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How To Reach Act Three
What Should You Do First In Act Three?
Main Quest Objectives To Do First In Act 3
Personal Quest Objectives
Companion Quest Objectives
Baldur's Gate Quest Objectives
Each act in Baldur's Gate 3 has 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 where each act begins and ends in 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 Thorm in the mind flayer colony, you'll have to move forward to make any further progress with the game.
After moving through the Shadow-Cursed Lands and potentially lifting the Shadow Curse, you'll cross the bridge on the far west leading to Baldur'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
- Explore the city of Baldur's Gate first and foremost. The first two acts lead up to this moment, so take the time to explore it.
- Focus on bonding with your party members, as each has a unique quest devoted to them.
- Save the main quest objectives for last. Once you start working on them, it will be hard to stop, and you may miss the opportunity to get to know your party members more.
- Many quests overlap, so you'll progress several at once. Take it one quest at a time and focus on the ones that are most appealing to you.
- Make sure to save often as well in case you miss something.
Main Quest Objectives To Do First In Act 3
Upon entering Act Three, there are several main objectives to complete. You'll need to obtain three Netherstones to deal with the elder brain. With Ketheric's stone in hand, you only need two more: Gortash's and Orin's.
To find Gortash, you'll need to explore the city to 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 to keep 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 quest if 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 on Gather Your Allies. This means recruiting more heroes to fight alongside you, be it as a companion or as an ally.
Some characters, like Isobel and Dame Aylin, can be kept at camp and will fight alongside you later, but they cannot join your party. Other characters, like Volo 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 to free Orpheus from the astral prism, and the other is to embrace your potential by 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're able to resist ceremorphosis, but it is an option.
Additionally, you'll want to contemplate expanding your powers by consuming 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 to use it on yourself or your allies, but it can be a boon to your party.
Using the tadpole will slightly alter your appearance, but you'll gain access to the outer ring of illithid powers. You can use these passives and combat abilities to make the game easier or to act out your character's alignment. Extended use of these powers could prove dangerous, so be on your guard.
Companion Quest Objectives
Throughout the first two acts of Baldur's Gate 3, you will likely recruit many friends (and potential foes) along the way. In Act Three, you have the opportunity to help 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 the companions you adventure with most to build them up.
Daughter Of Darkness Companion Quest
Shadowheart's personal quest can go in one of two directions, depending on how she deals with Nightsong. The first step is to find a Sharran lookout within Baldur's Gate. Finding the scout will bring you closer to locating the Sharran cloister, proceeding with the Daughter of Darkness questline.
Additionally, as part of Shadowheart's arc, she wants to save 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 to make your decisions carefully.
Our Fiery Friend Companion Quest
Karlach's personal quest involves going after Gortash in Baldur's Gate. After learning how bitter his betrayal truly was, she is determined to get revenge, but you have to find Gortash first.
This means searching the city for his whereabouts. While he is the main 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 quest varies depending on several factors, all of which revolve around Mizora. Based on your choices, Wyll has likely been through a lot in 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 to wait for Mizora to be in contact first.
Following Wyll's arc presents the opportunity to break 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 it harder to find Ulder Ravengard, but not impossible. Signing the contract makes it easier, but Wyll still loses his soul. The choice is up to you.
The Githyanki Warrior Companion Quest
Lae'zel's personal quest revolves around freeing Orpheus, but not for the reason you think. She wants to free him so that she can kill the traitorous prince, which directly conflicts with not turning into a mind flayer.
You can also convince Lae'zel to turn against Vlaakith if you pass the right checks, taking Lae'zel down a completely different path in 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 or side against the Emperor, this is your course of action.
The Pale Elf Companion Quest
Astarion's companion quest will send you after Cazador. During a prior discussion, Astarion mentioned that he is considering taking his former's master's place and ascending through the ritual himself. This is important to keep in mind as you progress through his questline.
The first step involves finding the other vampire spawn enslaved to Cazador. The only hint is to look into taverns and flophouses for a lead.
The Wizard of Waterdeep Companion Quest
Gale's personal quest involves his entanglement with Mystra and the Netherese Orb lodged in his chest, wholly dependent on keeping him alive during Act Two. If he lives, he'll be more interested in unlocking the secrets of the Netherese Crown than executing Mystra's will.
This questline revolves around finding another means to defeat the elder brain you 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's only one thing Gale can do to stop it.
Baldur's Gate Quest Objectives
Within the city, there are more 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 to remove 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, a child named Yenna will rush up and ask if you have seen her mother. You can tell her what you suspect happened 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 can take a break from the action and enjoy the Circus of Last Days. Interact with the people, play some games, and bond with your party members. 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 can talk 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.
NEXT: Baldur's Gate 3: How To Find Mol
