In the heart of the Wilderness in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Overgrown Ruins beckon adventurers with their haunting remnants of a once-sacred chapel, now overrun by nature and looters alike. As players navigate this mysterious locale, they will uncover ancient secrets hidden within the Dank Crypt and face off against cunning foes. With multiple entrances to explore and a wealth of treasures to discover, the Overgrown Ruins promise both peril and reward for those brave enough to delve into their depths. Will you unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the vines, or will you fall victim to the dangers that lurk within?
Overgrown Ruins and Roadside Cliffs – important places
The Overgrown Ruins and Roadside Cliffs in Baldur’s Gate 3 serve as significant locations filled with lore and adventure. The Overgrown Ruins, remnants of a once-majestic chapel, are now home to looters and overrun by nature, offering players opportunities for exploration and combat. Notable areas include the Chapel Entrance, which leads to the Dank Crypt, where ancient secrets and treasures await. Meanwhile, the nearby Roadside Cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop and additional pathways for players to navigate. Together, these locations enhance the immersive experience of the game, encouraging players to uncover their mysteries while engaging with various NPCs and challenges.
Entrance to the chapel. Watch out for the grapevines in the area – you can sustain piercing damage if you touch them. It is best to avoid them all from a long distance.
There is a group of looters in the chapel ruins. You can attack them (preferably by surprise – you can, for example, drop a heavy load on talking people with a distance attack) or pass one of the skills tests and get the characters from this location to leave the chapel ruins peacefully.
Dank Crypt
The Dank Crypt in Baldur’s Gate 3 serves as an early dungeon that players can explore shortly after the game’s beginning. Located near the Overgrown Ruins, this crypt is accessed through several entrances, including a locked door on the beach and an ancient chapel to the north. Inside, adventurers will encounter various challenges such as traps, undead foes, and bandits. A key highlight of the Dank Crypt is the character Withers, an important NPC who offers essential services like reviving fallen allies and respecing characters. Navigating this dark and treacherous environment requires careful planning and teamwork, making it a thrilling introduction to the game’s mechanics and storytelling.
The Dank Crypt is one of the larger dungeons located beneath Overgrown Ruins. There are 3 main ways to enter the crypt:
- Use the thief’s tools to open the door on the beach.
- Use the thief’s tools to open the hatch located at the east end of the map.
- Reach the crypt from the Bedroom side. The entrance to this bonus location is in the ruined chapel.
The crypt is dark, so it’ll be a good idea to use the torch. We described how to use it on the page How to light up torch?. The alternative is to use an ability, for example, the Darkvision.
The first large chamber of the crypt stores several sarcophagi, with the largest central sarcophagus surrounded by traps that will activate when try to plunder it. You can find traps with successful perception skill check (vents on the floor and “spitting” statues on the walls). You can try to deactivate them using tools for disarming the traps. In the central sarcophagus, you can find an Engraved Key and an uncommon green two-handed white weapon – The Watcher’s Guide. In the other sarcophagi is a smaller loot.
In the main chamber, you can examine the corpses of the scribes (you will find, e.g. Heavy Key). There are many chests in the area containing, for example, magic scrolls. The most important finding is the hidden passage shown in the picture. To open it, you have to pass a perception skillcheck and discover the button. Pressing the button leads to a fight with the Undead – it’s better to be prepared.
There is another sarcophagus in the secret chamber. When attempting to interact with it, a Hooded Skeleton appears and asks the character a question. You can answer it (in different ways) or say no. In the secret room, you will find the Amulet of Lost Voices, which allows you to communicate with the dead when equipped.
We recommend not attacking the Hooded Skeleton. When the skeleton leaves, it will appear at the camp during the next rest. You’ll learn more about it on the Camp page.
Bedchamber
The Bedchamber in the Overgrown Ruins of Baldur’s Gate 3 serves as a haunting reminder of the past, filled with remnants of lost souls and forgotten secrets. This secluded area is often shrouded in mystery, where players can uncover unique items and lore that enhance their journey through the game. As adventurers explore this dimly lit chamber, they may encounter spectral entities and traps that guard the treasures hidden within. The atmosphere is thick with tension, making it a pivotal spot for both narrative development and gameplay challenges, inviting players to delve deeper into its eerie surroundings.
The Bedchamber is a smaller additional location next to the ruined chapel. There are 3 main ways to enter the bedchamber:
- Knock on the door of the ruined chapel – the place shown in the picture above. When talking to the Guardian, you must pass one of the skillschecks for performance or deception. A successful attempt will convince the guard to open the door.
- Use the thief’s tools to open the door in the ruined chapel.
- Use the door to the Bedchamber in the Dank Crypt.
Note – If you have chosen option 1 or 2, you must get rid of the sentry guarding this place after entering the bedchamber (even if you have successfully deceived him during the conversation).
If you start exploring the bedchamber from the side room, you can open the door by lighting two small candles on the sides (the location is shown in the picture).
When exploring this location, you will encounter enemies. A group of opponents waits in a larger chamber, but you can attack them by surprise. Loot can be found in plain sight, in various containers, and on the bodies of defeated enemies. One of the looters has the Bandit’s Key.
