Hey adventurers! 🧙‍♂️✨ Struggling with those pesky, overpowered bosses in Baldur's Gate 3? You know the ones—they pull off moves that make you want to rage-quit. What if I told you there's a sneaky, almost cheesy way to level the playing field right from Act 1? Forget complex spell strategies; sometimes, the best tactic is a simple act of... well, borrowing. Let's dive into how a bit of light-fingered genius can turn nightmare fights into manageable encounters. Trust me, after learning this, you'll see those notorious villains in a whole new (much weaker) light! 😏

baldur-s-gate-3-cheat-sheet-steal-these-potions-to-nerf-bosses-like-ethel-balthazar-image-0

Why Steal Potions? The Game-Changing Secret

Ever wondered why Auntie Ethel can vanish into thin air the moment she reveals her true hag form? Or how Balthazar gets that insane speed boost, essentially taking two turns to your one? Here's the kicker—it's not some innate magical prowess. Nope! These incredibly irritating abilities come from consumable potions in their inventories. That's right, they're basically cheating with items! This means we can un-cheat for them. By removing these potions before combat even starts, you strip them of their key advantages. Think about it: why fight fair when they don't? A little strategic theft can save you hours of frustration, especially in tougher game modes.

Target #1: Auntie Ethel & Her Potion of Invisibility

Let's start with everyone's 'favorite' herbalist in Act 1. Auntie Ethel's fight can be a real pain, primarily because of her opening move: turning invisible. This allows her to reposition, set up attacks, and generally be a slippery nuisance. But what if she couldn't do that?

The Strategy:

  • When to Act: Before confronting her at the Riverside Teahouse and triggering her true form. Interact with her while she's still in her 'kindly old lady' disguise.

  • How to Steal: Use a character with high Sleight of Hand (like Astarion, of course! 🧛‍♂️). Enter turn-based mode to make things easier.

  • The Prize: Pickpocket her Potion of Invisibility. It's usually sitting right there in her pocket!

  • The Result: When the fight triggers and she dramatically transforms, she'll try her vanishing act... and nothing will happen. No more invisible hag to hunt down! She's forced to fight you head-on, making the encounter significantly easier. As shared by clever players, this simple act of thievery deprives her of her signature trick. Isn't it satisfying to out-sneak the sneaky one?

Target #2: Balthazar & His Potion of Speed

Moving on to Act 2 and the dreaded Balthazar in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This necromancer is tough enough with his minions, but his Hastened condition is what really tips the scales. It boosts his stats and grants an extra action per turn—a nightmare in any boss battle.

The Strategy:

  • Find Him: You'll encounter Balthazar in the Gauntlet of Shar, often near his creepy laboratory.

  • Two Foolproof Methods:

  • The Direct Approach: Like with Ethel, use a skilled thief to pickpocket him. Look for the Potion of Speed in his inventory.

  • The Legal(ish) Approach: Believe it or not, you can just buy the potion from him through the trade menu before becoming hostile. He'll happily sell you the very item that makes him powerful. Talk about a bad business deal! 🤣

  • The Result: Initiate the fight without that potion in his possession. No Haste, no extra turns. Suddenly, managing his skeleton summons and spells becomes a far more balanced challenge. Why deal with a super-charged necromancer when you can face the regular, sluggish version?

Pro-Tips for the Ultimate Heist

Pulling this off requires finesse. Here's a quick checklist to ensure success:

  • Save Often! Especially before attempting any pickpocketing. Quicksave is your best friend.

  • Use Buffs: Spells like Guidance or Enhance Ability (Cat's Grace) boost your Dexterity and skill checks.

  • Create Distractions: Have another party member engage the target in conversation. This freezes them in place, making the pickpocket interface stable and risk-free.

  • Know the Limits: If your Sleight of Hand isn't great, consider using the buy method for Balthazar. It's foolproof!

Why This Matters in 2026: Honour Mode & Beyond

With Baldur's Gate 3 still going strong and the player base more strategic than ever, these exploits are golden. They're especially crucial for anyone attempting the ultimate challenge: Honour Mode. As of late 2025, data showed only a small percentage of players had conquered this permadeath mode. Every advantage counts! Using every tool at your disposal isn't cheating—it's smart gaming. Or, more accurately, it's about disarming your enemies before they can use their tools against you. In a mode where one wrong move can end your campaign, ensuring Ethel can't vanish or Balthazar can't get a speed boost might just be the deciding factor between glorious victory and a tragic game over screen.

So, next time you're facing a tricky boss, ask yourself: What's in their pockets? A quick inventory check and a stealthy hand might just be the easiest win you'll ever earn. Happy adventuring, and may your pockets always be heavier than your enemies'! 💰⚔️