Djinn are the ultimate masters of deception, and even Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Akabi and his Spinning Wheel follow suit. At the Circus of the Last Days, there’s plenty of fun and chaos to be had.

By interacting with Djinni Akabi, players get a chance to win the Spinning Wheel’s Jackpot. Here’s how to win at Akabi’s Jackpot.

Baldur’s Gate 3: How to Win at Akabi’s Spinning Wheel in BG3

Before attempting to get the Jackpot, make sure the character who speaks with the Djinni has a replenished health bar, solid lockpicking skills, and can cast or use a scroll that allows teleportation, like Misty Step or Dimension Door. The Lucky Feat is very useful here, too. Also, save a lot.

1. Find Djinni Akabi in the Circus of the Last Days. He’s right next to the mummy.
2. Chat with him, receive an “ugly” jab, then request a shot at spinning the wheel.
3. Pass a perception chest to realize that Akabi uses the ring on his beard to manipulate the results of the wheel.
4. Leave the conversation. Do not call him a cheater unless you plan to become a wheel of cheese whose only ability is to cloud the nearby area with Cheesy Smell.
5. Use a sneaky character, like Astarion, to pickpocket the Djinni Ring from Akabi’s inventory.
6. Now that he doesn’t have his cheating amulet, spin the wheel again to hit the Jackpot at Akabi’s Spinning wheel.

Baldur’s Gate 3: How to Get the Nyrulna Legendary in BG3

After getting the Jackpot, the Djinni will say you’re a thief and snap you away to a deadly jungle area alone. This newfound jungle area is crowded with dinosaurs, so get ready to sneak around or fight them to clear the path.

Though the dinosaurs won’t hold any loot when defeated, the area is full of corpses of previous adventurers who were deceived by the Djinni, too. Their corpses do hold valuable loot.

To find the Nyrulna Legendary, head toward the southmost end of the area and spot a treasure chest. The easiest way to get there is by jumping, but if that’s out of the question, resort to teleportation spells like Misty Step, Dimension Door, or any other one that will teleport this one character to the other side.

Roll the dice to lockpick the treasure chest. Find Baldur’s Gate 3 Nyrulna, a legendary trident, inside this chest. When ready, use the portal next to it to teleport back to the circus.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Nyrulna Stats

Here are the stats for the legendary Nyrulna trident:

• 5-17 Damage (1d8+3 Piercing) + 1d6 Thunder
• Versatile
• Zephyr Connection: This weapon will return to your hand when thrown. You cannot be forced to drop the trident. When thrown, the weapon creates an explosion that deals 3-12 Thunder Damage in a 6m blast centered on the target.
• Veil of the Wind: You gain a +3m bonus to movement speed and jump distance. Equipping this weapon gives you Immunity to falling damage.
• Nyrulna: Glowing: This object shines with a glowing light in a radius of 6m.
• Weapon Enchantment +3

Nyrulna’s a beast of a weapon that we think you’ll like a lot. Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with plenty more godly legendary weapons, which we detail in our article here.

What is a Djinn or Djinni in BG3?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Djinni (plural: Djinn) are powerful elemental beings. Notable Djinn include Akabi, who operates a game of chance at the Circus of Last Days, and Yafeu, who is found within a magical Djinni Lamp hidden in the Sorcerous Vault. Players can interact with these Djinn, and even summon one using the Planar Ally spell. However, caution is advised as Djinn are known for their deceptive nature.

Baldur’s Gate 3 brings loads of D&D spells to life with scrolls, and you can use them even if you’re not a wizard. Spell scrolls are scattered all over the world in Baldur’s Gate 3, some stashed away in book rows and chests, and some can be looted from fallen foes’ corpses.

Still, though these methods often leave things up to chance, spell scrolls can also be obtained from vendors all over the realm. Whether the plan is to consume the scroll in one use or have a wizard learn it in exchange for some gold, here is every spell scroll in BG3.

Baldur’s Gate 3: All Common Spell Scrolls in BG3

Appearance	Scroll Name	How to Get It
	Scroll of Protection from Evil and Good	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove
	Scroll of Ice Knife	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove
	Scroll of Mage Armor	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Fire Bolt	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Fire Hands	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Aid	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Tasha’s Hideous Laughter	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony
	Scroll of Feather Fall	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Expeditious Retreat	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Scorching Ray	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Bestow Curse	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Chromatic Orb	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Sleet Storm	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Shocking Grasp	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Witch Bolt	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Ray of Frost	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Ray of Enfeeblement	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Ray of Sickness	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Magic Missile	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Fog Cloud	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of False Life	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Sleep	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Charm Person	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate

Baldur’s Gate 3: All Uncommon Spell Scrolls in BG3

Appearance	Scroll Name	How to Get It
	Scroll of Crown of Madness	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove
	Scroll of Melf’s Acid Arrow	Cyrel’s Store, The Risen Road
	Scroll of Enlarge	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Misty Step	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony
	Scroll of Arcane Lock	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Hold Person	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Invisibility	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Speak with the Dead	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Web	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Shatter	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Mirror Image	Cyrel’s Store, The Risen Road Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Gust of Wind	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Flaming Sphere	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Darkness	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Blindness	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of See Invisibility	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Blur	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Detect Thoughts	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Darkvision	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate

Baldur’s Gate 3: All Rare Spell Scrolls in BG3

Appearance	Scroll Name	How to Get It
	Scroll of Vampiric Touch	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn
	Scroll of Knock	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Banishment	Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn
	Scroll of Feign Death	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn
	Scroll of Glyph of Warding	Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Slow	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony
	Scroll of Haste	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Dimension Door	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Fly	Arron’s Store, Emerald Grove Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gatedries
	Scroll of Stinking Cloud	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Gaseous Form	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Conjure Minor Elemental	Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Fear	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Confusion	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Hypnosis	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Phantasmal Killer	Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Evard’s Black Tentacles	Blurg’s Store, Myconid Colony Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Fireball	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Protection from Energy	Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Stoneskin	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Fire Shield	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Ice Storm	Quartermaster Talli’s Store, Last Light Inn Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Wall of Fire	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Blight	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Polymorph	Found in chests and bookcases

Baldur’s Gate 3: All Very Rare Spell Scrolls in BG3

Appearance	Scroll Name	How to Get It
	Scroll of Wall of Ice	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Wall of Stone	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Telekinesis	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Seeming	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Hold Monster	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Flesh to Stone	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Disintegrate	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Eyebite	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Dominate Person	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Cone of Cold	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Planar Binding	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Otto’s Irresistible Dance	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Sunbeam	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Circle of Death	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Invulnerability	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Chain Lightning	Sorcerous Sundries, Baldur’s Gate
	Scroll of Cloudkill	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Dethrone	Found in chests and bookcases
	Scroll of Artistry of War	Found in the Sorcerous Vault by reading a book called The Red Knight’s Final Stratagem.
	Scroll of Bestial Communion	Found in the Sorcerous Vault by reading a book called Caution Before the Seelie.

