What is the best way to find the hidden chest in the Blighted Village in Baldur's Gate 3?

To find the hidden chest in the Blighted Village in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to explore carefully and use your character's abilities effectively. The Blighted Village is a location filled with secrets, and the hidden chest is one of them. Here is a detailed guide on how to locate it, along with tips and strategies to make the process easier.

First, you need to reach the Blighted Village. This area is located to the west of the Druid Grove and is accessible early in the game. Once you arrive, you will notice that the village is overrun by goblins and other hostile creatures. You can choose to fight your way through or use stealth and dialogue to avoid combat. If you decide to fight, make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions and spells.

The hidden chest is located in a specific house within the village. This house is near the windmill, which is a prominent landmark. Look for a house with a locked door. You can pick the lock if you have a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand, such as a Rogue or a Bard. Alternatively, you can use a spell like Knock to open the door without needing to pick the lock.

Once inside the house, you will find a trapdoor hidden under a rug. This trapdoor leads to a basement where the hidden chest is located. To access the trapdoor, you need to move the rug aside. This can be done by interacting with the rug and selecting the option to move it. Be cautious, as there may be traps or enemies in the basement. Use your Perception skill to detect traps and disarm them if necessary.

The hidden chest contains valuable loot, including rare items and gold. To open the chest, you may need to pick its lock or find the key. The key is often hidden nearby, so search the area thoroughly. If you cannot find the key, you can still open the chest by picking the lock, but this requires a successful Sleight of Hand check. Make sure to save your game before attempting to pick the lock, as failing the check can trigger a trap or alert nearby enemies.

Here are some important tips and considerations. First, always have a character with high Perception in your party to detect hidden objects and traps. This can save you from unexpected dangers. Second, if you are playing as a Rogue or have a Rogue in your party, invest in the Sleight of Hand skill to make lockpicking easier. Third, consider using spells like Guidance or Enhance Ability to boost your chances of success when attempting skill checks.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the area without thoroughly exploring. The Blighted Village has many hidden secrets, and taking your time to search every corner can yield valuable rewards. Another mistake is not saving your game before attempting risky actions like lockpicking or disarming traps. If something goes wrong, you can reload your save and try again.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to avoid combat and conserve resources. If you have a character with high Stealth, you can sneak past enemies and focus on exploration. Additionally, using spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace can help you move through the village undetected. This is especially useful if your party is low on health or spell slots.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the process of finding and opening the hidden chest involves several skill checks. Perception is used to detect hidden objects and traps, while Sleight of Hand is used for lockpicking. These skills are based on your character's Dexterity and Wisdom scores, so having high values in these attributes can improve your chances of success. Spells like Guidance, which adds a d4 to ability checks, can also be very helpful.

Specific examples and scenarios include using a Rogue with Expertise in Sleight of Hand to easily pick locks and disarm traps. Another example is using a Cleric with the Guidance spell to assist other party members in their skill checks. If you encounter enemies in the basement, consider using area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Thunderwave to quickly deal with them.

In conclusion, finding the hidden chest in the Blighted Village requires careful exploration, effective use of skills, and strategic planning. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully locate and open the chest, gaining valuable loot for your party. Remember to save your game frequently and make use of your character's abilities to overcome any challenges you may face.