travel through the underdark

Travel through the Underdark

Travel through the Underdark is a sub- quest of Travel to Moonrise Towers in Act One of Baldur's Gate 3. It can be acquired after speaking to either Halsin or Minthara after resolving Save the Refugees by siding with either the tieflings or the goblins.

• 1 Objectives
• 2.1.1 Defiled Temple
• 2.1.2 Whispering Depths
• 2.1.3 Zhentarim Basement
• 2.1.4 The Hag's Basement
• 2.2 Getting to Grymforge
• 3 Consequences

Objectives [ edit | edit source ]

Objectives and journal entries may vary pending player decisions and outcomes.

• Halsin told us that there is a way to Moonrise Towers that leads through the Underdark. Tunnels beneath the temple of Selûne will lead us there.
• We learned that the best way to get to Moonrise Towers is through the Underdark. Tunnels beneath the temple of Selûne will lead us there.
• We found the old temple of Selûne. The entrance to the Underdark must be here somewhere.
• A room in the old temple of Selûne contains a secret entrance to the Underdark. Through it, we can reach Moonrise Towers.
• We unlocked a secret door in the old temple of Selûne. It leads to the Underdark.
• The Underdark is a twisted labyrinth of tunnels and ruins. To find the path to Moonrise Towers, we'll need to explore.
• We learned that the Absolute sent agents to Grymforge. There must be a route connecting Grymforge and Moonrise Towers.
• We discovered a lift in Grymforge that can bring us closer to Moonrise Towers. However, we were warned of a darkness that plagues the surface.

Reach Moonrise Towers through Grymforge.

• We used the lift in Grymforge and arrived in the shadow-cursed lands.
• We decided to take the mountain pass. This road should lead us to Moonrise Towers.

Walkthrough [ edit | edit source ]

NOTE: The party does NOT need to choose between exploring the Underdark and the Mountain Pass. Both can be visited before going to the Shadow-Cursed Lands.

If the party meets with Halsin as part of Rescue the Druid Halsin , he explains that he cannot heal the party, but that he's been studying the Absolute cult's activities and knows they are sending people en-masse to Moonrise Towers . He suggests that the party head there to seek answers. During Save the Refugees, if the Druid Grove was protected, Halsin speaks with the party after a night of celebration. He explains that there are two paths to Moonrise Towers - one through the Underdark and one overland through the Mountain Pass . The area around Moonrise Towers is known as the Shadow-Cursed Lands , and has a dangerous curse that can drive people mad. Halsin recommends the Underdark route, as it means traveling over less of the areas infected by the shadow curse.

If the party allies with Minthara , she tells them only about the Mountain Pass, providing a Spider's Lyre so that the party can summon one of her minions to cross the Shadow-Cursed Lands overland. She states that the party must go to Moonrise Towers to find their pace in the Absolute's Grand Design. However, the party is still free to go to the Underdark instead.

Finding an Entrance [ edit | edit source ]

There are several ways to enter the Underdark. Only one of these paths needs to be pursued to enter the Underdark.

Defiled Temple [ edit | edit source ]

One path to the Underdark is through the Shattered Sanctum in the Goblin Camp . The entrance can be accessed through Priestess Gut 's chambers, but is guarded by her ogre servant Polma . An easy way to avoid the need to sneak past the guard is by speaking to Gut (X:297, Y:-18) as part of Ask the Goblin Priestess for Help . Use a non-Elf/Half-Elf character to follow her to her chambers and take the potion and do not attempt to escape. A cutscene plays which results in both Gut and the ogre being killed.

Once in the Defiled Temple , there is a puzzle blocking the way forward. There are four overlapping circles. The goal is to get the black circles into the southernmost circle. Follow the combination to unlock the door:

Alternatively it is possible to find a lever on the right side of the door near the stairs upon a successful perception check. It can be then unlocked using lockpicks.

Go through the now-unlocked door and climb down the ladder to enter a Selûnite Outpost . The gate forward is closed and guarded by moon magic, but can be opened by using ranged attacks on the Moonstone held by the Selûne Statue. Another option is to exit out of the broken window on the western wall of the outpost.

Whispering Depths [ edit | edit source ]

There are two ways to enter the Whispering Depths . One way is to enter the blacksmith's basement north of the Blighted Village Waypoint (this is also the same basement where Finish the Masterwork Weapon is completed). One of the northern walls is cracked and can be destroyed with force damage, which leads to the Whispering Depths. The other way is to investigate the well (X:23, Y:400) north of the Waypoint. Choose "[INVESTIGATION] Peer into the well" and then climb the bucket rope ladder down into the well to arrive at the cave.

The chasm to the Underdark is by the Spider Matriarch's nest (X:-558, Y:-360). In order to jump safely from the chasm, the party must use Featherfall or a similar spell. Otherwise, the party's bodies are shattered upon impact from the massive height.