By knowing where to find all the Spell Scrolls, you can ensure that any of your Wizard builds will function as planned. After all, Spell Scrolls can be used to learn spells on a permanent basis. To do this, select your Wizard character and open your inventory. Then, hover the mouse over the scroll you wish to learn, right-click on it, and check if it’s a spell you can learn. If it is, an option to spend gold and learn it permanently will appear.

All Spell Scrolls Listed by Level

Here are all of the level 1 Spell Scrolls in BG3:

• Animal Friendship
• Burning Hands
• Charm Person
• Chromatic Orb
• Colour Spray
• Disguise Self
• Expeditious Retreat
• False Life
• Feather Fall
• Find Familiar
• Fog Cloud
• Goodberry
• Grease
• Ice Knife
• Jump
• Longstrider
• Mage Armour
• Magic Missile
• Protection from Evil and Good
• Ray of Sickness
• Sleep
• Summon Quasit
• Tasha’s Hideous Laughter
• Thunderwave
• Witch Bolt

Here are all of the level 2 Spell Scrolls in BG3:

• Aid
• Arcane Lock
• Blindness
• Blur
• Cloud of Daggers
• Crown of Madness
• Darkness
• Darkvision
• Detect Thoughts
• Enlarge
• Flame Blade
• Flaming Sphere
• Gust of Wind
• Hold Person
• Invisibility
• Knock
• Magic Weapon
• Melf’s Acid Arrow
• Mirror Image
• Misty Step
• Phantasmal Force
• Ray of Enfeeblement
• Scorching Ray
• See Invisibility
• Shatter
• Web

All level 3 spells in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Animate Dead
• Bestow Curse
• Blink
• Fear
• Feign Death
• Fireball
• Fly
• Gaseous Form
• Glyph of Warding
• Haste
• Hypnotic Pattern
• Lightning Bolt
• Protection from Energy
• Remove Curse
• Revivify
• Sleet Storm
• Slow
• Speak with Dead
• Stinking Cloud
• Vampiric Touch

Here are all of the level 4 Spell Scrolls in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Banishment
• Blight
• Confusion
• Conjure Minor Elemental
• Dimension Door
• Evard’s Black Tentacles
• Fire Shield
• Greater Invisibility
• Ice Storm
• Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere
• Phantasmal Killer
• Polymorph
• Stoneskin
• Wall of Fire

All of the level 5 Spell Scrolls in BG3:

• Artistry of War
• Cloudkill
• Cone of Cold
• Conjure Elemental
• Dethrone
• Dominate Person
• Hold Monster
• Planar Binding
• Seeming
• Telekinesis
• Wall of Stone

Finally, all of the most powerful Spell Scrolls in Baldur’s Gate 3, the level 3 Spell Scrolls:

• Bestial Communion
• Chain Lightning
• Circle of Death
• Disintegrate
• Eyebite
• Flesh to Stone
• Globe of Invulnerability
• Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere
• Otto’s Irresistible Dance
• Sunbeam
• Wall of Ice

In Baldur’s Gate 3, captivating side quests abound, including the Kill Raphael’s Old Enemy quest, where the devil Raphael has a proposition for you. Raphael frequently tempts you with irresistible deals to pursue in BG3, but this time, he offers to read Astarion’s scars in exchange for a favor.

Raphael wants us to take him up on his vendetta against Yurgir, an Orthon in the Thorm Mausoleum. But before unleashing us on this demon murder hunt, Raphael issues a stern warning about the formidable and powerful Orthon. This guide covers Yurgir the Orthon’s location and the best way to kill him.

How to Solve Thorm Mausuleum’s Painting Button Puzzle in Baldur’s Gate 3

To kill the Orthon in BG3, you’ll first have to get to him through the Gauntlet of Shar underneath Thorm’s Grand Mausoleum. The entrance to this mausoleum is northwest in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and it’s where you’ll find Raphael standing on its front steps, ready to greet you. Talk with Raphael to grab his quest, urging you to kill the Orthon he’s at odds with, and then enter through the front door.

Upon entering the Thorm Mausoleum, a talking skull greets you. Past this sarcophagus lies a puzzle that tests the player’s knowledge about Thorm. To prevent the traps crowding this room from filling the area with poisonous gas, follow these steps:

Appearance	Button to press
	Press the button below for the Moonrise Tower painting to the entrance’s left.
	Press the button below the Grief painting to the entrance’s right.
	Press the button below the General painting opposite the entrance.

After all the buttons have been pressed, head through either of the corridors and aboard the traveling disc. This will take you down to the Gauntlet of Shar.

BG3: Orthon Yurgir’s Location in The Gauntlet of Shar

To find the Orthon in BG3 and progress in the Kill Raphael’s Old Enemy quest:

1. Solve Shar’s statue puzzle by lowering and turning off the lanterns in the area.
2. Proceed to the next room and deal with the Undead Justiciar plaguing the area. You’ll want to prioritize destroying the portals to prevent more undead from spawning in the area.
3. Starting from the Gauntlet of Shar waypoint, take a right and then a second right down a broken path of stairs. 
4. You should see a creature resembling a black panther that will start running away. This is the Displacer Beast, the Orthon’s pet. Follow it to find Orthon’s lair.
5. Take a long rest before facing Orthon. This is by no means an easy battle.

How to Kill the Orthon in Baldur’s Gate 3

To kill the Orthon, incapacitate him and his pet. Use Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Fear, or Drow Poison to have these two enemies skip their turns while focusing on the many Merregon on the upper floor. We used Polymorph on the Displacer Beast, and it stayed a sheep for most of the encounter.

During the battle with the Orthon, he will be safeguarded by his Merregon subjects, his Displacer Beast, and many Orthon explosives. Though several strategies will lead to Yurgir the Orthon’s demise, this is the one that worked for us.

Focus on eliminating one Merregon at a time. Though their health bars are low, they deal quite a bit of damage with each blow. Plus, they can deal with both melee and ranged attacks, so taking them down one at a time is better.

Whenever the Orthon comes back into battle, be careful with his Orthon Explosives. He will throw many at a time, so it’s best to move away all party members before they explode. Alternatively, they can be picked up and stored in the inventory to prevent them from exploding.

When he dies, the Orthon leaves behind the Hellfire Hand Crossbow, a rare crossbow in BG3 that deals 4-9 damage. You can then finish the quest by talking to Raphael, who will be visiting the camp in the next long rest.

