How do I get the Ring of Water Breathing in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Ring of Water Breathing is a useful magical item in Baldur's Gate 3 that allows the wearer to breathe underwater, making it invaluable for exploring submerged areas or dealing with water-based hazards. Obtaining this ring requires careful exploration and interaction with specific characters and locations in the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to acquire it, along with tips and considerations to help you along the way.

To find the Ring of Water Breathing, you need to travel to the Underdark, a vast subterranean area filled with dangerous creatures and hidden treasures. The Underdark can be accessed through several routes, but one of the most common ways is through the Goblin Camp or the Zhentarim Hideout. Once youÔÇÖre in the Underdark, head to the Sussur Tree area, which is located in the western part of the region. The Sussur Tree is a unique location with a glowing blue aura, and itÔÇÖs surrounded by dangerous enemies like Hook Horrors and Minotaurs. Be prepared for combat as you approach this area.

Near the Sussur Tree, youÔÇÖll find a small camp with a group of Duergar, a race of evil dwarves. These Duergar are hostile, so youÔÇÖll need to defeat them to proceed. After clearing the camp, search the area thoroughly. One of the Duergar will have the Ring of Water Breathing in their inventory. Loot the body to claim the ring. Alternatively, if you prefer a non-combat approach, you can try sneaking past the Duergar or using dialogue options to avoid a fight, though this can be tricky and may require high Charisma or Stealth skills.

Once you have the ring, equip it to a character who will benefit most from its effects. The Ring of Water Breathing grants the wearer the ability to breathe underwater indefinitely, which is particularly useful for exploring underwater areas like the Ebonlake Grotto or dealing with water-based traps and puzzles. ItÔÇÖs also helpful in combat scenarios where water hazards are present, such as fighting near rivers or lakes.

When using the Ring of Water Breathing, keep in mind that it only affects the wearer. If you want your entire party to explore underwater areas, youÔÇÖll need to find additional ways to provide water breathing, such as casting the Water Breathing spell or using other magical items. The Water Breathing spell is available to Druids, Rangers, and Wizards, and it can be cast on multiple party members, making it a good alternative if you donÔÇÖt have enough rings to go around.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the importance of water breathing in certain areas of the game. While it may seem like a niche ability, there are several key locations where being able to breathe underwater is essential for progression or finding hidden treasures. For example, in the Ebonlake Grotto, there are submerged chests and pathways that can only be accessed with water breathing. Without it, youÔÇÖll miss out on valuable loot and potentially important story elements.

Advanced players can optimize their use of the Ring of Water Breathing by combining it with other abilities and items. For instance, pairing the ring with the Freedom of Movement spell can make underwater exploration even easier by preventing the wearer from being slowed down by water currents. Additionally, characters with high Dexterity or Stealth skills can use the ring to sneak through underwater areas undetected, avoiding combat and conserving resources.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Ring of Water Breathing functions similarly to the Water Breathing spell, which allows creatures to breathe underwater for up to 24 hours. The ringÔÇÖs effect is permanent as long as itÔÇÖs worn, making it a more convenient option than repeatedly casting the spell. This aligns with the gameÔÇÖs adaptation of D&D mechanics, where magical items provide persistent benefits without requiring spell slots or concentration.

In summary, the Ring of Water Breathing is a valuable item in Baldur's Gate 3 that can greatly enhance your exploration and combat capabilities in water-based environments. To obtain it, venture into the Underdark, defeat the Duergar near the Sussur Tree, and loot the ring from their bodies. Equip it to a character who will benefit most from its effects, and consider pairing it with other abilities or items to maximize its utility. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting water breathing in key areas, and use advanced techniques to optimize your underwater exploration. With the Ring of Water Breathing, youÔÇÖll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Baldur's Gate 3ÔÇÖs watery depths.