Zhentarim Basement [ edit | edit source ]

To use the Zhentarim's entrance, their hideout must first be located. It's in a barn west of Waukeen's Rest , at the shabby door (X:-113, Y:613). The party will automatically be aware of the Zhentarim Hideout depending on if Rugan and Olly were encountered as part of Find the Missing Shipment - either by speaking with Rugan or by asking his corpse questions with Speak with Dead . If the party spares Rugan's life, he shares the location of the hideout along with the password need to enter. With a successful perception check, the party notices a man, Salazon , crouching behind some shelves. Reciting the password 'Little serpent, long shadow' has him stand down immediately and provide the key to a wardrobe that leads into the hideout. If the party does not have the password, there are a myriad of other options to get past Salazon:

• Read his mind.
• [PERSUASION] Just calm down - I'm not here to fight. (DC 15)
• [ROGUE][PERSUASION] This is all pretty crude, as traps go - you'll probably kill us both. (DC 15)
• [SORCERER][PERSUASION] I am magic. Cast that spell - you'll only hurt yourself. (DC 15)
• [BARBARIAN][INTIMIDATION] Careful. You won't kill me, but you will make me mad. (DC 15)

Succeeding to make the man stand down allows the Zhentarim to be dealt with peacefully. Follow his instructions to go down the hatch and through the wardrobe to enter the Zhentarim Basement . Once inside, follow the path forward and climb up the ladders to where Zarys is. Move north and cross the bridge. A man named Karad has a mechanical key and guards the way further. At this point, if the party goes onto the bridge, the Zhentarim become hostile if they are spotted. Either use stealth skills to pickpocket Karad's key and move past him, or kill the Zhentarim and loot the key. Slightly north of Karad is an illusory wall (X:268, Y:-189) that can be detected with a Perception check. Move through the wall and use the key on the Elevator Winch, then use the elevator platform.

The Hag's Basement [ edit | edit source ]

The party must enter Auntie Ethel's teahouse in the Sunlit Wetlands (X:-47, Y:266) and use Ethel's illusory fireplace to enter into the Overgrown Tunnel . The first hurdle is a door of vines. Attempting to use it causes it to telepathically share its story with the party to warn them from proceeding further. An Arcana check reveals that the door is an illusion and can simply be walked through. Otherwise, persuading the door (DC 10) causes it to share its secrets.

Through the door are four servants of Ethel's - Mask of Terror , Mask of Vengeance , Mask of Regret , and Mask of Servitude . The become hostile upon detecting the party. On the table next to the door are Whispering Masks . If one party member wears it, they can all pass through the door. It also prevents the Hag Servants from becoming hostile. The mask is needed to enter the door to the Underdark.

Past the Hag Servants is a waterfall and a winding path filled with noxious fumes and explosive traps. On this path, there is a door to the north (X:-354, Y:577) that can only be passed while wearing a Whispering Mask. Pass through the door and move to the Mushroom Circle to enter the Underdark.

Getting to Grymforge [ edit | edit source ]

Once the party arrives in the Underdark, they must make their way forward to try to find a way up into the Shadow-Cursed Lands. There are many helpful quests in the Underdark, including a main quest to attempt to remove the tadpole - Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite - but only two quests in particular directly assist in moving further into the Underdark. See the Underdark Quests for more information on optional quests the party can complete.

The first of these quests is Defeat the Duergar Intruders , which allows the party to kill the duergar at the Decrepit Village (X:11, Y:-195) and steal their boat to get into Grymforge . The second quest is Find the Missing Boots , which involves working with the duergar to track down a missing gnome who stole some boots, and then being charged to deliver the boots to Grymforge. The party can also attempt to sneak past the duergar and sneakily access the boat without doing either quest.

Once in Grymforge, the party is tasked with many different objectives, including freeing a True Soul drow named Nere as part of Free True Soul Nere . See the Grymforge Quests for information on optional quests. However, the party can almost immediately ascend to the Shaadow-Cursed Lands upon entering Grymforge. East of the Grymforge Waypoint is an elevator (X:-603, Y:382). Interact with the Wrought-Iron Gate to the elevator and the party is stopped by a duergar named Ward Magmar . Magmar asks the party if they have one of Nere's Moonlanterns and explains that they risk succumbing to the shadow curse without one. Tell him the party isn't concerned about the curse and proceed forward to use the elevator. If the duergar are gone or dead, then a gnome named Skickpit initiates the same conversation.

Consequences [ edit | edit source ]

Entering the Shadow-Cursed Lands is considered the "point of no return" for Act One and is the official start of Act Two . As such, using the elevator in Grymforge means that several quests automatically update. Before entering the elevator, complete all desired quests.

Notes [ edit | edit source ]

• Both the Mountain Pass and the Underdark have unique quests and loot. For the most complete playthrough, it is recommended that the party explores the Mountain Pass, Underdark, and Grymforge before going to the Shadow-Cursed Lands.

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Travel through the Underdark is a  Quest in Baldur's Gate 3 . Travel through the Underdark can be acquired during Act 3 and is part of the main quest  Travel to Moonrise Towers . Completing Quests  allows players to learn more about the world and characters in Baldur's Gate 3 and earn more loot and experience to become more powerful.

Travel through the Underdark Objectives

Travel through the temple of selûne..

• Halsin told us that there is a way to Moonrise Towers that leads through the Underdark. Tunnels beneath the temple of Selûne will lead us there.
• We learned that the best way to get to Moonrise Towers is through the Underdark. Tunnels beneath the temple of Selûne will lead us there.