Kill the Orthon in BG3 Using Persuasion

If your Charisma is particularly high in BG3, you may be able to get away with having the Orthon kill himself. You’ll have to pass an Insight check while asking him about his contract, but if you do, choose the dialogue option “[PERSUASION] The Lyrics are a trick. You’ve always had an audience – your followers. Get rid of them.” Pass a DC16 Persuasion check, and Yurgir will have all the merregons in the room kill each other.

Now choose “[PERSUASION] You’re not finished yet – the displacer can hear you, can’t she? Kill her.” This will require a DC21 Persuasion check, but if you pass it, the Orthon will shoot his Displacer Beast, Nessa.

Finally, choose “[PERSUASION] Exactly. Kill yourself, complete the contract, and you’ll be reborn in Avernus. Free,” and pass another DC21 Persuasion check to have Yurgir do himself in. You can then pilfer his body, and Shadowheart will be quite impressed.

Spare the Orthon and Break Yurgir’s Contract

Raphael may want you to kill the Orthon and rid him of his old enemy, but that’s not your only option. When talking to the Orthon in BG3, you can persuade Yurgir to let you help him break his contract, avoiding the difficult fight against him altogether and starting a new quest, Break Yurgir’s Contract.

To help Yurgir out of his contract, choose the dialogue option “[PERSUASION] There must be something you missed. Let me search this place for you.” This will require you to pass a DC16 Persuasion check, but if you do, he’ll agree and a search area will appear on your map.

You’ll now want to make your way down to the feet of the giant statue of Shar, where you’ll find a broken effigy and a book. Interact with these items to summon a rat, which you’ll then want to kill. Doing so will cause a small rat army to attack you, but you can easily wipe them out with a few large AOE spells.

The last rat you face in this Baldur’s Gate 3 fight will transform into Lyrthindor, the Last Dark Justiciar. Kill him too and head back to the Orthon. This will fully break Yurgir’s contract, and you’ll be able to collect your reward: the Umbral Gem you need to complete the Gauntlet of Shar. But of course, Raphael won’t be too pleased about this.

Should You Kill Yurgir the Orthon or Break Yurgir’s Contract?

We highly recommend eliminating Yurgir the Orthon in Baldur’s Gate 3. Keeping him alive offers no benefits and causes Astarion to become significantly displeased with you. On the other hand, not only will Yurgir’s demise satisfy Raphael, but it also propels Astarion’s storyline forward.

Who is Yurgir the Orthon in BG3?

Yurgir the Orthon, a formidable devil, commands the Merregon Legionnaires. He and his minions reside deep within the Thorm Mausoleum, specifically in a location known as Shar’s Gauntlet. Yurgir is trapped in the temple, unable to fulfill his contract as he cannot locate his final Justiciar.

So, there’s three solutions for how to beat the Orthon in BG3: kill Yurgir the Orthon, convince the Orthon to kill themselves, or break the Orthon’s contract and spare them. Need more advice? Check out Gamepur’s complete Baldur’s Gate 3 guide for battle strategies, story tips, and BG3 gameplay breakdowns.

Wander off east of the Shadow Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3 to run into a strange man performing a necromancer ritual. He’s on a quest to punish a dead woman’s soul, and he wants your help, thus initiating a new side quest in BG3: Punish the Wicked.

Ominously named He Who Was, the portentous man explains he’s attempting to take revenge on this snitch of a tavern keeper, Madelaine. He Who Was can’t cast his ritual without the snitch’s Ledger, which is kept under Thisobald Thorm’s soon-to-burst belly. And so begins Punish the Wicked, the quest to hunt down Thisobald Thorm, retrieve Madelaine’s Ledger, and bring it back to He Who Was.

Where to Find Madelaine’s Ledger Location in Baldur’s Gate 3

To find Madelaine’s Ledger, head to the Waning Moon, where you’ll find Thisobald Thorm. You’ll then have to defeat Thisobald Thorm by either drinking him under the table, or fighting him. Afterwards, hop over his bar counter, and pass a Perception check to spot a loose floorboard where the Ledger is hidden.

How to Beat Thisobald Thorm

Madelaine’s Ledger is under Thisobald Thorm’s possession. This gnarly creature guards The Waning Moon, just north of Moonrise Tower (where you find Rolan) and to the far west in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Thisobald Thorm can be brought down in two ways: pretending to drink as he poisons himself, causing his belly to burst, or fighting him in regular combat. Here’s a walkthrough on how to beat Thisobald Thorm.

Drinking Thisobald Thorm Under the Table

By far the easiest way to handle Thisobald is to drink him to death. But to do so, you’ll need a high-Constitution or Sleight of Hand character that can pass several dice checks. Astarion should be able to easily best Thisobald here.

There are three rounds of drinks where you’ll need to get through. Following the first two drinks, you’ll need to tell a story, passing a Performance check as you do so. If you fail the Performance check, you’ll have a chance to save yourself with a Deception check. If that doesn’t work, Thisobald will become hostile. Each check will progressively become more difficult.

In between each round of drinks, you’ll be able to ask Thisobald a few questions and gather some information about the Thorms. If you make it past the third drink, Thisobald will become drunk to the point of bursting, causing him to perish in disgusting fashion.

How to Kill Thisobald Thorm

Besides making him drink to death, you can also start swinging your swords or casting spells at Thisobald. However, be aware that this might be a challenging fight. Thisobald is immune to Piercing, Slashing, Bludgeoning, and Thunder damage. Your fighters might encounter difficulties here, so ensure to have at least one spell caster and a variety of items to use against him

Once Thisobald’s defeated, hop over the counter and pass a Perception check to spot a loose floorboard. Interact with the plank of wood, and Madelaine’s Ledger is yours for the taking. Grab the ledger for He Who Was and continue the Punish the Wicked quest in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Completing Punish the Wicked in BG3

After bringing Madelaine’s Ledger in Baldur’s Gate 3 back to He Who Was, it’s punishment time. After casting the ritual, tavern keeper Madelaine’s soul uses He Who Was’ body as a vessel. At this point, she will reveal what happened between her bar attendees and the Dark Justiciar. 

If you read Madelaine’s ledger, you’ll know that it backs up her statements. But whether or not that absolves her of guilt is up to you. You’ll have the following options to handle Madeline, all requiring you to pass Persuasion checks:

• (DC14) Ask Madelaine to stab herself, just like what happened to the fallen. When she places the dagger on her belly, ask her to go on, but only once. Asking her to keep stabbing herself (DC16 Persuasion check) will make the vessel’s owner, He Who Was, call you sadistic and attack you. If you keep going further, He Who Was will die from his stab wounds. In hindsight, well, he did instruct you to make her beg.
• (DC10) Call Madelaine a coward. Madelaine will agree and promptly leave the vessel. If you ask us, a light chastising seems rather tame for what He Who Was requested, but regardless, He Who Was will be thrilled.
• (DC10) Tell Madelaine it wasn’t her fault. If you fail the Persuasion check here, He Who Was will be satisfied with the results and reward you. If you pass the Persuasion check, He Who Was will be none too pleased and attack, forcing you to fight.

