InBaldur’s Gate 3Act 3, players are brought into the heart of the city and thrown into a web of political intrigue, hidden agendas, and shifting allegiances. One faction that looms large in this final act is the Zhentarim. Known for their shady dealings, underground operations, and mercenary ways, the Zhentarim operate from the shadows, pulling strings while staying just out of sight. Understanding the Zhentarim in Act 3 is crucial for players looking to unlock hidden paths, gain unique items, and influence the story in meaningful ways. Their presence adds a layer of danger, opportunity, and complexity that makes the endgame feel alive and unpredictable.
The Role of the Zhentarim in Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 3
Who Are the Zhentarim?
The Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network, is a secretive and powerful mercenary organization in the Forgotten Realms. They are driven by profit, influence, and control, often working behind the scenes to manipulate events in their favor. InBaldur’s Gate 3, the Zhentarim have already made subtle appearances in earlier acts, but their operations become more visible and influential in Act 3 when players enter the city proper.
Location and Base of Operations
In Act 3, players can uncover the Zhentarim’s operations deep within Baldur’s Gate itself. Their presence is largely centered around a hidden base in the city, often disguised as something innocuous or hidden behind locked doors and puzzles. Visiting their headquarters offers not just loot, but also critical story information, dangerous side quests, and morally gray choices that test the player’s alliances.
How to Find the Zhentarim in Act 3
Clues and Entry Points
Unlike in the earlier acts, where players might stumble upon the Zhentarim through quests or captured prisoners, in Act 3 their presence requires more careful exploration. Players may receive leads through rumors in taverns, coded messages, or through NPCs who hint at a deeper criminal underworld operating in Baldur’s Gate.
- Speak to shady characters in taverns such as The Elfsong Tavern.
- Explore alleyways and backstreets where guards are sparse.
- Use theDetect ThoughtsorInsightchecks to uncover hints from suspicious NPCs.
Accessing the Zhentarim Hideout
To gain access to the Zhentarim’s hidden base, players may need to use a mix of persuasion, stealth, or brute force. Once inside, expect heavily guarded areas, complex traps, and NPCs that won’t hesitate to turn hostile if provoked. Players who previously interacted with the Zhentarim in earlier acts may find their previous choices affecting the level of hostility or acceptance in Act 3.
Quests Involving the Zhentarim
Mercenary Dealings
Once inside the hideout, the player may be offered a series of quests that further the Zhentarim’s goals. These typically involve smuggling, espionage, or eliminating rival factions. Completing these missions can offer powerful rewards, rare items, and the chance to sway the city’s balance of power in the Zhentarim’s favor.
- Smuggle an illegal magical item past the Flaming Fist guards.
- Sabotage a rival gang’s warehouse in the Lower City.
- Spy on a powerful noble and report their secrets to the Zhentarim.
Moral Consequences
Aligning with the Zhentarim has consequences. While the rewards are tempting, players risk alienating other factions such as the Harpers, the Flaming Fist, or even the city’s regular citizens. Decisions made in these quests often carry weight, affecting companions’ opinions and shaping the final outcome of the game.
Key Characters Connected to the Zhentarim
Zhentarim Leader
The main Zhentarim figure in Act 3 is a charismatic but ruthless leader who oversees the organization’s city operations. This NPC is highly intelligent, manipulative, and always watching for opportunities to gain leverage over both enemies and allies. Whether players choose to work with or against them can drastically impact how the final events in Baldur’s Gate play out.
Double Agents and Informants
Throughout the city, players can also uncover Zhentarim informants posing as merchants, dock workers, or even Flaming Fist guards. Interacting with these characters may reveal side quests, hidden stashes, or new pathways into locked-down parts of the city. Trust is never guaranteed, and double-crosses are common.
Rewards and Items
Exclusive Zhentarim Gear
Working with the Zhentarim can lead to rare and powerful gear. Some of the best magical items tied to this faction include enchanted crossbows, stealth-enhancing cloaks, and alchemical tools unavailable elsewhere.
- Cloak of the Black Network: Increases stealth and provides resistance to divination magic.
- Zhent Crossbow: A heavy weapon that deals bonus damage against marked targets.
- Ring of Whispered Deals: Grants advantage on Persuasion and Deception checks.
Gold and Influence
In true Zhentarim fashion, completing their quests often results in large sums of gold and access to forbidden knowledge. This can give players a significant edge in both combat and dialogue, allowing them to buy rare goods or bribe key figures within the city.
How the Zhentarim Affect the Ending
Faction Influence in the Finale
The choices made regarding the Zhentarim influence who rises and falls in the power struggles of Baldur’s Gate. If the player helps the Zhentarim grow in strength, they may take over entire city districts, replacing local authorities with their own enforcers. On the other hand, working against them may result in violent confrontations and the exposure of their crimes to the wider public.
Companion Reactions
Companions like Wyll, Gale, and Karlach may disapprove of the player’s alliance with the Zhentarim due to the faction’s ruthless methods. Others, like Astarion or Lae’zel, may admire the power and pragmatism of such a partnership. These reactions shape dialogue, romance, and even endgame loyalty.
Should You Side with the Zhentarim?
Pros
- Access to exclusive weapons, items, and gold.
- Additional storylines and hidden quests.
- New strategies for dealing with other factions or obstacles.
Cons
- Loss of reputation with noble factions or the Flaming Fist.
- Risk of betrayal or being dragged into violent conflicts.
- Companion disapproval and potential consequences in the final act.
The Zhentarim in Act 3 ofBaldur’s Gate 3offer one of the most compelling and morally ambiguous storylines in the game. Their shadowy influence reaches far across the city, and players can choose to either embrace their power or challenge it. Whether seeking riches, power, or simply a more nuanced playthrough, interacting with the Zhentarim provides unique opportunities and dangers. For those willing to delve into the darker side of Baldur’s Gate, the Black Network is always watching and always ready to strike a deal. Understanding how to navigate their world is key to mastering the intrigue and danger that defines the final act of this sprawling RPG epic.