⚡ The Escape the Nautiloid BG3 mission marks the electrifying start of Baldur’s Gate 3, placing the player aboard a collapsing illithid ship. Inside this interdimensional nightmare, you wake up amidst chaos — surrounded by cultists, demons, and potential allies — all while learning the basics of combat, dialogue, and movement.
💡 As the first mission in BG3, it introduces the main mechanics of the campaign, revealing in the very first minutes the weight of your choices and the possibilities of party building. If you’re taking your first steps at the beginning of Baldur’s Gate 3, this guide will help you understand the setting, the challenges, and what truly matters to make it out alive.
⭐ How to Complete the Escape the Nautiloid Mission – Step by Step
🧟 You wake up amidst chaos on an illithid ship, surrounded by mind flayer pods and grotesque noises. This is the starting point of the prologue in Baldur’s Gate 3, where action kicks off without warning. The tension is constant, and every choice can influence the mission’s outcome. Before leaving the initial room, take your time to explore: there are chests, corpses with useful items, and a console that may trigger skill checks within the first few minutes.
🔹 The step-by-step guide for the Nautiloid mission in Baldur’s Gate 3 begins right in this room, known as the Nursery. After escaping the pod, you gain full control and can search the area for valuable resources.
🌟 Room 1 – The Nursery: Where the Prologue Begins
🪱 In the center of the room lies a pool filled with larvae — the true “nursery.” If you succeed in a DC 10 Investigation check, you’ll notice the shell around it is extremely fragile. But beware: if you touch the structure, it explodes and deals damage. If that happens, run to the west corner of the room (X:33 Y:-428) and use the Restoration Device to heal yourself.
Swipe to see the Nursery’s location
The Nautiloid’s Nursery in BG3 — the place where your character wakes up at the start of the prologue
Return to the main image
Map of the Nautiloid ship highlighting the Nursery, where your character awakens.
🧭 Heading east from the Nursery, there’s a raised trail leading to a higher platform, curving around the room to the northwest. On a table (X: 50 Y: -408), you’ll find an Onyx (Onyx) and a Rune Slate (Rune Slate). Interacting with the slate triggers hallucinations of the Nautiloid crossing through the Planes. Nearby, you’ll find a Cartilaginous Chest(Cartilaginous Chest) filled with valuable items waiting to be looted.
💎 Further south in the room, you can loot a dead mind flayer and obtain a random gem (X: 43 Y: -429). Following a raised path, another Cartilaginous Chest(Cartilaginous Chest) can be found with random loot at (X: -43 Y: -440).
🚪 To continue the Escape the Nautiloid mission, enter through the door next to the healing device located on the west side of the room (X: 24 Y: -423). This sequence is an essential part of how to complete the Escape the Nautiloid mission in BG3, ensuring you don’t miss any important resources early on.
🌟 Room 2 – Myrnath and the Recruitable Brain in BG3
🧩 While exploring the early stages of the Escape the Nautiloid mission, you’ll come across a mutilated body identified as Myrnath, strapped to a table with a pulsing brain beside him (X: 2 Y: -435). If you pass a DC 10 Arcana check, you’ll realize that the brain is actually an intellect devourer — a creature known for taking over its victims’ minds.
🧠 At this point, you have three options: free it, ignore it, or kill it. If you choose to free it, the brain will introduce itself with a curious name: Us. Yes, that’s right. 😂 It will ask for your help reaching the Control Helm and can even become a temporary follower. This choice influences the upcoming combat encounter, and many players choose to keep Us alive to ease the battle — especially when playing with Shadowheart, who also appears at this stage of the prologue aboard the Nautiloid in Baldur’s Gate 3.
📚 Still in this room, look for an Illithid Console(X: 1 Y: -42), where you’ll find three scattered Rune Slates. Reading them offers visions and lore about the ship, which becomes useful later during the mission Help Omeluum Investigate the ParasiteOmeluum Investigate the Parasite . When he questions you about the Nautiloid, your character may unlock exclusive dialogue options based on what you learned here.
Swipe to see Myrnath’s location
The Brain pleads for help while still connected to Myrnath aboard the Nautiloid
Return to the main image
Map shows the location of Myrnath and the Brain aboard the Nautiloid in BG3
🌟 Allies and Battles: Meeting Lae’zel
🧭 Continuing the Escape the Nautiloid mission, take your party southwest toward the next area of the ship. There, you’ll meet Lae’zel, a determined githyanki warrior focused on survival. After a brief dialogue, she joins your party to help escape the chaos aboard the vessel.
⚔️ If you’re playing as Lae’zel, another githyanki named Losiir will appear in her place. He joins the group with the same goal: to survive and escape the ship as quickly as possible.