Punish the Wicked Rewards

If He Who Was survives Madelaine’s punishment pleased, he’ll reward you with a meager 27 gold and a pair of Raven Gloves, which will allow you to summon Quothe the Raven in combat. If He Who Was does not survive the punishment, there’s not much on him but a few common items and a letter.

How to Start Punish the Wicked in Baldur’s Gate 3

To start Punish the Wicked in BG3, head to the far east in the Shadow Cursed Lands, just up and to the right a little ways from the Last Light Inn. Expect some unwelcome encounters with Wraiths on the road, but the necro ritual can’t be missed; you’ll immediately begin a cutscene upon approach.

Speak with He Who Was, and he’ll request you help him find a ledger at the Waning Moon. Accept to aid on his quest for vengeance.

Who is He Who Was (BG3)?

He Who Was is Shadar-Kai Gloom Weaver on a mission to bring justice to a woman named Madeline for her alleged misdeeds at a local tavern. He claims that she is a murderer and needs to be brought to Justice in order to give peace to the souls of her victims. Although Shadar-Kai, and other beings from the Shadowfell, are known for being apathetic, He Who Was seems unusually cruel.

And that’ll conclude Punish the Wicked in BG3. For more of what BG3 has to offer, check out all missable side quests and content in Act 2.

Shadowfell is one of the final areas you can explore in the Gauntlet of Shar during your Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough. It’s the last area you’ll reach after you locate each of the four Umbral Gems, which you need to track down to reach this area.

The last step is to enter Shadowfell. However, you will be asked if you’d like to continue through this area. There’s a distinct warning that if you progress to this area, the world will advance, quests will be completed, and decisions will be finalized. When do you know that you’re ready to enter Shadowfell? Here’s what you need to know about when you should enter Shadowfell in Baldur’s Gate 3.

When You Should Enter Shadowfell in BG3

In BG3, you should enter Shadowfell after completing the side quests you could miss out on. Or, if you want to complete the game as quickly as possible, and don’t care about missing quests, then you should enter Shadowfell as soon as you’re able to.

What to Do Before Shadowfell (BG3)

There are a lot of quests to keep track of in Baldur’s Gate 3, and it can be difficult to figure out some of the essential things you should be doing before you enter the Shadowfell. If you decide to enter the Shadowfell, there is no turning back from this decision outside of reloading a save. There are several things you’ll want to double-check for your playthrough to make sure you’ve completed them, and you’re ready to move onto the final parts of Act 2.

Here are some of the important quests to do before entering Shadowfell:

• Avenge Glut’s Circle
• Find Arabella’s Parents
• Find Rolan in the Shadows
• Find the Githyanki Creche
• Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite
• Lift the Shadow Curse
• Punish the Wicked
• Rescue Wulbren and Tieflings
• Seek Protection from the Shadow Curse
• The Hellion’s Heart
• Wake Up Art Cullagh

These are a handful of the major quests and side stories you might be working through in Baldur’s Gate 3 before reaching this point in the story. There might be more loose ends for you to finish, such as finding Gerringothe Thorm and Thisobald Thorm, exploring the many little locations in the Underdark, working with Lae’zel and her people, exploring the Mountain Pass, and much more.

If you have not already, I encourage everyone to make their way to the Githyanki Creche and complete those quests. They have a lot to do with the main plot of Baldur’s Gate 3, and not learning about what’s happening there could leave you in the dark about a lot of things happening in Act 3.

You want to make sure to exhaust every possible location before moving into the Shadowfell. It feels like the major pieces are moved during this portion of the game, and if you advance to this location too early, there are story points and decisions that you will be locked out from making in your Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough.

When Do You Find the Shadowfell Entrance?

Going into Shadowfell is a part of the main quest story called Find Ketheric Thorm’s Relic in Baldur’s Gate 3. Ketheric Thorm, the major antagonist in this part of the story, is searching for a specific relic within the Gauntlet of Shar and has been using Balthazar to find a way to navigate this area and acquire the relic. He has no success in doing this and wants you to continue it. Even if you don’t receive the assignment from Ketheric, Balthazar will still recruit you to do this.

The entrance to the Shadowfell is located at the Temple of Shar. Before you step into the Shadowfell, a pop-up appears that asks if you want to proceed in this area. The pop-up says, “Are you sure you want to proceed? Depending on your choices, the state of the region could change and some active quests may become unavailable.” This is an important notification in Baldur’s Gate 3, and there are some things you want to consider before you go forward.

What Happens in Shadowfell?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Shadowfell is a realm in the Gauntlet of Shar, accessed via four Umbral Gems. It impacts the game’s second act, introducing the Shadow Curse and culminating at Nightsong’s Prison. Decisions made here affect the story’s progression.

Shadowheart has been on a long journey with your party, but her personal quest isn’t over yet. In Rivington, you may come across a man named Ferg Drogher in Balgur’s Gate 3, and he has some revealing info for Shadowheart, but can he be trusted?

Can anyone be trusted with the truth of Shadowheart’s faith in Baldur’s Gate 3? Baldur’s Gate is a town bursting with noise. It’s a big city, and you’re just hoping to squeeze your way in when someone calls Shadowheart’s name. The fact that Sharran devotees lurk in Baldur’s Gate isn’t strictly hush-hush, which means we might be headed for a storm. So should you lie to Ferg Drogher about Shadowheart’s identity?

Baldur’s Gate 3: Should You Reveal Shar Has Forsaken Shadowheart?

It doesn’t matter whether you lie to Ferg Drogher or not in Baldur’s Gate 3. Ultimately, however you choose to handle Ferg Drogher in BG3, you’ll end up with the same outcome: learning about the House of Grief, Shadowheart’s next step in Daughter of Darkness.

But the stuff that has been shared about Sharran devotees is enough to scare me. These people deceive, torture, and murder others to please their goddess. Worried about Shadowheart’s safety, I urged her to lie about her beliefs to Ferg Drogher and say that she still worshipped Lady Shar. However, I was also conflicted about stepping into a situation that, much like Lae’zel in Mountain Pass, Shadowheart may be able to resolve on her own.

If Shadowheart Lies to Ferg Drogher

If Shadowheart lies about stepping away from Shar’s beliefs, Ferg Drogher won’t believe her. It doesn’t matter if you use a personal bond or the parasite to interfere with Shadowheart’s matters; Ferg won’t buy the lie. Apparently, being a Shar worshipper gives him a third eye to spot liars. Before walking away, he’ll report Shadowheart’s reappearance to his superiors in the House of Grief in the Lower City.

