Embark on a captivating journey in Baldur’s Gate 3 as you unravel the mystery of the Nightsong – a quest that spans acts, realms, and moral choices. What begins as a simple contract to retrieve a relic soon plunges you into the Shadowfell, confronting powerful foes, solving intricate puzzles, and making decisions that will shape the fate of your party and the enigmatic Nightsong herself. Ready your spellcasters and companions, especially Shadowheart, for a quest that challenges both your wit and your loyalties.
How to start the ’Find the Nightsong’ quest in BG3 act 1
To start the “Find the Nightsong” quest in Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1, you need to speak to Aradin in the Druid Grove. This can be done during his argument with Zevlor if you intervene or after the argument when he mentions his expedition to find the Nightsong, a relic hidden beneath a temple currently occupied by goblins. Aradin will give you a contract or information that sets you on the path to investigate the Goblin Camp and the Defiled Temple where the Nightsong is believed to be located.

The Emerald Grove is one of your first big stops in Baldur’s Gate 3, and the first place you can call a quasi home in the game.
When you first arrive, it’ll be alongside a band of goobers led by a human named Aradin. This dude is a real jerk, and gets in a big fight with Zevlor, leader of the Tieflings.

Once you resolve their fight, head to the back of the Hallow in the Emerald Grove and you’ll find Aradin hanging out with his buddies at a table.
If you talk to him, he’ll tell you about his expedition to find The Nightsong. This will give you the “Find the Nightsong” quest. Set a timer; you have about 80 to 100 hours of game time before you’ll finally put this quest to bed.
Where to find the Nightsong in BG3 act 2
In Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3, to find the Nightsong, you need to enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands and make your way to Reithwin Town Cemetery, located south of the Last Light Inn. There, head northwest to the Grand Mausoleum, which conceals a secret passage behind a portrait of Ketheric Thorm. This passage leads to the Gauntlet of Shar, a series of challenging puzzles and trials tied to the Nightsong quest. Completing these challenges is crucial as they unlock access to the Inner Sanctum where the Nightsong’s true nature is revealed. It is recommended to bring companions like Shadowheart and Astarion, as the mausoleum and Gauntlet are significant for their questlines. The events here mark a major turning point in the quest, with choices that impact the story’s progression.

The act 1 portion of this quest is filled with mystery and talk of temples, but all you actually need to do is get in the Goblin Camp and make your way to the Selunite Outpost below. Once there, you’ll be able to find some information about the Nightsong, causing the trail to “go cold in the Underdark.”
Once your quest says it’s gone cold, you’re now free to complete literally any and all other content in act 1 and act 2 that you’d like.
At the very end of act 2, head into the Gauntlet of Shar – which you’ll need to do for the main quest anyway – and progress until you get a popup warning you about a point of no return. Before you proceed, complete everything else in your quest log that you care about and make sure to add Shadowheart to your party, or she will end up leaving the group. When you’re ready, enter the pool so you can teleport to the Shadowfell and the Nightsong’s prison.
[Ed. note: The rest of this guide contains some major spoilers for Baldur’s Gate 3.]

Surprise! The Nightsong is not, in fact, a mysterious artifact, but an Aasimar woman named Dame Aylin.
Shortly after meeting Dame Aylin, you’re forced to make a choice that determines her fate (basically, if she lives or dies). In the act 3 portion of the Nightsong quest, you’re forced to choose again whether you should kill the Nightsong or not. You can read more about the outcomes of each choice in our guide that covers if you should save or kill the Nightsong.
Could the Nightsong’s true location surprise me in Baldur’s Gate 3
Yes, the Nightsong’s true location in Baldur’s Gate 3 can indeed surprise you. The quest leads you through the Gauntlet of Shar, a complex temple with puzzles and trials, ultimately taking you into the Shadowfell, a dark and eerie plane that contrasts sharply with the rest of the game world. The tension builds as you navigate through Moonrise Towers and confront Balthazar, culminating in a dramatic and emotional reveal of the Nightsong’s true form flying over the Shadow-cursed lands. The quest’s outcome and the Nightsong’s fate can also vary significantly based on your choices, adding an unpredictable and personal touch to the experience. This unexpected journey and the atmospheric setting make the Nightsong’s location a memorable and surprising part of the game.
Could the Nightsong’s true location be hidden in an unexpected place
Yes, the Nightsong’s true location in Baldur’s Gate 3 is indeed hidden in an unexpected and secretive place. To find her, players must discover a hidden passage in a small chapel that leads to the defiled Temple of Shar, where intricate puzzles await. This secret route takes you deep into the Gauntlet of Shar and eventually to the Shadowfell, a dark and otherworldly realm far removed from the usual game environments. Along the way, you explore Moonrise Towers, solve puzzles involving Balthazar’s room, and uncover hidden research notes that reveal more about the Nightsong and her connection to powerful forces. The quest’s complexity and the concealed nature of the path make the Nightsong’s true location a surprising and memorable discovery for players.
