The Planar Sphere — Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Walkthrough

The Planar Sphere

The Planar Sphere is one of the most iconic and rewarding dungeons in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. This self-contained, magically-powered fortress offers a unique blend of challenging combat, intricate puzzles, and a compelling storyline. For mages, it represents a potential stronghold and a source of immense power; for all other classes, it's a treasure trove of experience, gold, and powerful artifacts. Be prepared for a gauntlet of elemental, demonic, and arcane foes.

Accessing the Planar Sphere

The quest to enter the Planar Sphere begins in the Slums District of Athkatla. You'll encounter a group of hostile Cowled Wizards attempting to apprehend a mage named Tiax (or another random mage, depending on your game state) near the Copper Coronet. Intervene and defeat the wizards. After the skirmish, a gnome named Quayle will approach you, explaining that the Cowled Wizards are investigating a powerful magical anomaly – a floating sphere that has appeared in the city. He'll direct you to the Waukeen's Promenade, where the Sphere is located.

Upon reaching Waukeen's Promenade, you'll find the Planar Sphere hovering ominously. Speak to the Cowled Wizard leader, Tolgerias. He will task you with entering the Sphere to investigate its origins and neutralize any threats within. This initiates the quest "The Planar Sphere".

Navigating the Sphere: Main Deck

Upon entering, you'll find yourself on the Main Deck. The Sphere is largely deserted initially, but you'll soon encounter its inhabitants.

Key Encounters & Objectives:

• First Encounter: You'll immediately be confronted by several Golems (Stone, Iron, Clay). These can be tough, especially the Iron Golem, which is immune to many spell types. Focus on physical damage and piercing weapons. Clay Golems are vulnerable to blunt weapons.
• The Control Room: To the north, you'll find a control room with a central console. Interacting with it reveals that the Sphere is damaged and requires repair. You'll need to find the "Heart" of the Sphere.
• Jan Jansen's Quest (Optional): If Jan Jansen is in your party, he will comment on the Sphere's technology and offer unique insights. There's also a hidden compartment near the entrance that only he can detect, containing some minor loot.

Loot & Rewards (Main Deck):

• Assorted magical scrolls (Fireball, Lightning Bolt, etc.) from defeated Golems.
• Minor gold and gems.

The Engine Room & Elemental Plane

From the Main Deck, proceed to the Engine Room. This area is heavily guarded and crucial for progressing.

Key Encounters & Objectives:

• Apprentice Mages & Golems: The Engine Room is defended by several Apprentice Mages and more Golems. The mages are dangerous, capable of casting powerful offensive spells. Prioritize silencing or disrupting them.
• The Engine: In the center of the room, you'll find the Sphere's damaged engine. Interacting with it reveals that a crucial component, the "Heart," is missing.
• Kaelan: You'll encounter Kaelan, a Tiefling, who explains that the Sphere is a prison for his master, Lavok, and that the "Heart" was taken by a powerful demon. He'll offer to help you navigate the Sphere.
• Portal to the Elemental Plane: Kaelan will open a portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire (or another plane, depending on the Sphere's current state). You must enter to retrieve the Heart.

Strategy for the Engine Room:

• Use area-of-effect spells (Web, Stinking Cloud, Fireball) to control the apprentice mages.
• Summoned creatures can help tank the Golems while your party focuses on the mages.
• Be wary of traps!

The Elemental Plane of Fire

This section is a short but intense dungeon crawl.

Key Encounters & Objectives:

• Fire Elementals & Salamanders: The plane is crawling with various fire-based creatures. Equip fire resistance gear if you have it.
• The Demon: At the heart of the Elemental Plane, you'll confront the demon who stole the Sphere's Heart. This demon is a formidable opponent, capable of powerful melee attacks and fire spells.
• Retrieving the Heart: Defeat the demon to reclaim the Heart of the Sphere.

Strategy for the Elemental Plane:

• Fire Resistance: Essential. Potions of Fire Resistance or spells like Protection from Fire will greatly reduce incoming damage.
• Cold Damage: Many fire creatures are vulnerable to cold. Spells like Cone of Cold or Ice Storm are highly effective.
• Demon Strategy: The demon is susceptible to dispels and magical damage. Haste your melee attackers, use defensive buffs, and focus fire. Consider using summons as distractions.