Find the secret entrance to the Underdark.

• We found the old temple of Selûne. The entrance to the Underdark must be here somewhere.

Unlock the secret entrance to the Underdark.

Go through the secret entrance..

• We unlocked a secret door in the old temple of Selûne. It leads to the Underdark.

Explore the Underdark.

• The Underdark is a twisted labyrinth of tunnels and ruins. To find the path to Moonrise Towers, we'll need to explore.

Reach Moonrise Towers through Grymforge

• We learned that the Absolute sent agents to Grymforge. There must be a route connecting Grymforge and Moonrise Towers.
• We discovered a lift in Grymforge that can bring us closer to Moonrise Towers. However, we were warned of a darkness that plagues the surface.

Quest Complete Descriptions

• We used the lift in Grymforge and arrived in the shadow-cursed lands.
• We decided to take the mountain pass. This road should lead us to Moonrise Towers.

Travel through the Underdark Walkthrough

• You can travel to Moonrise Towers through the Underdark. You can reach Underdark from Defiled Temple , Whispering Depth , or Zhentarim Basement .
• Avenge Glut's Circle
• Cure the Poisoned Gnome
• Defeat the Duergar Intruders
• Deliver Nere's Head
• Find the Missing Boots
• Find the Mushroom Picker
• Blind the Absolute
• Find Explosives
• Save the Grymforge Gnomes
• Get Past the Rubble

 How to unlock Travel through the Underdark

Travel through the underdark rewards, travel through the underdark notes & tips.

• Notes & tips go here

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Should you take The Mountain Pass or The Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3

What’s the best way to reach the Moonrise Towers?

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Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game of choice. Sometimes that choice is complex and political, like picking sides in a three-sided war. And sometimes the choice can seem as simple as “which route should I take to the next story mission?”

The latter of those two decisions is one you’ll face near the end of act 1, when you have to decide how you and your crew want to reach Moonrise Towers . Should you take the fungal, dark path of The Underdark ? Or should you delve into the mysterious Mountain Pass ?

In this Baldur’s Gate 3 guide, we’re going to tell you which path to take and break down the two different routes to the Moonrise Towers.

Should you choose The Mountain Pass or The Underdark?

There are character-critical story quests on both routes, so the answer to “should you go the route of The Mountain Pass or The Underdark” is, simply: Do both. Just make sure you do each route before you get too far into the Moonrise Tower quest, as some players report a point of no return in the latter parts of act 2 .

Should you do the Mountain Pass or the Underdark first?

So if the answer is just “do both,” let’s reframe the question: Should you do The Mountain Pass or The Underdark first ? That is also an easy one, albeit for reasons that will differ player to player.

The Underdark is significantly harder and longer. If you go through it first, you’ll blast through The Mountain Pass no problem. On the other hand, if you do The Mountain Pass first, you might have a bit of a harder time with the handful of combats encounters there, but you’ll be able to enter The Underdark with more XP under your belt and a ton of magical items from the First Light Inn shops.

Ultimately, we suggest doing The Mountain Pass first , but for reasons entirely divorced from combat or difficulty: Gale .

Gale is a wonderful party member and a delightful person to keep around in camp, but his constant need to consume magical items is a real bummer — especially in the early parts of the game, when magical items are hard to come by. But on your journey through The Mountain Pass, you’ll meet an old mentor of Gale’s — Elminster — who can progress your Wizard’s story quest and put a pause on his hunger for your items.

Because The Mountain Pass route is so much shorter and easier (relatively speaking) than The Underdark, it’s easy to pop over, grab Elminster, stop Gale’s curse, reach the First Light Inn, get the Waypoint, grab some new items, and start your adventure in The Underdark beefed up and ready to party.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and your second path will be made easier by whatever trials and tribulations you experience on your first path. Like all things Baldur’s Gate 3 , take the information the game gives you, pair it with some of the context we’ve provided below, and choose what sounds best for your role-playing experience and party.

What to expect from The Mountain Pass

The Mountain Pass is an entirely new area located west of the Goblin Camp . And if you click on the loading door for it, it will scare you with a message that encourages you to wrap things up in the starter region first — almost as if it’s suggesting you can’t come back. This is a bizarrely worded warning, as you can still leave The Mountain Pass the way you came in and complete quests you missed earlier in the game.

Anyway, The Mountain Pass route is relatively quick and straightforward. Once you enter the area, you only have two options. You can head to the Abandoned Monastery for Lae’Zel to complete part of her sprawling side quest. Or you can follow the main quest and head straight to the Shadow-Cursed Lands , which is where you’ll find the Moonrise Towers and the Last Light Inn town.

The main route here is very quick, and we only ran into a single combat on our way through the pass to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. It’s also the road you’ll meet Elminster on.

What to expect from The Underdark

The Underdark is a dangerous path, but a fun one. You can get in a few different ways, but we recommend taking the path under the Goblin Camp , through the Defiled Temple puzzle . This will spit you out right before a Waypoint, a handful of cool monster battles, and within spitting distance of the Grymforge and Adamantine Forge — which you’ll need to pass through on the way to the Moonrise Towers.

