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 both Athletics and Acrobatics checks, making them particularly useful for characters who rely on physical prowess. 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 reach it is by descending through the Whispering Depths in the Blighted Village. Once you are in the Underdark, you will need to make your way to the Sussur Tree area, which is located in the western part of the map. The Sussur Tree is a large, glowing tree that emits a magical aura, and it is here that you will find the gloves.

The Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are located in a hidden chest near the Sussur Tree. To reach this chest, you will need to navigate through a series of challenging encounters and environmental hazards. One of the key challenges in this area is the presence of Hook Horrors, dangerous creatures that can deal significant damage if you are not prepared. It is recommended to approach this area with a well-balanced party, including characters who can deal ranged damage and those who can tank hits. Additionally, having a character with high Perception can help you spot the hidden chest more easily.

Once you have located the chest, you will need to unlock it. If your party does not have a character with high Sleight of Hand, you may need to use a lockpick or find another way to open the chest. Inside, you will find the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, along with some other valuable items. Equipping the gloves will immediately grant you the benefits of increased Athletics and Acrobatics checks, making it easier to climb walls, swim through water, and perform other physical feats.

When using the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, it is important to consider how they fit into your overall character build. These gloves are particularly useful for characters who rely on physical skills, such as Fighters, Barbarians, and Rogues. However, they can also be beneficial for other classes, especially if you anticipate needing to navigate difficult terrain or engage in underwater exploration. For example, a Wizard or Sorcerer who needs to escape from melee combat might find the increased Acrobatics check helpful for avoiding opportunity attacks.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the importance of Athletics and Acrobatics checks in Baldur's Gate 3. While these skills may not seem as flashy as combat abilities, they can be crucial for navigating the game world and overcoming environmental challenges. The Gloves of Swimming and Climbing can give you a significant edge in these situations, so it is worth taking the time to find and equip them.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize the use of the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing by combining them with other items and abilities that enhance physical skills. For example, a character with the Athlete feat will benefit even more from the increased Athletics check provided by the gloves. Additionally, using spells or abilities that grant temporary bonuses to Strength or Dexterity can further enhance your physical capabilities.

From a D&D rules perspective, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are based on the 5th Edition ruleset, which emphasizes the importance of skill checks in both combat and exploration. In the tabletop version of D&D, these gloves would provide a similar bonus to Athletics and Acrobatics checks, making them a valuable tool for any adventurer. Baldur's Gate 3 stays true to these mechanics, ensuring that the gloves are just as useful in the game as they are in the tabletop version.

In conclusion, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing are a powerful and versatile piece of equipment that can greatly enhance your character's physical abilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find and equip these gloves, giving you a significant advantage in both combat and exploration. Whether you are climbing a steep cliff, swimming through a treacherous river, or simply trying to avoid an enemy's attack, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing will help you succeed.