Baldur’s Gate 3: How to Rescue Volo

You’ll want to know how to rescue Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3 for story purposes and a permanent passive ability. This Bard’s curiosity and naivete tends to get him into trouble. That means you’ll be the one to get him out of sticky situations, but you’ll need to find him first. There are two instances to watch out for, and we detail them below.

How to Rescue Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3

There are two instances where you’ll need to rescue Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3.

• Act 1: He’s in the Goblin Camp west of the Blighted Village.
• Act 3: He’s in the southwest portion of the Lower City.

Where to Find Volo in Act 1

You’ll first meet Volo during Act 1, when you head to the Druid Grove. There, he’ll ask you about your adventures, while adding that he’s off on a journey. He mentions that he’d like to meet the goblin leaders in their base.

Whether or not you talked to Volo in the Druid Grove, the next time you spot him is in the Goblin Camp. Simply head west from the Druid Grove to reach the Blighted Village, then cross the canyon to arrive at the base. You may need to pass a few dialogue checks if you want to avoid hostilities.

Once you’re at the camp, you’ll see that Volo has become an attraction, and it seems that one of the goblins has taken a liking to him. Follow them inside the Shattered Sanctum base, and head inside his cell. Talk to the goblin woman and pass either the Deception or Intimidation checks. Alternatively, you can use Illithid Wisdom if you’re already done a long rest. She’ll give you the key to unlock Volo’s cell. Speak with the hapless Bard and make him go to your camp.

Volo Performs Eye Surgery

If you managed to rescue Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3, he’ll have a special scene later once you’ve rested at your camp. He claims that he has expert knowledge in surgery, and that he can try removing the Mind Flayer tadpole in your brain.

What followed was a scene that I found both excruciating and hilarious, as Volo continuously stabbed my character’s eye. I had to select responses until the only ones left were unintelligible gurgles. In the end, though, my character did receive a permanent Detect Invisibility passive. This is just one of the “alternative” methods in the Find a Cure quest, which implies that most of them won’t really work, due to storyline reasons.

Where to Find Volo in Act 3

Much later in the game, you’ll get another chance to rescue Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3. Once you arrive at the Lower City, head to the southwestern portion. Upon seeing the gates to the Steel Watch Foundry, you’ll notice that Volo has been tied to a platform, and he’s surrounded by explosives. It looks like the townsfolk have gotten tired of his annoying ways.

A battle will ensue, and your goal is to reach Volo so you can use the Help action to free him. I suggest casting spells like Misty Step so you can teleport, or having high-mobility classes like the Monk. Once Volo is freed, he’ll be able to avoid the devastating explosion. You can then mop up the remaining enemy mobs as you see fit.

That’s how to save Volo in Baldur’s Gate 3. This Bard does get himself into trouble, but he’s loyal and steadfast. You’ll see him again in your camp and, later on, just in time for the final battle. For more tips and tactics, visit our BG3 guides hub.