Loot & Rewards (Elemental Plane):

• Heart of the Sphere (Quest Item)
• Assorted gems and gold from defeated creatures.

Repairing the Sphere & Confronting Lavok

Return to the Engine Room with the Heart. Kaelan will guide you on how to re-insert it, restoring power to the Sphere.

Key Encounters & Objectives:

• Lavok's Chambers: With the Sphere powered, you can now access Lavok's Chambers. Lavok is a powerful, ancient mage who has been trapped within the Sphere.
• Lavok's Story: Lavok is initially hostile, believing you are agents of his captors. He will attack. During the fight, he will periodically pause to monologue, revealing his tragic backstory and the true nature of the Sphere – it is a prison he created for himself to contain a powerful demonic entity he accidentally summoned.
• The Demonic Entity: Lavok is slowly being consumed by the demon within him. You must defeat him, but not kill him, to free him from the demon's influence. Once his health is low enough, the demon will manifest and attack you directly.
• Defeating the Demon: This demon is a powerful foe, similar to the one encountered in the Elemental Plane, but perhaps even stronger due to its connection to Lavok. Focus all your efforts on destroying it.
• Lavok's Fate: After the demon is defeated, Lavok will be weakened but free. He will thank you and, depending on your choices and alignment, may offer you the Sphere as a stronghold. He will then pass away peacefully.

Strategy for Lavok & Demon:

• Lavok: He casts powerful mage spells (Chain Lightning, Horrid Wilting, Spell Trap). Use Spell Immunity: Abjuration/Evocation, Spell Turning, and Dispel Magic. Melee characters should focus on interrupting his spellcasting. Do NOT kill him; bring his health down to critical levels.
• The Demon: Similar to the previous demon, but potentially with more immunities and resistances. Use holy weapons if you have them (e.g., Carsomyr). Buff your party with Protection from Evil, Haste, and defensive spells. Summons are excellent for distracting it.

Loot & Rewards (Lavok's Chambers):

• Lavok's Journal: Provides lore and insight into the Sphere.
• Lavok's Robes: (If you loot his body after he dies) A powerful set of mage robes.
• Assorted high-level scrolls (e.g., Spell Trap, Chain Contingency).

The Planar Sphere as a Stronghold (Mage Only)

If your main character is a mage, after completing the quest and Lavok's passing, you will be offered the Planar Sphere as your stronghold. This is one of the most unique and beneficial strongholds in the game.

Stronghold Benefits:

• Mage Apprentices: You will gain several mage apprentices who will pay you gold regularly. You can also assign them tasks, such as researching new spells or creating magical items.
• Spell Research: Your apprentices can research new spells for you, allowing you to learn spells that you might not otherwise find as scrolls.
• Item Creation: Certain rare magical items can be crafted within the Sphere, provided you have the necessary components and your apprentices are skilled enough.
• Resting Spot: A safe and convenient place to rest and recuperate.
• Unique Quests: Periodically, your apprentices will present you with small side quests related to their research or problems within the Sphere.
• Portal Access: The Sphere's control panel can be used to travel to various locations, including the Planar Prison (later in the game).

Managing Your Stronghold:

• Return to the Sphere periodically to collect gold, check on your apprentices' progress, and receive new quests.
• Your decisions regarding your apprentices can affect their loyalty and efficiency.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

• Elemental Resistances: Stock up on Potions of Fire Resistance and use spells like Protection from Fire or Resist Fear before entering the Elemental Plane.
• Spellcasters are Key: Mages and Clerics are invaluable for buffs, debuffs, and area-of-effect spells against the numerous Golems and mages.
• Dispelling: Be prepared to dispel enemy buffs, especially from Lavok.
• Golem Vulnerabilities: Remember that different Golems have different resistances and vulnerabilities (e.g., Clay Golems to blunt, Iron Golems to piercing/crushing).
• Don't Kill Lavok: Ensure you bring Lavok's health down without delivering the killing blow. Let the demon emerge naturally.
• Explore Thoroughly: There are minor hidden stashes and lore entries throughout the Sphere.