I find the Bitter Divorce quest in Baldur’s Gate 3 tucked away in Act 3’s Lower City. I’m a woman who’s played this game a lot, and in my experience it rewards players who look past the loud fights and check a few quiet houses. Surprisingly deep. Worth the detour.
Want the short version? Go to the Grey Harbour waypoint, head west into the residential area, and listen for raised voices. You’ll spot a two-story house with a blue door and a small garden. Knock, or sneak in—either works (this doesn’t always work depending on saves and patch state).
Where and when to find it 🗺️
The house sits west of Grey Harbour in the Lower City. Daytime makes it easiest: between 8:00 and 18:00 game time they argue more often. I’ve noticed other triggers—finding court papers in the Upper City can start it too—but that route is rare (you might never see it in a single playthrough).
Here’s the funny part: I once waited until night and the scene changed noticeably—different lines, different tension. So if you want different dialogue, try both times. Who knew a divorce could have multiple showtimes?
Items and checks that matter 📋
Bring a talker. High Charisma (16+) or Persuasion proficiency makes peaceful resolutions far easier. Noble or Guild Artisan backgrounds add special lines. Clerics tied to oaths may also get unique interactions.
| Item | Where | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | Hall of Records, Upper City | Opens diplomatic dialogue |
| Thornwood Ring | Elias’s inventory | Alters ending if taken |
| Legal Summons | Lower City Courthouse | Can start quest (rare) |
| Love Letters | Bedroom drawer | Gives persuasion bonus |
Walkthrough — quick and simple 💔
Enter the home and you’re thrown into an argument. Both Elias and Marissa want you to mediate. First choice: who do you listen to first? It affects tone, but not final outcomes permanently.
- Hear both sides.
- Search the house for proof.
- Find the secret that explains their split.
- Decide the ending: reconcile, split, or let things explode.
// Quest flags (simple)
BITTER_DIVORCE_STARTED = true
SIDED_WITH_ELIAS = false
SIDED_WITH_MARISSA = false
FOUND_SECRET = false
QUEST_COMPLETE = false
Important: the basement has the key evidence. You can reach it with a Perception check (DC 15) or by finding the kitchen key. The study shows debts; the bedroom holds letters. Why gather evidence? Because dialogue checks use that context—proof changes reactions.
Dialogue options and outcomes ⚖️
How you speak shapes the scene. Be empathetic and you unlock peace. Be blunt and doors close. Try to manipulate? Expect trouble. I mean—choose your tone wisely.
- Sympathetic: opens reconciliation routes.
- Practical: focuses on fair split, easier checks.
- Confrontational: risks combat if you lack proof.
- Romantic: high Persuasion needed to rekindle them.
Example: the Romantic route needs a high Persuasion (DC 18). If you pass, they may reconcile. If you fail, someone gets angry and you could end up fighting. Save before risky lines!
“If you accuse Elias without proof, expect a fight.” — my honest tip
Rewards and what they mean 💰
Different endings give different loot and story outcomes. Specifics below are accurate as of November 25, 2025.
| Ending | Gold | Unique | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation | ~500 GP | Ring of Eternal Bond (+2 CHA) | Merchant discounts |
| Elias wins | ~350 GP | Thornwood Ledger | Reveals hidden caches |
| Marissa wins | ~400 GP | Marissa’s Locket | Insight bonus; potion vendor later |
| Mutual agreement | ~250 GP | None | Small reputation gain |
| Violence | ~100 GP | Loot only | Negative rep |
Why these rewards matter: the ring helps charisma builds across the city, and the ledger points to hidden caches worth roughly 1,000 GP total. That’s concrete value, not vaporware. To be fair, some players think the ring is overpowered; others say it’s fine. I side with the latter, but it’s debatable!
Tips to see every ending 🎭
There are multiple endings. If you want them all, save often and vary approach. Don’t expect one playthrough to show everything. Also: companions react differently—Karlach dislikes violent choices; Astarion may approve of ruthless moves. That’s intentional design (and yes, controversial to some).
- Collect all evidence for reconciliation.
- Use persuasion checks early; they cascade into later success.
- Try both daytime and nighttime visits for different lines.
Counterintuitive insight: sometimes leaving evidence visible (not hiding it) triggers more honest confessions. Oddly enough, secrets in plain sight can force truth. There are exceptions.
One quick warning: exploiting the quest to farm gold by repeatedly forcing a violent ending feels cheaty and dull. Between us, it cheapens the writing. But you’ll see players do it.
Final notes (short)
This quest is a small, sharp slice of story—like pulling a loose thread on an old tapestry: it unravels a lot more than you expect. If you play for roleplay, take the slow route. If you play for loot, plan your saves. Honestly, I love this sort of quiet drama in a big RPG. Happy mediating!
Got questions about a specific choice or a stubborn save? Ask me and I’ll walk you through it (I’ve replayed this a few times, so I’ve got notes).
— A player and designer, November 25, 2025
