To beat Balthazar in Baldur's Gate 3, you have several effective strategies:

Key Strategies to Defeat Balthazar

• Push Balthazar off a cliff : If you fight him in the Shadowfell area, the arena has ledges overlooking an abyss. Characters with high Strength, such as Lae'zel or Karlach, can use the Shove action to push Balthazar off the edge, instantly killing him without a prolonged fight. This method is the easiest and safest but means you won't get to loot his body afterward

• Use Silence or Counterspell : Balthazar is a powerful necromancer who summons undead and casts dangerous area-of-effect spells. Casting Silence or Counterspell can prevent him from casting spells, significantly reducing his threat

• Spread out your party : His area-of-effect spells can be deadly if your party is clustered. Keep your party members spread out to minimize damage from spells like Cloudkill

• Bring Cleric or Paladin : These classes have radiant damage spells that are effective against undead, including Balthazar and his summoned minions. Shadowheart, a Cleric, is especially useful for this fight

• Close combat focus : Balthazar is resistant to slashing, piercing, and bludgeoning damage but weak in close combat. Use melee fighters to engage him quickly and prevent him from using ranged attacks. Abilities that stun or knock him down early in combat can help gain the upper hand

• Use area-of-effect spells on his minions : Balthazar summons skeletons and other undead. Spells like Fireball or Ice Storm can quickly clear these adds, allowing you to focus on Balthazar himself

• Sneak attack method : Some players have succeeded by sneaking up behind Balthazar with high-damage weapons (like the Everburn Blade) for a surprise attack before initiating dialogue or combat

Summary

The easiest and most recommended way to beat Balthazar is to push him off a cliff using a strong character's Shove ability or spells like Gust of Wind or Thunderwave to knock him into the abyss, avoiding a difficult fight altogether but forfeiting loot

. If you prefer a fair fight, use Silence or Counterspell to stop his spells, spread out your party to avoid AoE damage, bring radiant damage from Clerics or Paladins, and focus on close combat with melee fighters to quickly take him down

. This approach balances safety, efficiency, and rewards depending on your preferred playstyle.