Baldur’s Gate 3: Defeating Lord Gortash and Claiming the Netherstone

Discover the strategy to defeat Lord Gortash and secure the Netherstone in Baldur’s Gate 3.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, facing Lord Gortash in combat becomes a necessity if you choose to ally with Orin the Red or fail the test to become Gortash’s ally. While neither encounter is straightforward, dealing with the Steel Watchers can complicate the battle against Gortash. This guide outlines the steps to find and defeat Lord Gortash in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing you to acquire his valuable Netherstone.

How to Find and Beat Lord Gortash in Baldur’s Gate 3

It’s worth noting that the battle with Lord Gortash can be bypassed by taking Orin’s Netherstone to him and successfully passing his allegiance test, without committing to controlling the Absolute as he desires.

Locating Lord Gortash

Lord Gortash is situated at Wyrm’s Rock Fortress, where you previously witnessed his ascension to archduke. Return to the audience hall, and on the right side of the throne, you’ll find a door leading outside and up a floor. Gortash can be found in the central building within this area. When you engage in conversation with him, you can threaten him if you possess Orin’s stone; otherwise, he will be hostile from the outset.

Managing the Steel Watchers

If you have previously disabled the Steel Watch, the encounter becomes more manageable, as they won’t participate. However, you can also choose to engage the Steel Watchers positioned outside before confronting Gortash. It’s important to keep your party members separated to minimize damage from the Steel Watcher’s Maim ability. Attacking them does not trigger Gortash or the enemies in his room to join the battle, allowing you to handle them separately. This approach ensures that only one Steel Watcher remains to fight later.

Beware of Traps

The initial room contains scattered traps that can prove troublesome, but you can disarm them before engaging with Gortash, and he doesn’t seem to react. Be cautious, though, as the traps explode when disarmed.

Combat Strategy

As the battle commences, use Lightning Damage on the Force Curtains, if available, to prevent Gortash from shielding. Try to eliminate Gortash within the first two or three turns to avoid facing his more formidable tyrant form. High-level spells such as Magic Missile, Disintegrate, and Blight are particularly effective in this encounter.

Once Gortash is defeated, your focus should shift to eliminating the remaining enemies. The humanoid foes are relatively vulnerable compared to the resilient Steel Watchers, making them easier targets for burst damage. Finally, loot Lord Gortash’s body to obtain his Netherstone, which might be the final piece needed before confronting the Netherbrain. Alternatively, you can proceed to the Temple of Bhaal and meet with Orin if the Netherstone is not yet complete.

By following these steps, you can successfully find and defeat Lord Gortash in Baldur’s Gate 3, securing the Netherstone for your own use.

Keep in mind that the Steel Watchers will become hostile towards you after this encounter if they remain active.