So you're trying to find the Nightsong in BG3? Yeah, that quest had me scratching my head too. I remember spending hours combing through the Shadow-Cursed Lands, convinced I'd checked every corner. Turns out I was looking in completely the wrong section of the map. This guide will save you that frustration by breaking down exactly how to find the Nightsong in BG3, what you need to do beforehand, and why everyone cares so much about this mysterious artifact.
What Actually Is the Nightsong in BG3?
Before we dive into how to find the Nightsong BG3 style, let's clarify what you're hunting for. The Nightsong isn't some magical flute or sword like I first assumed. It's a person - a celestial being named Dame Aylin who's been imprisoned for a century. This revelation completely changes how you approach the quest.
| Key Facts About the Nightsong | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Real identity is Dame Aylin | Changes how you interact with key characters |
| Immortal daughter of Selûne | Crucial for understanding Shadowheart's storyline |
| Source of Ketheric Thorm's immortality | Essential for defeating the main antagonist |
| Imprisoned in the Shadowfell | Explains why she's so hard to find |
When I finally found her, I was shocked how much this discovery impacted my playthrough. Suddenly Shadowheart's entire personal quest made sense, and that confrontation with Ketheric? Completely different dynamic.
Prerequisites: What You NEED Before Finding the Nightsong
Look, I messed this up my first time. You can't just wander into the Shadowfell unprepared. Here's what's absolutely mandatory:
- Progressed the main quest to "Infiltrate Moonrise Towers" (you'll get this after completing the Goblin Camp or Mountain Pass)
- Spoken to Jaheira at Last Light Inn - she gives critical context
- Discovered Balthazar's secret room in Moonrise Towers (west wing, second floor)
- Resolved the Moon Puzzle in the Gauntlet of Shar - no shortcuts here
Seriously, that Moon Puzzle? Took me three reloads because I kept misplacing the ceremonial weapons. Don't rush it like I did.
The Step-by-Step Path to Find the Nightsong BG3
Okay, let's get practical. Here's exactly how to find the Nightsong BG3 players have been searching for:
The Nightsong Hunt Checklist
- Complete the Gauntlet of Shar trials (Self-Same, Faith-Leap, Soft-Step)
- Navigate through the Silent Library (grab the Spear of Night for Shadowheart)
- Solve the Moonrise Towers mural puzzle using Umbral Gems
- Take the elevator down to the Inner Sanctum
- Interact with the scrying pool to enter the Shadowfell
- Follow the path until you encounter Balthazar
- Prepare for a major decision point with Shadowheart
That moment when you first step into the Shadowfell? Chilling. The atmosphere completely shifts and you know you're close to finding the Nightsong in BG3.
Battle Tip: Handling Balthazar
Man, I hated this fight. Balthazar's minions swarm you in that cramped space near the Nightsong's prison. What finally worked for me:
- Used a Silence spell near the entrance to stop his spellcasting
- Pushed two skeletons off the ledge immediately (thank you, Telekinesis)
- Focused all firepower on Balthazar while kiting the adds
Took me two wipes before I figured this strategy out. Save beforehand!
Critical Choice: Shadowheart's Defining Moment
When you finally locate the Nightsong BG3 has been hinting at, you reach the game's emotional peak. Shadowheart faces her ultimate test:
| Choice | Immediate Consequence | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Persuade Shadowheart to spare Dame Aylin | Shadowheart abandons Shar, changes appearance | Gains Moonlight abilities, becomes Selûnite |
| Let Shadowheart kill Dame Aylin | Becomes Dark Justiciar, gains Shar's blessings | Permanent shadow powers but loses romance potential |
| Attack Shadowheart | Forced combat with your companion | Lose Shadowheart permanently from party |
I won't lie - I reloaded twice here. First time I botched the persuasion checks. Second time I wanted to see both outcomes. Sacrificing the Nightsong BG3 players seek makes Shadowheart terrifyingly powerful but emotionally hollow.
Why Bothered Finding the Nightsong? Rewards Explained
Beyond the story implications, there are tangible benefits to completing your Nightsong BG3 quest:
Essential Rewards:
- Dame Aylin becomes a temporary ally during the Ketheric Thorm fight
- Permanent +1 strength bonus from Aylin if spared (Massive for martial classes)
- Shadowheart's Divine Intervention ability upgrade
- Unique Selûnite gear if Shadowheart converts
- Access to secret Moonrise Tower areas only available post-rescue
That strength bonus alone was game-changing for my paladin. Made the final Act 2 boss much more manageable.
