Rescuing Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Saving Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) involves two key rescue missions. The first takes place early in Act 1 at the Goblin Camp, specifically within the Shattered Sanctum. The second, far less perilous, occurs much later in Act 3, within the city of Baldur’s Gate itself. Both encounters offer unique challenges and rewards, making Volo’s safety a worthwhile endeavor.

Volo’s Plight in Act 1: The Goblin Camp Rescue

Volo’s initial predicament sees him captured by goblins and forced to perform for their amusement. He’s held within the Shattered Sanctum, located in the Goblin Camp. Reaching him requires navigating the hostile environment and dealing with the goblin leadership. Here’s a step-by-step guide to rescuing him:

1. Locate Volo: Upon entering the Shattered Sanctum, head to Gut’s throne room. You’ll find Volo imprisoned in a cage on the right side, guarded by a goblin named Gribbo.

2. Dealing with Gribbo: You have several options for dealing with Gribbo:

   • Diplomacy: Successfully persuading Gribbo to release Volo through dialogue checks is the ideal, non-violent solution. This will require a successful Persuasion or Intimidation check.
   • Pickpocketing: If diplomacy fails, you can attempt to pickpocket the key from Gribbo. A successful Sleight of Hand check is needed.
   • Combat: If all else fails, you can resort to combat. Defeating Gribbo and any nearby goblins will allow you to loot the key from her corpse. Important Note: While combat is an option, try to resolve this scenario without alerting the entire camp. A full-scale battle within the Shattered Sanctum can be challenging, especially at lower levels.

3. Freeing Volo: Once you have the key, unlock Volo’s cage.

4. Volo’s Escape: Upon being freed, Volo will immediately flee the Shattered Sanctum. Ensure he survives his escape, as he’s vulnerable during this period. He will run outside of the sanctum to a safer location.

5. Meeting at Camp: After rescuing him from the Shattered Sanctum, Volo will eventually make his way to your camp. Speak with him to trigger the next stage of his questline.

The Eye Operation: A Risky Proposition

Once Volo arrives at your camp, he’ll offer to help remove the tadpole from your brain. This leads to a particularly memorable, and slightly gruesome, scene involving an ice pick and your eyeball.

• The Choice: You can choose to let Volo attempt the surgery or refuse.
• The Outcome: Letting Volo proceed will not remove the tadpole. However, you will gain Volo’s Ersatz Eye, which grants the ability to see invisible creatures within a 30-foot radius. The downside is that you will lose one of your eyes, replaced by Volo’s somewhat unsettling prosthetic.
• Is it worth it?: Absolutely! The ability to see invisible creatures is invaluable later in the game, particularly against certain enemies. The cosmetic change is a small price to pay for this tactical advantage.

Volo’s Predicament in Act 3: A Second Rescue

In Act 3, Volo finds himself in trouble once again, this time within the city of Baldur’s Gate. He is being held captive by a mysterious figure.

1. Finding Volo: Investigate the events unfolding in the city. Through exploration and dialogue, you’ll uncover the circumstances surrounding Volo’s abduction. The circumstances of this rescue may change based on player choices.

2. Rescuing Volo: Like the first rescue, you’ll likely have multiple options for freeing Volo, including diplomacy, stealth, or combat. Choose the approach that best suits your party’s strengths and your preferred playstyle.

Benefits of Saving Volo

Rescuing Volo offers several benefits:

• Volo’s Ersatz Eye: As mentioned, this is a significant tactical advantage.
• Merchant Services: Volo acts as a merchant at your camp, selling useful items, including scrolls, potions, and camp supplies. He also sells a ring valuable for Clerics. His inventory refreshes after every long rest.
• Camp Supplies: Volo always carries a pack of camp supplies in his inventory, ensuring you can always rest, regardless of your party’s inventory.
• Amusing Interactions: Volo is a colorful and entertaining character, and having him at your camp adds to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Saving Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a rewarding experience that provides both tangible benefits and memorable moments. From the chaotic Goblin Camp to the dangerous streets of Baldur’s Gate, rescuing this hapless adventurer is a worthwhile endeavor for any player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saving Volo in BG3

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Does Volo ever leave permanently? Volo will leave permanently after he gives you the Ersatz Eye. After this event, Volo is no longer needed for the game.

2. How do I get Volo back to camp after the Goblin Camp? After you free Volo from the Shattered Sanctum, he will automatically appear at your camp after a short time, usually after a long rest.

3. Is it worth saving Volo? Yes, saving Volo is definitely worth it! The Ersatz Eye, merchant services, and camp supplies he provides make him a valuable asset.

4. How do you keep Volo alive during the Goblin Camp rescue? Protect Volo during his escape from the Shattered Sanctum. Clear a path for him and eliminate any immediate threats.

5. Should I let Volo operate on my eye? Yes, let Volo operate on your eye. The Ersatz Eye, despite its gruesome acquisition, is a powerful item.

6. Where does Volo go after the eye operation? After the eye operation, Volo will leave your camp permanently and pursue other adventures.

7. Should I let Volo go to my camp? Yes, you should let Volo come to your camp. He provides valuable services as a merchant and offers the opportunity for the eye operation.

8. Should you tell Volo about the parasite? Yes, tell Volo about the parasite. This is what triggers the eye operation questline.

9. Should I let Astarion drink my blood, or is it better to save Volo? Astarion and Volo are unrelated. Astarion’s bite influences his personal questline. Saving Volo is related to getting the Ersatz Eye. You can pursue both independently.

10. Can you meet Volo again after Act 1? Yes, you encounter Volo again in Act 3 within Baldur’s Gate, where he requires rescuing once more.

11. What is the point of Volo in BG3? Volo’s purpose includes providing the Ersatz Eye, acting as a merchant, offering camp supplies, and adding a comedic element to the game.

12. What does Volo sell in BG3? Volo sells various scrolls, potions, camp supplies, and a ring for Clerics (The Whispering Promise). His inventory restocks after long rests.

13. Do I let Volo stab my eye in Baldur’s Gate 3? Yes, the benefit of receiving the Volo’s Ersatz Eye far outweighs the negatives of losing an eye. This upgrade will prove invaluable later in the game.

14. Is Volo from Baldur’s Gate 1 or 2? Volo is a character from the Forgotten Realms setting, appearing in various books and games, including previous Baldur’s Gate titles.

15. How does Volo tie into Games Learning Society? Baldur’s Gate 3, with its rich narrative, character interactions, and problem-solving scenarios, can offer valuable insights into game-based learning and education. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explore how games can be used to enhance learning experiences. The problem solving skills needed to save Volo, and other characters, translates into real world skills of analysis and planning.