Quick Links
Baldur’s Gate 3is a huge game with much to explore, andThe Underdarkis a relatively small part. It’s dangerous, but curious players can find a few well-hidden entrances and explore at least part of it very early in Act 1.
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The story eventually leads the protagonist here, with a choice presented as to whether they want to travel to theShadow-Cursed Lands through the Mountains or the Underdark. It’s possible to do both, and for those who plan on visiting the Underdark, it’s handy to have a map of the most important locations.
The Underdark
All Of The Following Locations Are Marked Here
If you’re “speed running” the game or don’t mind skipping a whole lot of content, you can progress to the next act through theMountain Passand never even go to theUnderdark. However, bear in mind that means you won’t find theGrymforge, be able to make the Master Weapon, or help the Gnomes.
Although it’s possible to explore this area very early in the game, characters should be at least level 3 or 4 before venturing forth.
The Zhentarim Hideout Entrance
Every Criminal Organization Needs A Back Door
Players who have started the quest involving the mysterious shipment on the Risen Road can follow the links back to theZhentarim Hideout. The secret entrance is located behindWaukeen’s Rest, and within the very well-hidden and guarded hideout is an elevator that leads tothe Underdark.
Therearen’t any enemies in the immediate vicinity,and there’s some decent gear and plenty ofcampground supplies, so it’s worth a visit even if the party doesn’t go very far. The location is on a high elevation, so from the right vantage point, it’s possible to see other relevant Underdark locations.
A wolf is guarding the hidden entrance to the elevator in theZhentarim Hideout. Cast a buff on Shadowheart if she’s in the party so she won’t fail a roll and succumb toFear.
Selunite Outpost
Destroy The Crystal And Inspire Shadowheart
Travel intothe bowels of theGoblin Campandsolve a puzzle on the floorto open the hidden door to an old temple to Selune. This is theSelunite Outposton the map, and it is located due south of theZhentarim Outpostelevator but the only way to open the temple’s door to the surface is topside.
Despite its ruined condition,some of the traps and locks are still functioning, and it takes some clever tricks to disarm them. There’s also a broken window on the western wall that you can climb through. Head in this direction to findthe Beholder and a few unfortunate petrified Drow.
It’s easy todisarm the trap from insideby destroying the crystal with a ranged weapon or spell and exiting through the southern gate. Stay to the left to findthe Phalar Aluve swordin a nearby rock but look out for Minotaurs.
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Secret Hag Lair Entrance
Fake Doors And Mushroom Circles
This could bethe most secret entrance of all, and most players never find it.If Tav and their friendshave killed the Hag or made a friend of her and have access to the rest of her abode, they can use this entrance.
There are afew different ways to travel back and forth from the hag’s lairfrom this location. There’sa mushroom circle, but this has to be activated from the Hag’s workshop, while players can also use a mask to get through a fake door.
Arcane Tower
Loot, Literature, And An Affectionate Robot
Further west from the Hag’s secret entrance is theArcane Tower. You can find it by exploring the area or a member of theSociety of Brilliance in the Myconid Colonycan direct them to the location as part of a side quest.
Books, herbs, a magical lift, and other goodies are scattered throughout this dangerous but fascinating location.Read everything, it helps later when dealing with the sentient robots on the top floor. For those who have found the dog collar, press the mysterious button on the wall by the desk.
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The Beach
Access To Grymforge
It sounds a lot nicer than it is, but this isn’t a beach for getting some sun. It’s at the foot of theDecrepit Village, which is just north of theArcane Towerand theHag’s Houseentrance, and it’s an important location for those who want to visitGrymforge.
Sovereign Spaw will request that you come hereand take revenge on the Druegar, but the player can also visit without their direction. There’sa boat on the dock below that the party can take to Grymforge,either peacefully or by force, and talking instead of fighting will inspire any characters witha Charlatan background.
The Sussar Tree
Finish The Master Weapon
The Blighted Villagein Act 1 has more going on than meets the eye. Poke around in a few cellars and basements tofind a mysterious forgealong with some instructions on how to use it tocast a weapon of Rare quality.The catch is that the most vital ingredient, the bark of theSussar Tree, is hidden far below in the Underdark.
It’s a simple matter ofripping some bark off the side of the tree,but it’s tough getting to that central location in the Underdark, especially after fighting a few monsters. Fortunately, there’sa Waypoint you can use to port back to the Blighted Villageif you want to return to the forge right away.
Find Baelen
The Lost Mushroom Picker
If you’re going to be collecting tree bark, you might as well grab some mushrooms too,and save Baelenat the same time. Head east of theSussar Tree Waypointand climb down some hanging vines to find his location.
Baelen is lost in the middle of a large alcovefilled with dangerous mushrooms. Resist the urge to blow the whole place up with ranged weapons until you’ve reached Baelen, his backpack, and thescroll of Misty Stepcontained within.
The Myconid Colony
Quests, Rewards, And Kinship With The Fungus People
Most of what happens in the Underdark either starts or ends at theMyconid Colony, which is located in the northern part of the zone. Thulla, the Deep Gnome who stole some very nice boots, is taking refuge here. She’ll tell you about her fellow prisoners inGrymforgebefore you move on and speak to the Myconid leader, Sovereign Spaw.
Help out the Sovereign by killing the Druegar and Nere,the Drow True-Soul that has employed them, and be rewardedwith some handy magical items, including a book that leads to theAdamantine Forge. Other side quests here include the rescue of Baelen, the mushroom picker, and running a few minor errands for Omeluum, who can direct you to the nearbyArcane Tower.
