Animals who behave erratically in Baldur’s Gate 3 are a common occurrence. So common that you even start doubting your own eyes whenever you see one. Are they human? Are they hostile? Do they have an Armor Class of 30 despite the fact that they’re a literal frog in the middle of a bog?
You’ll never know what you’re going to get, even having a high Animal Handling skill isn’t enough. If you’ve seen the Strange Ox before then you’ll know that there’s more to this beast than meets the eye. Find out what he has in store for you by reading the rest of the guide!
Strange Ox Reveals Its Secret in Act 3
The Strange Ox makes its first appearance in the Druid Grove after you wipe out the Goblin invaders and get through Aradin and Zevlor. He’ll be sitting in the pens directly next to Arron’s shop. If nobody in your party can speak with animals then the narrator will just tell you that the beast is making you anxious.
However, if you do cast Speak with Animals then you’ll know that this Ox hails east, from Elturel specifically. Another option is to perform a 10 DC Persuasion check. Pass that and you’ll see each other again later where he’ll turn into an Ooze.
You’ll see the Ox again either in Act 2 at the Last Light Inn or in a shed in Rivington at X:42, Y:-146. He’ll still say that you’re incapable and will show you a couple of images in its head that consists of mutilated corpses. If you keep on pestering the Strange Ox, it will reveal itself to be an Ooze and will engage you and your party in combat.
If you kill the Ooze, you’ll get the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring, which is an excellent item to have if you’re playing as a Druid. Another item will be the Hat of Fire Acuity. You can also opt out of looting the Ox minding its own business and help it get inside Baldur’s Gate.
And that’s the Strange Ox’s secret in Baldur’s Gate 3. Will you take away the life it always wanted or leave the beast well enough alone? If yes, then you might as well recruit some hirelings to give you a better chance of winning!
ALSO READ: Baldur’s Gate 3: Confronting The Elder Brain Without Collecting Netherstones | Secret Bad Ending
