Baldur's Gate 3 Moonlantern vs Shadowlantern choice
Do you want to craft the powerful Baldur’s Gate 3 Moonlantern or destroy the ritual circle at the start of your journey? While it might seem like a simple choice, your decision will significantly impact your storyline and the perception of your companions, so it’s worth taking a moment to digest the implications of each.
The Moonlantern and Shadowlantern are powerful artifacts that you can choose to create or destroy during your time in Balthazar’s Laboratory. While the choice itself seems straightforward, the implications of your decision are far-reaching, so much so that it could even shape your character’s path in the D&D game. Here’s what you need to know about the Baldur’s Gate 3 Moonlantern vs Shadowlantern choice and the consequences of both options.
Where is the Moonlantern or Shadowlantern choice?
You can only make the crucial choice between the Moonlantern and Shadowlantern after completing the Demi-Plane sub-campaign, so make sure you’ve finished all of the Demi-Plane quests before heading to Balthazar’s Laboratory.
Balthazar’s Laboratory is located in the north-eastern corner of the Sword Coast. As you approach the area, you’ll be met by a cutscene featuring Balthazar and Gale, after which you’ll have the chance to explore the dungeon.
As you travel through the dungeon, you’ll eventually come across a ritual circle and a statue of Mystra. Choose the wrong dialogue option, and you’ll be forced to fight a Mindflayer.
Regardless of whether you choose to fight the Mindflayer or destroy the ritual circle, you’ll be able to continue exploring Balthazar’s Laboratory. However, your choice will impact both lore and companion reactions.
How to make the Moonlantern in Baldur’s Gate 3
If you choose to make the Moonlantern, you’ll be able to summon a shadow wraith to fight alongside you. To do so, you’ll first need to unlock the secret room that holds Balthazar’s notes on the artifact.
To unlock the hidden room, you’ll need to make a high Arcana check. Thankfully, this is a skill check that you can bypass if Gale is in your party. With Gale in tow, you’ll only need to walk near the door to succeed the check.
Once you have Balthazar’s notes, you’ll be able to craft the Shadowlantern. It’s worth noting that crafting the Shadowlantern alone requires a nearly impossible DC 30 Arcana check. Thankfully, the alternative is much simpler.
How to destroy the ritual circle in Baldur’s Gate 3
If you instead choose to destroy the ritual circle, you’ll be able to continue exploring Balthazar’s Laboratory without any resistance. Your companions will react to your decision, with some supporting the embrace of dark powers and others cautioning restraint.
Gale, in particular, has concerns about Mystra, the Goddess of magic. He’ll gain Mystra’s Benevolence, granting him a advantage on Concentration Checks. It’s important to note that Gale is the only character who receives this buff, not you as the player.
That’s everything you need to know about the crucial Moonlantern or Shadowlantern choice in Baldur’s Gate 3. The consequences of your decision will affect your journey in the D&D game, so choose wisely. If you’re looking for a new adventure to embark on, here’s our list of the best PC games currently available.
Original guide by Ford James