🧠 When Lae’zel leaps from a ledge and strikes an enemy, something unexpected happens — a mental connection forms between her and your character. Realizing you still have control over your mind, she agrees to cooperate, though she insists on taking command of the Nautiloid at the Control Helm. 😤 However, to move forward, you must defeat three infernal imps blocking your path.
🔥 This battle can be challenging, especially if you’re low on resources. Here are some tips to escape the Nautiloid more safely: keep your party well-positioned, use elevated terrain to your advantage, and don’t hesitate to use crowd control abilities. If you recruited the brain named UsHow to recruit the Brain in Baldur’s Gate 3 , he’ll be a great ally in this fight.
💥 After defeating the three imps, take the opportunity to explore the area. Loot the corpses of the enemies and fallen mind flayers — many carry valuable items that can come in handy later. Finally, use the Restoration Device to heal your party and head west through the arterial passages (X:-45 Y:-366) to access the next room.
Scene shows imps ready to attack
Imp battle on the Nautiloid in BG3 shortly after meeting Lae’zel
Return to the main image
Scene of the first encounter between the player and Lae’zel aboard the Nautiloid in BG3
🌟 Room 3 – Shadowheart and the Secrets of the Dark Heart
🧠 In the center of the room, you’ll find Shadowheart, also known as the Dark Heart, along with two unconscious prisoners — an elf and a human — victims of mind flayer experiments. Nearby is a console with three mysterious buttons: “Release,” “Aggression,” and “Annihilate.”
🧪 Each button triggers a different response from the cultists: the first unleashes a psychic wave; the second initiates combat (which grants 10 XP if you win); and the third simply eliminates the targets. This is one of the first moral and tactical decisions in the Escape the Nautiloid mission in BG3.
🧊 In the northeastern corner of the room, you’ll find Shadowheart trapped inside an Illithid pod. Interacting with it begins the quest Save the Illithid PrisonerSave the Illithid Prisoner in BG3 . If you’re playing as the cleric herself, the pod will be empty. To free her:
🔹 Warlocks, wizards, or sorcerers can attempt a DC 7 Arcana check.
🔹 Barbarians must pass a DC 10 Strength check.
🔹 If no one succeeds, head to the Ceremorphosis Chamber and retrieve the Preternatural Rune from the body of the Dead Servant(X: 62 Y: -355) to release Shadowheart.
Swipe to see Shadowheart’s location
Scene shows Shadowheart imprisoned in a Mind Flayer Pod
Return to the main image
Map shows the pod where Shadowheart is imprisoned during the Escape the Nautiloid mission
🗝️ Also in this area, look for an Illithid table containing an Exquisite Reliquary. It can be opened using the Golden Key, found on the same servant’s body (X: 31 Y: -355), or with the Prestidigitation spell.
🔥 Important tip: if you want to obtain the Sword of the Eternal Flame without fighting Commander Zhalk, recruiting Shadowheart is essential. She already has the Command: Drop spell prepared — allowing you to disarm Zhalk and secure one of the strongest early-game weapons without direct combat. 💥
⭐ How to Escape the Nautiloid in BG3 — Final Step: Activate the Transponder
🐙 The ultimate goal of escaping the Nautiloid is to reach the Transponder and connect the nerves to trigger teleportation and flee the ship before it’s destroyed.
🌟Race Against Time: How to Reach the Transponder in Time
🧠 You have 15 turns to reach the Transponder. Plan your moves carefully and avoid unnecessary fights. Watch out for imps that attack with projectiles and can delay your progress. Using cover and smart positioning makes all the difference.
🌟Guiding Bolt Is Your Best Weapon During the Escape
⚡ The Guiding Bolt ability, cast by Shadowheart, is extremely useful at this stage. It deals high damage and grants advantage on the next attack against the target, helping you eliminate threats quickly.
🌟Connect the Transponder’s Nerves to Escape
🕹️ Once you reach the Transponder room, find the console and interact with the connected nerves. This will trigger the final cutscene of the prologue, marking your successful escape from the Nautiloid ship.
Swipe to see the Transponder’s location
Scene captures the critical moment before activating the Transponder
Return to the main image
Map marks the exact point where the Transponder is located inside the Nautiloid
⭐ Rewards and Achievements from the Escape the Nautiloid Mission
🎁 By completing the Escape the Nautiloid mission in BG3, you not only ensure your survival but can also leave the ship with valuable items and unlock special achievements. From one of the best early-game weapons to unique trophies marking your first victory, there’s plenty to earn in this introductory mission.
🔍 Below, we’ll show how to obtain the Everburn Blade during the battle against Commander Zhalk, along with a list of all trophies and achievements available during this early stage of Baldur’s Gate 3.
🌟 Where to Find the Everburn Blade
🔥 The Everburn Blade is held by Commander Zhalk, an infernal cambion locked in combat with a mind flayer in the center of the Helm room. You can obtain it in two ways:
✔️ Option 1 – Fight Zhalk: Help the mind flayer defeat him. Zhalk is strong but will drop the blade upon death.
