Basilisk oil in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a crafting material used to create the Elixir of the Colossus, which increases the character’s size and grants additional hit points. It is primarily obtained by looting basilisk corpses in the Underdark and the Mountain Pass, and it serves no other purpose in the game.
What Is Basilisk Oil in BG3?
Basilisk oil is a common alchemical ingredient in Baldur’s Gate 3. Its in-game description simply states that it is “oil from a basilisk.” Unlike some other alchemical reagents, basilisk oil cannot be consumed directly or applied to weapons; its only function is as a component for crafting a specific elixir at an alchemy station. The item is classified as a “common” reagent, meaning it is not particularly rare, but it is also not as abundant as basic ingredients like acorn dust or mugwort.
How Basilisk Oil Works in Alchemy
In BG3, alchemy allows you to combine two ingredients to create a potion or elixir. Basilisk oil is paired with one other ingredient to craft the Elixir of the Colossus. The recipe is:
- Basilisk Oil + any of the following: Balsam, Chultan Egg, Dragon Egg, Hag’s Bane, Mimic Egg, Mud Mephit Wings, or Phase Spider Matriarch’s Heart
Once created, the elixir can be consumed to become “enlarged,” which increases your size category and grants 20 temporary hit points. The effect lasts until a long rest. This can be useful for melee characters who want to shove enemies more easily or simply gain a bit of extra survivability.
Where to Find Basilisk Oil
Basilisk oil is looted from the corpses of basilisks. In the game, basilisks appear in two main regions:
- Underdark – Specifically in the area near the Arcane Tower and the Sussur Tree. You may encounter basilisks as random enemies or find their remains.
- Mountain Pass – In the Rosymorn Monastery area, there is a basilisk nest with several basilisks and a basilisk matriarch. Defeating them yields multiple units of oil.
Additionally, some merchants may sell basilisk oil, but it is not guaranteed. The best method is to hunt basilisks whenever you see them, as they are not particularly tough and can be killed easily with fire or acid damage.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that basilisk oil can be used to cure petrification or protect against it, because of the basilisk’s lore in Dungeons & Dragons. In BG3, however, basilisk oil has no such effect. It is purely a crafting component. Another issue players run into is hoarding the oil without realizing it has a specific use, or accidentally selling it to a vendor. While it is not a crucial item, if you want to craft the Elixir of the Colossus, you will need to keep at least one unit in your inventory.
How to Use Basilisk Oil Effectively
To make the most of basilisk oil, follow these steps:
- Collect basilisk oil from basilisk corpses.
- Open the alchemy menu (press ‘H’ on PC or access via the radial menu on console).
- Select the Elixir of the Colossus recipe.
- If you have the required second ingredient, craft the elixir.
- Use the elixir before a difficult fight to gain temporary hit points and a larger size.
The Elixir of the Colossus is particularly useful for characters who rely on pushing or grappling, as being larger gives advantage on such checks. It also provides a nice buffer of temporary HP, making it a good pre-battle buff for frontliners.
Comparing Basilisk Oil to Other Alchemical Reagents
Basilisk oil belongs to a category of reagents that are each tied to a single recipe. For example, Worg Fang is used for the Elixir of the Colossus as well, but it is much rarer. Basilisk oil is more common, making it a reliable substitute. Other reagents like Imp Wings or Harpy Feathers are used for different elixirs, such as the Elixir of the Vulture or the Elixir of the Harpy, respectively. The key difference is that basilisk oil is not needed for any other recipe, so you can safely use it without worrying about wasting a scarce resource.
Cost and Value of Basilisk Oil
Basilisk oil has a base value of 5 gold pieces if you sell it. However, its true value lies in the elixir it creates. The Elixir of the Colossus can be purchased from merchants for around 50 gold, so crafting it yourself saves you money. Given that basilisk oil is relatively easy to obtain in the Underdark, it is worth collecting even if you do not immediately need it. You can also give it to a companion like Alchemy-specialized hirelings to increase their crafting efficiency, though this is not a major mechanic in the base game.
Safety and Storage Tips
There are no safety concerns with basilisk oil in-game; it is not a poison or a hazardous material. However, it is a good practice to store it in your camp chest if you are over-encumbered, as it is a light item (0.05 kg). If you are playing on Tactician or Honor Mode, where resources are scarce, do not sell it unless you are certain you will not need the elixir. The elixir’s temporary hit points can be a lifesaver in boss fights, so keeping a few units of basilisk oil in reserve is a smart strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can basilisk oil cure petrification in BG3?
No, basilisk oil does not cure petrification. The only way to reverse petrification in BG3 is by using a Basilisk Oil? Actually, that is a common misconception. In the game, petrification is cured with a Stone to Flesh scroll or the spell of the same name, which can be learned by wizards and clerics. Basilisk oil is only for crafting the Elixir of the Colossus.
Where can I buy basilisk oil?
Some merchants in the Underdark, such as Derryth Bonecloak at the Myconid Colony, may sell basilisk oil, but it is not a guaranteed item. The most reliable way to get it is by killing basilisks in the Underdark or the Mountain Pass.
Is basilisk oil used in any other recipes?
No, basilisk oil is exclusively used for the Elixir of the Colossus. There are no other alchemical recipes that require it.
Can I use basilisk oil on weapons or armor?
No, basilisk oil cannot be applied to weapons or armor. It is purely an alchemical reagent.
What does the Elixir of the Colossus do exactly?
The Elixir of the Colossus makes your character larger, increasing their size category by one (e.g., from Medium to Large). This grants 20 temporary hit points and advantage on Strength checks and saving throws. The effect lasts until a long rest.
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