If Shadowheart Doesn’t Lie to Ferg Drogher

If Shadowheart is left to her own devices, she’ll have a better strategy. Shadowheart will tell Ferg Drogher that she repents straying away from Lady Shar and plans to ask Mother Superior for forgiveness in the House of Grief.

In any case, whether you lie to Ferg Drogher or not, it sets the stage for a future visit to the Sharran worshipper’s nest. Fingers crossed Shadowheart can talk her way out of trouble then.

If Shadowheart Follows the Path of Darkness

Of course, Shadowheart may not be a Selunite by the time she gets to Ferg Drogher. Shadowheart’s path is a branching one, and if you decided to have her kill the Nightsong at the end of BG3‘s Act 2, she’ll be on an alternate, darker path where she is still a Sharran worshipper. If this is the case, there’s no need to lie to Ferg Drogher; he’s a comrade in darkness. Instead, Ferg will have some wares for purchase:

Regular stock:

• Dwarven Thrower: a Very Rare warhammer that will return to the wielder when thrown.
• Cold Snap: a Rare dagger that deals an extra 1d4 Cold damage.
• Hellrider Longbow: an uncommon longbow with +1 enchantment.

Special stock:

• Nymph Cloak: a Very Rare Cloak that gives the wearer access to Dominate Person once per long rest.
• Robe of Supreme Defences: a Very Rare robe the buffs the wearer while Concentrating.
• Sethan: a Very Rare greataxe that gives the wielder access to Sethan: Spiritual Greataxe and Sethan: Reduce once per long rest.

If Shadowheart is a Selunite, you can still access Ferg Drogher’s shop by first approaching him without Shadowheart in your party. But if you want access to his special stock, you’ll need to pass a Persuasion check.

Who is Ferg Drogher in BG3?

Ferg Drogher is a Sharran worshipper who will be standing under a shabby tent-like stall in east Rivington (coordinates X:45, Y: -102) not too far from the Dilapidated Barn and just southeast of Arfur’s Mansion in the third act of BG3. Believe it or not, the unassuming Ferg Drogher is actually the Sharran Lookout that you’ve been wanting to keep an eye out for as a part of Shadowheart’s Daughter of Darkness companion quest.

Ferg is described as a peddler of mementos, but he’s also a part of Shadowheart’s cloister. If Shadowheart is in your party, he’ll recognize her and beckon you over once you’re near enough.

Who is Shadowheart in BG3?

Shadowheart is a half-elf cleric of Shar, the goddess of Darkness and Loss. As a servant of Selûne’s evil twin, Shadowheart often praises and instigates morally reprehensible actions. However, considering that she lost her memories and isn’t as evil as she wants to be, one can tell there’s a lot more to her story than meets the eye. You can see her true personality take over from time to time, like when the Emerald Grove is destroyed or when following Auntie Ethel’s questline.

For those looking to go an an adventure, Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of content waiting to be discovered – but it’s also so packed that most of it is really easy to miss. This guide is a checklist that covers every single Act 3 side quest and secret in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Although there’s no proper BG3 Act 3 quest order to be followed, some quests will interfere with the outcome of others. Also, don’t be fooled by the size of BG3‘s Act 3 map. You won’t be walking miles in the wilderness, but every corner hides a bit of side content. Whether it’s in the form of some letter sitting atop a shelf, a random NPC standing in a park, or a mini-game that hides a legendary weapon.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Act 3 Checklist for Rivington Side Quests and Secrets

Although Rivington is just a small part are in the city of Baldur’s Gate, there’s plenty going on there for players to do. From meeting with Shadoheart’s old acquaintances to dealing with shapeshifting clows, there’s a lot to get done there. Here’s the BG3 Act 3 checklist for Rivington:

Side Quest	Description	Location
Avenge the Ironhands	As you approach Wyrm’s Crossing’s South span, guards halt you. A gnome appears, diverting them. The gnomes need your help.
Welcome Yenna to Camp	Upon entering Rivington, a kid will ask for a meal. Later, she’ll show up at camp.
Lie or Tell the Truth to Ferg Drogher	A man will call out Shadowheart’s name in Rivington. Upon approaching him, he inquires if she really is Shadowheart after all.
Win Akabi’s Jackpot	In the Circus of the Last Days, a djinni has a spinning wheel. Win the jackpot to get a legendary weapon.
Find the Missing Letters	Postmaster Danzo asks you to find missing carrier pigeons and his letters.
Investigate the Suspicious Toys	Investigate Alfur’s basement to find something peculiar in the toys he’s sending to refugees.
Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders	Figure out what’s going on behind the mysterious murder of a priest.
Feed the Mindflayer	You find a newborn Mindflayer in the abandoned windmill. What will you do?
Find the Tressym	Find the missing letters, which are sitting in a Tressym’s nest.
Attack or Absorb the Newborn Mindflayer’s Powers	Inside a windmill’s basement lies a newborn mindflayer, waiting to be consumed or killed.
Deal With the Gnomes	Manip Falcäo wants you to go on a literal headhunt
Find the Wyrmway	An ancient dragon could be a powerful ally, so let’s walk into its lair.
Find the Stern Librarian Ffion	The Librarian has gone missing, and it’s somehow your job to find her.
Find Dribbles the Clown Body Parts	Dribbles the clown has been viciously chopped up and his parts are scattered all over Baldur’s Gate.
Make a Deal with Gortash, or Don’t	Decide whether it’s a good idea to side with Karlach’s biggest enemy.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Act 3 Checklist for Lower City Side Quests and Secrets

The Lower City in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a bustling hub of intrigue and adventure. Players will find a myriad of quests that test their mettle and decision-making skills. This area is not just about combat, but also about navigating complex relationships and uncovering secrets that could change the course of your journey. Find below a BG3 Act 3 checklist for the Lower City:

