The Steel Watchers exert a formidable presence in Baldur’s Gate, often hindering movement around the city. This guide will elucidate the process of neutralizing the Steel Watch Foundry in Baldur’s Gate 3 to eliminate these imposing robotic guards.
Given their obstructive nature, removing them sooner rather than later is advisable, as they restrict access to various areas in the city.
Baldur’s Gate 3: “Disable the Steel Watch” quest guide
To confront Gortash and tackle the ‘Disable the Steel Watch’ quest, one must first engage with the Ironhands. Encountering them, they tasked me with bombing the Gondians in the Foundry. Disabling the Steel Watch Foundry in Baldur’s Gate 3 entails a series of steps and numerous combat encounters, necessitating careful consideration.
The initial step involves locating the Steel Watch Foundry itself, situated in the southwestern corner of the Lower City. Despite its imposing size and fenced surroundings, the front gates can be unlocked using Thieves’ Tools or the “Knock” spell. Exercise caution, however, as a vigilant Steel Watcher patrols the entrance. Wait for it to move away before proceeding.
Upon entry, expect to be met with hostility from most guards. Advancing to the center triggers a cutscene revealing Gondians coerced into labor with purple rings adorning their necks. Despite the Ironhands’ directive to bomb the premises, I opted to aid the enslaved Gondians, initiating a confrontation.
During combat, be mindful of guards carrying Motivators, devices facilitating Gondian control. Upon defeating a guard, disable the Motivator it drops before activation.
Proceeding to the rear of the room, encounter Zanner Toobin, a Gondian expressing concern for their captive families. Gortash not only imprisoned the Gondians but also held their families hostage underwater. A decision must be made regarding their rescue.
Clues are required to locate the prison’s whereabouts. Ascend the ladder in the lab area’s northwestern corner to the lab level. Scattered parchments on a wooden shelf contain valuable information, notably the parchment titled “Vessel Identified.”
With the revelation that hostages are held at the Iron Throne underwater, a new quest commences. Utilize the map to pinpoint the starting point, directing you to Flymm’s Cargo.
Ways to destroy the Steel Watch Foundry in BG3
Personally, advocating for the hostages’ rescue over the Foundry’s destruction is my recommendation. The subsequent Iron Throne quest may reveal acquaintances also trapped underwater. While demolishing the building is expedient, it entails sacrificing innocent Gondians.
Prior to liberating the families, identifying the Steel Watchers’ source for their eradication is crucial. Opting to rescue the families first, then dismantle the Foundry, is a viable alternative.
Deeper within the Foundry, confront substantial enemy forces, including Steel Watchers, standard fighters, and spellcasters. Embark on this quest post a refreshing Long Rest, as two Short Rests will undoubtedly prove beneficial.
Combatting Steel Watchers poses challenges, particularly when they approach critical health thresholds, triggering detonation on their next turn. Position characters out of harm’s way before this occurs.
Despite their resilience, Steel Watchers harbor a significant vulnerability to lightning-based attacks. Incorporating spellcasters with such abilities, like Lightning Bolt and Call Lightning, proves advantageous due to the inherent susceptibility of metal constructs to lightning damage.
How to beat the Steel Watch Titan boss in BG3
In the final room, recommended after a prolonged rest, confront a formidable adversary: a Steel Watch Titan accompanied by several Hellfire Watchers. Dispatch the lesser Watchers before focusing on the Titan, employing lightning spells to exploit their metal composition.
Exercise caution regarding potential self-destruct actions, which can occur on any turn before detonation on their own. Maintain a safe distance to avoid the blast radius, maximizing spell and attack potency against the Steel Watch Titan, as no subsequent battles ensue. Upon victory, the Titan drops Gontr Mael, a Legendary Longbow.
- 1d8 Piercing damage
- Weapon Enchantment +3
- Promised Victory: On a hit, possibly inflict Guiding Bolt on the target.
- Gontr Mael Glowing: This object shines with a glowing light with a radius of 6m.
- Celestial Haste: Level 3 Transmutation spell
Finally, access the Neurocitor to disable the Steel Watch Foundry. However, unfamiliarity with its operation necessitates consulting Zanner. If the hostages were rescued prior, escort him immediately. Conversely, if families remain captive, prioritize their liberation. Upon completing this task, return Zanner to the Neurocitor, triggering the Foundry’s destruction and the shutdown of all Steel Watchers across Baldur’s Gate.
