Mastering Baldur's Gate 3: Essential Tips for Conquering Act 2

The number of attractions and activities in Baldur's Gate 3 can overwhelm new players, even in the beginning. With numerous NPCs to interact with, quests to embark on, and battles to win, it can be challenging to know where to start. Some players may become so focused on the main quest that they overlook other compelling storylines, which would be a shame.

While the allure of exploring new areas may entice players to advance the story, progressing to Act Two of Baldur's Gate 3 can significantly alter the outcomes of Act One. It is crucial for players to ensure they have thoroughly experienced everything Act One has to offer before moving forward. Those seeking guidance can consider exploring the following options to make the most of Act One before continuing their adventure.

10 Find All The Party Members

Recruiting as many party members as possible may appear to be an obvious initial step, but it is surprising how easily potential companions can be overlooked. Astarion and Lae'zel can be located around the crash site of the nautiloid, along with Shadowheart if players rescued her aboard the ship. Gale can also be encountered here by interacting with a malfunctioning waypoint rune, making him easily missed.

At the Druid Grove, players have the opportunity to recruit Wyll, as well as Shadowheart if she was not saved from the nautiloid. By following the Risen Road to the right alongside the river, Karlach can be found. Although they are not companions in Act One, players can potentially establish a companionship with the druid Halsin or the drow Minthara, depending on their alignment in the conflict between the druids and tieflings versus goblins.

9 Adopt Scratch & The Owlbear Cub

In Act One, adventurers have the opportunity to befriend Scratch the dog and the Owlbear Cub, both of whom can become their best friends. Scratch resides in the woods, protecting his deceased owner. By treating him gently, players can leave their scent with him. Although initially reluctant to leave his owner, Scratch will eventually join the camp. Not only can Scratch bring gifts to the camp, but players can also summon him as a familiar.

As for the Owlbear Cub, she is taken captive by goblins after her mother's demise. However, players have the option to either secure her freedom or eliminate her captors. To guide her to the camp, players can interact with her and offer their scent. While she may initially visit sporadically for food and comfort, demonstrating affection will persuade her to permanently join the camp.

8 Finish Alfira's Song

Alfira, a tiefling bard, can be found in the Druid Grove near Volo, just up the path on the right. She is surrounded by a group of slightly disturbed squirrels as she works on writing a song. Players have the opportunity to interact with her and assist in finishing the song. This interaction unlocks a captivating cutscene that showcases the beauty of The Weeping Dawn.

This moment is particularly moving in Act One and should not be missed. Although it may appear insignificant, giving Alfira some attention can lead to her becoming a significant NPC. Taking the time to get to know her early on will prove to be rewarding.

7 Find Mol

Mol, the young leader of a group of tiefling child rogues in the Druid Grove, can be found through various means. Players can start their search by talking to Doni, a quiet tiefling child, or the two tiefling children who are selling suspicious trinkets. Alternatively, they can rescue Mirkon, a tiefling boy, from the clutches of harpies. Mirkon can be found at the cove on the opposite path to Alfira. If players offer their assistance and provide comfort, Mirkon will reveal the password to access Mol's hideout and mention that she wishes to speak with the player. It is recommended to get to know Mol from Act One, as her story unfolds further throughout the game.

6 Meet The True Soul Siblings

After departing from the Druid Grove, players will encounter a pair of siblings, a young man and woman, desperately tending to their gravely injured brother who was viciously attacked by an owlbear. The man is identified as a 'True Soul' and carries the illithid tadpole within him, but unlike the players, he lacks free will.

While these siblings may pose a potential threat to players who go against the will of the Absolute, engaging in a peaceful conversation with them is possible, and they may even appear later at the goblin camp. This interaction is particularly significant as it offers players an intriguing early encounter involving the tadpole, especially in relation to the brother's lifeless body.

5 Rescue Barcus Wroot (Twice)

Barcus Wroot, a deep gnome, can be initially encountered by players in the Blighted Village. He has been taken captive by goblins and bound to a rotating windmill for their entertainment. Save him, and he will reveal that he is in search of his friend, who might be in trouble.

Later on, he can be found once again in captivity, this time by duergar in a location known as Grymforge. He is being forced to work as a slave. Free him once more, and he will temporarily join a player's camp, confiding in them the responsibility of rescuing his friend. This initiates a lengthy quest to save Wulbren, but progressing to act two without assisting Barcus Wroot will lead to his tragic fate being sealed.

4 Get Volo To Join The Camp

Volo the Bard is a renowned figure familiar to Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts. He has the potential to become a trusted comrade by joining the player's camp, aiding them in their mission to find a cure. However, this endeavor involves liberating him from the clutches of a goblin who keeps him as a source of entertainment. Despite the troublesome task, the addition of Volo as a loyal ally greatly enriches the overall storytelling experience.

3 Investigate Auntie Ethel & Mayrina

A hidden and captivating quest awaits in Act One, easily overlooked by players. Prior to advancing to Act Two, it is advisable for players to explore the Sunlit Wetlands near the forest. Here, their initial encounter will involve an elderly woman under threat from two individuals who claim she is a witch responsible for the disappearance of their sister, Mayrina.

As players delve into the wetlands in search of Mayrina, they will discover numerous intriguing encounters and concealed secrets. The more they uncover, the deeper they become drawn into the narrative. It should be noted that completing the entire Act One questline can have significant implications for the overall story. Furthermore, players may come across a monster hunter within this area who hints at an entirely separate questline, making it worthwhile to engage in conversation with them.

2 Discover The Society Of Brilliance

In the Underdark's Ebonlake Grotto, players have the opportunity to interact with a fascinating group of characters. Two of note are Blurg and Omeluum from the esteemed Society of Brilliance.

Initially, players will come across Blurg, a friendly hobgoblin. Engaging in conversation with him regarding their illithid challenge will lead him to introduce the player to Omeluum. This sets the stage for an intriguing quest, involving an exploration of an Arcane Tower, while also introducing players to a society they are bound to encounter more of as the story unfolds.

1 Use The Adamantine Forge

The Adamantine Forge, a hidden gem in Act One, offers players the opportunity to enhance their equipment as they venture into Act Two. Located in Grymforge, it can be accessed by navigating the movable platforms suspended above the duergar and deep gnomes.

To utilize the forge, players must acquire molds found along their journey and gather raw crafting materials. Additionally, players must overcome the forge's formidable security measure. During their exploration of the forge, players may stumble upon a valuable sentient amulet housing the soul of a cursed monk, a worthwhile treasure to possess.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available for PC, and will release for Playstation 5 on September 6, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is currently in development.