Baldur's Gate 3 - The Best Shadowheart Build in 2024

Larian Studios' stats indicate that Shadowheart is the most romanced companion in the game, suggesting her popularity across numerous Baldur's Gate 3 playthroughs. While she doesn't deal much damage as a cleric, her role in keeping your party members alive is crucial. Moreover, certain spells she possesses can greatly simplify your Baldur's Gate 3 experience. Let's examine the best Shadowheart build in BG3:

Check out our Gale BG3 build here

About Shadowheart as a Companion

As previously mentioned, Shadowheart stands out as the most romanced companion in Baldur's Gate 3. As a High Half-Elf Cleric in the Trickery Domain, she pairs exceptionally well with Astarion. Functioning adeptly as a spellcaster and demonstrating decent stealth skills, she offers valuable versatility.

Primarily a support companion, Shadowheart excels at sustaining your party, but it's important to note her vulnerability and limited damage output. While she proves most useful outside of combat, she requires protection during battles.

Shadowheart's storyline takes a prominent role in Baldur's Gate 3, which can be both a positive and negative aspect. Her rich narrative brings a significant depth to the game, yet her frequent spotlight presence may pose challenges for players interested in romancing other companions or diversifying their focus. The narrative often revolves around her devotion to Shar, with multiple areas dedicated to the Goddess, expecting you to include Shadowheart in your party for the full experience.

How to Find and Recrute Shadowheart in BG3?

Recruiting Shadowheart is straightforward and can occur in the first few minutes of the game:

• Free Shadowheart from the tadpole by either using the rune found in the next room or interacting with the pod. Locate her at the beach once the prologue concludes.
• If you are unable to free her initially, you can still find Shadowheart at the beach.

Best Shadowheart Companion Build in BG3

Shadowheart at Level 1

For this build, you will have to locate Withers and ask him for a respec. We're building a support Shadowheart, so we will keep her as a Cleric but in the Light Domain. We'll also be changing her stats with the following:

• +5 Cantrips / +2 Spells 
• Cantrips: Guidance, Resistance, Sacred Flame.

Shadowheart's original domain, Trickery, isn't considered good in Baldur's Gate 3 and is probably the least effective Cleric subclass. Light Domain will make her a lot more useful in your BG3 playthrough.

Shadowheart at Level 2

• +2 Actions
• Prepare Spells: Bless, Command, Sanctuary, Cure Wounds, Healing Words

Bless is OP in BG3, while Sanctuary is so good that it's basically cheating.

Shadowheart at Level 3

• +2 Spells / +1 First-level spell slot / +2 Second-level spell slots
• Prepare Spells: Spiritual Weapon and optionally Hold Person

Spiritual Weapon is amazing in the early game, providing you with an extra melee turn as a weapon called forward by Shadowheart. Hold Person is optional, but keep in mind it will use up the concentration you need for Bless.

Shadowheart at Level 4

• +1 Second-level spell slot / + 1 Cantrip / +1 Feat
• Feat: Alert
• Cantrip: Blade Ward

Alert is the optimal Feat here as it will give you more initiative, allowing you to take the first turn in battle and cast Bless before the action begins.

Shadowheart at Level 4

• +2 Third-level spell slots / + 2 Spells
• Prepared Spells: Spirit Guardians and Mass Healing Words

One of the best things about Clerics is Spirit Guardians, an OP spell that can destroy enemies, such as the rats you might encounter, in 1 turn.

Shadowheart at Level 5

• +1 Third-level spell slots 

Shadowheart at Level 6

• Prepared Spells: Depending on your playstyle.

Shadowheart at Level 7

• +1  Fourth-level spell slot / +2 Spells

• Prepared Spells: Banisment and Animate Dead (Depending on your playstyle)

Shadowheart at Level 8

• +1 Fourth-level spell slot / +1 Feat
• Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Wisdom

Shadowheart at Level 9

• +1 Fourth-level spell slot / +1 Fifth-level spell slot / +3 Spells
• Prepare Spells: Insect Plague (Depending on your playstyle)

Shadowheart at Level 10

• +1 Cantrip (Pick any)

Shadowheart at Level 11

• +1 Sixth-level spell slot 
• Prepare Spells: Heroe's Feast and Planar Ally

Both spells can save you from quite sticky situations and can be cast out of battle to save an action point. Particularly, the Deva summoned by Planar Ally is a great tank.

Shadowheart at Level 12

• +1 Feat
• Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Wisdom 

Best Shadowheart Gear to Look Out For

We hope this guide for building Shadowheart helps you make better use of her in your next Baldur's Gate 3 playthrough.