Where is the hidden cache in the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden cache in the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the game's many secrets that rewards players with valuable loot for thorough exploration and puzzle-solving. The House of Hope is a location tied to the game's main story, specifically involving the character Raphael, a devil who plays a significant role in the narrative. To find the hidden cache, you will need to navigate the House of Hope carefully, solve a puzzle, and overcome some challenges. Here is a detailed guide to help you locate and access the hidden cache.

First, you need to reach the House of Hope. This location becomes accessible during Act 3 of the game, when you are in Baldur's Gate. To enter the House of Hope, you must obtain the Orphic Hammer, a key item tied to Raphael's questline. You can acquire this hammer by making a deal with Raphael or by stealing it from his vault. Once you have the hammer, you can use it to open the portal to the House of Hope, which is located in the Devil's Fee shop in the Lower City.

Once inside the House of Hope, your goal is to find the hidden cache. The cache is located in Raphael's private chambers, but accessing it requires solving a puzzle involving a set of statues. The statues are found in the boudoir area of the House of Hope, which is a lavishly decorated room with a large bed and several ornate decorations. The statues are arranged in a specific pattern, and each statue represents one of the seven deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.

To solve the puzzle, you need to interact with the statues in the correct order. The order is based on the hierarchy of sins as described in Dante's Inferno, which is a nod to the game's literary influences. The correct order is: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. Interacting with the statues in this sequence will unlock the hidden cache, which is concealed behind a secret door in the room.

When interacting with the statues, you must be careful not to trigger any traps or alarms. The House of Hope is heavily guarded, and Raphael's minions will attack if they detect any suspicious activity. To avoid detection, you can use stealth or invisibility spells to move around the area unnoticed. Additionally, you can use the Disguise Self spell to blend in with the environment and avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Once you have solved the puzzle and accessed the hidden cache, you will find a variety of valuable items inside. These items may include rare weapons, armor, potions, and scrolls. Some of the items are unique to the House of Hope and cannot be found anywhere else in the game. For example, you may find the Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength, which are a powerful piece of equipment that can significantly enhance your character's combat abilities.

It is important to note that the House of Hope is a dangerous location, and you should be prepared for combat before entering. The area is filled with powerful enemies, including devils and other fiendish creatures. You should ensure that your party is well-equipped and has a balanced mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities. Additionally, you should stock up on healing potions and other consumables to keep your party alive during the battles.

One common mistake players make when trying to access the hidden cache is failing to solve the statue puzzle correctly. If you interact with the statues in the wrong order, the puzzle will reset, and you will need to start over. To avoid this, take your time and carefully observe the statues before interacting with them. You can also use the Examine feature to get more information about each statue and its corresponding sin.

Advanced players can optimize their approach by using spells like Detect Thoughts or Speak with Dead to gather additional clues about the puzzle. These spells can provide hints about the correct order of the statues and help you avoid making mistakes. Additionally, you can use the Knock spell to bypass locked doors and chests, which can save time and resources.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the House of Hope and its hidden cache are a great example of how Baldur's Gate 3 incorporates traditional tabletop elements into its gameplay. The statue puzzle is reminiscent of the kind of riddles and challenges you might encounter in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and it requires both logical thinking and careful observation to solve. The combat encounters in the House of Hope also reflect the game's adherence to D&D 5E rules, with enemies using abilities and tactics that are true to their monster manual counterparts.

In conclusion, finding the hidden cache in the House of Hope is a rewarding experience that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully locate the cache and claim its valuable treasures. Remember to prepare your party for the challenges ahead, use stealth and spells to your advantage, and take your time to solve the statue puzzle correctly. With careful planning and execution, you can uncover one of Baldur's Gate 3's most well-hidden secrets.