You’ll also be able to nab some sweet gear from the nearby Arcane Tower , if you want a neat side quest to jump into.

Unlike The Mountain Pass — which offers several interesting conversations — The Underdark route is mostly about combat. You’ll need to battle many different monsters and fend off at least one ambush if you want to reach your destination alive. (If you haven’t grown accustomed to quick-saving early and often, The Underdark will be sure to help the muscle memory set in.)

It’s also worth mentioning that this is where you’ll find Shadowheart ’s companion quest. If she’s your main squeeze, or maybe just your favorite party member, this route will allow you to progress her story.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Underdark entrances and how to unlock each

Find your way into the dark and deadly underground.

• Blighted Village
• Shattered Sanctum
• Waukeen's Rest
• Sunlit Wetlands

Finding Baldur's Gate 3 Underdark entrances is one of the early challenges if you decide to avoid the mountain pass route during Act 1 of your adventure. Once you find it, the Underdark is filled with all manner of monstrosities, from Bulette tunnelling around trying to eat you, to those Hook Horrors that look a bit like those evil birds from The Dark Crystal. There's also a whole heap of treasure to claim if you're brave enough to go looking for it.

There are four Underdark entrances in Act 1:

• Jump down the big hole in the Blighted Village
• Sneak into the Defiled Temple in the Goblin Camp
• Talk your way into the Zhentarim Hideout in Waukeen's Rest
• Find the hidden teleporter in the S unlit Wetlands

You can get to the Underdark inadvisably close to the start of the game, and if you pick up the Sussur Bark weapon quest, you'll probably want to take a quick trip down there. Either way, here are the different Underdark entrances in Act 1, where to find each of them in order of difficulty, and what hoops you'll have to jump through to actually unlock these gateways to the abyss.

The Whispering Depths - Blighted Village

The first entrance to the Underdark is located in the Whispering Depths beneath the Blighted Village to the west of Silvanus' Grove . You're likely to find this area as part of the Necromancy of Thay quest, and you can find your way down through the well in the village centre. Either fight the Phase Spiders or sneak through into their main nest and you'll find a giant hole surrounded by webs with the Phase Mother Matriarch patrolling. 

To use this entrance, you'll need to cast Feather Fall and jump into the big hole . This will trigger a cutscene of you drifting down into the Underdark. A word of advice: make sure everyone is in the spell's AoE when you cast Feather Fall. Unless, that is, you want to be awkwardly greeted by the corpses of your party, who arrived much faster, at the bottom. Also, watch out for the minotaurs that hang out close to where you land.

The Defiled Temple - Shattered Sanctum

To get into the Underdark this way, there are a couple of obstacles you'll have to overcome, namely, a horde of goblins, and a puzzle with some dials. Whether you slaughter them or convince them you're a pal, you can enter the Defiled Temple through the west side of the Shattered Sanctum in the Goblin Camp , through the locked door in the goblin priestess's room. After you've snuck past her bodyguard ogre, you'll find the Defiled Temple puzzle , the solution to which is linked just there. Once you've spun the dials into the correct position, a doorway will open at the far end of the temple, and you'll find a ladder leading down into the Underdark and the Selunite Outpost .

Zhentarim Hideout - Waukeen's Rest

This Underdark entrance is even more elaborate than the first two and requires a fair few steps to access. Before you try it, make sure you have access to the Detect Thoughts spell. First off, you'll want to head to the Risen Road to the north of the Blighted Village and then travel northwest up the road until you find a burning house called Waukeen's Rest . Instead of helping the soldiers bashing on the main door, head left through the gap between the houses to find a small building with a door blocked by crates.

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Move the crates and head inside. You'll be met by a nervous fella called Salazon wielding a fireball ready to blow you up with some explosive barrels—this is where you use Detect Thoughts to discover the password . If you succeed, he'll give you a key and tell you to head down into the basement and use it to unlock a secret stairway behind the wardrobe. Still with me? This tunnel leads to the Zhentarim Hideout where a band of black market traders and smugglers make their home. 

To progress through here, you'll have to either fight them all, or convince Zarys that you're there for business using Persuasion, Detect Thoughts, or Intimidation. Doing so disarms the traps and allows you in. You'll want to go to the northwesternmost point of the cave where you'll find a couple of wolves chilling in front of an illusory wall. Behind this is an elevator; use a lockpick on the winch and you're ready to ride that bad boy all the way down to the Underdark. It'll also give a point of Inspiration if you have the Guild Artisan background.

Alternatively, if that sounds like a bit too much effort, you can go and save the Zhentarim caravan from gnolls in the northeast of the Risen Road. This is a lot easier to do if you head up into the hills and approach the beasts from behind rather than going through the cave where the caravaneers are hunkered down. If you save them, you can get an invite to the Zhentarim hideout.

