Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of interesting items that may be a little challenging to figure out how to use them properly. The game is full of challenges, so it isn’t shocking that some items are tougher to figure out than others.
One item you can find that may be confusing for you is the Resonance Stone. This is a stone that can drop randomly within a game. You could play the game multiple times and never see this item. So when you do find it, it could be confusing.
Updated by Erin Rice on November 6, 2023: This update added information on how the Resonance Stone can be harmful to the player, but can also be used to their advantage at certain points in the game.
What Is The Resonance Stone?
The Resonance Stone is a strange stone that can be found in the Mind Flayer Colony while you are chasing Ketheric during the events of Act II. Most players have reported finding this unusual item either right before finding Zevlor or in one of the puzzle rooms in the colony. However, these are not the only places it drops, just common places. This is not a guaranteed drop, so you may not see the item throughout your playthrough at all. The exact drop rate is unknown at this time, however, it seems that the drop rate is extremely low. Not many players have found the stone, so if you have, you can consider yourself lucky (to an extent). The item’s in-game description reads “This stone gives you and those around you the Steeped in Bliss condition. Resonance Stones heighten emotion in those who stand within their radius.”
What Does The Resonance Stone Do?
If you pick up the Resonance Stone, you will obtain the Steeped in Bliss buff, which doubles all the Psychic Damage that is done to you and those around you. As long as it is in your inventory, this will be active. You can also gain Steeped in Bliss if you are near a chest containing the item. While the stone is a cool item you may want to keep around, it isn’t worth keeping. Many players have claimed that it was what caused them to lose the battle against Ketheric, or caused them to die in the Mind Flayer Colony. A large portion of Ketheric’s fight will involve Psychic Damage, and it could potentially lead to your downfall. Interestingly, any buff and debuff it does to you, it also does to your enemies.
However, this isn’t just a debuff. The item will give you an Advantage on Mental Saving Throws. Depending on how important that aspect is to you, you may want to reconsider whether or not you just leave the item where it is. Remember, you will find this at a time when there are a lot of enemies that use mainly Psychic Damage against you. It could be what stands between you and victory.
Interestingly, it seems that your companions will actually react to the item’s effect. If they are near the item, they will mention that they somehow feel much happier all of a sudden (due to the Steeped in Bliss buff). However, once the item is gone, they will mention feeling a shift in the air around them. This is a nice little addition to help the characters in the game come to life and feel more real.
Some players have reported that when they send the item to their camp or do a long rest, the item disappears entirely. Other players have found that theirs quit working after Act 2. This means that it may be an item that is a one-time use during the Ketheric boss battle. This means you will have to take it into the fight with Ketheric if you want to ensure that you keep the item. If it stops working, chances are you have reached the point where it will no longer give you any benefit.
Overall, it is up to you as to whether or not you want to use it. You can always save before you enter into the fight with Ketheric and if you notice that you’re having trouble, get rid of the item or reload the game. This may be the best way to ensure you don’t get rid of it unless you have to.