Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a way to gain permanent See Invisibility without spending spell slots or using scrolls. This guide explains exactly how to unlock this power early in the game on any character or class.
1. What is Permanent See Invisibility in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Permanent See Invisibility is a unique mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3 that lets any class detect hidden enemies without needing magic.
What is See Invisibility?
Normally, See Invisibility is a level 2 Divination Spell available to spellcasters like Wizards or Bards. It reveals invisible enemies, helps avoid ambushes, and provides an edge in combat. Without it, many creatures remain hidden and harder to fight.
Benefits of Permanent See Invisibility
With Volo’s Ersatz Eye, any character gains permanent See Invisibility without using spell slots or scrolls. This means even non-casters like Barbarians or Fighters can detect hidden threats at all times, making exploration and combat far safer and more effective.
Are There Any Downsides?
There’s no impact on stats, combat abilities, or perception checks. The only drawback is cosmetic—a pale replacement eye that’s visible on your character. Choosing this surgery also prevents you from trading your eye to Auntie Ethel in Act 1 for her alternative tadpole removal option.
Power of Choice
2. How to Start Volo’s Quest in Baldur’s Gate 3
To begin the path toward permanent See Invisibility, you need to find Volothamp Geddarm, a well-known NPC from D&D lore, during Act 1 in Emerald Grove.
Where to Find Volo in the Emerald Grove
Head into Emerald Grove, where Druids and Tieflings are at odds. You’ll need access to the Grove to proceed with Volo’s quest.
Follow these steps:
- Enter the Grove and head down to the Sacred Pools area.
- Walk past three Druids guarding the stairs from angry Tieflings.
- Look for Volo sitting under a tree beside a bear.
- Speak with him to begin his dialogue about the Goblins outside the gates.
Where to Find Volo in the Emerald Grove
How to Trigger Volo’s Goblin Camp Event
During your conversation, Volo will mention plans to visit the Goblin Camp. To ensure he appears there, it’s wise to take a Long Rest before heading over.
Key points:
- If you defeated the rampaging Goblins outside the gates, Volo will ask questions about them and mention the Absolute.
- Volo may appear in the Goblin Camp without resting, but resting guarantees the next quest stage triggers smoothly.
Just Some Normal Questions
3. How to Rescue Volo from the Goblin Camp in BG3
After talking to Volo in the Grove, you’ll need to find and rescue him from the Goblin Camp.
Steps to Rescue Volo
- Travel to the Goblin Camp. You can avoid combat if you use Illithid powers or choose non-hostile dialogue options.
- Look for Volo performing on a stage in the main thoroughfare of the camp.
- Speak to him until his captor drags him away to the Shattered Sanctum.
- Receive the quest “Rescue Volo” in your journal.
- Head into the Shattered Sanctum via the main doors.
- Move past the stairs into the large chamber where you first meet Priestess Gut.
- Turn right toward the Worg Pens area. Before crossing the wooden bridge, look to the right for the room containing Volo’s cage.
- Choose how to free Volo:
- Use Persuasion or Deception to convince his handler to leave, then open the cage peacefully.
- Or kill the handler and any nearby Goblins, then break open the cage.
Once freed, Volo will relocate to your camp.
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- A Trapped Bard
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- Volo’s Cage
4. How to Talk to Volo in Your Camp
After his rescue, you can speak with Volo in your camp about the Illithid tadpole problem.
Important details:
- Initially, Volo doesn’t believe your story but gradually accepts the truth.
- He offers to help remove the tadpole but needs time to prepare.
- Take a Long Rest to trigger the next stage of his quest.
5. Should You Let Volo Perform Eye Surgery in BG3?
This is one of the first big choices in Baldur’s Gate 3. Volo proposes removing the parasite by performing surgery on your eye using crude tools.
You have two choices:
- Decline the surgery: Volo stays in camp, and you keep your eye and tadpole. You can change your mind later.
- Accept the surgery: Proceed through a painful cutscene where Volo tries to remove the tadpole using a needle and ice pick. Choose dialogue options that allow him to continue the procedure.
Prepare for an Eye Exam
Pros and Cons of Volo’s Eye Surgery
- Pros: Gain permanent See Invisibility with no need for spell slots or scrolls.
- Cons: Cosmetic change to your eye. Blocks the Auntie Ethel eye trade option for that character.
Blighter on the Run
6. What Happens After Volo’s Eye Surgery in BG3?
Eventually, Volo botches the operation, accidentally removing your eye. After you wake from the trauma, he’s eager to flee your camp due to his guilt.
Before leaving, Volo gives you Volo’s Ersatz Eye as a replacement.
A Shiny New Eye
7. How Volo’s Ersatz Eye Works in BG3
Volo’s Ersatz Eye grants permanent See Invisibility on any character or class in Baldur’s Gate 3. No spell slots, scrolls, or magic are required for this buff to function.
- There are no mechanical downsides to equipping Volo’s Ersatz Eye. You maintain all your proficiencies, hit chance, and Perception checks.
- The only change is cosmetic: the replacement eye appears paler than a normal eye. On certain races like Dragonborn, it may be slightly more noticeable.
If you’re comfortable with the cosmetic difference, you should always consider letting Volo perform the surgery. The permanent See Invisibility buff is incredibly useful for spotting hidden enemies and avoiding ambushes later in the game.
8. Cosmetic Changes After Volo’s Eye Surgery
After the procedure, your character’s new eye looks subtly different in color and brightness. However, it won’t significantly impact your character’s appearance or cutscene animations.
Cosmetic Change After Volo’s Experiment
That’s everything you need to know to unlock permanent See Invisibility early in Baldur’s Gate 3!