Riverside Teahouse - Sunlit Wetlands

The final and by far most elaborate way into the Underdark is through the caves underneath the Riverside Teahouse in the west of the Sunlit Wetlands , to the south of the Blighted Village. To do this, you'll have to do 90% of the Save Mayrina quest, but here's the gist of finding this entrance:

• Turn off the fireplace in the Riverside Teahouse and sneak through the illusory wall behind it.
• Head down the stairs and grab a Whispering Mask from the table in the Overgrown Tunnel's first room.
• Use Protection from Evil and Good —unless you want the mask possessing you—then put on the mask and pass through the illusory wooden wall with the face. Don't forget to take the mask off before the spell runs out.
• Sneak by or fight the hag's thralls in the next room—non-lethally if you want to save them—then jump through the waterfall.
• Climb down the ladder, but instead of continuing further down, head north along the ledge to find another wooden wall with a face you can jump up to.
• Cast Protection from Evil and Good again, put on the mask, and head through the illusory wall to find a secret room with a circle of mushrooms.

Activating this circle will teleport you down into the Underdark, though be aware you'll have to pass through another illusory wall at the bottom, though it's just a regular one this time.

Baldur's Gate 3 Soul Coins : Find them all Baldur's Gate 3 infernal iron : Karlach collectibles Baldur's Gate 3 owlbear cub : Befriend the bird Baldur's Gate 3 find Halsin : Where's the bear? Baldur's Gate 3 defiled temple : Solve the moon puzzle

Sean's first PC games were Full Throttle and Total Annihilation and his taste has stayed much the same since. When not scouring games for secrets or bashing his head against puzzles, you'll find him revisiting old Total War campaigns, agonizing over his Destiny 2 fit, or still trying to finish the Horus Heresy. Sean has also written for EDGE, Eurogamer, PCGamesN, Wireframe, EGMNOW, and Inverse.

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• Travel through the Underdark

Travel through the Underdark Baldur's Gate 3 Quest

Group: Main Quest

"Travel through the Underdark " is a subquest of the " Travel to Moonrise Towers ", one of the quests available in Baldur's Gate 3.

" Travel through the Underdark " is one of the quests available in Baldur's Gate 3. It falls under the " Main Quest " group of quests.

Note: Currently, this page contains raw quest data only. I will try to update it with more valuable information as soon as possible.

Related points of interest

Quest stages of Travel through the Underdark

1. travel through the temple of selûne..

Halsin told us that there is a way to Moonrise Towers that leads through the Underdark. Tunnels beneath the temple of Selûne will lead us there.

We learned that the best way to get to Moonrise Towers is through the Underdark. Tunnels beneath the temple of Selûne will lead us there.

2. Find the secret entrance to the Underdark.

We found the old temple of Selûne. The entrance to the Underdark must be here somewhere.

3. Unlock the secret entrance to the Underdark.

A room in the old temple of Selûne contains a secret entrance to the Underdark. Through it, we can reach Moonrise Towers.

4. Go through the secret entrance.

We unlocked a secret door in the old temple of Selûne. It leads to the Underdark.

5. Explore the Underdark.

The Underdark is a twisted labyrinth of tunnels and ruins. To find the path to Moonrise Towers, we'll need to explore.

6. Reach Moonrise Towers through Grymforge.

We learned that the Absolute sent agents to Grymforge. There must be a route connecting Grymforge and Moonrise Towers.

We discovered a lift in Grymforge that can bring us closer to Moonrise Towers. However, we were warned of a darkness that plagues the surface.

We used the lift in Grymforge and arrived in the shadow-cursed lands.

We decided to take the mountain pass. This road should lead us to Moonrise Towers.

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Travel to Moonrise Towers (BG3) | Mountain Pass or Underdark?

After you’ve finished exploring the Wilderness in  Baldur’s Gate 3 , you need to decide if you’re going through the Mountain Pass or the Underdark to get to Moonrise Towers. There are benefits to each, and you can go back and visit both once you reach the Moonrise Towers area. But what is the best way to get to Moonrise Towers in  Baldur’s Gate 3 ? Mountain Pass or Underdark?

Should you choose Mountain Pass or Underdark in  Baldur’s Gate 3 ?

In my experience and research, the Mountain Pass is easier and shorter while the Underdark has more sidequests, tougher enemies, and is longer .

If you need help getting to the Underdark , visit our guide . If you need help getting to the Mountain Pass, I recommend fast traveling to Waukeen’s Rest and using Fly or Misty Step to sneak past the Githyanki and through to the Mountain Pass .

Why choose Mountain Pass in  BG3

Screenshot: PC Invasion

Though I’ve never chosen the Mountain Pass in  Baldur’s Gate 3 , in my research I’ve discovered that this is the optimal path if you sided with Minthara and the goblins . Though there will still be a few tough fights and extra puzzles to solve, the Mountain Pass isn’t as dense and dangerous as the Underdark.

The good thing about the Mountain Pass is that you’re placed on a more direct path to get a Moonlantern . You’ll definitely want a Moonlantern for the journey ahead, and the Mountain Pass is an easy way to get one (but don’t worry, it’s not the only way).

Why choose Underdark in  BG3

In my campaign, I chose to go through the Underdark . Here, I encountered extremely tough enemies that forced me to load my quicksaves often, really interesting and fun sidequests like the Arcane Tower, Icy pieces that make one of the best early weapons in the game, and a really tough boss named Grym guarding a forge that makes some of the best weapons and armor in the game.

