Baldur's Gate 3: Breaking News - Ultimate Quest Guide!
In Baldur's Gate 3's Stop the Presses quest, time is of the essence as players must swiftly rescue their party's reputation Sneak into Baldur's Mouth, reach the basement, bypass the Steel Watch, and halt the presses to succeed
Lord Gortash has gained full control of Baldur's Gate by the time the party arrives in Baldur's Gate 3, including influence over the local media. The newspaper, Baldur's Mouth, portrays Gortash in a positive light while being critical of his enemies.
Consequently, the party may find themselves targeted by the newspaper, as its editor, Ettvard Needle, eagerly seeks to tarnish their reputation within the city. In order to prevent this outcome, players must undertake a stealthy quest to infiltrate the newspaper's headquarters and halt the printing presses. This will be one of the most covert missions in Baldur's Gate 3.
How to Start Stop the Presses
Upon their arrival in the Lower City, players may stumble upon the Baldur's Mouth building while exploring the eastern region of the map. Positioned near the Elfsong Tavern and to the east of the Wine Festival patio, this building's front door is conveniently unlocked, allowing the party to enter if they so desire. Inside the main chamber, players have the opportunity to engage with the writers and editors present, although the only individual with relevant information is Ettvard Needle.
Regrettably, Needle's interaction with the party takes a negative turn as he proceeds to insult them and threatens to tarnish their reputation within the city. This unwarranted behavior persists regardless of the party's previous actions, including forming an alliance with Lord Gortash and intending to honor that commitment. Evidently, Gortash benefits from undermining the party's trustworthiness, making them more susceptible to his control. Consequently, Needle coerces the party to vacate the premises.
The reputation-ruining event must be completed within one day, or else the party will face consequences such as distrust from the townspeople and potential attacks or arrests by the Flaming Fist. While it is not a game-ending scenario, it can be a hassle that players can avoid by finishing the quest. Fortunately, the countdown only begins when the party speaks to Needle, allowing them to freely spend time in Baldur's Gate without concern until they initiate a conversation in Baldur's Mouth.
Sneaking into Baldur's Mouth
Players have the option to retaliate against Needle's demand by initiating an assault on the guards, although this action may tarnish the party's reputation. On a positive note, eliminating Needle will replace the unfavorable article with a new one detailing the demise of the editor. Nevertheless, the optimal approach to address this peril is to exit the premises and commence the search for an alternative entryway.
Several methods exist to gain access to and navigate within the building, with the majority of them relying on the usage of magic. Considering that the party should have reached or be near level 10 at this stage, acquiring access to magic ought to be relatively straightforward.
On the western side of the building, there are two doors leading to the main chamber of Baldur's Mouth. The lower door can be accessed by a strong jumper, but it is locked and guarded. On the other hand, the upper door is also locked but unguarded. It is secluded enough for a party member to discreetly break it down. However, reaching the upper door might be challenging even with a jumping spell or potion. But it is still within reach for characters with abilities like Misty Step, Dimension Door, or Fly.
Another route to access the building is from the southern side. The rooftop south of Baldur's Mouth is low enough to jump onto, and characters can then jump to one of two wooden platforms while under the effects of a Jump potion or spell. However, it's important not to jump to the west platform as its height and position make it difficult to reach other areas. Instead, jump to the highest rooftop on the southern side, walk to the northeast corner, and from there, jump to the southwest corner of the east platform. From there, characters can finally reach the roof of Baldur's Mouth.
Even if players manage to sneak onto the building from the west, it is highly recommended for them to thoroughly explore the roof of Baldur's Mouth. By carefully inspecting a loose board on the west side, a hidden cache can be uncovered with a successful Perception check. Inside this cache, players will discover a valuable assortment of items that can greatly facilitate their further infiltration. These items consist of two sets of thieves' tools, a Potion of Flying, a Potion of Speed, and a disguise kit.
How to Reach the Baldur's Mouth Basement
After entering the Baldur's Mouth building, players should ensure that at least one member of their party reaches the basement undetected. To avoid attracting unnecessary attention and minimizing resource usage, it is recommended to send a single party member for this challenging infiltration.
The building is heavily guarded with well-lit areas, making conventional stealth ineffective. Instead, opting for a disguise or utilizing the Invisibility ability is advisable to maneuver through the premises. The initial step involves activating a lever to lower the catwalk, which connects the upper door with the rest of the building. This enables the party member to exit the building via the same route as their entry.
