In Baldur's Gate 3, what should you do with Shadowheart's parents?

Finding Shadowheart's parents in Baldur's Gate 3 is as surprising as the realization that her parents are still alive. They are located in the deepest chamber of the House of Sorrow, and in true Baldur's Gate fashion, you are faced with a difficult decision.

Do you let Shadowheart kill her own parents? Or do you save Shadowheart's parents and decisively oppose Lady Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss? There is no winning situation here, and every decision has serious consequences. If you're unsure about which choice to make, we'll provide you with everything you need to facilitate the process.

Shar Questline: What Happens If You Execute Shadowheart's Parents?

If you choose to guide Shadowheart down the path of the Dark Justiciar, you will only learn about Shadowheart's parents after finding them hanging in the House of Sorrow. Shar herself will demand that Shadowheart executes them. Undoubtedly, this is the evil path.

Of course, allowing Shadowheart to execute her parents will lead to their death, but it is much more than that. Killing Shadowheart's parents will condemn her to eternal torment in the dark afterlife with Shar, forever separated from her revered goddess.

In addition, Shadowheart's memories will be erased once again as she gains more power. She will forget that she ever had parents and won't believe you if you try to tell her what she has done afterwards. You will be the only one who has to live with the decision.

On the positive side, Shadowheart will gain immense power under Shar. The remaining Justiciars in the previous room will be under her control and will join you in the final battle.

Selune Questline: What Happens If You Kill Shadowheart's Parents?

In contrast to the Shar questline, killing Shadowheart's parents when she takes the path of Selune is significantly different. Shar will demand that Shadowheart kills them, yes, but this comes with the additional bonus that Shadowheart will be forever freed from the burden of Shar.

Shadowheart's parents ask her to go through with it for herself and for her future, turning their death into more of a merciful killing rather than an execution.

If you choose to carry out this death, Shadowheart's parents will be handed over to Selune and become "Moonlights." These celestial lights are said to always travel with Shadowheart and support her forever.

Additionally, the painful curse of Shadowheart will be lifted. She will be forever freed from Shar, but she will have to live without her parents and carry the guilt of having killed them - although the presence of the Moonlights will somewhat alleviate the pain.

At the end of the game, if you choose to pursue a romance with Shadowheart, she reveals the depth of her guilt and emotions by expressing that she would have given everything, even the curse, to speak with her parents once more.

However, Shadowheart seems to accept this defeat and offers you a place with her, wherever that may be. She takes the initiative to move forward despite the regret she carries, giving her ending a bittersweet taste.

What Happens If You Betray Shar And Save Shadowheart's Parents?

You can choose whether to save Shadowheart's parents on the path of Shar or Selune. Both paths lead to the same outcome: Shadowheart's parents will be rescued and brought to the camp to join you for the remainder of the game.

Emmeline, Shadowheart's mother, will continue to suffer from severe memory loss and significant physical decline, but she will provide wisdom and comfort to Shadowheart. Arnell will consistently offer his wisdom as well. Together, the two will have a noticeable impact on Shadowheart's mood as they support her throughout the remaining storyline (and likely beyond).

The downside of this choice is that Shadowheart's curse continues to persist. Although the true nature of the curse is somewhat vague, it appears to physically torment and afflict Shadowheart during the night, and it will continue to do so for the rest of her life.

According to multiple sources, the curse also dampens Shadowheart's ability to feel and express emotions.

At the end of the game, if you have chosen to pursue a romance with Shadowheart, she declares that she will settle down near you in a peaceful home and wants to spend the rest of her life with you.

In the end, she is still deeply affected by the pain of Shar's curse, but she states that she can endure it as long as she has both you and her parents. However, Shadowheart's life as a half-elf is promised to be long, and the ending leaves some uncertainty about how she will survive centuries of torment after her parents have passed away.