I highly recommend going through the Underdark if you’re up for a challenge . While the enemies are tough, the puzzles are a lot of fun—you’ll level up your characters more which prepares you for what’s ahead, and you’ll earn great weapons and armor—I found the Underdark depressing and dangerous; I bolted out of there as soon as I could which means I most likely missed some cool stuff.

If you’ve completed the Underdark in one playthrough, I recommend trying the Mountain Pass on your next playthrough, and vice versa. Once you get to the Shadowland, you can also turn back and experience the section you missed , but it will be slightly different than running through it from the start.

Either way, you’ll end up in the Shadowlands . If you choose to side with Isobel, you’ll need to defend Isobel and defeat Fist Marcus . After that, you’ll need to traverse to Moonrise Towers with the help of a Moonlantern , or avoid a softlock and get through the Shadow Curse without a Moonlantern. The choices, like always, are nearly endless.

Baldur's Gate 3: 9 Areas You Might Have Missed In Act 1

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Baldur's Gate 3: Hardest Classes To Master

Baldur's gate 3: most underrated classes, ranked, baldur's gate 3: the best two-handed weapons.

• Each decision in Baldur's Gate 3 matters, leading to different playthroughs with missed, hidden areas and quests. Exploration is key.
• Ebonlake Grotto in the Underdark and Secluded Cove in Emerald Grove offer quests, loot, and unique fights for adventurous players to discover.
• The Arcane Tower and Adamantine Forge provide challenging puzzles, magical loot, and powerful enemies for players willing to explore Act 1.

Baldur's Gate 3 is a massive turn-based RPG where each decision and dialogue option matters, and thus each playthrough will be different. While some players slowly scour the map and find every location they can loot, the game isn't designed for players to find everything at once.

Baldur's Gate 3: 10 Characters That Should Have Lived

Baldur's Gate 3 allows players to change the course of the story for most characters but, unfortunately, some are just destined to die.

Instead, because of how the natural exploration works in BG3 , there are loads of areas, even in Act 1, that players will miss. Thankfully, these can be seen as exciting prospects for future playthroughs. Be sure not to miss the following BG3 Act 1 secrets !

Updated June 6, 2024 by Joe Grantham: The sheer size of Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 means there are many hidden areas, either underground or behind seemingly impenetrable doors. While players may find some of these locations easily thanks to hints from an NPC or through sheer luck, other areas can elude even the most attentive explorers.

With Game of the Year winner Baldur's Gate 3 releasing on consoles, even more adventurers are curious about what secrets they may have missed in their first playthrough.

1 Ebonlake Grotto & The Myconid Colony

Protected by exploding mushrooms with lots of quests & loot.

• Loot: Many magical items including boots, rings, amulets, circlets, gloves, and staffs
• Quests: Cure the Poisoned Gnome, Find the Mushroom Picker, Defeat the Duergar Intruders, Deliver Nere's Head, Avenge Glut's Circle, Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite
• Enemies: The Myconid if attacked and possibly Duergar

The Underdark is truly full of mysteries, and one of the many locations hidden beneath the surface is the Ebonlake Grotto, which is home to the Myconid Colony. In many ways, this location isn't all that hard to find, but it is also easy to miss or even overlook. Located northeast of the Sussur Tree, at the very north of the Underdark, players should come across a large mushroom minefield that can be destroyed at a safe distance using ranged attacks.

Once they have made it through the minefield, players will talk to the leader, Sovereign Spaw. There are many ways to convince this telepathic leader to allow the party through, although the best option is probably to tell the truth. Once inside the colony, players will quickly discover that it is on the edge of rebellion and whichever faction they side with will certainly have the upper hand. There are a multitude of quests in this location and two vendors who sell some of Act 1's most unique items .

2 Secluded Cove

An easy to miss location behind the emerald grove with an interesting fight.

• Loot: Ring of Color Spray
• Quests: Investigate the Beach
• Enemies: Harpies

Due to the direction from which players approach the heart of the Emerald Grove, it can be easy to miss the entrance to the Secluded Cove, which is just next to where the Bard Alfira can be found. While there is not too much in terms of great loot, apart from a ring in the harpy nest, players do have the chance to save a Tiefling child and engage in a highly interesting fight against harpies.

Just like Alfira, these harpies also sing, and if they are successful with their melody, they will lure members of the party in, making them unable to take action. The fight is certainly not easy, especially if players have only just entered the Emerald Grove while still at a low level. After the fight, players will discover there are many hidden ledges and columns to jump to in the Secluded Cove, all of which are hiding small amounts of loot.

3 The Arcane Tower

Protected by turrets & full of surprises.

• Loot: Guiding Light Ring, Staff of Arcane Blessing, Club of Hill Giant Strength, Mystra's Grace Boots
• Enemies: Arcane Turrets, Bernard

The Underdark is full of secrets and hidden areas, but one of the easier-to-find locations is the Arcane Tower, located in the southwest. However, while many players will spot it, getting inside isn't easy. Arcane Turrets protect the tower from trespassers. To circumvent these turrets, players can use Misty Step or Feather Fall to jump onto mushrooms and find a different way into the tower. On the first floor of the tower, players can add Sussur Blossom to the generator, which will disable the turrets and activate the elevator.