Once
How to Sneak Past the Steel Watch
is crossed, there are two options available to reach the basement. The first option is to take the elevator located in the southeast corner on the upper floor. Alternatively, one can choose to use the staircase along the south wall on the lower floor. Whichever route is selected, the party member will ultimately reach a safe destination. It is recommended to opt for the easiest route available.
The basement functions as an isolated area where actions that unfold within its confines will remain contained. This means that any altercations players engage in against the guards in this underground space will not cause any alarm among others or tarnish the reputation of the party. However, it should be noted that taking on two formidable Steel Watch opponents simultaneously with a lone party member presents a considerable challenge.
Fortunately, the Steel Watch robots maintain predictable patrol routes, allowing a stealthy character to easily avoid detection. To bypass the initial robot, simply maneuver behind it until it veers left and directs its attention towards the adjacent corridor. Take advantage of this opportunity to access the room situated at the distant end of the hallway and remember to shut the door behind you once inside.
Within this room lies a gilded chest that safeguards the newspaper's weekly earnings. While the amount of gold within may not be substantial, there are no obstacles preventing the party from claiming it as their own.
It is crucial to note that there is a stack of boxes obscuring a barricade located on the western wall of the room. In order to proceed into the next room, the boxes must be shifted and the barricade, which lacks the toughness trait, needs to be demolished.
In the following room, take a look at the desks on the north wall to find a special item called the "Cutest Cat You've Ever Seen." Players may have to highlight items in order to locate and acquire it. This item is an article that players can feed into the automatic press. Unlike the article currently in the press, it has no connection to the party. Additionally, players can discover another article titled "Make Big Money by Trading with Adventurers," which portrays the party in a positive manner. This article can be found in a wicker basket on the west side of the room, next to a stone pillar.
Next, the party member should avoid being detected by the second Steel Watch robot. The robot will be able to spot the party member if it is facing the door when it opens. Therefore, move the camera into the hallway and listen for the whereabouts of the Steel Watch. Once it starts moving away from the door, it will be safe to open it.
To bypass this robot, you'll go through a two-step process. Firstly, trail the Steel Watch as it moves south. On the west wall, there's a side door which you can slip into to access a dimly lit room. A curtain hanging across the doorway will ensure that the Steel Watch cannot see inside, even if the door is left open. While in the room, make sure to collect the silver ingots and read the papers to gain insight into the events occurring in Baldur's Mouth. However, there's no need to take the "A Public Danger!" article, as it replicates the negative information already published.
Once the Steel Watch has ventured north of the darkroom, proceed quietly to the door located at the southern end of the hallway. Remember to shut this door once you've successfully entered. Your party member has now arrived at the automated press.
Of course, there is an alternative method to bypass the Steel Watch: accomplish the "Disable the Steel Watch" quest beforehand. By doing so, the robots in the basement will not be substituted with additional guards, allowing for easier movement within the basement if the bots are deactivated.
How to Stop the Presses
A Gondian invention, the press in this room is fueled by a fey spirit. Unlike the fey spirit confined within a moonlantern, this particular spirit is content with its present condition. It is worth mentioning that this portion of the quest becomes considerably simpler if players have already liberated the pixie named Dolly from the lantern.
If the party successfully rescues Dolly, the press spirit will readily agree to replace the negative article without any further ado. All they need in return is a neutral or positive article to take its place. In addition to the two articles discovered in the north room and the negative article found in the darkroom, there are two more negative articles openly displayed in the press room. However, there is also one positive article entitled "Adventurers, Our Best Hope for the City" tucked away in a wicker basket on the south wall behind the press. Furthermore, upstairs in the main chamber, players can stumble upon three more neutral and positive articles stored in wicker baskets.
If the party fails to assist Dolly, they will be required to persuade the press spirit through a skill check. Depending on the choices made during the conversation, players may opt for Persuasion, Deception, Performance, Athletics, or Sleight of Hand. Failing the skill check will result in the press spirit dismissing the party and printing the original negative article as planned.
When you pass a check or save Dolly, an "Insert Item" prompt will appear. To proceed, open your inventory and insert a neutral or positive item, then exit the building. You will need to overcome the Steel Watch once again, using the same techniques as when you initially reached the press. If your party still has any Invisibility spells or potions, it is recommended to use them at this point.
After reuniting the entire party outside the building, initiate a long rest to complete the quest. As a result, you will experience either the same or an increased reputation with the people of Baldur.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on macOS, PC, and PS5.
