Unearthed Secrets in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3

Article Key Points

Baldur's Gate 3 is a turn-based RPG where decisions and dialogue options have a significant impact, leading to unique playthroughs.

The game prioritizes exploration, presenting players with hidden treasures and quests in areas such as the Underground Passage and Zhentarim Hideout. Additionally, players can uncover secrets and face formidable enemies in secret locations like the Apothecary's Cellar and Whispering Depths.

In Baldur's Gate 3, a sprawling turn-based RPG, every decision and dialogue option carries significant weight, resulting in a unique experience with each playthrough. Unlike a game where players can easily locate and acquire all items, BG3's organic exploration ensures that numerous areas, even in Act 1 alone, will go unnoticed. However, these undiscovered locations serve as enticing prospects for future playthroughs.

5. Underground Passage To The Emerald Grove

A Secret Way Into The Emerald Grove After Passing A Perception Check

Loots: Arcane Circlet & Nature's Snare

Quests: Save the Goblin Sazza

Enemies: Guardian Statues & Goblins

While players may easily navigate their way through the Emerald Grove, they might overlook a concealed entrance that holds great value, including unique loot. To discover the Underground Passage, players must approach the grove from the forest. If a character successfully passes a Perception Check, a Stone Door will materialize.

Upon entering, players must solve the puzzle of restraining the three Guardian Statues from launching an attack, particularly if they wish to uncover the treasure hidden within the Underground Passage. This passage can also serve as a getaway for players aiding Sazza in her escape, although she is not the initial goblin to utilize it.

4. Zhentarim Hideout At Waukeen's Rest

Often Missed As It's Hidden Behind Crates And Multiple Skill Checks Or A Password

Loot: Many great items from Trader Brem

Quests: Find the Missing Shipment & Free the Artist

Enemies: Zhentarim Mercenaries

The Zhentarim Hideout lives up to its name, effectively concealing the Zhentarim mercenary group from most players in Act 1. Hidden behind crates at Waukeen's Rest, a door leads to the hideout, but gaining entry requires either passing Skill Checks or obtaining the password from Rugan, located in a cave on The Risen Road.

As players delve deeper into the Zhentarim Hideout, they will encounter additional Skill Checks and make further discoveries. The approach to dealing with the Zhentarim mercenaries is entirely up to the players. If they have previously found the missing shipment through the quest of the same name, Trader Brem will offer some of the most valuable items available in Act 1 of BG3. Additionally, the Zhentarim Hideout even provides access to the Underdark.

3. Apothecary's Cellar In The Blighted Village

What At First Appears To Be A Normal Cellar Holds Dark Secrets

Loot: The Necromancy of Thay

Quests: Search the Cellar

Enemies: Agile Guardians

Many players overlook the Apothecary's Cellar, located in Act 1 of BG3. This hidden location can be accessed by a hatch in the house south of the Blighted Village waypoint. Initially, the cellar appears ordinary, leading players to believe they have fully looted it. However, moving the crates beside a bookcase reveals a hidden lever, opening up an entirely new adventure.

This forms part of the Search the Cellar quest, where players encounter a dark and intriguing atmosphere, complete with numerous puzzles to solve. Venturing into the wrong areas may even result in an ambush that players must fight their way out of. In the final room, players will discover a truly powerful and sinister tome known as The Necromancy of Thay. Yet, what should be done with this dark artifact is left to the discretion of each individual.

2. Whispering Depths Beneath The Blighted Village

Often Missed As A Well Must Be Interacted With

Loot: Poisoner's Robes & Spiderstep Boots

Quests: Search the Cellar clue

Enemies: Phase Spider Matriarch

The Whispering Depths, found in Act 1, is often missed by players. Interestingly, there are two ways to discover this spider-infested lair. The first method is interacting with a well located near the Blighted Village waypoint. Alternatively, players can choose to burn the spiderwebs in the Blacksmith's house within the same village.

Once inside, players should prepare themselves for numerous Phase Spiders. Eventually, they will encounter the formidable Matriach, who can prove to be a challenging boss for those who are under-leveled. However, defeating her will reward players with the highly sought-after Poisoner's Robes, which are considered to be one of the finest robes available in Baldur's Gate 3, especially during the early stages of the game.

1. Festering Cove In The Underdark

One Of The Most Easily Missed Areas In The Whole Game

Loot: Sickle of BOOOAL & Slippery Chain Shirt

Enemies: BOOOAL the Redcap

One of the least explored areas in Act 1 is the Festering Cove. By leaping down from the vicinity of the mushroom portals in Auntie Ethel's Lair, players will be transported to a truly bizarre location within the game. Here, they will encounter the enigmatic Kuo-Toa, beings with a peculiar half-fish-like appearance.

players have the freedom to determine their course of action when it comes to dealing with these creatures who revere a Redcap named BOOOAL. It is entirely up to the players to decide whether they want to rescue the Kuo-Toa or make the difficult decision of sacrificing a friend.

Platform(s) PC, Stadia, macOS, PS5Released August 3, 2023Developer(s) Larian StudiosGenre(s) RPG See at Playstation Store

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Baldur's Gate 3, I am thrilled to discover the hidden locations in Act 1 that I may have missed during my initial playthrough. The Underground Passage, Zhentarim Hideout, Apothecary's Cellar, Whispering Depths, and Festering Cove in the Underdark offer unique treasures, quests, and formidable enemies that add depth and excitement to the game.

I appreciate the organic exploration aspect of BG3, which ensures that there is always something new to discover, even in areas that I thought I had thoroughly explored. This encourages multiple playthroughs, allowing me to uncover secrets and experience different storylines. The hidden locations in Act 1 are a testament to the developers' attention to detail and their commitment to creating a richly immersive world for players to explore. I can't wait to delve deeper into these areas and discover all that they have to offer.