Once inside the tower, players will find plenty of magical mysteries. The area is more about problem-solving rather than combat. At the top of the tower, however, players may be attacked if they do not give the guardian Bernard the correct answers. There is some incredible loot in the tower, including one of the hardest-to-find weapons in BG3 , the Staff of Arcane Blessing.

4 The Adamantine Forge

Make unique & powerful adamantine items.

• Loot: Sentient Amulet, Mithral Ore, and various Molds
• Forgeable Items: Adamantine Splint Armor, Scale Mail, Shield, Longsword, Mace, and Scimitar
• Quests: The Adamantine Forge
• Enemies: Grym, an Adamantine Golem

If players choose to travel through the Underdark to reach Act 2 of BG3 , then they will inevitably pass through the Grymforge as the last part of their journey. Within the Grymforge, however, is a much harder-to-find location: the Adamantine Forge. Players might first stumble across some Duergar who are searching for the lost forge, and from here there is a passageway covered by rubble that the party must clear somehow.

Baldur's Gate 3 features a nice variety of 12 different classes to choose from, but not all classes are equally simple to master.

Alternatively, some characters can use the Fly ability or an enhanced jump to reach a ledge, which leads to a fast travel point for the forge. Around this location, players will find Mithral Ore and various molds that can be used to forge special Adamantine weapons or armor . When players start up the forge by pulling the Lava Valve, an Adamantine Golem will spawn. Known as Grym, this golem is considered one the hardest bosses in Act 1.

5 Underground Passage To The Emerald Grove

A secret way into the emerald grove.

• Loot: Arcane Circlet, Nature's Snare
• Quests: Save the Goblin Sazza
• Enemies: Guardian Statues, Goblins

While players will find their way into the Emerald Grove easily enough, they may miss a certain hidden entrance that can be very useful, with unique loot waiting inside. To find the Underground Passage, approach the grove from the forest. If at least one character passes a Perception check, a Stone Door will appear.

Once inside, players will need to figure out how to stop the three Guardian Statues from attacking, especially if they want to find the Underground Passage treasure . This passage can also be used as an escape route for players helping Sazza flee, although she is not the first goblin to pass through. It is recommended that players enter Turn-Based Mode for this section, at least until the Guardian Statues have been turned off, as otherwise, they can burn through the party at an alarming rate.

6 Zhentarim Hideout At Waukeen's Rest

Hidden behind crates and multiple skill checks or a password.

• Loot: Many great items from Trader Brem
• Quests: Find the Missing Shipment & Free the Artist
• Enemies: Zhentarim Mercenaries

The Zhentarim Hideout is aptly named and does a successful job of concealing the Zhentarim mercenary group from many players in Act 1. Behind some crates at Waukeen's Rest, there is a door. Once inside, players will either have to pass some Skill Checks or have already acquired the password from Rugan, who is found in a cave on The Risen Road.

Each class in Baldur's Gate 3 is unique in one way or another. However, some great classes are often overlooked in favor of other, more obvious ones.

As players further explore the Zhentarim Hideout, further Skill Checks and discoveries await. How they approach the Zhentarim mercenaries is up to them. If players have previously found the missing shipment as part of the quest of the same name, then Trader Brem will sell some of the best items available in Act 1 of BG3 . There is even an entrance to the Underdark in the Zhentarim Hideout.

7 Apothecary's Cellar In The Blighted Village

A normal cellar holds dark secrets.

• Loot: The Necromancy of Thay
• Quests: Search the Cellar
• Enemies: Agile Guardians

One location that many players miss in Act 1 of BG3 is the Apothecary's Cellar, which can be accessed through a hatch in the house just south of the Blighted Village waypoint. At first, this cellar appears normal, and many players will feel like they've fully looted it. However, if the crates to the left of a bookcase are moved, a lever can be found opening up a whole new adventure.

This is all part of the Search the Cellar quest . What players find is rather dark, but interesting, with lots of puzzles to solve. Players might also have to fight their way out of an ambush if they look in the wrong places. Those who manage to reach the last room will find a dark and powerful tome, but what is to be done with The Necromancy of Thay is up to each individual. Naturally, this is a must-visit location for any wizards who have chosen the Necromancy subclass.

8 Whispering Depths Beneath The Blighted Village

Often missed, as players must interact with a well.

• Loot: Poisoner's Robes & Spiderstep Boots
• Quests: Search the Cellar clue
• Enemies: Phase Spider Matriarch

The Whispering Depths is another easy-to-miss area in Act 1, although interestingly, there are two ways to find this spider-infested lair. The first is by interacting with a well near the Blighted Village waypoint. Alternatively, players can burn the spiderwebs in the Blacksmith's house in the same village.

For a heavier offense, here's which two-handed weapons are the strongest in Baldur's Gate 3.

Inside, players need to be ready for lots of Phase Spiders, and eventually, they will come across the Matriach, who can be a tough boss for under-level players. She will drop the Poisoner's Robes, one of the best robes in Baldur's Gate 3 , particularly this early on.

9 Festering Cove In The Underdark

One of the most easily missed areas in the game.

