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One of the perks of playing Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is opening up strange books to read from. Could they curse you? Most definitely, but that makes it more fun. The Tharchiate Codex is one such book. It’s a Legendary Book discovered in Act 3, but it isn’t just handed to you. Instead, you must set out to find the Tharchiate Codex, but be aware that it is a magical artifact in BG3. You’d best prepare to face any consequences that come from it. Even so, there are always some benefits to make it all worthwhile.
Where To Find the Tharchiate Codex in BG3
To gain the Tharchiate Codex in BG3, you need to head to the Sorcerous Vault under Sorcerous Sundries. If you have yet to visit the area, it’s found in the Lower City. You can reach it either by using the Weave Button in Ramazith’s Tower (Upper City) or through Tolna Tome-Monger’s office in Sorcerous Sundries. In the office, the portal is activated via the Clasped Book on the shelf.
How To Reach the Legendary Book
Now that we’re in the secret BG3 vault, it’s time to find the Tharchiate Codex. It’s located within the Restricted Area. Within this area, find a door labeled “Ramazith Door.” There’s a Sleight of Hand check you must pass to lockpick the door.
Once you’re through, you need access to the BG3 Elminster Vault, as the Tharchiate Codex is inside. If you have the Knock spell, you can simply unlock the vault door and run in. However, if you don’t, you must solve a puzzle to find a lever to open the door. We’ve listed the answers below to save you some time because who wants to waste time running around when you could be reading a cursed book instead? So go through the doors below in that exact order:
- Silverhand door
- Evocation door
- Wish door (for the lever)
- Enter either the Foresight or Invulnerability doors to return to the starting room
It’s wise not to run blindly through these doors. This is the Restricted Area, after all, so there are traps. As long as you take care, you’ll flip that lever to open the Elminster Vault in little time. Once you do, lockpick the case with Sleight of Hand to gain the Tharchiate Codex in BG3.
What the Tharchiate Codex Does
Once you have the Tharchiate Codex in BG3, it’s time to read it. When you read it, it will instantly curse you with Tharchiate Withering. This lowers your Constitution by 5. However, this is Act 3. You’re probably wise enough by now to have the scroll Remove Curse, right? If you do, you can use it right away to rid yourself of that pesky curse. We have a handy guide here to show you how to get it.
One of the benefits of finding the Tharchiate Codex in BG3 is that you’ll receive a buff immediately once the curse is lifted. You’ll receive Tharchiate Vigor, gaining 20 temporary Hit Points right away and then after each Long Rest.
Don’t forget to re-read the Necromancy of Thay if you’re following that storyline. You can complete the Tharchiate Codex with it. Pass a Wisdom check to permanently gain the ability to summon 6 ghouls once per Short Rest.
And now the Tharchiate Codex is one more cursed book to add to the collection. It’s worth the slight trouble if you want to gain those extra Hit Points. Any boost can go a long way, especially in a tough fight.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