✔️ Option 2 – Use the Command: Drop spell: If Shadowheart is in your party and has this spell prepared before the battle starts, you can force Zhalk to drop the sword without fighting him.
💥 The sword deals 2d6 slashing damage + 1d4 fire damage, making it one of the strongest melee weapons in Act 1. Grabbing this item during the prologue gives you a major edge in upcoming encounters.
Swipe to see which spell to use
The Everburn Blade appears on the ground after Commander Zhalk drops it
Return to the main image
Use the Command: Drop spell on Commander Zhalk to get the sword
⭐ The Most Epic Moments of the Escape the Nautiloid Mission
🧠✨ Explore the most iconic scenes from Baldur’s Gate 3’s opening mission. From waking up in the nursery to the final leap to freedom, this carousel captures every unforgettable moment of the Nautiloid escape — allies, tough choices, intense battles, and stunning plot twists.
The hero holds the Intellect Devourer right after removing it from Myrnath’s head
Still trapped in Myrnath, the Intellect Devourer begs for help at the start of Baldur’s Gate 3
Lae’zel confronts the protagonist during their first meeting aboard the Nautiloid
Shadowheart is shown moments after being freed from the Illithid pod inside the Nautiloid
A brutal NPC transformation into a Mind Flayer during the prologue
An NPC undergoes ceremorphosis, becoming a Mind Flayer in BG3
Mind Flayer battles the powerful Commander Zhalk in an epic fight
Pivotal moment where the player connects the transponder cables to initiate the escape
Mysterious scene shows the hero suspended in mid-air after the Nautiloid’s destruction
The player awakens on the beach right after the Nautiloid crash
⭐ Frequently Asked Questions about Escaping the Nautiloid in Baldur’s Gate 3
If you’re confused about how Baldur’s Gate 3 begins, check out the answers below to the most common questions about the Nautiloid Escape:
The mission begins as soon as you wake up inside the alien pod during the game’s opening scene.
You’ll find the creature attached to Myrnath’s head in the second room of the prologue, near coordinates (X: 2 Y: -435).
Yes. It can assist you in early battles aboard the ship and unlock unique dialogues later in the story.
Talk to her and pass an Arcana or Strength check. If you fail, retrieve the Preternatural Rune from the Ceremorphosis Chamber.
You’ll find her along the southwestern path of the ship. Just talk to her and agree to let her join your party.
No. He’s doomed to die during the fight with the Mind Flayer and cannot be saved.
Use the Command: Drop (Command Drop) spell with Shadowheart before Zhalk dies. The sword will fall to the ground automatically.
There are at least 4 chests, corpses with gems, and interactive devices with useful loot — including a hidden reliquary.
These include “Escape the Nautiloid” and achievements tied to Shadowheart, Lae’zel, and the Intellect Devourer.
If your party is defeated, you’ll need to reload your last save. Death is permanent during this phase.
⭐ Mission Complete: The Beginning of Your Journey in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Escape the Nautiloid mission in Baldur’s Gate 3 is more than just a tutorial — it sets the tone for the adventure, introduces key mechanics, and tests your first impactful decisions in the campaign. Exploring each room carefully can secure powerful allies, legendary weapons, and valuable clues for the journey ahead.
Mastering this opening stage gives you a strategic edge, essential resources, and a deeper understanding of the world around you. Now that you’ve survived the chaos of the Nautiloid, you’re ready to face the true dangers that await in Faerûn.
🔍 Note to Readers:Found something outdated or have a valuable tip about the Escape the Nautiloid quest? Share it in the comments below so we can keep this guide up to date. The information was gathered from real gameplay experiences and the article Escape the Nautiloid, the official source for Baldur’s Gate 3.Good luck escaping, adventurer! 🚀🧠
Olá, eu sou Bruna, um entusiasta de RPGs e apaixonado por histórias épicas. Baldur's Gate 3 conquistou meu coração com sua narrativa imersiva, escolhas impactantes e mecânicas incríveis. Aqui, compartilho análises, dicas e segredos para você dominar Faerûn e viver aventuras inesquecíveis. Vamos explorar esse mundo juntos! 🐉🎲
Nós utilizamos cookies para garantir que você tenha a melhor experiência em nosso site. Se você continua a usar este site, assumimos que você está satisfeito.
Right After the Nautiloid, Learn How to Recruit Astarion in BG3
After Recruiting Astarion, Go After Lae’zel to Strengthen the Party
Complete Your Team: Recruit Gale After the Escape
X:33 Y:-428) and use the Restoration Device to heal yourself.
. When he questions you about the Nautiloid, your character may unlock exclusive dialogue options based on what you learned here.
, he’ll be a great ally in this fight.
. If you’re playing as the cleric herself, the pod will be empty. To free her:
Baldur’s Gate 3
9.1
/10
