The Callous Glow Ring is a unique accessory in Baldur’s Gate 3 that grants a subtle but potent bonus to characters who often deal with illuminated enemies. Many players ask, Where is the Callous Glow Ring? because it’s hidden behind a challenging dungeon and a high-level lock. Knowing its exact location and how to obtain it can unlock synergy for builds centered around radiant damage and illumination effects, making it a sought-after item well worth the effort to acquire.
Where to Find the Callous Glow Ring
The Callous Glow Ring is located in the Gauntlet of Shar, a hidden area discovered in Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3, specifically beneath Thorm’s Mausoleum in the ShadowCursed Lands. The ring is stored in an opulent chest inside a vault room adjacent to Balthazar’s chambers. This vault is only accessible via a locked door that requires a DC 30 Sleight of Hand check to open.
Step-by-Step Path to the Ring
To acquire the Callous Glow Ring, follow these steps:
- Reach Act¯2 and enter the ShadowCursed Lands.
- Find Thorm’s Mausoleum and descend into the Gauntlet of Shar.
- Progress through puzzles and traps until you reach the vault doors outside Balthazar’s room.
- Perform a Sleight of Hand check (DC¯30) to lockpick the vault.
- Inside, open the opulent chest on the far right to find the Callous Glow Ring.
Hugging the wall as you enter the room helps avoid triggering combat before you reach the vault door, giving you time to pick the lock safely.
What the Callous Glow Ring Does
This uncommon ring grants the Callous Glow effect: the wearer deals an extra 2 points of radiant damage against enemies that are illuminated defined as standing in a Clear Area light level. This bonus applies to nearly all damage sources used by the wearer, including melee attacks, spells, area effects, and certain features like Psionic Overload or electrified surfaces.
Item Stats and Details
- Item type: Ring (uncommon)
- Weight: ~0.05¯kg
- Value: ~40¯gp
- Bonus: +2 Radiant damage against illuminated foes
- Best used in conjunction with light-producing weapons or spells to illuminate enemies consistently.
Why Use the Callous Glow Ring?
The ring synergizes exceptionally well with items the illuminate your target, such as the Blood of Lathander or Moonlight Glaive, as they automatically light the foe, triggering the radiant bonus on every hit.
Spellcasters gain added benefit from the ring when using spells that deal multiple hits like Magic Missile, Scorching Ray, or Eldritch Blast. Each projectile hit gets the extra 2 radiant damage, compounding across multiple attacks in a single turn.
Many Reddit users in the r/BG3Builds community confirmed that the bonus applies even to damage dealt by Spirit Guardians when the enemy is illuminated though some debate exists about edge cases like clouded zones or undead resistances.
Best Builds for the Ring
The Callous Glow Ring excels in light-based and radiant-themed builds. It’s particularly strong on characters who can consistently illuminate enemies or who rely on multi-hit spells:
- Light Clerics wielding Blood of Lathander or Scorching Ray
- Wizards or Sorcerers using Magic Missile or Eldritch Blast
- Paladins who deliver radiant smites while their weapon sheds light
For example, a Light Cleric with Luminous Armor or gloves and this ring can stack Radiant Orbs and bonus damage multiple times per turn, especially when spells like Magic Missile are involved.
Tips for Obtaining the Ring
- Use a character with high Sleight of Hand proficiency Astarion or another rogue serves well.
- Buff your lockpicking attempt using Guidance, Assistance, or Inspiration spells if needed.
- Avoid triggering combat in the treasure room; hug the wall and lockpick as quickly as possible.
- If you fail the lockpick, you may need to return later. Do not pick the other chests prematurely.
The Callous Glow Ring is a hidden but potent item in Baldur’s Gate 3. Found in Act¯2’s Gauntlet of Shar, it rewards careful exploration and planning with a consistent radiant damage bonus against illuminated enemies. This ring provides synergy in radiant or spell-heavy builds, especially when paired with illumination effects from weapons or spellcasting. Grabbing it involves navigating puzzles, a high DC lockpick, and a bit of stealth but the combat advantage gained makes it a small but powerful gem in any adventurer’s arsenal.