While investigating the murders happening around the city of Baldur’s Gate, you will sooner or later wind up heading to the Murder Tribunal. This council sits in judgment of those who would seek to enter the Temple of Bhaal, and at its head is a returning face for the series in Baldur’s Gate 3 splendor, Sarevok Anchev.
You do not necessarily have to fight Sarevok to proceed into the Temple of Bhaal. But if you’d like to avoid killing an endearingly goofy detective, you’ll need to fight this big bad from Baldur’s Gate‘s past. And honestly, who could resist? It’s a great fight, and a challenging one at that, depending on where you decide to hold it.
When should you fight Sarevok in Baldur’s Gate 3?
“Where” and “when” are just as important as the “how” when it comes to besting Sarevok in Baldur’s Gate 3. There are two different arenas you can fight in, and you’ll definitely want to make sure you clear a decent level marker before entering the fight. I personally recommend you be at least Level 10 for this fight; much like Level 5, you get some notable power spikes at Level 10 that will come in handy.
Additionally, you can choose to fight Sarevok in the initial tribunal chamber, or in a separate room where the initiation rite takes place. I recommend deceiving Sarevok at the beginning, just to head to the second location.
If you fight in the throne area, there will be fewer enemies to deal with, as the blood pool initiates won’t stack up. But where they have quantity, the throne fight offers quality: the three armor suits standing watch over the door will join the battle, and they’re much more difficult to deal with at this point in Baldur’s Gate 3 than a swarm of less healthy foes.
If you decide to fight in the first location, try to gain a high-ground advantage. Control the two sides of the fight, and possibly work into a chokepoint. Also try to take out the avatars that buff Sarevok as fast as you can, in either battle.
When fighting in the blood pool area, use AoE attacks like Cloudkill, Guardian Spirits, Moonbeam, and Fireball to whittle down their numbers. Stage one of this fight should be to take out everyone but Sarevok, so you can focus on one of Baldur’s Gate‘s biggest baddies all by himself.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Sarevok tips and tricks
Whether you’re still dealing with the adds or you’re down to just one target, the keys to handling Sarevok are crowd control and debuffs. Try to impose Disadvantage on him, as well as other stat debuffs. I found that certain effects worked well, like knocking him Prone. Shadowheart can be a huge asset in this fight, if she has a good shield and some solid spells.
Sarevok is also susceptible to both Polymorph and Hold Person. The former is better while you’re still dealing with other enemies, as it can last longer and is harder to break. Hold Person is better for actually hitting Sarevok, giving you an advantage and not breaking if you beat on him.
Additionally, while Sarevok may occassionally get the help of Sanctuary—which prevents you from attacking him until he attacks you—keep in mind, this spell doesn’t block AoE (area of effect) damage. Even if Sarevok is under Sanctuary’s protection, you can still slam him with a Fireball or Moonbeam, if you aim it in his general area.
Position well and whittle down the add-ons, and you’ll be a champion over Bhaal’s would-be Chosen before you know it. Make sure to loot his body for the amulet, as well as some decent loot. You’ll need the former for the next step in tracking down Orin the Red, on the quest for more Netherstones in Baldur’s Gate 3.
