Baldur’s Gate 3 Owlbear Cub Guide: How to Recruit It to Your Camp

In Baldur's Gate 3, there are many characters and creatures that can join your adventure. Not all of them are easy to find, and some require a few extra steps. In this guide, we'll explain how to recruit the Owlbear Cub almost at the beginning of the game and bring the animal to your camp.

After exploring the Emerald Grove, you will eventually head toward the Goblin Camp. The conflict between these two groups unfolds in the starting area shortly after the Nautiloid crash. It does not matter which side you plan to support, but do not rush straight to the Goblin Camp if you want to recruit the Owlbear Cub.

From the grove, head east into the forest. Try to stay on the right side of the map so you do not miss the required location. If you are already on the bridge leading to the goblin-occupied village, turn right before the gates.

You need to find the Owlbear Nest. The cave entrance is large enough to notice without any checks. Inside, you will find an Owlbear and her cub. There is also a small shrine with a magically locked chest. You can explore the cave before interacting with the animals.

The situation can develop in several ways. First, you can kill the Owlbear mother yourself. However, under no circumstances should you kill the cub. After the battle, an additional choice will appear where you must spare the little owlbear.

Depending on your skills, the fight can be avoided. The Speak with Animals spell or potion is especially useful here. If everything works out, leave the mother and cub alone. After a Long Rest, the goblins will usually kill the Owlbear mother, and the cub can later appear at the Goblin Camp.

Do not forget to explore the shrine. There is a locked gilded chest that damages the party if you try to open it directly. To bypass the protection, jump to the large statue and examine the area behind it. If your characters pass the Perception check, they will find the Selûnite Prayer Sheet. Read the prayer near the chest with any character except Shadowheart, then take the contents.

Regardless of how the situation in the nest ends, leave the location while keeping the cub alive. Now you need to find it again at the Goblin Camp.

You will visit the Goblin Camp as part of the story. First, you will pass through the Blighted Village, where aggressive goblin archers will stop you. They can be persuaded to let you through.

The next obstacle is the guard at the entrance to the Goblin Camp. Try to talk your way inside. Otherwise, you will have to clear the entire camp, which can turn into a long and difficult fight. If you decide to eliminate the goblins, kill them in small groups so they do not raise the alarm.

In the outer courtyard of the Goblin Camp, find a goblin named Krolla. She runs the Chicken Chase game. If the Owlbear Cub is not nearby yet, take a Long Rest and return later. The cub should appear in the camp after the Owlbear mother is dealt with.

You can also talk to Volo, the bard being held nearby. This is not strictly required for saving the cub, but it is worth doing while you are in the camp.

There are two main options. You can tell Krolla that the game is cruel and persuade or intimidate her into giving you the cub. Or you can agree to play Chicken Chase and win the game first. Choose the dialogue option where your character has the best chance to pass the check.

During Chicken Chase, you need to guide the Owlbear Cub to the end of the track and into the pen. We recommend speaking with the cub. The Speak with Animals spell or potion is very helpful here. Calm the cub down and tell it to run through the posts. After the game, speak to it again and offer it a place at your camp.

After you free the cub from the goblins, return to camp and take several Long Rests. Usually, it takes from one to three rests for the Owlbear Cub to appear.

When the cub comes to your camp, feed it and treat it kindly. Unfortunately, you cannot take the Owlbear Cub into your active combat party, but it will remain as a camp follower. You can interact with it in camp, and later it can become friends with Scratch.