Balder’s Gate 3 features many unique and bizarre encounters, one of which is a strange ox. You first meet this peculiar creature after leaving the Nautiloid crash site and entering Druid Grove. Interacting with this strange creature is practically impossible initially; however, we will guide you through the whole process of interacting and exposing the identity of the strange ox in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Strange Ox location in Act 1
Once you enter the Druid Grove, go straight until you reach the Hollow Region. Opposite the training arena, where Wyll will be teaching the Tiefling children, there is a barn housing three Oxen. Once you hover your mouse over them (X: 221, Y: 541), you will notice that one is named Strange Ox. As you pass it, a perception check will occur, and your character will make remarks about its appearance.
Once you interact with the Strange Ox, you can pass an Arcana Check (DC10) to find out that it is, in fact, not an Ox. However, you can’t talk to it; it will only reply with a Moo.
The only way to talk to the Strange Ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 is to use the Speak with the Animals spell. Talk to and recruit Wyll, who can use this spell at level 3. You can also create a Druid character to talk to this strange creature.
Once you talk to Strange Ox, it will be surprised and tell you it will leave for Baldur’s Gate with or without Tieflings. If you try to pressure it into revealing its identity, Strange Ox will get hostile and attack you. It will convert into Ochre Sputum (an ooze jelly) and use acid attacks on you. If you defeat it, you will get Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring and Glyph of Warding: Acid, which will explode to damage the party.
The Tieflings in the area will not be happy about you killing their livestock and will turn hostile. We recommend that you avoid fighting this enemy at all costs, as the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
Strange Ox location in Act 2
As you return from the Goblin Camp, Strange Ox will be nowhere to be found in the Druid Grove. It will move to the stables (X: -28, Y: 168) of the Last Light Inn in the Shadow Cursed Lands. Upon completing Act 1 and reaching the inn via the Underdark, you will find the Ox near the merchant Dammon.
Once again, you must pass a perception check to locate the Strange Ox. As you talk to it, the game prompts you to pass another DC14 Persuasion or Perception check. Whether you succeed or fail, you can continue interacting with the Strange Ox.
If you continue to push the Strange Ox to reveal its identity, it will once more change into an Ochre jelly and attack you. This will prompt Dammon to join the fight. Make sure you save Dammon at all costs, as he is essential to complete The Hellion’s Heart companion quest of Karlach and craft the Flawed Helldusk Armor set.
Strange Ox location in Act 3
If you don’t fight Strange Ox in Act 2, it will again appear in the early sections of Act 3. You can find it on a hill (X: 35, Y: -150) near the Requisitioned Barn inside Revington. Once you talk to it, the Strange Ox will reveal the real meanings of the word Moo. It is praising a lord named Cyric.
If you don’t pressure the Ox into revealing its nature, it will ask you for a favor. To take it inside Baldur’s Gate. If you accept its request, the Help the Devilish Ox side quest will start, and the Strange Ox will turn into a strange apple. Pick up the apple, and don’t lose it until you reach the Lower City.
As soon as you enter the Lower City, the mysterious apple will disappear from your inventory, and the quest will be completed. You will get the Shapeshifter’s Boon Ring and a Slightly Slimy Note as a reward.
