Where is the hidden stash in the Waukeen's Rest in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Waukeen's Rest is a location filled with secrets and hidden treasures, one of which is a hidden stash that players can discover with careful exploration. This hidden stash is located in the burning inn at Waukeen's Rest, and finding it requires a combination of observation, problem-solving, and sometimes a bit of luck. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to locate and access the hidden stash, along with tips and considerations to make the process smoother.

First, when you arrive at Waukeen's Rest, youÔÇÖll notice that the inn is on fire, and there are several NPCs in distress. Your immediate priority might be to help them, but if youÔÇÖre focused on finding the hidden stash, youÔÇÖll need to explore the inn carefully. The hidden stash is located in a room on the second floor of the inn. To reach it, youÔÇÖll need to navigate through the burning building, which can be dangerous due to the fire and collapsing structures. Make sure your party is prepared for environmental hazards, such as fire damage, and consider using spells or abilities that can mitigate these dangers, like the "Create Water" spell to extinguish flames or "Mage Hand" to interact with objects from a safe distance.

Once inside the inn, head upstairs to the second floor. The room containing the hidden stash is locked, so youÔÇÖll need to find a way to open it. There are a few methods to do this. The first is to pick the lock, which requires a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand. If you have a Rogue or a character with the "ThievesÔÇÖ Tools" proficiency, this is a viable option. Alternatively, you can use the "Knock" spell, which automatically opens locked doors without requiring a skill check. If you donÔÇÖt have access to either of these options, you can also try to break the door down, though this might alert nearby enemies or cause additional environmental hazards.

Inside the locked room, youÔÇÖll find a chest that contains the hidden stash. The chest itself is also locked, so youÔÇÖll need to use the same methods to open it as you did for the door. Once opened, the chest will yield valuable loot, including gold, potions, and possibly rare items that can aid you in your journey. ItÔÇÖs worth noting that the contents of the chest are randomized to some extent, so you might get different items on subsequent playthroughs.

One important tip is to save your game before attempting to pick the lock or break the door. This way, if something goes wrong, such as triggering a trap or alerting enemies, you can reload and try again without losing progress. Additionally, make sure to have a character with high Perception to spot any traps that might be present. Traps can cause significant damage or even kill your party members if not disarmed properly.

A common mistake players make is rushing through the burning inn without taking the time to explore thoroughly. The fire and collapsing structures can create a sense of urgency, but itÔÇÖs important to remain calm and methodical in your search. Missing the hidden stash means losing out on valuable loot that could be crucial later in the game. Another mistake is not having the right tools or abilities to open locked doors or chests. Make sure your party is well-rounded and includes characters with skills like Sleight of Hand, Perception, and access to utility spells like "Knock" or "Create Water."

For advanced players, optimizing your party composition can make finding and accessing the hidden stash much easier. For example, having a Rogue with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand can make lockpicking a breeze. Similarly, a Wizard or Sorcerer with the "Knock" spell can bypass locked doors and chests entirely. Additionally, using environmental interactions to your advantage, such as extinguishing flames with water or using objects to block fire spread, can create safer paths for your party to navigate.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the process of finding and accessing the hidden stash involves several skill checks and environmental interactions. Lockpicking requires a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check, while spotting traps requires a Wisdom (Perception) check. The "Knock" spell is a 2nd-level transmutation spell that automatically opens locked objects, making it a powerful tool for bypassing locks without needing to roll dice. Environmental hazards like fire and collapsing structures are handled through saving throws and damage rolls, so having high Constitution and Dexterity can help your characters survive these dangers.

In conclusion, finding the hidden stash in Waukeen's Rest requires careful exploration, the right skills and abilities, and a methodical approach to navigating the burning inn. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully locate and access the hidden stash, gaining valuable loot that will aid you in your adventures throughout Baldur's Gate 3.