Baldur’s Gate 3, unleashed by Larian Studios on August 3, 2023, is a treasure trove of loot—over 17 million copies sold by early 2025 prove it’s a world players can’t quit exploring. From legendary blades like Markoheshkir to quirky salami clubs, Faerûn’s stuffed with gear that shapes your journey. But amid the shiny loot, there’s a pile of stuff that looks like vendor trash—jugs, candles, busted stools—that most of us shove into Withers’ camp chest or sell for a quick gold piece. I’ve been there, encumbered and ruthless, until I started digging into what these oddballs can do. Turns out, some of BG3’s most “useless” items hide unique purposes that can shift a fight, solve a puzzle, or just make you grin. Here’s a rundown of 10 items that seem like junk but pack a punch—trust me, you’ll want to keep these in your pack.

Water

Jugs, Carafes, & Barrels Of Water

First up: water jugs and barrels. You’ll trip over these everywhere—crates, taverns, the Nautiloid crash site. At 2 lbs each, they’re easy to ditch, especially when gold’s tight early on. But toss one in combat, and it’s a game-changer. Smash a jug, and you’ve got a wet surface—enemies slip into the “Wet” condition, doubling lightning or cold damage they take. X users like @BG3Enjoyer swear by it: “Wet + Shocking Grasp = BBQ’d goblins.” It’s clutch in Act 1’s Auntie Ethel fight—douse Mayrina’s burning cage to kill the timer, no sweat. Wet cancels acid or fire too, and cold spells turn it to ice, tripping foes up. Sure, Create Water does this, but jugs are free and don’t eat spell slots. I keep one on every party member now—versatility beats weight any day.

Next, Haste Spore Flasks from the Myconid Grotto in Act 1. These rare grenades—tied to Sovereign Glut’s quests—look situational, but they’re dynamite. Toss one, and a 10-ft radius blooms with Haste Spores: +2 AC, doubled speed, Dexterity save advantage, and an extra action for anyone inside. Stack it with a Potion of Speed (no bonus action needed), and you’re a blur—perfect for Act 3’s Iron Throne dash, per Steam user LorenzoVec. The catch? A Lethargic debuff hits when it fades, slashing your rolls by -5. Pop another haste effect before it drops, or hoard Terazul to dodge the crash. X’s @TLOUFanatic calls it “cracked for ranged builds”—I’ve sniped bosses flat-footed with this. Don’t sleep on Glut’s stash.

Broken Spear Parts

Combining The Two Parts Creates A Solid Early-Game Weapon

Candles are another sleeper hit. Scattered across Faerûn, they’re no torches—1 lb, dim light, meh. But drop one, light it, and use the Dip bonus action: your melee weapon gains 1d4 fire damage for two turns. Archers can dip arrows too—flammable foes like trolls hate it. Stack with Fire Bolt, and you’re roasting. Web forums like Reddit’s r/BaldursGate3 note it’s “low-key OP” against Act 1’s wood woads. They’re free actions to drop, so keep a few—combat’s spicier with a flicker. I’ve turned a dagger into a mini-flamberge this way; it’s not Helldusk-tier, but it’s fun.

The Stool of Hill Giant Strength sounds like a gag—found toppled in Act 1’s Arcane Tower (X: -30, Y: -272) after fixing the elevator. Sit on it, and you feel mighty; break it, and you snag the Club of Hill Giant Strength, setting your Strength to 19. For wizards or rogues, that’s a melee lifeline—no training needed. X’s @RPGFanatic raves: “Dex dumpers rejoice!” It’s not rare, but it’s missable—sell the stool, and it’s gone. I’ve hauled it through fights just for the flex; 19 Strength on a bard is chaos worth keeping.

Coal’s sneaky too. Looted from Underdark forges or Act 2’s Grymforge, it’s heavy (5 lbs) and seems pointless—until you pair it with ranged weapons. Throw it with Tavern Brawler or high Strength, and it’s 1d4+STR bludgeoning damage, often knocking foes prone. Stack with coal piles (also throwable), and you’ve got a battlefield of flying rocks. Steam threads call it “hillbilly artillery”—I’ve dazed a duergar mid-swing with this. It’s not Markoheshkir, but it’s a riot for melee builds.

Suspicious Poison

A Powerful Grenade Disguised As A Health Potion

Nautiloid Bulbs, nabbed from the Act 1 crash site, look like creepy decor—2 lbs, no obvious use. Toss one in combat, though, and it’s a grenade: pulls enemies into a tight cluster for your Fireball or Thunderwave. X’s @Okami13_ dubbed it “crowd control lite”—I’ve set up Spirit Guardians to shred packed gobs. They’re finite, so hoard wisely; the tutorial’s your only shot. Sold mine once—regretted it by Act 2.

The Broken Moonlantern from Act 2’s Moonrise Towers (post-Ketheric fight) is a dud light source—1 lb, no glow. But inspect it, and a pixie begs freedom. Free her with a DC 15 Arcana check, and you get the Moonlantern’s blessing: shadow curse immunity without lugging a lamp. Web guides like Game8 say it’s “essential” for dark runs—pairs with Shadowheart’s vibe too. I missed it my first go; now it’s a staple.

Music Boxes, like the one in the Goblin Camp, seem camp fluff—5 lbs, Baldur’s Gate theme on loop. Place it at camp, though, and it’s a mood-lifter; some X posts (e.g., @BG3Enjoyer) claim it buffs rest morale. No hard stats, but after Act 3’s grind, it’s a breather. I’ve kept one just for the nostalgia—it’s BG3’s soul in a box.

Void Bulbs

A Very Useful Item Which Is Much Rarer In The Later Game

Coal Baskets, found in Act 3’s Lower City, are coal’s big brother—10 lbs, throwable chaos. Hurl one for 2d6+STR bludgeoning damage; it’s a poor man’s barrel bomb. Steam users note it’s “situational but hilarious”—I’ve flattened a thug with it. Strength builds shine here; otherwise, it’s dead weight.

Finally, the Cracked Cauldron from Act 1’s Blighted Village (X: 31, Y: 432). At 5 lbs, it’s alchemy fodder—combine with essences for basic potions like Healing or Speed. Web chatter on Reddit’s r/BaldursGate3 calls it “newbie bait,” but it’s a free craft station. I’ve brewed mid-fight clutch heals with it—sell it, and you’re stuck buying overpriced vials.

Devilfoil Masks

Not Great As A Piece Of Equipment, But Can Be Made Into Something Much Better

These 10 aren’t game-breakers like Helldusk Armour (21 AC, fire resist) or the Amulet of Greater Health (23 CON). They’re not even rare—just overlooked. BG3’s magic is in its details; Larian stuffed every corner with tricks. X fans and Steam threads keep unearthing uses—water jugs trend every patch. My Tav’s pack’s heavier now, but I’m richer for it. Next time you loot, pause—trash might just be your trump card. In Faerûn, even a busted stool’s got a story—and a swing.