Summary
SinceBaldur’s Gate 3was released in 2023, Shadowheart has been a front-runner for the fan favorite. The cleric of Shar (Dungeons and Dragons’goddess of darkness) joins the party in the game’s prologue, then again later during Act 1. AromanceableBG3companionwith a narrative arc surrounding her religious devotion and faith,Shadowheart has been a massive draw for players and cosplayers alike.
Only weeks afterBaldur’s Gate’s release, Shadowheart cosplays began popping up on Instagram, Reddit, and other social media apps. Many focus on the character’shard-edged personality, while some choose to highlight Shadowheart’s softer side. Regardless of how they portray the character,these 10 artists have perfected Shadowheart’s persona and costuming.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Pros & Cons Of Romancing Shadowheart In BG3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, romancing Shadowheart is not an easy task and comes with its own set of pros and cons, with some results that may be surprising.
10Shadowheart In The Elegant Camp Attire
Created By Christina Volkova/likeassassin
Christina Volkova, akalikeassassinon Instagram, is a cosplayer specializing in anime and fantasy characters.She’s seen here in Shadowheart’s more casual camp outfit, which she wears anytime the party makes camp. The elongated elf ears Christina uses compared to Shadowheart’s ears inBaldur’s Gatemake fora more elegant touch that compliments her approach to the character.
This photoshoot was done byIrina Seidova(via Instagram). Christina also has other Shadowheart cosplays on her social media from the same likeassassin Instagram account, with a more casual, modernized version that has a navy coat and black lace top butkeeps Shadowheart’s trademark topknot braid and tiara, showing off her versatility.
9Starting Armor DIY
Created By Popcrimesart
Popcrimesartis a cosplayer and Twitch affiliate who does fantastic work, which she highlights above as she creates Shadowheart’s armor from scratch. She notes in her post that she used patterns fromgrangertales(via Instagram) andAmazing3DPapercrafton Etsy, while the circlet and hairpiece come fromThe Dangerous Ladies, an all-women prop-making collective.
Popcrimesart documented her entire build via social media, from the cutting and sewing to the spray paint. She has shared numerous posts with it, including some rather humorous reels. The supports she used are worth it, as the final look is spectacular.
8Dramatic Leather Armor & Morning Star
Created By Jack Dallexis
Jack Dallexis(via Instagram) is an artist from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and she does Shadowheart proud in this brooding piece with photography byKaya Midzusu. The dual red/blue lighting highlights the leather and foam work on the armor,showcasing Shadowheart’s conflict regarding her goddess.
Another post, showing Shadowheart holding her mysterious puzzle box, is captioned, “Shar’s favourite princess,” while the character stares straight into the camera, daring the viewer to attempt the unsavory device. Jack gives plenty of credit to others who helped make the overall look possible, such as the wig byCudo Kudoand crafting by3dsvsandSilverhand Cosplay Crafters(all on Instagram).
7Full Metal Dark Justiciar Half-Plate
Created By Olga Haku
Olga Hakuis a customer and seamstress who has been working with cosplay since 2017. She has a particular penchant forBaldur’s Gate 3,as evidenced by this look with Shadowheart donningDark Justiciar Mail.The armor can be found in the Grymforge regionin the game, and is a solid choice for players wishing to lead Shadowheart down the path of Shar.
Olga hasn’t only worked with Shadowheart, however. Her portfolio on herfrau_hakuInstagram account includes the best Lae’zal cosplay out there. The makeup and attention to detail in her artistry is clear. Her Instagram post titled “My Cursed Cosplay Videos” (also viafrau_haku) has some fantastic action shots of both Shadowheart and Lae’zal, as well as general silliness. Even more impressive, though, is that thisarmor is made entirely out of metal.
6Shadowhearts Prom Photos in Starting Armor
Created By LeahLux
Leah Luxis a Chicago-based cosplayer and a master of anime-inspired looks. This Shadowheart differs slightly from her usual cosplays, such as Sailer Moon or Tifa Lockhart. However, she’s succeeded with a strong attention to detail and beautiful photos byAmiephotoson Instagram. Also, it has to be noted thatLeah crafted almost everything seen in the cosplay,including the armor, wig, and spear.
Finally, the lighting in these photos offers a hilarious contrast to Shadowheart’s character and has a nostalgic quality, as though the viewer is being treated to Shadowheart’s prom photos. Leah recently showed this cosplay at C2E2 2024.