Where Exactly Is the Nightsong Located? Map Details
Coordinates matter when you're trying to find the Nightsong BG3 doesn't signpost clearly. After entering the Shadowfell:
- Follow the linear path past the floating rocks
- Cross the stone bridge (save here - battle ahead)
- Proceed to the circular platform with the glowing prison
- Position: X: -150, Y: -1150 (Shadowfell region)
Navigation Tip: The Shadowfell disables your mini-map. Look for the faint glowing trail on the ground - it's easy to miss but guides you straight to the Nightsong prison.
Critical Mistakes Players Make Finding the Nightsong
Watching friends play, I've seen these errors repeatedly:
- Rushing to Moonrise Towers first: Triggers point-of-no-return warnings prematurely
- Skipping Balthazar's room: Misses the Moonlantern needed for safe travel
- Ignoring Umbral Gems: Can't activate the elevator without all four
- Not bringing Shadowheart: Misses her entire character arc resolution
My biggest regret? Doing Gauntlet of Shar without Shadowheart. Had to replay six hours.
Your Nightsong Questions Answered
Can I complete Act 2 without finding the Nightsong?
Technically yes, but you'll fail multiple companion quests and lose access to major storylines. The game heavily implies you're supposed to find the Nightsong BG3 narrative centers on before confronting Ketheric.
What happens if Shadowheart kills the Nightsong?
Dame Aylin permanently dies (no resurrection), Shadowheart becomes a Dark Justiciar with new abilities but loses all connection to her past. You'll notice her personality becomes colder immediately.
Can I find the Nightsong before going to Moonrise?
No, the Gauntlet of Shar entrance remains sealed until you've infiltrated Moonrise Towers and discovered Balthazar's quarters. Trust me, I tried every workaround.
Do I need special equipment?
Only the Moonlantern for travel through darkness (obtained from Spider's Lyre quest or Drider ambush). Bring magic weapons though - Balthazar's crew resists normal damage.
Why This Quest Frustrates Players (And How to Avoid It)
Finding the Nightsong in BG3 tests patience because:
- The Gauntlet of Shar has three complex trials
- Umbral Gems are easily missed (especially in Soft-Step trial)
- Shadowfell entrance isn't clearly marked
- Multiple points-of-no-return cause anxiety
Pro Tips from My Playthroughs:
- Complete all Moonrise Towers reconnaissance BEFORE entering Shadowfell
- Save after each Gauntlet trial - bugs can reset progress
- Bring a character with high Perception (those gems hide well)
- Prepare anti-undead spells for the Balthazar fight
- Talk to Aylin multiple times post-rescue for extra lore
My first attempt took 5 hours because I missed one Umbral Gem behind a bookshelf. Don't be me.
Beyond the Quest: How the Nightsong Changes Everything
Finding the Nightsong BG3 hides isn't just another checkbox. It fundamentally alters:
| Game Aspect | Before Finding Nightsong | After Rescuing Nightsong |
|---|---|---|
| Shadowheart's Story | Doubtful Shar worshipper | Either devoted Dark Justiciar or liberated Selûnite |
| Ketheric Thorm Boss Fight | Nearly impossible (constantly heals) | Dame Aylin joins battle, disabling immortality |
| Shadow-Cursed Lands | Hostile environment requiring protection | Curse begins lifting in certain areas |
| Jaheira Interactions | Suspicious and cautious | Becomes staunch ally with new dialogue |
Honestly, Act 2 feels like a completely different game depending on how you resolve the find the Nightsong BG3 questline. My Dark Urge playthrough where Shadowheart killed Aylin was... hauntingly different from my hero run.
Speedrunner Secrets vs. Completionist Approach
If you're just trying to find the Nightsong BG3 requires to progress:
- Ignore all Gauntlet loot except Umbral Gems
- Use invisible potions to bypass trial mechanics
- Persuade Balthazar to fight alongside you (temporary ally)
- Minimum level requirement: 7
But if you're like me and want everything:
- Find all hidden chambers in Gauntlet (extra loot)
- Read every plaque for Sharran lore
- Trigger optional dialogues with Shadowheart at each trial
- Collect both versions of the Spear of Night
Took me 8 hours to fully clear everything. Worth it for the storytelling, but exhausting.
Final Reality Check: Is Finding the Nightsong Worth It?
Absolutely - but not for the reasons I expected. The gear rewards are good, but the narrative payoff is what makes this essential. Seeing Shadowheart's crisis of faith resolved (either way) remains one of gaming's most powerful moments for me. Just be prepared for:
- Complex multi-stage dungeon
- Morally ambiguous choices
- Significant time investment
- Potential companion loss
That moment when the Nightsong's identity clicked? Chills. Changed how I viewed the entire game. Worth every frustrating hour.
Comment