit-and-smash” characters. This way, you maximize both weapon damage and spells.
Shadowheart is also important for other weapons. However, you must choose between two extremely powerful weapons:
Baldur’s Gate 3: How to get the best legendary spear with Shadowheart