5Witchy Camp Attire Video
Created By Iivolga
Iivolga is a cosplayer and streamer specializing in darker characters, such as those from the NieR, Resident Evil, and FATE series. What makes Iivolga’s Shadowheart come through, though, is the genius presentation of this reel. Every detail and prop (from the map of Baldur’s Gate to the cult mask) is meticulously thought out. While she holds the puzzle box, thelighting and fog effects add to the character’s intrigueand create a captivating piece.
She’s also brought out her Shadowheart a few other times, such asthis fun dance mashupwith other cosplayers showing off their ownBaldur’s Gate 3characters. Iivolga also has shown more intimate, soft scenes with Shadowheart among a flower garden. These pieces show off the complexity of the character, and Iivolga draws the viewer in with her cold gaze.
4Camp Attire In Sunlit Catacombs
Created By Frekya
Frekyais a model and cosplayer from Austria whose fantasy looks range from Princess Azula to Elsa. Her Shadowheart stands out due to the stellar craftsmanship of the costume byFD Cosplay Studio, based in Ukraine, which Frekya altered herself.
Moreover, the photography done bypatrick_url, a Germany-based cosplay photographer, reallyemphasizes Baldur’s Gate 3’s dark atmosphere, particularly through the warm yellow backlightingscattering across the amazing location. But beyond the technical pieces, Frekya sells this cosplay by effectively channeling Shadowheart’s personality. She claims in an Instagram post to have played as Shadowheart during her first playthrough, and it shows.
3Camp Attire With Low Approval Rating
Created By Narga_Lifestream
Narga_Lifestreamis a cosplayer and costumer whose love ofBaldur’s Gate 3exudes from every post she does, including some amazing looks as Minthara, a drow paladin companion. Her Shadowheart in the classic camp outfit shines because of thehilarious and flippant sass she gives to the character. Shadowheart serves for some fantastic one-liners throughout the game, and Narga_Lifestream has keyed into that attitude in this reel.
She also shows off some of Shadowheart’s more somber attitude, particularly in photos done byrozzylison Instagram, setting the character against a beautiful mountain lake. Most importantly, though, it must be mentioned that Narga_Lifestream is responsible for most of her costumes, and her Shadowheart is completely done by her own hands.
2Selunite Shadowheart in Elegant Robe
Created By rbf.cos
Rbf.Cosis based on the United States East Coast and has been cosplaying since 2014. Her Shadowheart has taken a different approach than others on the list, as she’s chosen to highlight a late-game version of the character. Rbf. cos' Shadowheart is one who’stentatively embraced Selune,the goddess of the moon, andhas turned away from Shar.
The costume, too, is a player favorite and pairs well with this redeemed version of Shadowheart. PhotographerChris Climaalso helps the cosplay succeed through the beautiful sunset poses achieved. Rbf. cos’s version of Shadowheart is a refreshing take on a character often praised for her darkness.
This outfit, the elegant robe, can be purchased from Figaro ‘Facemaker’ Pennygood or can be found inside Chamberlain’s Office in Szarr Palace.
1Larian Studios Sponsored Dark Justiciar Mail
Created By Sonia Grillet/cinderys_art
Wig and fabric pieces were provided to Sonia byxia.cosplayon Instagram, a fellow French prop maker, but aside from this, the entire piece was built by Sonia’s hands. Her skills are on full display in this reel, highlighting the impressive movement of the gauntlets and skillful paint details throughout. More than this, though, she channelsBaldur Gate 3’s Shadowheart’s cold stare with a singular understanding of the character.
Source: Christina Volkova/Instagram (1,2),Irina Seidova/Instagram,Popcrimesart/Instagram,grangertales/Instagram,Amazing3DPapercraft/Etsy,The Dangerous Ladies,Jack Dallexis/Instagram,Cudo Kudo/Instagram,3dsvs/Instagram,Silverhand Cosplay Crafters/Instagram, Olga Haku/Instagram (1,2,3),Rbf.Cos/Instagram,leahlux_/Instagram,ChrisClima/Instagram,cinderys_art/Instagram,xia.cosplay/Instagram
Baldur’s Gate 3
Developed and published by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an upcoming role-playing game set to release in August of 2023. Players will create a character to embark on a large-scale journey and can do so solo or cooperatively with a friend. Combat is a turn-based style this time around.
