How to Get and Use the Mask of the Shapeshifter in Baldur’s Gate 3 BG

In the enchanting world of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Mask of the Shapeshifter stands out as a legendary artifact, granting players the extraordinary ability to alter their character’s appearance at will. This unique item, exclusive to those who purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition, allows for a whimsical exploration of identity and strategy, enabling characters to assume different races, genders, and body types. But how does this magical mask work, and what are its limitations? Dive into our guide to uncover the secrets behind this transformative tool and learn how to master its shapeshifting powers for both combat and role-playing adventures.

How to get a mask?

To obtain the Mask of the Shapeshifter in Baldur’s Gate 3, players must purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. This exclusive item can be found in the Traveler’s Chest at your campsite, which becomes accessible after progressing sufficiently in the game. If you bought the standard version during early access, you can upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition for $9.99 to gain access to this unique artifact. Once acquired, players can equip the mask and utilize its shapeshifting abilities to alter their character’s appearance dramatically, enhancing gameplay and role-playing opportunities.

1. The Mask of the Shapeshifter is a unique artifact that has been transferred to Baldurs Gate 3 from the game Divinity Original Sin 2 – previous RPG of Larian Studios. It allows you to change the appearance of the hero, this is possible right after closing the creator and starting the main campaign.
2. The mask is part of the content of the Baldurs Gate 3 Digital Deluxe Edition. All players who purchased BG3 in early access, i.e. before the release of the final version on August 3, 2023, received it. Alternatively, you can purchase an upgrade to the Digital Deluxe version – the upgrade costs $9.99.

1. You can collect the shapeshifter mask and other items from the Digital Deluxe edition at the team camp. Move there and search the chest for items.

How to use a mask to change appearance?

Using a mask to change your appearance can be an exciting and transformative experience, especially in the context of Baldur’s Gate 3. The Mask of the Shapeshifter allows players to alter their character’s appearance significantly, enabling them to take on the guise of any humanoid they encounter. To effectively use this mask, players should equip it and select the desired form they wish to assume from their surroundings. This not only enhances gameplay by providing tactical advantages, such as blending in with enemies or accessing restricted areas, but also enriches the storytelling experience by allowing for deeper role-playing opportunities. Mastering the use of this mask can lead to unexpected interactions and unique narrative developments within the game.

1. After taking the item from the chest, you must put the mask on and you can choose any character from the team (not just the main protagonist). This will unlock the ability to use the Illusion School spell, Shapeshift.
2. Thanks to the charm, you can change your appearance into another character. It can be of a different race, with a different body structure, and of a different gender. This is random and you cannot reopen the creator to adjust all the appearance details to your preferences.
3. The new appearance is temporary, i.e. lasts only for the duration of the shape-shifting spell. To get rid of the new look you have to cast the Dispel Disguise spell.
4. The mask is not a single-use item, but you can reactivate it only after a long rest in the camp.

What are the limitations of using the Mask of the Shapeshifter

The Mask of the Shapeshifter in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers unique abilities but comes with several limitations:

1. Permanent Helmet Slot: Once equipped, the mask occupies the helmet slot, preventing the wearer from using any other headgear, which may limit defensive options or bonuses from other helmets.
2. Randomized Transformations: The mask allows players to change their appearance, but the results are random. Players cannot customize details like they can during character creation, which may lead to unsatisfactory transformations for specific situations.
3. Racial Abilities: While the mask allows players to gain the racial traits of the assumed form, this can lead to gameplay imbalances. For instance, party members can use it to exploit racial advantages without the need to commit to a specific race during character creation.
4. Disguise Limitations: The transformation lasts only until the player decides to revert back or until a long rest is taken. Additionally, using the mask can alter dialogue options and racial tags, potentially affecting interactions with NPCs.
5. Exclusivity: The mask is only available to players who purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game, limiting its accessibility for others.

These limitations balance the mask’s powerful abilities with strategic considerations in gameplay.

How does the Mask of the Shapeshifter affect NPC interactions

The Mask of the Shapeshifter significantly impacts NPC interactions in Baldur’s Gate 3 by allowing players to alter their appearance, which can lead to various advantages and unique gameplay experiences. Here are the key effects on NPC interactions:

1. Race-Specific Dialogue: By changing into a different race, players can access unique dialogue options that may not be available to their original character. This can facilitate better negotiations or unlock specific quests that require a certain racial identity.
2. Improved Merchant Relations: The mask allows players to shift into a race that may have better standing with specific merchants. For instance, transforming into a Dwarf might yield better prices from Dwarven shopkeepers, enhancing trade opportunities.
3. Avoiding Hostility: NPCs may react differently based on the player’s current appearance. For example, if a player is disguised as a race that is more accepted in a particular area, they may avoid hostile encounters or gain trust from wary townsfolk, which is crucial for progressing in certain quests.
4. Exploiting Racial Abilities: The mask not only changes appearance but also allows players to gain access to racial abilities associated with the new form. This can be strategically used in interactions where specific racial traits are beneficial, such as using an Elf’s abilities in scenarios involving nature or stealth.
5. Temporary Disguise Mechanics: While the mask provides a temporary disguise, it can be used strategically in situations where players need to evade recognition or manipulate NPCs without revealing their true identity. This can be particularly useful in quests involving deception or infiltration.

Overall, the Mask of the Shapeshifter enhances the role-playing aspect of Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing for creative and tactical approaches to NPC interactions while adding depth to character development and story engagement.