In the enchanting yet perilous world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter a peculiar character known as the Strange Ox—a creature that defies expectations and invites intrigue. This enigmatic bovine, first spotted in the Druid Grove, is not just an ordinary animal; it harbors secrets and a devilish charm that sets it apart from its mundane counterparts. As players delve deeper into the narrative, the Strange Ox transforms into a pivotal figure, requiring assistance to navigate the treacherous paths of the city. What lies beneath its seemingly rude demeanor? Join us as we unravel the mystery surrounding this captivating character and explore its role in your adventure.
Who is the Strange Ox?
The Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a mysterious shapeshifter first encountered in the Emerald Grove during Act One. Initially appearing as an ordinary ox, it becomes clear that this creature is far from mundane, as players can engage it in conversation using special potions or spells. Throughout the game, the Strange Ox reappears at various locations, including the Last Light Inn in Act Two, where it reveals unsettling visions when questioned. Ultimately, it transforms into a more sinister form, suggesting ties to darker forces and presenting players with moral choices regarding its fate. This enigmatic character not only adds depth to the narrative but also offers unique rewards, such as the Shapeshifter Boon Ring, depending on how players choose to interact with it.
After drinking a potion or casting a speak with animals spell in BG3, you will be able to learn a lot of interesting things from various creatures. The Strange Ox, which you can encounter in act 1, is much different from other animals.
During the first conversation with the Strange Ox, you will realize that the animal is not who it claims to be. A well-conducted conversation will unlock the Help the Devilish Ox quest in act 3.
Don’t worry, even if you don’t meet the ox in act 1 or act 2, you will still be able to unlock his quest at the end of the game.
A badly conducted conversation with the Strange Ox can end in a fight. The Ox will then turn into Ooze, a slime-like monster at level 5. The defeated Ox will drop the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring and the Hat of Fire Acuity.
Where to meet the Strange Ox in act 1?
In Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Strange Ox can be found in the Druid Grove, specifically in the stables located on the far right side next to Dammon. To interact with this mysterious creature, players can use a potion or spell that allows them to speak with animals, as the Strange Ox is quite elusive and won’t easily divulge information. Engaging in dialogue may require successful rolls in Persuasion, Intimidation, or Deception to coax out hints about its true identity and intentions. Players should be cautious, as attacking the Strange Ox will trigger a hostile response from nearby characters and result in a dangerous encounter.
You can encounter the Strange Ox for the first time in the Druid Grove in act 1, near the trader Arron. If you ally with Minthara and kill all the Tieflings in the Grove, the Ox may not reach the next locations.
To properly conduct a conversation with the Strange Ox, you must:
- Choose the first dialogue option and pass the Intelligence skill check.
- Choose the first dialogue option and ask who it really is.
- Choose the 1st out of 3 ability checks and pass it.
Lastly, the Ox will say that he is going to Baldur’s Gate.
Where to meet the Strange Ox in act 2?
In Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Strange Ox can be found at the Last Light Inn, specifically in the stables next to Dammon. This location serves as a refuge from the Shadow Cursed Lands, making it a key spot for players. To interact with the Strange Ox, players can use spells like Speak with Animals or engage in dialogue through checks such as Persuasion, Perception, or Nature. Successfully navigating these interactions may reveal unsettling visions and lead to further quests involving this enigmatic character. If players attack the Strange Ox here, it will transform into a formidable ooze, making it crucial to approach with caution and curiosity rather than hostility.
In act 2, the Strange Ox can be found at the Last Light Inn. The Ox will stand in the pen next to the merchant Dammon.
Talk with the Strange Ox in the following way:
- Choose the first dialogue option.
- Pass any ability check to learn more.
- Choose any answer and end the conversation in such a way as not to anger the Ox and not lead to a fight.
Where to meet the Strange Ox in act 3?
In Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Strange Ox can be found in an isolated barn located at coordinates X:38 Y:-146 in Rivington. This barn is situated south of the refugee donation barn, making it somewhat off the beaten path. If you have spared the Strange Ox during your previous encounters, he will be eager to speak with you and reveal more about his plans. During this meeting, he will request your assistance in smuggling him into the city, initiating the quest titled Help the Devilish Ox. Completing this quest involves a unique transformation where the Strange Ox turns into an apple for you to carry, allowing you to sneak past guards and ultimately gain valuable rewards, including the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring.