Side Quest	Description	Location
Find Mol	Mol has been missing for two acts now. Where did this kid disappear to?
Acquire The Gauntlets for Helsik	Helsik is a diabolist that might be able to help you get in the House of Hope, but she needs a favor.
Win the Laff Riot Contest	Apparently, some random guy thinks he’s funnier than you. Prove him wrong by winning the Laff Riot Contest.
Stop Albert’s Dog, Sparky	Albert needs to get to tea time before it’s dark. Help this kiddo by stopping his dog, Sparky, from running all over the park.
Enter Jaheira’s Hideout	Find a way to solve Jaheira’s pin slot puzzle to enter her hideout.
Escape the Iron Throne and Save All Prisoners	The Gondians are in a pretty high-security prison; let’s break them out.
Retrieve Omeluum	The friendly Mind Flayer might be imprisoned in the Iron Throne Underwater Prison. Will you help him?
Solve the Sorcerous Sundries Puzzles	The Sorcerous Sundries hide lots of cool lot, especially for wizards.
Side with Lorroakan or Dame Aylin	Lorroakan wants the Nightsong, but this “relic” happens to be a person living in your camp.
Complete Carrion’s Servant Quest	Help the Carrion’s servants escape or side with the Carrion in this awesome quest.
Free the Artist, Oskar	It’s time to Save Oskar once again, but this time in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Enter the Counting House and High Security Vault	Walk into Baldur’s Gate’s wealthiest building and vault.
Find the Abandoned Cistern and Minsc	Solve this Sewers puzzle to find everyone’s favorite hero: Minsc.
Complete Aid the Underduke	The Guild is an organized clique in Baldur’s Gate, and you’ll help them find Minsc.
Return the Gold to Rakath	Once the gold is retrieved and its holder tracked down, it’s time to return it to its owner.
Make a Deal with Orin and Find the Victim	Orin is one of BG3‘s main villains; should we really be making a deal with her? I mean, what can you do after she’s taken a party member hostage?
Get into the House of Hope	Find a way to get into the House of Hope to retrieve the Orphic Hammer.
Get the Orphic Hammer	Once inside the House of Hope, it’s time to find that exclusive weapon for Lae’zel.
Beat Raphael	No more deals; it’s over. Time for an epic battle with an even more epic soundtrack.
Open the Mystic Force Curtain	Before accessing Raphael’s room, the Mystic Curtain must be removed.
Rescue Hope	After storming into her home, the least you can do is save Hope.
Find the House of Grief	Complete Shadowheart’s companion quest.
Stop the Presses	Either you stop the presses, or everyone will hear about your evil deeds.
Save Vanra	Track down Vanra to help her mother.
Help the Hag Survivors	Find out where the Hag Survivors are hiding to help them out.
Enter Cazador’s Palace	Complete Astarion’s companion quest by defeating Cazador.
Help Astarion Complete The Ascension Ritual, or Don’t	At the end of the quest, decide whether Astarion should follow through with the ritual or be the better person.
Help Kith’rak Voss	Kith’rak Voss wants to help resurrect Orpheus.
Investigate the murders	There doesn’t seem to be an end to these bloody murders.
Kill Sarevok or Valeria	During the Impress the Murder Tribunal quest, a decision must be made: should you kill the villain or a cute flying elephant?
Destroy the Steel Watch	Gortash is invincible with his Steel Watch, so maybe that should be taken care of.
Find Out Who’s the Doppelganger in Camp	Gortash reveals there’s a doppelganger in our own camp. Who could it be?
Avenge the Drowned	Help avenge Holli, one of the Drowned.
Become Illithid or Make Orpheus Become Illithid	A choice must be made: who should become a mindflayer?	n/a
Destroy or Control the Elder Brain	To wield enormous power or to destroy it?	n/a

Baldur’s Gate 3: Act 3 Checklist for Main Quests

Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Act 3 has far fewer main quests than it does side quests. If you’re trying to rush through to the end of the game, here are all the necessary quests you’ll need to complete:

• Get Gortash’s Netherstone
• Get Orin’s Netherstone
• Impress the Murder Tribunal
• Gather Your Allies
• Confront the Elder Brain

That’s it for the Act 3 checklist. If you’re concerned you may have missed some of Act 2’s content, check out our BG3 Act 2 checklist.

Need more advice? Check out Gamepur’s complete Baldur’s Gate 3 guide for battle strategies, story tips, and BG3 gameplay breakdowns.

Mario and Donkey Kong’s timeless feud is reignited once again in the latest Nintendo Switch remake, aptly named Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Whether you played the original release in the GBA or not, you’re in for a delightful puzzle-based platformer packed with acrobatics, jumps, and adorable tiny robots sporting mustaches. 

Instead of linear progression, you’ll navigate through phases using your jumping skills, bouncing off obstacles, and employing clever tactics to solve puzzles. It’s a game where simplicity shines, and the best ideas are always front and center. Mario vs. Donkey Kong beautifully balances its classic soul with modern appeal, never relying solely on nostalgia but embracing it in a way that feels just right.

Donkey Kong Needs to Stop it and Get Some Help

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the chaos kicks off when Donkey Kong snatches the adorable Minimarios from Mario’s factory after spotting them in TV ads. Turns out our mischievous ape has lost all interest in collecting bananas since he’s already got a house overflowing with them.

You are but a mere observer as DK fills a paper bag with all these tiny mini-Mario toys before making a swift escape. But of course, it’s not long before our valiant Italian plumber goes “mamma mia” and springs right into action on a whirlwind chase through lush jungles, bustling cities, fiery volcanoes, and eerie haunted houses. 

Related: Super Mario Bros. Wonder Fans Are Debating The Quality Of Mario’s New Voice Actor

Donkey Kong’s sudden obsession with nabbing a bunch of Mini-Mario toys from the factory might seem puzzling, but hey, it sets the stage for some seriously fun gameplay.

You can count on Mario to keep the story simple enough for anyone to follow. props to Nintendo for keeping the storytelling minimalist – who needs words when the visuals speak volumes? They just let these short cutscenes do the job and it works magnificently.

More of A New Game than a Remake

As soon as you boot up Mario vs. Donkey Kong on your Nintendo Switch, you won’t take long to notice this isn’t just a fresh coat of pain. With snazzy visuals, a toe-tapping soundtrack, and a barrel-load of new features, this remake takes the classic gameplay to warp pipe levels of excitement. 

The most noticeable change is the inclusion of two brand-spanking-new worlds, the frosty caverns of Slippery Summit and clown around in the colorful chaos of Merry Mini-Land as part of this mini-Mario chasing adventure.

But you can also challenge yourself in Time Attack mode to beat your own records and unlock the ultimate bragging rights. If you’re thinking “brag to whom”, then allow me to break down the best piece of news for you: you can play Mario vs. Donkey Kong in co-op mode. This is a game I expect to see in lots of best co-op games lists in the future because Mario and Toad make a killer team in this rescue mission.

The fact is that the original GBA game came out in 2004, so it’s quite hard to feel like you’re playing a remake of that game. Instead, its new cinematics, modernized visuals, and updated soundtrack often make you feel like you’re playing a new game altogether. It just happens to also have DK and Mario in it.

Bite-Sized Gameplay

With fresh levels, a super fun local co-op mode, and snazzy updated graphics and tunes, this remake is a total game-changer. 

It’s got that classic episodic vibe, boasting eight worlds to conquer, each packed with challenges aplenty. It’s a repetitive formula: you snag keys, you open a door, and then rescue your mini-Marios – all the while catching a few collectible gifts on the way. 

