In Baldur’s Gate 3, few encounters are as memorable and unsettling as the one with Auntie Ethel. This deceptive hag hides beneath the mask of a kindly old woman, but those who probe deeper discover her twisted experiments and horrifying lair. For players wondering whether it’s worth engaging her in combat, one common question is how much XP you gain for killing Auntie Ethel, and whether the risks of facing her outweigh the rewards. Understanding the XP mechanics and narrative consequences tied to this boss fight helps players make informed decisions and optimize their party’s progression.
Who Is Auntie Ethel?
A Memorable Antagonist
Auntie Ethel is a powerful and cunning hag that players encounter in the first act of Baldur’s Gate 3. She initially appears as a harmless, somewhat eccentric old woman selling potions and charms in the Riverside Teahouse. However, her friendly demeanor is a façade Ethel is deeply involved in sinister magic and has a dark connection to the Shadowfell. Her role in the story expands as players uncover her involvement in kidnapping and grotesque rituals, turning her from a quirky NPC into a major threat.
The Hidden Depths of Her Lair
If you pursue Auntie Ethel, you eventually descend into her secret lair known as the Ancient Abode. It is here that her true identity is revealed, and you’re given the opportunity to challenge her directly. This encounter tests both your combat tactics and moral compass, especially when faced with difficult choices involving other characters like Mayrina, the woman she’s keeping imprisoned for a grotesque ritual.
How Much XP Do You Get for Killing Auntie Ethel?
Total XP Breakdown
Defeating Auntie Ethel grants approximately1,200 XPfor the battle itself. This reward can vary slightly depending on how the fight is triggered and how many enemies are present during the encounter. Additional XP can be gained throughout the dungeon leading to her, bringing the total experience reward for completing the entire questline to between1,600 to 2,000 XPdepending on your approach.
- XP for defeating Auntie Ethel: ~1,200 XP
- XP for saving Mayrina (optional): ~150 XP
- XP for dialogue and exploration: ~300-500 XP
This makes the Auntie Ethel quest one of the more substantial XP opportunities in the early portion of the game. It can significantly boost your party’s progress toward leveling up especially useful if you’re playing on higher difficulties or seeking to stay ahead in power curve before more dangerous zones appear.
Factors Affecting XP Rewards
The XP gained can be influenced by a few different things:
- How you initiate the battle: Ambushing Ethel or surprising her may give you an advantage, potentially allowing you to deal more damage early and gain XP from defeating her quickly.
- Choice outcomes: Resolving situations like Mayrina’s imprisonment or confronting Ethel diplomatically before combat can yield additional XP depending on your choices.
- Side objectives: There are traps, puzzles, and secrets within her lair. Exploring these areas grants small XP rewards and helps complete the experience total for this segment of the game.
Is Killing Auntie Ethel Worth It?
Experience Gain vs. Risk
At early levels, 1,200 XP is a significant chunk of progression. Killing Auntie Ethel not only offers this large XP drop, but also gives players the satisfaction of completing one of the more morally complex storylines in Act 1. The fight can be challenging Ethel uses illusions, teleportation, and fire magic to throw players off balance but with proper preparation, it’s a manageable boss battle even for level 3 or 4 parties.
Loot and Additional Rewards
Besides XP, you’ll gain access to unique loot. One key reward is theStaff of Crones, which provides bonuses to spellcasters. There are also scrolls, potions, and materials useful for future encounters. If you manage to save Mayrina, you may also affect future interactions in subtle ways depending on how the narrative evolves later in the game.
Moral and Narrative Consequences
While most players won’t shed a tear for the demise of a soul-stealing hag, the way you handle this encounter can impact your party’s alignment or interpersonal dynamics. Some companions may approve of your aggressive stance, while others could object to certain actions taken during the quest. Players who enjoy roleplaying their characters with consistency will find the Auntie Ethel encounter an excellent opportunity to explore values like justice, mercy, or pragmatism.
Strategies for Defeating Auntie Ethel
Prepare for the Fight
Make sure to heal your party and bring plenty of crowd-control spells. Ethel uses fire-based attacks and summons duplicates of herself, so having spells likeFaerie FireorMagic Missilehelps deal with illusions. Resist fire potions or gear with fire resistance bonuses also provide an edge.
Dispel Illusions and Focus Damage
One of her key tricks is to confuse your party using illusions. Focusing on perception-based characters or using true damage spells allows you to single out the real Ethel and reduce the length of the fight. AoE spells can hit all targets and reveal her real form if your perception is too low to detect it manually.
Use the Environment
Her lair is filled with traps and hazards. Turn these to your advantage by positioning your team smartly. Keep ranged fighters on high ground and use choke points to control enemy movement. Don’t hesitate to fall back and regroup if your party gets overwhelmed early in the fight.
What Happens If You Spare Auntie Ethel?
If you choose not to kill her, Auntie Ethel may flee or offer a deal. Sparing her can lead to different outcomes, including temporary buffs or items, but you will miss out on the large XP reward and potentially lose the opportunity to free Mayrina. While intriguing from a roleplay perspective, sparing her is generally not recommended for players focused on maximizing early-game XP or gear.
Killing Auntie Ethel in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most rewarding choices from both a gameplay and narrative standpoint. The 1,200 XP you gain from defeating her, coupled with the additional rewards and moral satisfaction, make the encounter a strong candidate for early character progression. The fight offers a solid challenge, but with the right preparation and strategy, it becomes a pivotal turning point in your adventure. Whether you’re leveling up your party, exploring the depths of the story, or just trying to be a force for good in the world of Faerûn, taking down Auntie Ethel is absolutely worth it.