How do I get the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Gloves of Swimming and Climbing in Baldur's Gate 3 are a valuable piece of equipment that can significantly enhance your character's mobility and utility, especially in exploration and combat scenarios. These gloves grant a +1 bonus to Strength saving throws and checks, as well as the ability to swim and climb without expending extra movement. This makes them particularly useful for characters who need to navigate difficult terrain or engage in physical challenges. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain them, along with tips and strategies to make the process smoother.

To acquire the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, you need to complete a specific quest involving the Zhentarim faction. The Zhentarim are a shadowy organization involved in smuggling and other illicit activities. The gloves are part of their inventory, and obtaining them requires you to interact with their members in a particular way. The quest begins in Act 1, in the area known as the Shattered Sanctum, which is part of the Goblin Camp. HereÔÇÖs a step-by-step breakdown of how to get the gloves.

First, you need to reach the Shattered Sanctum. This area is accessible after youÔÇÖve dealt with the goblin leaders or found a way to infiltrate their camp. Once inside, youÔÇÖll encounter a group of Zhentarim agents who are being held captive by the goblins. These agents are led by a character named Rugan. Your goal is to free Rugan and his companions, as this will open up the opportunity to obtain the gloves.

To free Rugan, you can either fight your way through the goblins or use dialogue options to persuade or deceive them into releasing the prisoners. If you choose the combat route, be prepared for a tough fight, as the goblins are numerous and can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not careful. Using stealth and positioning to your advantage can help you take them out more efficiently. If you opt for dialogue, having a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception will make this easier.

Once Rugan is freed, he will thank you and offer to sell you some of the ZhentarimÔÇÖs goods. Among these goods are the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing. However, Rugan will only offer them if youÔÇÖve built up enough trust with him. This means you need to avoid actions that would make him hostile, such as stealing from him or attacking his companions. If youÔÇÖve helped him and his group without causing any issues, he should be willing to sell the gloves to you.

The gloves cost a significant amount of gold, so make sure you have enough currency before attempting to purchase them. If youÔÇÖre short on gold, you can try to barter with Rugan by offering items of equivalent value. Alternatively, you can pickpocket the gloves from him, but this is risky and could lead to a fight if youÔÇÖre caught. If you choose this route, make sure you have a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand to increase your chances of success.

Once you have the gloves, you can equip them to any character in your party. They are particularly useful for characters who rely on Strength-based abilities, such as Fighters, Barbarians, or Paladins. The +1 bonus to Strength saving throws and checks can make a noticeable difference in combat, especially when grappling or resisting certain spells. The ability to swim and climb without expending extra movement is also a great boon for exploration, allowing you to reach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.

A common mistake to avoid is antagonizing the Zhentarim before youÔÇÖve had a chance to purchase the gloves. If you attack Rugan or his companions, they will become hostile, and youÔÇÖll lose the opportunity to buy the gloves. Additionally, failing to free Rugan from the goblins will also prevent you from obtaining the gloves, so make sure you complete this step carefully.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the use of the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing include pairing them with other items or abilities that enhance mobility or Strength. For example, combining the gloves with the Jump spell or the Athlete feat can make your character even more effective at navigating difficult terrain. You can also use them in conjunction with spells like Enhance Ability to further boost your Strength checks and saving throws.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing function similarly to their tabletop counterparts. They provide a +1 bonus to Strength saving throws and checks, which is a direct translation from the rules. The ability to swim and climb without expending extra movement is a unique feature in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, as the tabletop version of the gloves only grants a swimming speed and a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. This makes the gloves even more powerful in the game, as they allow you to bypass some of the movement penalties associated with difficult terrain.

In conclusion, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are a valuable piece of equipment that can greatly enhance your characterÔÇÖs mobility and utility. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain them and make the most of their benefits. Whether youÔÇÖre exploring the world or engaging in combat, these gloves can give you the edge you need to succeed. Just remember to handle the Zhentarim carefully, and youÔÇÖll be well on your way to adding this powerful item to your inventory.