What you’ll encounter at each level varies from world to world. Mario vs. Donkey Kong never fails to disappoint in introducing new mechanics each time. Just by sitting on the level-picking menu, you get a huge sense of wonder. How is this hippo going to come into play at the actual level? Are they friend or foes? Surprisingly, the answer tends to be both.

When you’ve rescued all your toy children, you’ll unlock a special level in which you lead them all to safety, border collie style. They’re yours to herd and keep alive, and this heavyweight led me to restart this level every time one of my Mario children would accidentally step on a spike and die. 

 After overcoming it, a battle against Donkey Kong awaits us in the purest retro style. When all is said and done, it’s time for a showdown against Mr. DK himself, in which you’ll be throwing boxes to deplete his health. 

The fun doesn’t end when you’ve tackled all the main levels. There are bonus worlds and expert tests for you pros.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you Mario vs. Donkey Kong is reinventing the wheel here. But everything they do is executed brilliantly and without faults. Each puzzle is satisfactory to crack and perform.

It’s also a completionist delight. The game won’t let you go to sleep unless you’ve achieved a golden star in every level, because god-forbid I leave that silver pentagon sitting there on this silly game of plumber vs. ape.

It’s an extremely replayable experience that encourages you to 100% it but I also feel that it’s best enjoyed in small sips. You may not finish this game in one sitting, but you’ll also feel your fingertips starting to itch for more handstand Mario acrobatics whenever you have some spare time.

We’ve Been Lied to; Mario’s Actually an Acrobat

We’ve seen Mario fist-bump brick platforms and slide down pipes. Heck, he’s even turned into an elephant. But he’s never been as much of an acrobat as in Mario vs. Donkey Kong. From daring flips to gravity-defying handstands, Mario’s stunt skills are legendary.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong requires a lot of thinking and stopping to think before taking a step. For Mario, though, this just means he’ll be hopping all over the map, doing backflips, handstands, and double jumps to rescue his toy children.

While the game relies heavily on puzzle-solving, something that brainiacs will gladly welcome, the platformer aspect of this game is exceedingly satisfying.

Mario’s stunt set is the one that every fan knows, but each of the actions has its use within exquisitely designed levels. Truly, each and every one of them is a marvel thanks to their particularities.

Whether you’re dodging fiery lava by backflipping, outsmarting pesky egg-dispatching birds by hand standing, or double jumping to reach the end of a puzzle, Mario’s ready to leap into action with calculated jumps and flawless moves.

And hey, if you need a breather from the nail-biting action, why not give the optional relaxed mode a whirl? While Mario vs. Donkey Kong can be a very challenging game to tackle in bite-sized chunks, this remake also aims to be more accessible with the addition of an optional Casual Mode where the countdown timer disappears and we become invulnerable thanks to the protection of bubbles. I actually comfortably played the first few levels in Casual Mode until I hoarded 30-odd 1UP shrooms and decided I was ready to graduate to Classic.

The Audiovisual Department

While the core gameplay remains faithful to the original from two decades ago, Mario vs. Donkey Kong‘s remake kicks things up a notch with a fresh coat of paint and a brand-new soundtrack. Feast your eyes on the stunning 3D visuals, a major upgrade from the old GBA sprites. With meticulously crafted models, smooth animations, and vibrant environments, the game is a treat for the senses whether you’re playing on the go or at home. 

Mario vs. Donkey Kong‘s soundtrack is not something I can forget about. This is evidenced by the many times I’ve caught myself humming its groovy and jazzy tunes. Each level and world has its own different vibe to set the mood It keeps you focused and immersed in the action. From start to finish, the audiovisual experience in this remake is nothing short of stellar, proving that Nintendo’s classics can shine brighter on the Switch.

The Verdict: An All-in-One Toy

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a timeless classic that appeals to players both old and new. With its simple yet engaging puzzles and beloved characters, it offers an adventure suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up for some two-player fun, looking for a quick game to hop on to pass the time, or delving into a complex challenge, Mario vs. Donkey Kong delivers a delightful experience that caters to everyone. 

There is a world of reasons why a couple decides to split up. To this day, I’ve never heard anyone say they’ve broken up with their significant other over a Nintendo Switch game. Let’s flip the script with this list.

If you and your player two are looking for the perfect game to spice up your date nights or unlock yet another topic to fight over, look no further. I’ve scoured the vast Switch library and navigated a minefield of potential breakup games to bring you the 17 best co-op games for couples in 2023. Get ready to level up your relationship with these picks of co-op fun.

17 . Stardew Valley

Farming sims are just what couples need at the end of the long working day. Taking care of the crops, protecting each other against monsters in caves, and fishing! For the more chill couples who love organizing and getting lost together in the mundane activities of the life in the countryside, this is the perfect fit.

16. Biped

Biped is one of the best Nintendo Switch games for couples, and I don’t think it gets enough recognition. It features two adorable robots with clumsy legs whom you’ll control as they slide, leg-split, and spin to solve puzzles to provide some nice co-op fun. 

15. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 invites you to embark on a ghostly adventure. You’ll be controlling Luigi and his clone as they rescue his missing friends from mischievous ghosts in a haunted mansion. It’s a fun game that will keep you hooked, especially if you’ve played previous titles.

14. Snipperclips

Snipperclips is an adorable puzzle-based game that requires you both to do the brainwork to get through each page. You and your partner are 2 pieces of paper who need to change each other’s shapes to carry, items, traverse the level, and solve very engaging puzzles. It’s a relatively old game, however the art directions is one of the cutest I’ve seen. An incredible way to introduce your partner to puzzle games, and gaming in general.

13. Human: Fall Flat

Human: Fall Flat is ridiculous and silly enough to make you laugh uncontrollably for hours on end.

Related: 14 Best Silly Multiplayer Games To Bring To Parties

It’s a lighthearted and humorous exploration game that challenges you to use your knowledge of physics to solve puzzles and escape absurd dreamscapes. The bodies are wobbly, and their movements are floppy, to which I attribute at least half of the reason this is one of the best games to play as couples on the Nintendo Switch.

12. Don’t Starve Together

Don’t Starve is a classic survival game released back in 2013, which received a multiplayer spin in 2016 with Don’t Starve Together. It’s a super fun game, but it’ll demand too much of you if you’re looking for quick burst sessions with your partner. If you’re in it for the long run, however, you’ll uncover a whimsical cast of characters who all work differently, especially when played together. 

11. Trine 5

Trine 5 is one of the best co-op games on the Switch, even for couples, but it’s not for everyone. Frozenbyte’s latest entry shines like a polished gem in co-op mode, perfect for die-hard players in it for the long haul. It’s got fun controls, flawless physics, and top-notch brain-bending puzzles. However, it’s not your quick fix for gaming cravings. If you’re planning on a five-minute session, think again.

