How To Beat Gekh Coal In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

One of the most pivotal moments in Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3 comes when you must choose whether to take the Underdark or Overland routes to your destination. If you brave the Underdark, you’ll soon come face-to-face with the Duergar slaver Gekh Coal. You will have to decide whether Gekh is a friend or foe after this crucial encounter. You may miss valuable mission rewards and story developments if you make the wrong choice. We’ll guide you on how to defeat Gekh Coal in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3).

Why You Shouldn’t Help Gekh Coal?

Gekh Coal is a slave trader that the party may encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3. While helping him can open up the “Save the Grymforge Gnomes” side quest, it is not recommended. Gekh Coal is completely reprehensible and does not deserve the party’s aid.

Fortunately, refusing to help Gekh Coal or killing him outright has minimal consequences. The “Save the Grymforge Gnomes” quest can still be completed through other means. Before interacting with Gekh Coal, visit the Myconid Colony and save the dying gnome Thulla. This will allow the quest line to proceed even if Gekh Coal is killed.

Killing Gekh Coal is often easier than convincing him through dialogue skill checks. However, this may immediately turn his allies hostile, forcing combat. Those looking to avoid fights in Baldur’s Gate 3 may want to placate Gekh Coal initially. The party can always return later to exact justice on the slaver.

How to Kill Gekh Coal in Baldur’s Gate 3

Gekh Coal is a challenging boss with 52 HP, and he starts the battle with two invisible allies. The key is managing the hidden enemies, using the environment to your advantage, and having abilities to hit multiple targets. Here are some tips to defeat him:

• Obtain spells like Faerie Fire and See Invisibility. These will reveal the invisible enemies at the start.
• Have your Sorcerer learn Thunderwave. Since you fight on a high ledge, you can use this to push approaching enemies off the cliff. Focus attacks on Gekh Coal while the Sorcerer keeps his allies at bay with Thunderwave.
• Have party members with area damage abilities. When the fight starts, Gekh Coal will summon zombies as reinforcements. AoEs will help thin the herd.
• Consider destroying the ladder leading up to your position. This can buy you a few extra turns before enemies reach you.

Once Gekh Coal is defeated, you will obtain his mighty great axe, the Exterminator’s Axe.