BG3 Dog Collar Guide

The Dog Collar in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a subtle item that rewards exploration with a charming interaction. Found in the shadowy depths of the Underdark, this unassuming accessory ties into one of the game’s endearing animal companions and reveals a whimsical mechanic when used correctly.

Understanding the Dog Collar’s Place in BG3

In the vast world of Baldur’s Gate 3, small discoveries like the Dog Collar add layers of immersion. This leather band, weighing just 0.05 units and valued at 40 gold, serves no combat purpose but unlocks a heartwarming feature for players who venture off the beaten path. It connects to Scratch, the white dog you can recruit early in Act 1, emphasizing Larian Studios’ attention to environmental storytelling and player agency.

Unlike powerful artifacts or weapons, the collar’s value lies in its narrative charm. Equippable as an amulet by any party member, it has zero stats but triggers a specific response in a remote location. This design encourages thorough exploration, a hallmark of the game’s 2023 release that continues to captivate players.

Recruiting Scratch: Your First Canine Ally

Before chasing the hidden collar, many players bond with Scratch near the Blighted Village. This good boy paces anxiously beside a fallen traveler just after crossing the bridge into the area. Approaching him triggers a dialogue where high Animal Handling skills or a gentle persuasion check seal the deal.

Scratch quickly becomes a camp favorite, fetching balls and offering fetch sessions that boost morale. His presence humanizes the perilous journey, providing moments of levity amid tadpole infestations and goblin skirmishes. Recruiting him early unlocks unique camp events, making the collar’s discovery even more poignant as an upgrade or tribute.

• Location: Right of Blighted Village entrance, past the bridge in the wooded area.
• Requirements: Pass Animal Handling check or use nearby items like his existing collar for easy adoption.
• Benefits: Camp companion for fetch, story interactions, and cosmetic fun.

Navigating to the Underdark: Prerequisites for the Collar Hunt

Accessing the Dog Collar demands progress into Act 1’s Underdark, a bioluminescent cavern teeming with myconids, duergar, and arcane wonders. Common entry points include the Defiled Temple puzzle in the Goblin Camp, the Whispering Depths under the Blighted Village, or the boat ride from the Grymforge.

Once inside, fast travel to the Sussur Tree waypoint unlocks the path. This massive, glowing tree serves as a landmark amid the fungal expanses. Prepare your party with light sources, poison resistance, and crowd control spells, as the region hosts deadly encounters like hook horrors and intellect devourers.

Exact Location: Unearthing the Collar at Myrna’s Grave

From the Sussur Tree fast travel point, venture south along the plateau’s edge. The terrain drops sharply, offering a vista of the Arcane Tower in the distance. At coordinates approximately X: -41, Y: -209, a modest stone tombstone juts from the ground, overlooking the tower.

Interact with the marker to reveal your digging option. No shovels or skills are needed—simply select to excavate. This unearths skeletal remains of a loyal hound named Myrna’s companion, complete with the weathered Dog Collar. No companion disapproval or curses follow, making it a risk-free grab.

1. Fast travel to Sussur Tree in Underdark.
2. Head south to the plateau cliff.
3. Spot the interactable tombstone.
4. Dig to claim the Dog Collar.

This spot, often called Myrna’s Grave by the community, ties into subtle lore hints about past adventurers’ pets, enriching the world’s history without overt exposition.

Activating the Collar’s Secret in the Arcane Tower

With the collar in hand, target the iconic Arcane Tower southwest of the Sussur Tree. This multi-level structure, powered by Sussur Bloom, requires clever navigation. Insert a Sussur Bloom into the generator at the base to activate the elevator—a crucial step often missed by newcomers.

Ride to the third floor (bedroom level), characterized by collapsed sections and a lone bed. In the northeastern corner (northwest per some maps), a nondescript button gleams subtly. Equip the Dog Collar on your active character and press it. The collar vibrates, dispensing kibble into an invisible bowl below, complete with satisfied sound effects.

This Easter egg, possibly a nod to a long-lost pet mechanism, offers infinite minor food generation. It’s purely cosmetic but delights players, showcasing BG3’s packed secrets.

Advanced Tips and Multiple Collar Locations

Patch updates introduced additional collars, expanding options. One appears in Wyrm’s Crossing at X:2, Y:100 on Elminster’s Library bedside table. Another hides in the Knights of the Shield Hideout at X:-746, Y:584 on a bookshelf. These variants function identically, providing backups if missed.

For optimal play, equip during tower runs to avoid backtracking. Combine with Scratch recruitment for thematic synergy—imagine your camp dog reacting to the fetched kibble. No known interactions with other items exist, keeping it a standalone delight.

• Alt Locations: Elminster’s Library, Shield Hideout (Act 3).
• No Stats: Purely for the button gimmick.
• Party Equip: Any member works; switch as needed.

Why the Dog Collar Matters: Enhancing BG3 Immersion

Beyond mechanics, the collar exemplifies BG3’s design philosophy: rewarding curiosity. In a game with over 170 hours of content, such finds prevent burnout, encouraging map scrutiny. Community forums buzz with grave-digging ethics debates, though mechanics confirm no downsides.

It pairs with other pet features, like the Owlbear Cub, forming a menagerie that softens the dark fantasy tone. For completionists, it’s a checkbox; for role-players, a lore touchstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does digging Myrna’s Grave have consequences?

No penalties, approvals, or curses occur.

Can the collar provide useful stats?

No, it’s cosmetic only with 0.05 weight.

Is Scratch required for the collar?

No, but recruiting him enhances the experience.

How to power the Arcane Tower elevator?

Grab Sussur Bloom nearby and insert into base generator.

Are there more collars post-launch?

Yes, in Act 3 areas like Wyrm’s Crossing.

Conclusion: A Small Item, Big Rewards

The Dog Collar encapsulates Baldur’s Gate 3‘s magic—hidden joys amid chaos. Unearth it, press that button, and savor the kibble cascade. Happy adventuring!