The last location of the Strange Ox is the barn near Rivington Waypoint in act 3. Here you will be able to receive a quest from him, regardless of whether you have met him before.
If you want to unlock the Help the Devilish Ox side quest, you must:
- Choose the 1st out of 3 dialogue options (if you haven’t spoken to the Ox before, you will need to pass a skill check)
- Agree to help him.
- Pick up the apple – the Ox has turned into it.
Help the Devilish Ox
The quest Help the Devilish Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 revolves around assisting an enigmatic character known as the Strange Ox. This peculiar creature first appears in the Druid Grove, where players can engage in dialogue and uncover its mysterious nature. As the story progresses, the Strange Ox reappears in various locations, including the Last Light Inn and Rivington. To complete the quest, players must agree to help the ox sneak into Baldur’s Gate by carrying a transformed version of it—a magical apple—through a checkpoint into the Lower City. Successfully navigating this challenge rewards players with the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring, enhancing their abilities while disguised or shapeshifting, and hints at future alliances with this devilish character.
When you talk to the Strange Ox in the barn in act 3 and agree to help him, you unlock the Help the Devilish Ox quest. The task is very simple. Pick up the apple and go with it to the Lower City.
As soon as you enter the city, the Ox will thank you for your help and disappear – the quest will automatically end. As a reward, you will receive a ring and a thank you note.
Reward from Strange Ox
The Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a peculiar character that players encounter early in the game, specifically in the Druid Grove. Unlike typical NPCs, this ox exhibits unusual behavior and a distinctly rude demeanor, hinting at a deeper mystery. As players progress through the story, they will find the Strange Ox reappearing at various locations, including the Last Light Inn and Rivington. Ultimately, players can assist the ox by smuggling it into the city in a unique quest where it magically transforms into an apple. Successfully completing this quest rewards players with the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring, enhancing their abilities while disguised or shapeshifted. The Strange Ox’s enigmatic nature and the quest surrounding it add an intriguing layer to the gameplay experience.
For completing the Help the Devilish Ox quest, you will receive Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring, which gives a 1d4 bonus to all skill checks when your character has changed its shape. But it’s not over yet!
What is the true identity of the Strange Ox
The Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 is not just an ordinary creature; it is a shapeshifter and a follower of Cyric, the chaotic god of trickery and madness. Initially encountered in the Druid Grove, the Strange Ox claims to simply want to reach Baldur’s Gate, but its true nature is far more complex. When pressured for information, it reveals unsettling visions and can transform into a dangerous ooze during combat, hinting at its dark past.
As players progress through the game, they can choose to spare the Strange Ox, allowing them to uncover more about its identity in later acts. Ultimately, if players assist the Strange Ox, it transforms into an apple as part of a quest and can later be summoned in battle as Zlorb, showcasing its ability to shift into various forms with unique combat abilities. This duality raises questions about redemption and the nature of evil within the game’s narrative, as the Strange Ox seeks a simple life while grappling with its sinister origins.
What is the significance of the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring
The Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring in Baldur’s Gate 3 holds significant value for players, particularly those who utilize shapeshifting or disguise spells. Here are the key aspects of its significance:
- Bonus to Checks: The ring grants a +1d4 bonus to all checks while the wearer is shapeshifting or disguised. This bonus can greatly enhance a character’s effectiveness in various situations, making it a valuable asset for both combat and skill checks.
- Acquisition Method: Players can obtain the ring by defeating the Strange Ox, a character that appears in the game. While this method provides immediate rewards, it also comes with moral implications and potential consequences for the storyline, as killing the ox may close off certain quest lines and interactions later in the game.
- Strategic Use: The ring is particularly beneficial for characters like Halsin, who can shapeshift, allowing them to maximize their abilities in combat and exploration. It synergizes well with spells such as Disguise Self, enhancing stealth and deception tactics.
- Alternative Acquisition: Players have the option to obtain the ring without killing the Strange Ox by engaging in a trade after paying a fee, which can preserve story elements and allow for continued interactions with the ox throughout the game2.
Overall, the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring is not just a powerful item; it embodies the choices players make regarding morality and strategy within the rich narrative landscape of Baldur’s Gate 3.
