BG3 Arcane Tower Bernard Answers and Dialogue Guide

18 August 2026 | 33

Exploring the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3 presents players with numerous environmental puzzles, but few are as narrative-rich as the Arcane Tower. At the summit of this magical structure stands Bernard, an enchanted automaton guardian built by the cleric Lenore De Hurst. Confronting this construct can easily lead to a deadly battle unless players understand how to communicate using the specific poetry scattered throughout the tower levels.

Finding the Required Poetry Books

Before ascending to the top floor, players must thoroughly explore the lower levels of the tower to collect several pieces of literature. You must read the Threadbare Book, the Dusty Book, and the Parchment to unlock the necessary dialogue lines. Simply inventorying these items is not enough, as your characters must actively interact with the text to unlock the special responses.

Failing to read these hidden scripts before approaching the construct will leave your party with limited conversational choices. This oversight typically triggers an immediate hostile reaction from the mechanical sentinels guarding the roof. Ensuring you open every book on the intermediate floors is the most reliable way to secure a peaceful resolution.

The Best Dialogue Choices for Bernard

When you first speak with the automaton, he will greet you with a line of verse expecting a specific poetic continuation. To establish a friendly connection, players should immediately choose the response that ends with the phrase regarding trust. This option convinces the guardian that you are his returned master, safely pacifying the entire floor.

After the initial greetings, you can continue quoting the discovered literature to obtain unique rewards. Choosing the line about the silence stretching on will prompt the construct to gift you a rare magical ring. This item is essential for unlocking the hidden basement level located directly beneath the elevator shaft.

Rewards and Combat Alternatives

Successfully navigating the dialogue tree rewards players with the Guiding Light ring, which reveals hidden buttons within the elevator network. Players can also utilize a separate line of poetry to command the construct to dispense a helpful potion. These items provide an immense advantage during your continued journey through the perilous Underdark region.

If your party prefers a more aggressive approach, choosing the aggressive dialogue choices will initiate a challenging boss battle. Defeating the construct allows players to loot the Light of Creation halberd directly from his metallic remains. Both paths offer substantial value, allowing you to tailor the outcome to your specific party alignment and playstyle.