• Loot: Sickle of BOOOAL & Slippery Chain Shirt
• Enemies: BOOOAL the Redcap

If there is one area in Act 1 that players haven't heard of, it is the Festering Cove . By jumping down from next to the mushroom portals in Auntie Ethel's Lair, players will find themselves in one of the game's weirdest locations. The half-fish-like creatures known as the Kuo-Toa are even stranger.

These creatures worship a Redcap called BOOOAL and, as with anything in Baldur's Gate 3 , how players proceed is completely up to them. They might choose to save the Kuo-Toa , or they might sacrifice a friend. With so much on the line, this is definitely a location for lovers of the story to visit.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 Underdark Entrance Locations Guide

W hile completely optional, the Underdark area of Baldur’s Gate 3 is also its most interesting one. There, you can experience fungi coming back to life with their own political agenda, hidden monstrous bosses, an abandoned tower with a dark history, and an uprising against a tyrant. 

The Underdark also serves as the ending point of Act 1 if you wish to take this route to the Shadow Cursed Lands. However, finding an entrance to this ghoulishly grim world is a significant task. 

Four significant entrances lead to the Underdark. We will be covering their difficulty in descending order. 

Defile Temple Entrance in the Goblin Camp 

The first and the easiest way to enter the Underdark is through the Goblin Camp . Save Goblin Sazza from the Druid Camp; she will lead you directly to the Shattered Sanctum without confrontation. 

This central area of the Goblin Camp is also home to three goblin leaders . Talk to Priestess Gut and follow her to her quarters. Drink the potion she offers you to go to sleep. 

You will wake up in a jail cell inside the Defiled Temple. Wait until an assassin named Korilla kills the Priestess Gut. Loot her body to obtain Priestess Gut Key. 

Now go to the main chamber of the Defiled Temple, which has four rotating discs in the middle. Go north of the illuminated plate to find a keyhole (perception check). Use the key to bypass the Defiled Temple Moon puzzle . At the end, use the ladder to descend into the Selunite Outpost, a small dungeon in the Underdark.

If you decide to take the more violent route, you can always use our guide to solve the Defiled Temple Moon puzzle.

Hidden Elevator in Zhentarim Hideout 

While traveling on the Risen Road, you will come across a party of travelers pinned down in a cave by some Gnolls. You can hijack the mind of the Gnoll leader, Flind , and make her kill her party before killing herself. 

Talk to survivors Rugan and Olly to start the Find the Missing Shipment side quest . Then, allow them to take the shipment and travel to Waukeen’s Rest, northeast of the cave. 

Go to the west of the Waukeen’s Rest, past the barn, to find a shabby door (X: -113 Y: 610) . Remove the boxes to open the door. Upon entering the room, you will be confronted by a Zhentarim guard, Salazon. Give him the password Rugan gave you, and he will hand over the key to reach the hideout. 

Enter the hatch and use the key on the locked wardrobe. If you were kind enough to Rugan and didn’t steal or open the shipment, Zhentarim will welcome you with semi-open arms. 

The hideout has a false wall (X: 272, Y: -189) . It is next to a sleeping guard wolf. Upon entering the area, you will find a locked elevator that you can start using a lockpick. You can also pickpocket its key from the guard roaming outside. 

Don’t use the elevator in front of Zhentarim guards, as this will make the whole hideout hostile. Instead, ride the elevator to reach the upper section of Myconid Colony, which is full of stolen Zhent treasure. 

Overgrown Tunnel in Auntie Ethel’s Teahouse 

While not our favorite method of reaching the Underdark, it is still easier as it doesn’t involve any roadblocks. While traveling to the Southwest of Druid Camp, you will encounter Auntie Ethel being hackled by two hunters. 

You can either side with her or the hunters to start the Save Mayrina side quest . This will lead you to the Sunlit Wetlands area, which is full of redcaps and traps. Make your way through it to find Auntie Ethel’s Teahouse. 

Confront her, and she will run away through the illusory fireplace. Follow her inside and equip the Whispering Mask to pass the Gnarled Door . Remove the mask immediately to avoid getting mad. Defeat her minions and proceed to the Overgrown Tunnel . 

This area is full of Toxic Fumes, and you need to traverse it carefully. To stop the poisonous gas, place containers or useless objects in your inventory on the vents. Once you reach the waterfall (X: -335, Y: 566) , jump across it to find the hidden path. 

Avoid traps and jump again to find the second Gnarled Door (X: -355, Y: 575) . Wear the Whispering Mask to discover that this door is also an illusion. Pass through the door to find a mushroom circle (transportation point). Interact with it to go down to the Underdark. 

Whispering Depths in the Blighted Village 

While this is the fastest route to the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3 , Whispering Depths has two significant roadblocks. 

• Phase Spider Matriarch boss fight  
• Dependency on the Feather Fall spell 

You can enter the Whispering Depths dungeon from the well in the Blighted Village . Make your way to its northern end to find Phase Spider Matriarch’s boss. 

It is very difficult to avoid her and her minions to reach the Underdark entrance. Once you defeat the boss, go to a massive hole at (X: -555, Y: -358) . Cast the Feather fall spell on yourself and your part and jump down the hole to reach the Underdark. 

Jumping without casting Feather Fall will result in you taking lethal damage. 

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