In Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of decisions, content, and quests throughout the game. Now that I’m hundreds of hours into the game… it’s time to share my list of can’t miss quests and general tips and suggestions to optimize your gameplay! We’ll start with Act 1… Ready. Set. Go.
First up, let’s talk about my top two tips!
Charisma-based characters
In BG3, you’ll often have to persuade, deceive, or intimidate NPCs in order to get what you want. With each of those ability checks, charisma is essential. Because of this, I highly recommend building a charisma-based character. That includes some of the best classes in the game… Sorcerer, Paladin, Warlock, and Bard. I personally play as a Tiefling Sorcerer and it’s a ton of fun. Depending on how you build your party, you may be the only character who has a high charisma score. You can lean on your other characters for passive perception or insight checks so you can lead the conversations with your high charisma.
Multiple playthroughs
This game is designed to encourage multiple playthroughs. There are just too many moments where a decision you make impacts the rest of your playthrough options. Do you choose to save the Emerald Grove or destroy it in Act 1? Do you save Isobel at the Last Light Inn in Act 2? Do you trust your guardian or Orpheus in Act 3? These are some of the bigger decision points… but there are many others that will impact your future options. So the best solution is obvious… you’ll just have to play the game at least a dozen times!
As for my list of Act 1 quests that are not ESSENTIAL but are nice to experience, check out my top 8 below!
Find Withers before he finds you.
Oh Withers… our lovely undead skeleton… our Guardian of Tombs. He will eventually join your camp in Act 1 whether you find him first or not. But I highly suggest finding him before he joins you. His cutscene is a must-experience at least once. You can find him in the ancient, ruined Temple of Jergal at the start of the game in Act 1.
Allied ogres are always helpful.
There’s a ton of things to discover in the Blighted Village. One of the nice-to-haves is developing an alliance with the ogres. They’ll be in one of the ruined buildings eating a tiefling… you can convince them to fight for you and they’ll give you a horn to use when you are in need of a little extra muscle during a fight.
Collect the Necromancy of Thay book and its amethyst.
The Necromancy of Thay comes back up in Act 3 so you’ll want to collect it in Act 1 when you’re in the Blighted Village. Don’t forget to get the dark amethyst that goes along with it. The book and the amethyst are in two different locations within the Blighted Village. The book is in a hidden workshop and the amethyst is in the well.
Investigate and confront Kagha.
You might want to attack Kagha when you first meet her… but then you’re left dealing with the dire consequences of that decision. Let me recommend a better solution (depending on your intentions to save or destroy the Emerald Grove). Find her hidden chest in the servant’s quarters. That starts a quest to investigate Kagha’s suspicious behavior. Once you investigate her, confront her in the Emerald Grove.
Learn how to play an instrument.
Want to play an instrument but don’t want to be a bard? No problem! Learn how to play an instrument from Alfira in the Emerald Grove. But make sure to talk to her before you save (or destroy) the Emerald Grove.
Find the false wall in Zhentarim’s Hideout.
There’s more than one way to get into the Underdark. When you save the artist in Act 1, you’ll find yourself in Zhentarim’s Hideout. There’s a false wall towards the back of the hideout that leads to an elevator. Use that elevator and you’ll suddenly find yourself in the Underdark!
Find Scratch and save the owlbear cub.
What’s better than having two pets at camp? Added bonus… the owlbear cub plays a part towards the end of Act 3.
Go through the Mountain Pass and Underdark.
Why pick when you can have both? Each one has its appeal and the game doesn’t force you to pick one or the other. So I highly suggest going through both for the loot and storyline.
Have you started playing BG3? What are some of your nice-to-have quests that you love to complete?
Caroline’s Library 