In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Arcane Tower of the Underdark is home to a challenging boss named Bernard, a robotic guardian left by his creator, Lenore. Unfortunately, Bernard can only understand specific commands through Shakespearean poetry lines. This guide will provide information about Bernard’s location, dialogue options, battle strategies, and rewards.
Where To Find BG3 Bernard in the Underdark’s Arcane Tower
Bernard can be found on the top floor of the Arcane Tower in the Underdark area of Baldur’s Gate 3. The Arcane Tower is located southwest of the Underdark, as shown on the map below.
To reach Bernard, you must first disable the Arcane Turrets near the tower’s entrance using Lightning Damage or Sussur Bloom flowers. After that, you must get the Arcane Tower’s elevator to work.
To do so, use a high-dexterity companion and hop on the giant mushrooms on the left side of the entrance. They’ll take you to the back of the tower. Once you’re there, grab the Sussur Bloom, picklock the back door using Thieves’ Tools, find the electrical Generator, and use the Sussur Bloom flower as fuel.
BG3 Bernard Dialogue Options and Outcomes
To avoid a confrontation with Bernard in BG3, you’ll need to find and read some poetry books in the Arcane Tower. These books contain the information that Bernard can understand, which will allow you to interact with it peacefully. Make sure to read these books for more dialogue options when you meet the guardian robot:
- Threadbare Book
- Torn-Out Paper
- The Roads to Darkness
- Dusty Book
All these books can be found on your way up to the top floor. However, if you’re up for a challenge and want some extra rewards, you can choose to engage in combat with Bernard. Here are the dialogue options and the rewards they correspond to:
- “Or art thou friend, a rescue from my lonely wake?” – Respond with this line to establish a friendly dialogue with it.
- “The silence stretches on – I’m all alone. / Please, can I hold your hands for just a while?” – It offers a comforting hug, providing emotional solace.
- “How can I trust? How will I ever know? / How can I show myself, my darkest me?” – It rewards you with the Guiding Light magic ring. With this ring, you can reveal a secret button on the elevator that takes you down to the basem*nt of the Arcane Tower.
- “These empty sheets are all that’s left of you. / The last of all the thoughtless gifts you gave.” – It rewards you with a Potion of Greater Healing.
- “There is a light in every living thing. / It’s crawling t’wards the surface to survive.” – Choosing this dialogue option turns Bernard, and nearby Animated Armor constructs hostile.
How to Defeat Bernard in Baldur’s Gate 3
Engaging in combat with Bernard in BG3 requires some careful planning and execution, but don’t worry! I’m here to help you out. Here are a few strategies that will surely help you defeat this formidable boss.
Exploit His Vulnerabilities
Now, Bernard is quite resistant to slashing, piercing, bludgeoning, fire, lightning, psychic, and poison damage. You can overcome his defenses by focusing on spells and attacks that exploit his weaknesses. I highly recommend using necrotic and elemental spells, as they are particularly effective in dealing damage to him.
Protection From Lightning
During the battle, Bernard loves to use lightning-based attacks. To protect yourself from these shocking assaults, I suggest using spells like Protection from Lightning or potions that grant resistance against electrical damage. This will significantly reduce the impact of his lightning attacks.
Maintain Distance
Now, Bernard is quite the expert in close-range melee combat. To avoid taking heavy damage, it’s best to keep your distance and rely on ranged attacks and spells. This way, you can slowly chip away at his health while minimizing the chance of being struck by his devastating melee attacks.
Push Him off the Tower
Bernard is really tough to take down, but I’ve got a great tactic for you. If you can lure him to the edge of the Arcane Tower, you can use the Shove action or any ability that knocks him back to push him off. It’s a very satisfying way to get rid of him in battle instantly.
Rewards for Defeating Bernard in BG3
Upon successfully defeating Bernard, you will be rewarded with a variety of valuable items. These include:
- Light of Creation: Bernard’s weapon, a magical halberd that deals an additional 1D6 Lightning Damage on each hit. However, be cautious, as it has a chance to stun wielders who are not constructs.
- Guiding Light: A magic ring that allows the wearer to cast the Light cantrip at will. It also reveals the secret basem*nt button on the elevator.
- Scroll of Prayer of Healing: A powerful scroll that casts the Prayer of Healing spell, providing substantial healing to your party.
- Antique Key: A key that only unlocks the entrance to the Ornate Door of the Arcane Tower. Quite useless right now, if you ask me.
