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Each act inBaldur’s Gate 3has a significant impact on gameplay, but the final act is where it all comes together. There are so many active quests at this point that it can be overwhelming to know where to go first. Thankfully, you can narrow it down to what you’re most interested in first.
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While there are a lot of quests to tackle, you can take them one at a time. There’s no rush, and you can enjoy Act Three at your own pace. However, this guide can help you figure out where you want to start and how you want to play first. The general rule for experiencing the most, though, is to avoid the main quest until you’re ready.
Warning: May contain spoilers for the events in Acts 1 and 2 and for the companions in Act 3.
How To Reach Act Three
Knowing whereeach act begins and endsin Baldur’s Gate 3 can be tricky, but you know you’re close when you get a notification that you should wrap up any loose ends.After defeating Ketheric Thormin the mind flayer colony, you’llhave to move forwardto make any further progress with the game.
Aftermoving through the Shadow-Cursed Landsand potentially lifting the Shadow Curse, you’ll cross the bridge on the far west leading toBaldur’s Gate. You’ll be forced to take a long rest to wrap up certain narrative beats.
What Should You Do First In Act Three?
Ultimately, despite all the options, the choice is up to you.If you favor one companion over the other, follow their quest line first. If you are only interested in the main quest, follow through with the objectives to face the Absolute. While there is no wrong answer, there are plenty of options.
Recommended First Steps
Main Quest Objectives To Do First In Act 3
Upon entering Act Three, there areseveral main objectivesto complete. You’ll need toobtain three Netherstonesto deal with the elder brain. With Ketheric’s stone in hand, youonly need two more: Gortash’s and Orin’s.
To find Gortash, you’ll need toexplore the cityto learn his location. Head to Wyrm’s crossing and start the search. This will bring you closer to Gortash and his Netherstone.
To find Orin, you’ll want tokeep an eye out for murder and mischief. Remember that she’s a fearsome foe, and her quest will have timed consequences.Do not begin this questif you are unprepared to see it through quickly.
Spoiler warning:As part of Orin’s branch of the Main Quest objectives, she will abduct a party member and demand Gortash’s head in exchange for their safety. The party member that’s taken is random, and they will die if you don’t rescue them within a few days.
Additionally, you will be reminded to work onGather Your Allies. This meansrecruiting more heroesto fight alongside you, be it as a companion or as an ally.
Some characters, like Isobel and Dame Aylin, can bekept at campand willfight alongside you later, but theycannot join your party. Other characters, likeVolo and Arabella, can rejoin you later once you find them in Baldur’s Gate.
Personal Quest Objectives
You should have two tasks listed under your personal quests. One is tofree Orpheus from the astral prism,and the other is toembrace your potentialby consuming the astral tadpole. Finding a way to free Orpheus may not be the most important thing on your mind since he’s the reason you’reable to resist ceremorphosis, but it is an option.
Additionally, you’ll want to contemplate expanding your powers byconsuming the astral tadpole. If you refuse the Emperor’s initial request, he’ll part ways with you, giving you the tadpole as a gift. You don’t have touse it on yourself or your allies, but it can be a boon to your party.
Using the tadpole willslightly alter your appearance, but you’ll gain access to theouter ring of illithid powers. you may use thesepassives and combat abilitiesto make the game easier or to act out your character’s alignment. Extended use of thesepowers could prove dangerous, so be on your guard.
Companion Quest Objectives
Throughout the first two acts of Baldur’s Gate 3, you will likelyrecruit many friends(and potential foes) along the way. In Act Three, you have the opportunity tohelp those relationships flourish.
You may also break relationships, both romantic and platonic, permanently depending on the actions you take. The final arcs are emotional and impactful for both the characters and the plot. Focus on thecompanions you adventure with mostto build them up.
Daughter Of Darkness Companion Quest
Shadowheart’s personal questcan go in one of two directions, depending on how shedeals with Nightsong. The first step is tofind a Sharran lookoutwithin Baldur’s Gate. Finding the scout will bring you closer tolocating the Sharran cloister, proceeding with the Daughter of Darkness questline.
