The opening of Baldur's Gate 3 sets the tone for everything that follows. This walkthrough covers the prologue (Nautiloid) and Act 1 opening in detail — including the single most valuable early-game trick: getting the Everflame Blade, one of the strongest melee weapons available for hours.
1. The Nautiloid (Prologue)
You wake up on a mind flayer ship. Before any combat, explore and loot thoroughly — the prologue is packed with free supplies.
Loot Checklist
Goal: get the Everflame Blade (1d8+2, +fire damage) — the strongest early melee weapon, perfect for Lae'zel.
Backup plan: if the mind flayer dies first, Zhalk turns on you — have Shadowheart spam heals and Lae'zel tank while you whittle him down.
The Everflame Blade can last you through the entire early game. Taking a few save-scum attempts to get it is absolutely worth it.
2. The Beach (Act 1 Opening)
After the Nautiloid crashes, follow this sequence to build your party and trigger key events:
3. Companion Recruitment Summary
| Companion | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shadowheart | Nautiloid / Beach | Rescue her, Cleric (healer) |
| Lae'zel | Beach (trapped) | Fighter — equip her with the Everflame Blade |
| Astarion | Beach (near wreck) | Rogue (stealth, lockpick) |
| Gale | Beach (waypoint) | Wizard (AoE, utility) |
| Withers | Ruins (skeleton) | Not a fighter — unlocks respec & hirelings |
4. Key Tips for the Opening
- Save before the Zhalk fight — the Command spell has a ~55% success rate, and you'll want to retry for the Everflame Blade
- The Everflame Blade is Lae'zel's best early weapon — she has martial weapon proficiency
- Bring powder barrels to the boss — they turn a hard fight into a trivial one
- Recruit all companions before the Grove fight — a full party makes the defense much easier
- The Grove defense has a timed element — get on the wall fast or you'll miss the side quest
Golden rule of the opening: loot everything, block the door, grab the Everflame Blade, and never fight the Grove defense under-staffed.
Quick route: Nautiloid (get Everflame Blade) → Beach (rescue Shadowheart, recruit Astarion + Gale) → Ruins (unlock Withers) → Grove (defend, timed quest). You're now set for Act 1.