How do I access the hidden area in the Waukeen's Rest in Baldur's Gate 3?

To access the hidden area in Waukeen's Rest in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully explore the environment and interact with specific elements that are not immediately obvious. Waukeen's Rest is a location in Act 1, and it is a burning inn where you can find several quests and hidden secrets. The hidden area in question is a secret room that contains valuable loot and additional story elements. Here is a detailed guide on how to access it.

First, when you arrive at Waukeen's Rest, you will notice that the inn is on fire. Your primary objective is to rescue the people trapped inside, but there is also a hidden area that you can access if you explore carefully. The hidden room is located on the second floor of the inn, and it is not immediately visible. To find it, you need to look for a specific wall that can be interacted with. This wall is actually a hidden door that leads to the secret room.

To begin, make your way to the second floor of the inn. You can do this by climbing the stairs or using a character with high mobility, such as a rogue or monk, to jump up to the balcony. Once on the second floor, you will need to search for the hidden door. The door is located in the eastern part of the building, near the room where you find Counselor Florrick. Look for a section of the wall that appears slightly different from the rest. This is the hidden door.

To open the hidden door, you need to pass a Perception check. This check is based on your character's Wisdom score and their proficiency in Perception. If you have a character with high Wisdom, such as a cleric or druid, or if you have invested in the Perception skill, you will have a better chance of passing the check. If you fail the Perception check, you can still find the door by using the "Search" action, which allows you to manually inspect the area. This can be done by right-clicking on the wall and selecting "Search" from the context menu.

Once you have found the hidden door, you need to open it. This can be done by interacting with the wall. The door will slide open, revealing the secret room. Inside, you will find several valuable items, including gold, potions, and possibly rare equipment. There may also be additional story elements or notes that provide more context about the events at Waukeen's Rest.

It is important to note that the hidden room is not essential to completing the main quest at Waukeen's Rest, but it does provide additional rewards and lore. If you are playing on a higher difficulty setting, the extra loot can be very useful. Additionally, exploring hidden areas like this can help you gain more experience points, which can be crucial for leveling up your characters.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the area without thoroughly exploring. The hidden door is easy to miss if you are not paying attention, so take your time to inspect the environment. Another mistake is not having a character with high Perception in your party. While it is possible to find the door without passing the Perception check, it is much easier if you have a character who is skilled in this area.

Advanced techniques for accessing the hidden area include using spells or abilities that enhance Perception. For example, the Guidance cantrip, which is available to clerics and druids, can provide a bonus to ability checks, including Perception. This can increase your chances of finding the hidden door. Additionally, if you have a rogue in your party, you can use their Cunning Action to Dash and quickly explore the area, increasing your chances of finding the door before the fire spreads too far.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Perception check is a standard ability check that is used to notice details in the environment. It is based on the Wisdom ability score, and characters who are proficient in Perception add their proficiency bonus to the check. The difficulty class (DC) for the check is set by the Dungeon Master, or in this case, the game's design. In Baldur's Gate 3, the DC for finding the hidden door is likely set to a moderate level, making it challenging but not impossible to find.

In conclusion, accessing the hidden area in Waukeen's Rest requires careful exploration and a good Perception skill. By following the steps outlined above, you can find the hidden door and gain access to valuable loot and additional story elements. Remember to take your time, use abilities that enhance Perception, and avoid common mistakes like rushing through the area. With these strategies, you can successfully uncover the secrets of Waukeen's Rest and enhance your gameplay experience.