Where can I find the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are a valuable piece of equipment in Baldur's Gate 3, offering significant utility for characters who need to navigate difficult terrain or engage in underwater exploration. These gloves provide a bonus to Athletics checks, which are crucial for swimming and climbing, making them particularly useful in scenarios where mobility is key. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about finding and using the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, including detailed mechanics, step-by-step instructions, tips, and considerations.

To find the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, you need to explore the Underdark, a vast and dangerous underground area filled with unique challenges and rewards. The Underdark is accessible through several routes, but one of the most common ways to enter is through the Goblin Camp. After dealing with the goblins and their leaders, you can find a hidden passage that leads to the Underdark. Once inside, you will need to navigate through various biomes, including fungal forests, glowing caverns, and treacherous waterways.

The Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are located in the Myconid Colony, a settlement of peaceful mushroom-like creatures. To reach the Myconid Colony, you will need to travel through the Underdark and avoid or defeat hostile creatures such as duergar, hook horrors, and minotaurs. The Myconid Colony is a safe haven where you can rest, trade, and gather information. The gloves are found in a chest near the colony's leader, Sovereign Spaw. The chest is not locked, so you can simply open it and take the gloves.

When using the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, it is important to understand how Athletics checks work in Baldur's Gate 3. Athletics is a Strength-based skill that determines your ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing, swimming, and jumping. The gloves provide a bonus to these checks, making it easier to overcome obstacles that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. For example, if you need to climb a steep cliff or swim across a fast-moving river, the gloves will give you an edge.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the importance of Athletics checks. While it may seem like a minor skill, Athletics can be crucial in certain situations, especially in the Underdark where terrain is often challenging. Without the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, you may find yourself struggling to navigate the environment, which can lead to unnecessary combat encounters or missed opportunities. It is also important to note that the gloves do not provide any protection against environmental hazards such as poison or extreme temperatures, so you should still be cautious when exploring.

Advanced techniques for using the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing include combining them with other abilities and items that enhance mobility. For example, a character with the Jump spell or the Mobile feat can cover even greater distances, making it easier to bypass obstacles and reach hidden areas. Additionally, the gloves can be particularly useful for characters who rely on melee combat, as they allow you to quickly close the gap with enemies or escape from dangerous situations.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing function similarly to their tabletop counterparts. They provide a bonus to Athletics checks, which is a direct translation from the rules. However, Baldur's Gate 3 simplifies some of the mechanics, so you do not need to worry about calculating exact bonuses or penalties. The game will automatically apply the gloves' effects when you attempt to swim or climb, making it easy to use them without needing to micromanage your character's actions.

Specific examples of where the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing can be useful include the Underdark's many water-filled caverns and vertical cliffs. In one scenario, you may need to swim across a deep, dark lake to reach a hidden treasure chest. Without the gloves, your character might struggle to make the Athletics check, but with the gloves, you can easily swim across and claim the treasure. In another scenario, you might need to climb a steep cliff to bypass a group of hostile creatures. The gloves will make it easier to scale the cliff, allowing you to avoid combat and continue your journey.

In conclusion, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are a valuable piece of equipment that can greatly enhance your character's mobility and effectiveness in Baldur's Gate 3. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find the gloves in the Underdark and use them to overcome challenging terrain and obstacles. Remember to consider the importance of Athletics checks, avoid common mistakes, and explore advanced techniques to make the most of this powerful item. With the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, you will be well-equipped to tackle the many challenges that await you in the world of Baldur's Gate 3.