10. Unravel 2

Unravel Two is a captivating platform adventure game where you control two adorable yarn characters. The gameplay is all about solving puzzles, which fits couples who like Escape Rooms like a glove. You’ll also be uncovering a heartwarming storyline and traversing beautiful visuals together.

9. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

In my house, this is known as the “Keep Yelling Incoherent Words Until Somebody Explodes,” especially if I’m giving instructions. The premise is simple: partner A must disarm bombs, but partner B has the instructions to disarm them. It’s a communication exercise that you might fail once or twice. Okay, maybe around five times. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a new achievement as a couple.

8. Untitled Goose Game

If one of you isn’t quest-oriented while the other likes to explore every nook and cranny of the area, are you even a couple? Untitled Goose Game can be experienced in co-op, and it’s chaotic fun when you play it with your partner. In this game, you control two mischievous geese and create chaos in an unsuspecting village. It’s an easy-to-pick-up-and-play game with a short playtime, perfect for a quick burst of laughter.

7. Monster Prom XXL

Did you ever wonder how your partner would flirt with other people? No? Well after you stop lying to yourself, we have the perfect game. Monster Prom XXL is a visual novel co-op dating sim, where you and your partner try and date a creature of the night. There are choices aplenty from vampires and werewolves to robots and half demon princes with daddy issues!

Help your partner’s chances with a monster by spreading gossip and sharing gifts, or be the jealous type and completely shatter any hope they had in dating a monster that isn’t you.

6. Mario Party Superstars

Mario Party Superstars is for poly couples, or maybe if you’re having people over. Sure, you can play it with just two people, but it’s not as fun. Mario Party Superstars is a classic party game that offers loads of fun-filled mini-games and friendly competition, like Pie Hard, in which you win by face-pieing your partner to death, or Net Worth, a game in which you fish with your partner with a net. It’s the most fast paced and chaotic Mario Party game to date.

5. Moving Out 1 and 2

Moving is usually a two-person job unless you’ve hired a company or invited all your friends to make the process faster. Spoilers: it never does. Moving Out 2 is one of the best couple games on the Nintendo Switch because it takes teamwork to a whole new level. You’ll be required to transport objects in unique scenarios, like candy houses and apartments taken right out of Meet the Robinsons. There’s a slap feature, too, letting you vent that frustration that often comes from moving.

4. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

In our review of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, we crowned it the best 2D platformer from Nintendo. And when it comes to playing co-op, it pretty much holds up that badge. Super Mario Bros. Wonder hits a high note with its return of local multiplayer with an explosion of joy and, inevitably, chaos. 

I’ve just one issue with it: Bid adieu to those thrilling collisions seen in past Mario titles. Now, players pass right through each other, erasing the delightfully competitive touch that made levels both exhilarating and maddening. It does keep the chaos in check, but what’s the fun in that? 

3. Overcooked 1 and 2

Overcooked, regardless of whether it’s the first or second entry, invites you to embark on a culinary adventure. You’ll be working against the clock to prepare mouth-watering dishes in various scenarios. 

That’s how Ghost Town Games pitched the games. But in reality, you’ll just yell for your partner to throw the garlic over the counter at the top of your lungs while you obsessively clean dishes. Or at least, that’s how it’ll be for the first hour. I’ve found that Overcooked transitions from chaotic to strategic the more you play, which helps you bond with your partner and grow as a team.

2. Nintendo Switch Sports

For couples who enjoy friendly competition, Nintendo Switch Sports offers a variety of sports, including badminton, tennis, bowling, and more. Grab your Joy-Cons and challenge each other to a match. 

I live for efficiency. Exercising while bonding with your partner and gaming on my top console? Score: three birds, one stone. Also, these sports games completely eradicate the emotional chaos from the equation, so you won’t likely find yourself arguing with your partner over Nintendo Switch Sports. Unless you accidentally break a vase or, worse, the TV.

1. It Takes Two

Join a married couple trapped in two dolls as they work together to overcome obstacles and rediscover their connection.

Hazelight Studios blew the competition away when they dropped It Takes Two back in 2021. It’s one of the few co-op games that strikes the perfect balance between weaving a powerful narrative and introducing fun, varying co-op mechanics. One minute, you’re banging a hammer against your partner’s head or stabbing them to death with nails, and the next, you’re getting an ugly lump in your throat from this game’s profound story.

It Takes Two is an immersive experience that will have you and your partner navigating through well-designed levels and engaging in thrilling challenges. 

As Sons of the Forest launches into full release and leaves its early access era in the dust, Endnight Games declares the story of our military press guy has finally come to a definitive end.

All those blueprints you’ve collected, artifact pieces you’ve scoured, and mutants you’ve fearfully run away from have all led to this moment — uncovering the truth behind what happened to this island. While I’m sure you’re eager to consume all the new content in 1.0, you’ll soon find that the infamous Golden Armor has been removed from its usual place and a new artifact piece has been added. Before you can get access to the final door in Sons of the Forest, you’ll need to tie up those loose ends.

How to Open the Golden Door in Sons of the Forest

To open the final golden door in Sons of the Forest, pick up the blueprint at the bottom right corner of the door and craft it outside the cave. Then, source and place the Ancient Armor inside the building with 12 solafite to get the Golden Armor in Sons of the Forest.

Below, I’ll outline how you can get each of the required items to get to Sons of the Forest‘s new alternative ending.

How to Get the Ancient Armor in Sons of the Forest

The first step is to source the Ancient Armor in Sons of the Forest in the Spaceship Cave (or Cave D), where you’ll also find a rifle and the last artifact.

Though it’s not named Golden Armor yet, it will be once you complete the ritual to unlock the Helldoor in Sons of the Forest. For this ritual, you’ll need 12 Solafite as well, which you can acquire with the pickaxe from cave F.

How to Get the Skeleton Craft Blueprint in Sons of the Forest

Inside the Luxury Bunker, you can get a blueprint from a skeleton lying right next to the golden door. This blueprint will help you turn the Ancient Armor into the Golden Armor in Sons of the Forest. Here’s the crafting recipe:

• 4x Wire
• 1x Skull
• 33x Bones
• 25x Rocks

Once you’ve acquired the blueprint, head outside of the bunker and craft it. Place the Ancient Armor inside and surround it with Solafite to get the Golden Armor in 1.0.

Related: How to Fix “You Are Sick” in Sons of the Forest

Now that you’ve got this item under your belt, equip it and head back to the Helldoor with Timmy. When you interact with it, it should now open instead of prompting the “No. We’re missing something” dialogue line.