Baldur’s Gate 3is a massive game, with over a hundred hours of content in its main story alone. That number only goes up if you explore everything the game has to offer and create new characters for different playthroughs, like an evil playthrough as the Dark Urge Origin.
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As you finish up the first act of the game on your search for a cure for the Mind Flayer tadpole lodged in your brain, you may want to go back and check off items you left unfinished. Below, we’ll take a look at a few of the most important things to do before you finish Act 1 and move into the second Act.
Slight spoilers for content available in Act 1 below!
6Recruit Companions
There are 10 different companions you can recruit in Baldur’s Gate 3 that serve as your party throughout the game. Of these, eight of them are recruitable in Act 1, allowing you to build up the majority of your party relatively early on. The following companions are available in Act 1:
Keep in mind there are other ways to recruit a few of these companions if you miss them the first time around. For example, if you don’t free Shadowheart from the pod on the Nautiloid, you’ll be able to recruit her later at the Abandoned Ruins in Act 1.
5Progress Companion Quests
Each of your companions has their own story quests that teach you more about that character and are progressed in a variety of ways. These story quests are often naturally integrated into your general exploration. For example, simply sleeping in your camp a few times will have you learn more about Astarion, or completing certain quests will develop Wyll and Karlach’s relationship and backstory.
Companion quests can technically be completed whenever you want, but you can get a head start in all of them by speaking to each of your companions in the camp whenever possible. Exploring the areas available in Act 1 will also lead you to learn more, so explore to your heart’s content!
4Complete Any Interesting Side Quests
There are dozens of side quests available throughout Act 1, each with branching paths, decisions to make, and rewards to earn. Due to the sheer number of side quests and their depth, we recommend picking out the most interesting ones and focusing on those.
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When you enter Act 2, many of these side quests will no longer be available to complete. If you have any leftover side quests that you want to get to the conclusion of, you should definitely focus on them before moving into Act 2. Alternatively, you’re able to leave them for a second or third playthrough, which will give you something to look forward to in subsequent runs.
3Find Withers
Withers is a special NPC that can be found in theDank Cryptwhich is located to the east of the Nautiloid crash site. Thoroughly exploring this area will have you eventually meet the undead Withers, who is an invaluable asset to you and your party throughout your journey.
Shortly after encountering Withers, you can find him at your camp, where he’ll offer his exclusive services. For 100 gold, Withers will allow you to respec your class, resetting you to level 1 (you keep all your earned experience points) and giving you the chance to rebuild your character. Additionally, you can recruit Hirelings from him at a rate of 100 gold each, which can help fill in absent party slots.
2Learn How To Play An Instrument
If you aren’t playing as a Bard, or you didn’t select the Performer Feat, there aren’t many options when it comes to playing music. Luckily, in the Emerald Grove, you can learn to play the lute from Alfira. This NPC can be found near a cliff along the east side of the Druid Grove.
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If you talk to Alfira and pass two Performance checks, you’ll gain proficiency in the lute, allowing you to play it outside of combat for a variety of effects. This is one of the best ways to learn to play an instrument early on, outside of respeccing into a Bard yourself. Alfira will leave with the other Tieflings if you decide to save them, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of this boon while you can.
1Adopt Scratch The Dog
Scratch is a dog that you’re able to find near the Blighted Village in Act 1. If you choose the correct dialogue options and earn his trust, he’ll wait for you in your camp. At your camp, you can throw a ball for Scratch to fetch, and he will sometimes even gather items for you like Potions of Healing.
You’ll also gain the Ritual SpellFind Familiar: Scratch, which lets you summon a familiar of the best boy while adventuring. This familiar will aid in combat, and can help up downed party members. Plus, Scratch will attempt to sniff out hidden items while you explore, making him one of the most useful (and cutest) companions to have.
Next:Baldur’s Gate 3: Complete Guide And Walkthrough
