The Baldur’s Gate 3 Strange Ox is an odd bovine that appears in Emerald Grove back in Act 1. Talking with him using Speak With Animals or as a shapeshifted animal reveals that he’s not your typical bull. Now, it’s possible to kill the animal for a Shapeshifter’s Ring and some random loot, but the Strange Ox does mention that he’s trying to reach the city of Baldur’s Gate, all the way in Act 3. So then, is it worth killing the Strange Ox or helping whatever this creatures is throughout BG3?
Should you kill the Baldur’s Gate 3 Strange Ox?
No, you should not kill the Strange Ox. This NPC can become an unexpected ally in the final fight of the game.
While it’s tempting to murder the Strange Ox or antagonize it by asking what the creature really is, it’s better to leave it alone. Now, it’s tough to pass up the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring off its corpse since it gives a party member a +1d4 to all checks while the character is disguised or shapeshifted. If you have the Mask of the Shapeshifter by purchasing the Deluxe Edition, these two items work together well.
However, if you stay your hand and choose not to blow up the Strange Ox (which explodes in a burst of acid), the creature will appear at the planning room before you head into the final boss fight. Furthermore, you need to aid the creature in Act 3 (it can be found at coordinates X 41, Y -143) by smuggling him into Baldur’s Gate as an apple. Beyond that, we won’t reveal what the Strange Ox really is, but it goes to show you that mindless murder sometimes doesn’t pay.
Also, some players report that killing the Strange Ox is the cause of a strange glitch where the tiefling blacksmith Dammon doesn’t appear in Act 2 in some circumstances.
BG3 Strange Ox FAQ
A: No, it’s recommended not to kill the Strange Ox. Despite the temptation to obtain the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring, the creature can become a significant ally in the final game fight.
A: In Act 3, the Strange Ox can be located at coordinates X 41, Y -143. You can assist the creature by smuggling him into Baldur’s Gate, disguising him as an apple.
A: Some players have reported a glitch where, after killing the Strange Ox, the tiefling blacksmith Dammon fails to appear in Act 2 under specific conditions.
