How to open the Gilded Chest of Selûne in Owlbear Cave in Baldur’s Gate 3

In many different sections of Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll uncover mysteries and be tasked with solving challenging puzzles, like figuring out how to unlock the sealed Gilded Chest of Selûne in the Owlbear Cave. This magical chest may be small, but unlocking it is rather tricky. Plus, like all your actions in BG3, there is a consequence to opening it you may not like.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to unlock the Gilded Chest.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Selûne’s seal, the Gilded Chest, and Owlbear Cave

Exact Owlbear Cave location in Baldur’s Gate 3

Owlbear Cave is located just northeast of the Blighted Village, a central village for some of your companions. The cave’s opening can be found roughly at coordinates X:85 and Y:444.

When you’re inside the cave, you’ll take the left path and locate the chest by the water in front of the statue of Selune. The chest will be glowing blue.

Be warned, however, if you’re tempted to open the Gilded Chest without first breaking Selûne’s seal your character will receive damage. Trust me, that chest deals quite the punch.

Selûne‘s Seal: How to open the Gilded Chest in Owlbear Cave

To break Selûne’s seal and open the Gilded Chest, you’ll need to follow these three easy steps:

• Switch to a character with the best Perception, then jump across the water to the alcove behind the statue. There your character will perform a Perception Roll. If they fail, return to your group and send another member across until you get a successful Perception Roll. 

• Selune’s Prayer Sheet will appear on the ground when your Perception Roll is successful. You need to pick this up, jump back across the water and read it by right-clicking on the prayer sheet and selecting ‘Read’. This will trigger a Knowledge: Religion roll.
  • Ideally, you’ll want a party member proficient in Religion to read the sheet. If you’re unsuccessful, give the Prayer Sheet to another character and try again.

• If your roll is successful, your character will mention the Prayer has been deciphered, and the chest will now be unlocked.

I always save before these kinds of challenges, in case everyone fails their rolls.

What to consider before opening the Gilded Chest of Selûne

Before opening, I do have to warn you, your actions will have consequences. If you open the Gilded Chest, Shadowheart will not approve, which is significant considering she’s one of your romanceable companions.

I opened the chest because I was curious about what was inside, and I like solving puzzles, but if you’re after Shadowheart’s approval, opening this chest may not be a good idea.

How to avoid Shadowheart’s disapproval

To avoid Shadowheart’s disapproval, you can split the party up before you open the chest, or even before you enter the cave at all. She can’t be mad at me if she doesn’t see me do it.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 romance guide: All romanceable companions and how to woo them

But, if you’re like me and aren’t worried about losing points with Shadowheart, or have decided to romance another companion, the chest is all yours.

What’s inside the Chest of Selûne in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Inside the Chest of Selûne is an Idol of Selûne, a silver necklace, a Bloodstone, and potentially some other items. While the Bloodstone and necklace can be sold, I’d suggest holding onto the Idol of Selûne, as it may provide use later in the story.

Once you’ve unlocked the Gilded Chest, you can head down the right path, take on the Owlbear, and earn some epic loot for your hard work. Or you can just leave; Owlbears are tough.