Additionally, as part of Shadowheart’s arc, she wants tosave her parents. After learning their fate, she wants to see them again and save them from a dark fate.
These events influence Shadowheart as a character, so it’s important tomake your decisions carefully.
Our Fiery Friend Companion Quest
Karlach’s personal questinvolves going after Gortash in Baldur’s Gate. After learning how bitter his betrayal truly was, she isdetermined to get revenge, but you have tofind Gortash first.
This means searching the city for his whereabouts. While he is themain focus of Karlach’s personal quest, beware that he is also part of the main objectives, so hunting him down can further the events of that questline.
The Blade Of Frontiers Companion Quest
Wyll’s personal questvaries depending on several factors, all of whichrevolve around Mizora. Based on your choices, Wyll has likelybeen through a lotin the first two acts, and it won’t get easier from here on out.
Whether you’ve freed Wyll from his contract or not, the main objective remains the same:Save Ulder Ravengard. Unfortunately, you’ll need towait for Mizorato be in contact first.
Following Wyll’s arc presents the opportunity tobreak his contract or sign it again. There are consequences for both actions, though they won’t impact your gameplay as much as you think. Breaking Wyll’s contract makes itharder to find Ulder Ravengard, but not impossible. Signing the contract makes it easier, but Wyllstill loses his soul. The choice is up to you.
The Githyanki Warrior Companion Quest
Lae’zel’s personal questrevolves around freeing Orpheus, but not for the reason you think. She wants to free him so that she cankill the traitorous prince, which directly conflicts with not turning into a mind flayer.
You can alsoconvince Lae’zel to turn against Vlaakithif you pass the right checks, taking Lae’zel down acompletely different pathin the third act.
Finding a way to free Orpheus is already on the list of things to do, but this takes the quest a step further. If you want to deepen your bond with Lae’zel orside against the Emperor, this is your course of action.
The Pale Elf Companion Quest
Astarion’s companion questwill send you after Cazador. During a prior discussion, Astarion mentioned that he is considering taking his former’s master’s place andascending through the ritualhimself. This is important to keep in mind as you progress through his questline.
The first step involvesfinding the other vampire spawnenslaved to Cazador. The only hint is to look intotaverns and flophousesfor a lead.
The Wizard of Waterdeep Companion Quest
Gale’s personal questinvolves his entanglement withMystra and the Netherese Orblodged in his chest, wholly dependent onkeeping him alive during Act Two. If he lives, he’ll be more interested inunlocking the secretsof the Netherese Crown than executing Mystra’s will.
This questline revolves aroundfinding another means to defeat the elder brainyou discovered in Act Two. After convincing Gale to live, the clock is ticking to find another way to destroy the elder brain. If one can’t be found, there’sonly one thing Gale can doto stop it.
Baldur’s Gate Quest Objectives
Within the city, there aremore objectives to complete. Like any area, unique NPCs within Baldur’s Gate need help. You can assist them (or ignore them) however you like, but they can provide valuable insight into the world.
Deal With Arfur Gregorio
One of the first things you can do is deal with Arfur Gregorio outside his house. He’s looking for help toremove squatters from invading his home, although you can convince him to let them stay. This is a small interaction, but it can set the tone for how you approach Baldur’s Gate.
Speak With Yenna
Additionally, as you enter the city, achild named Yennawill rush up and ask if you have seen her mother. You can tell her what you suspecthappened to her sickly mother,or you can comfort her.
This small interaction adds to the world around you and brings another furry friend (Yenna’s cat, Grub) to the campsite.
The Circus
When entering Baldur’s Gate, you cantake a breakfrom the action andenjoy the Circus of Last Days. Interact with the people, play some games, andbond with your partymembers. It’s a colorful break from the dreary Shadow Curse.
Be warned that not is all as it seems, and there is conflict to be had at the circus. Nevertheless, if you cantalk or bribe your way in, you’re sure to enjoy a moment’s reprieve from the heavy plot. This grants you time to explore while also preparing you for future struggles. Don’t forget to check out the performance being given by Dribbles the Clown.