Companions and NPCs
In Baldur’s Gate 3, companions and NPCs play a crucial role in shaping the player’s journey through the game’s expansive world. Companions are unique characters that players can recruit to join their party, each bringing distinct abilities, backgrounds, and stories that enrich gameplay and narrative depth. These companions not only assist in combat but also contribute to dialogue and decision-making, allowing for varied interactions based on their personalities and histories. Additionally, players encounter various NPCs throughout the game, some of whom serve as quest givers or merchants, enhancing the lore and immersive experience of the game. Together, companions and NPCs create a dynamic environment that encourages exploration and strategic planning in party composition.
Shadowheart. The cleric is lying near the beach, you will be able to revive her and add to your party or kill her. Sometimes the cleric can also be found at the doors leading to the Dank Crypt.
Astarion. The half-elf will try to deceive the hero during your first encounter. You can get knocked out. Try to defend yourself by passing a skill check. After a short conversation with Astarion, you can permanently add him to the party. More information about meeting Astarion on the All companions page.
A frightened boar may be nearby – you can try to tame it or kill it.
Gale. The Wizard will appear upon approaching the portal / rune circle of the Roadside Cliffs location. You can easily add Gale to the team permanently. You’ll get a useful aid to cast spells. If you decide to cut off the mage’s hand, you will lose the chance to meet this companion again.
Lae’zel in a cage. The Fighter is held captive by the Tieflings – you can defeat them in battle (preferably after a surprise attack) or pass one of the skill checks. Depending on your approach, you may be faced with the choice of whether to ally with the Tieflings or with Lae’zel – choose the latter option, of course, as Lae’zel cannot be killed or attacked by you if you want to recruit her.
Overgrown Ruins and Roadside Cliffs – important information
The Overgrown Ruins and Roadside Cliffs in Baldur’s Gate 3 serve as key exploration areas rich with history and challenges. These locations become accessible after completing the prologue, allowing players to delve into the remnants of what was once a chapel, now overtaken by nature and time. The ruins are home to various NPCs, including looters, and offer multiple entrances to explore, such as the Chapel Entrance and hidden hatches leading to the Dank Crypt. Players should be cautious of environmental hazards like Twisting Vines that can inflict damage. Engaging with the characters and navigating the terrain effectively will enhance gameplay experience and provide opportunities for strategic advantages in battles.
The areas shown on the map will become available for exploration after completing the prologue, that is, after surviving the Nautiloid crash. Unlike the linear exploration of the flying ship, you now have much more freedom of action. You don’t have to follow the established route.
Keep in mind that some hard-to-reach places (e.g. higher or distant rock ledges) can be accessed by jumping. This will allow you to visit many optional areas, not only on this map but also in the next locations.
What secrets lie within the Overgrown Ruins
The Overgrown Ruins in Baldur’s Gate 3 are shrouded in mystery and danger, offering players a rich tapestry of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Key Secrets Within the Overgrown Ruins
- The Amulet of Lost Voices: Hidden in a secret chamber, this powerful amulet allows players to communicate with the dead, providing invaluable insights and lore as they progress through the game.
- Dank Crypt Exploration: The crypt beneath the ruins contains numerous sarcophagi, traps, and treasures. Players can find an Engraved Key and a unique weapon called The Watcher’s Guide within its depths, but must navigate carefully to avoid deadly traps that activate upon disturbing the sarcophagi.
- Encountering Undead: A hidden button in the crypt opens a secret door that triggers a battle with resurrected skeletons known as Entombed Scribes. Defeating them not only yields loot but also reveals more about the crypt’s dark history.
- Chapel Entrance Bandits: Upon entering the ruins, players may confront a group of looters. Engaging them can lead to combat or clever negotiations, allowing for different gameplay strategies.
- Hidden Passages and Traps: The ruins are filled with hidden passages and traps, such as gas vents and fire traps that can be triggered by player actions. Successfully navigating these challenges can lead to significant rewards, including magical scrolls and rare items.
These elements combine to create an engaging exploration experience, where each choice can lead to hidden treasures or perilous encounters.
What is the significance of the Amulet of Lost Voices
The Amulet of Lost Voices holds significant value in Baldur’s Gate 3, primarily due to its unique ability to cast the spell Speak with Dead. This rare amulet allows the wearer to communicate with deceased characters, unlocking hidden lore and vital information that can be crucial for progressing through quests and uncovering secrets in the game.
Key Significance
- Access to Information: By equipping the amulet, players can interact with dead bodies to gain insights about past events, quests, or even hints about enemy weaknesses. This can be particularly useful in a game rich with narrative and exploration, as it opens up new avenues for storytelling and character development.
- No Spell Slot Consumption: The spell can be cast once per long rest without consuming a spell slot, making it a valuable tool for any character class. This flexibility allows players to utilize it strategically throughout their adventures without worrying about depleting their magical resources.
- Enhancement for Acolyte Characters: For characters with an Acolyte background, using the amulet not only provides the ability to speak with the dead but also grants inspiration, enhancing their performance in various scenarios.
- Lore and World-Building: Engaging with the dead through this spell enriches the game’s lore, allowing players to uncover stories of fallen heroes and villains alike, which adds depth to the gameplay experience5.
In summary, the Amulet of Lost Voices is not just a powerful accessory; it serves as a gateway to deeper narrative engagement and strategic advantages within Baldur’s Gate 3.
