Baldur’s Gate 3spoilers ahead.
Nearly two years after its launch, with eight patches released, and millions of players having gathered their parties to venture forth, the sheer scale ofBaldur’s Gate 3remains hard to comprehend. What began as an underdog project by Larian Studios has transformed into one of the most intricately branching RPG experiences in gaming, earning the praise it rightfully deserves. With exceptional world-building, top-tier voice and motion capture acting, and nuanced storytelling,Baldur’s Gate 3is a game where no two playthroughs are ever the same. However, the game’s expansive size and extensive choices mean that many players may miss out on some content, even those who have invested over one hundred hours into the game.
Baldur’s Gate 3is a completionist’s nightmare. With sprawling paths, content hidden in secluded corners, or banter that is reserved for certain party members in unique places, it’s incredibly likely that most players have missed something. Players, whether they are starting their adventure or havemastered Honour Mode, should relax knowing they are not alone in the content they’ve missed. Frankly, even 100 hours in a single playthrough ofBaldur’s Gate 3may not be enough to experience everything, with some truly interesting things being easy to miss out on.
Act One: A Rookie Adventurer’s Missed Opportunities
Kagha’s True Intentions
When walking into the Emerald Grove, it’s pretty easy to see that Kagha rules in Halsin’s absence with an iron fist. When players receive the quest to investigate Kagha, they might simply assume that they need to tell on her tyrannical ways when/if Halsin returns from the Goblin Camp. While most players can deduce that her power-hungry moves are morally questionable, most will missthe crucial “why” behind Kagha’s actions.
Secluded in an often forgotten corner of the Blighted Swamp is a large tree stump that looks inoffensive. Yet, hidden in a crevice is a note for Kagha from the Shadow Druids she plans on betraying the Grove for. Armed with this information, the party can choose to properlyconfront Kagha and expose her, fight her, or redeem her.
Zhentarim Hideout At Waukeen’s Rest
As aneasily missable area in Act 1 ofBG3, the Zhentarim Hideout is pretty hard to get into. Players need to find a door in the surrounding areas of the burning Waukeen’s Rest inn, tucked away behind some crates. From there, it’s a matter of navigating a suspicious crew of mercenaries who are smuggling dangerous weapons.
If players manage to pass skill checks or avoid starting a fight, they gain access to a small black market. This is also a great place to learn thatBG3’s elusive Iron Flaskcontains something monstrous. Those unaware of its contents may unleash a spectator mid-combat or use it to their advantage much later in the game.
Act Two: Missed Content That Is More Haunting Than The Level
He Who Was
Most players won’t findrare NPCs inBaldur’s Gate 3due to the circumstances needed to see them. That being said, it’s remarkable that someone who isn’t technically a rare NPC is so often bypassed. He Who Was is a Shadar-Kai that can be located in a makeshift camp in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. He tasks the party with seeking punishment for a dead woman called Madeline. This small side quest conceals a surprising emotional weight as the player uncovers a web of regret, justice, and mourning. With a few different ways to resolve the story, players are left wondering who deserves forgiveness and whether Madeline ever had a chance at the hands of He Who Was.
There’s Something Fishy About Act 2 (Literally)
The Shadow-Cursed Lands are dense with story and atmosphere, which makes it easy to overlook some of its more aquatic dangers. Lurking just beyond the mist, cursed Kuo-Toa await on the banks near the abandoned fishing shack north of the House of Healing. These undead creatures are easily missed—unless, of course, players get ambushed by them.The Kuo-Toa are also in Act 1of the game.
Found near the mausoleum and the coast, these cursed Kuo-Toa often leap from the water unexpectedly. Many players never stumble across this skirmish, and even fewer stop to consider what it says about the region. The encounter hints at the unnatural influence that has tainted not only the land but the water itself, turning even once-benign fishing grounds into undead-infested ruins.
Act Three: Even The Most Seasoned Adventurer Can Miss These
Tara on the Rooftops
Anyone who is a big fan of Gale knows that he proudly owns a tressym. As one of the notableanimals inBaldur’s Gate 3, Gale speaks of Tara with fondness and respect. However, most players don’t know that Gale’s furry companion makes in-person an appearance in Act 3 during easily missable encounters. One reason Tara is so easy to overlook is that she is perched on the rooftops of the city, looking down at everything, including Gale’s beard.
Those committed to theFind the Missing Letters questmay find Tara at the Open Hand Temple roof, where she can be convinced to stop chowing on poor carrier pigeons. But this is not the only place to find her. She can be found on the roofs of the Devil’s Fee and Highberry’s Home. Finding Tara is a gift that keeps on giving, as she provides the party with some useful gear.
Gortash’s Parents
Baldur’s Gate 3is a city filled with countless rooms, homes, and tucked-away corners, which makes it easy to overlook the fact that one of the game’s central antagonists, Enver Gortash, still has family alive and well in town. Players who delve deeply into the Lower City and investigate the residences mayfind Gortash’s parents, who offer cheery or mournful welcomes to the party (depending on whether he is alive or not).
Rather than giving players an “aha” moment, the scene instead offers something more disturbing: evidence of mind control through tadpole infection. Players who are able to connect with Gortash’s parents’ minds will discover that their son has transformed them into puppets. They will also discover, however, that the parents were far from exemplary during his upbringing. Whether the party speaks to them or not, their presence reinforces the human cost of ambition, while also providing the context that makesGortash’s dealsand reasoning feel more nuanced than those of a pure villain.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
