Discover the hidden depths of Faerûn in Baldur’s Gate 3 as you embark on a treacherous journey into the Underdark. With multiple entrances scattered throughout the game, players must navigate through perilous environments and solve intricate puzzles to uncover this shadowy realm. Whether you choose to infiltrate the Goblin Camp’s Defiled Temple or leap into the Whispering Depths, each path offers unique challenges and secrets waiting to be revealed. Prepare your party for thrilling encounters and strategic gameplay as you delve into the mysteries of the Underdark!
- Shattered Sanctum – a location swarming with hostile goblins.
- Whispering Depths – home to spiders and the Dark Amethyst, an item you’ll need to complete one of the main quests.
- Riverside Teahouse – a location where you’ll meet Auntie Ethel.
- Zentharim Hideout – the hideout where the Zentharim mercenaries store their loot.
Shattered Sanctum
The Shattered Sanctum serves as a pivotal entry point to the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3. Located within the Goblin Camp, players must navigate through this treacherous area to access the hidden passage leading to the depths below. To enter, adventurers need to locate the Defiled Temple, where they can bypass a complex puzzle by successfully passing a Perception check or using Thieves’ Tools to unlock a hidden lever. This strategic entry not only allows for exploration of the Underdark’s secrets but also sets the stage for various quests and encounters that await in this dark and dangerous realm.
To reach the Underdark through the Shattered Sanctum, you must head to the place where you’ve fought Polma in the northeastern part of the area. You’ll find a room with four circles on the ground – if you succeed a Passive Perception check, your characters will mention moon discs – this means you’re in the right place.
You now have two options:
- You can solve the moon discs puzzle to open the gates. There are symbols on each disc – full moon, half moon and a new moon. Arrange the discs so that the northernmost disc has only full moon symbols on it, the middle ones have half moons, and the bottom one has new moons. You’ll find a full description on a separate page.
- If your character knows how to Lockpick, search the room to find a round lever – it’s to the right of the northern gate. You must pass a skill check with a DC of 15.
Succeeding at any of these actions opens the gate and grants access to the Underdarkthrough the Shattered Sanctum.
Whispering Depths
In Whispering Depths, adventurers will find one of the hidden entrances to the Underdark, nestled within the eerie Blighted Village. To access this passage, players must navigate through a well located in the village’s center or explore one of the nearby houses. This entrance is marked by a chasm emitting a mysterious green light, from which bats emerge ominously. Before jumping into the depths below, it’s crucial to cast the Featherfall spell on all party members to ensure a safe descent into the dark and treacherous realm that lies beneath Faerûn. As you step into the Whispering Depths, prepare for an adventure filled with secrets, dangers, and the unknown lurking in the shadows.
The simplest way to get there. During the Search the Cellar main quest you’ll find aDark Amethyst. Next to it is a huge pit. If one of your characters knows the Featherfall spell, you can jump in to reach the Underdark.
Riverside Teahouse
Auntie Ethel’s Riverside Teahouse serves as a deceptive gateway to the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3. To access this hidden entrance, players must navigate through Ethel’s lair, which can be reached via the fireplace inside the teahouse. Once inside, adventurers will encounter a gnarled door that is an illusion, requiring specific dialogue choices to pass. If players have not dealt with Ethel previously, they may need to use the Whispering Mask found nearby, but caution is advised as the mask can control the wearer unless protective spells are cast beforehand. Successfully navigating through her minions and jumping through a waterfall leads directly into the depths of the Underdark, setting the stage for further exploration and challenges ahead.
To use this path, you need the Whispering Mask gained during the Save Mayrina quest. There are illusions on the way you can pass through when wearing the mask. Be careful, as during every turn you’re wearing the mask, its owner will try to possess you – you must pass a Charisma saving throw.
Eventually you’ll reach a room with a mushroom circle in the middle – step inside to reach theUnderdark.
Zentharim Hideout
The Zhentarim Hideout serves as one of the more elusive entrances to the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3. Located in Waukeen’s Rest, players must navigate through a series of challenges to access it. To enter, approach the barn area and look for a building obscured by crates; moving or destroying these will grant access. Inside, players are advised to engage diplomatically with the Zhentarim members rather than resorting to violence, as the environment is fraught with flammable hazards. Once inside, players will encounter a sleeping wolf named Istor near a door protected by an illusion spell. Successfully navigating this hidden passage leads down an elevator into the depths of the Underdark, opening up new adventures and quests for exploration.
In the northern part of the area there’s a wall, next to which your characters will make a Perception check. If they pass it, you’ll learn the wall is illusory. Go through it and use a light spell to give yourself visibility.
What are the most challenging parts of entering the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3
Entering the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3 presents several formidable challenges that can test even the most prepared adventurers. Here are the most significant hurdles players may face:
1. Hidden Entrances and Puzzles
Finding the entrances to the Underdark can be tricky, as they are often concealed or require specific actions to access. For instance, the Defiled Temple in the Goblin Camp involves navigating through goblin guards and solving a moon puzzle to unlock the path downwards. Similarly, the entrance at Waukeen’s Rest requires players to engage in dialogue and potentially use spells like Detect Thoughts to gain entry into the Zhentarim hideout.
2. High-Level Enemies
The Underdark is populated with powerful foes, including Minotaurs and various monstrous creatures that pose significant threats. Players are advised to be around level 5 before venturing into this area, as many enemies are designed for higher-level encounters, making early exploration perilous. The presence of formidable bosses, such as those guarding the Adamantine Forge, further complicates matters for unprepared parties.
3. Environmental Hazards
The Underdark is not just a battleground; it is also fraught with environmental dangers. Players must navigate dark areas filled with traps, poisonous mushrooms, and other hazards that can quickly lead to character deaths if not handled carefully. For example, using spells like Feather Fall is essential when jumping down deep pits to avoid instant deaths upon landing.
4. Strategic Navigation
Successfully traversing the Underdark requires careful planning and strategy. Players need to manage their party’s resources effectively while dealing with ambushes and tricky terrain. The layout of the Underdark is vast and complex, often leading to dead ends or unexpected confrontations if players stray from their intended path.
In summary, entering the Underdark demands a combination of puzzle-solving skills, combat readiness, environmental awareness, and strategic navigation to overcome its many challenges.
Which entrance to the Underdark is the easiest to find
The easiest entrance to the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3 is generally considered to be the Defiled Temple, located within the Goblin Camp. This entrance is accessible without needing to cast the Feather Fall spell, making it more straightforward for players who may not have that ability yet. To reach it, players can navigate through the Goblin Camp and follow a winding path to find a set of ladders leading down into the Underdark.
In contrast, other entrances, such as the Whispering Depths and Auntie Ethel’s Teahouse, require specific spells or additional challenges, which can complicate access for players. The Defiled Temple’s relative simplicity and direct approach make it the most user-friendly option for entering this subterranean realm early in the game.
