Summary
Even though Act 3 ofBaldur’s Gate 3seems to cover the smallest amount of space compared to the wilderness of Acts 1 and 2, the city and its environs have some of the most details and hidden secrets in the whole game. Even experienced players who have the patience to search every shack and crate can still miss them.
The wide variety ofhidden locations and interesting secretsare packed into a much smaller area in Act 3 than in other parts of the game. Many of the obscure side quests and NPCs in Act 3 ofBaldur’s Gate 3are hidden in plain sight, and players might need some extra help finding them.
6The Windmill
Hiding An Extra Tadpole
It’s easy to get distracted in Rivington by killer clowns and exploding toys, so not everyone finds the abandoned windmill, and even if they do, it doesn’t look very intriguing. Those who do venture inside might not see the shabby trapdoor that leads into the basement and to a newborn mind flayer.
The party has the option of sneaking away or killing the mind flayer, and those who aren’tusing their Illithid powerscan walk away. There’s some interesting information here for those who at least want to poke around, such as a letter identifying the newborn as a fervent believer in the Absolute who was waiting to be turned. If players wish to appease this Mind Flayer, they will need to bring a body to the windmill so that it can feed.
5The Missing Pigeons
The Reason Those Letters Were Never Delivered
Nobody was shocked to discoverthat the most-played Origin character was Gale, and everyone knows why: because he has a cat. Not just any cat, either, but a magical, winged feline called a Tressym that can speak. Tara is a constant presence for those playing as the Wizard of Waterdeepbut also appears for other charactersif they know where to look, and that means they should check the rooftops. One place to start is the Open Hand Temple.
Climbing the bell tower and usingFeather Fallto get to the tiled roof where Tara is comfortably sitting, surrounded by carrier pigeon feathers, is the easiest way to get up there, but there’s also a hanging vine outside that players can climb. She’s been snacking on the birds and preventing their messages from getting through, and Gale can ask her nicely to stop it. If players are carrying some fish, they can trade with her.
4The Jungle
Hidden In The Circus Of Last Days
The Djinn Akabi inthe Circus of Last Daysruns a nice little grift with the fixed wheel of fortune. If players grift him right back, however, he gets angry and sends them to a jungle that only has one exit in the far corner. To be sent to this unique area, players must take a moment to steal Akabi’s magic ring, which ensures he wins every time, and use it to play.
When he realizes the player is cheating, he sends them to the jungle. Considering this is where the tridentNyrulnacan be found, it’s not much of a punishment, but it can be a little difficult if players send one of their weaker party members. To prevent this from happening, players should spin the wheel with a character they believe can survive without the help of others.
3Angleiron’s Cellar
Save The Ironhand Gnomes
This secret hideout is in an obscure area that most players never find, and to add another layer to the onion that isBG3, it’s only here if players docertain things in Acts 1 and 2involving the Ironhand Gnomes. It all started when the party saved that sassy gnome, Barcus, from the windmill in the Blighted Village and continued when they rescued Wulbren and his companions from Moonrise Towers.
Players can explore the area under the bridge or the Rivington General cellar to find Angleiron’s Cellar and the Ironhand Gnomes, which should include both Wulbren and Barcus. Here, they can trade with Barcus and continue their related quests, which includes subverting Wulbren’s maniacal need to blow up the rival Gondians.
2The Secret Tadpole Cache
A Second Chance If Players Missed The Boat In Act 2
It’s interesting to note that the overland route the player and their party took from the Shadow-Cursed Lands wasn’t the only way to travel to the big city. Just like the escaped gnomes, several others took the water route, and one of them docked in the main pier at Baldur’s Gate.
The boat at the dock doesn’t look like anything special, and many players assume it’s just there for ambiance and setting, but closer inspection reveals that it’s a boat from Moonrise Towers. Players can sneak or fight their way on to find a secret cache of tadpoles hidden on the boat that can power up any character usingtheir Illithid powers.
1The Wyrmrest Tunnel
The Reward For A Daring Rescue
There’s more to discover under the bridge that spans Wyrm’s Crossing, but this secluded beach is on the side underneath the Fortress, so it’s less likely that players will find it, even by accident. It’s possible to climb down on one side or follow a small path from the street, but those who rescue Counsellor Florrick from the prison may find themselves on an empty cliff that’s actually not so empty.
There is a secret door that leads into the fortress on the wall that can be opened from the other side, but what’s more interesting is the long path that leads down to the beach. Here, players will find a canoe, a skeleton with a threatening note, and a chest with a trap. Disarming and opening it rewards the party with some gold and special arrows.
