Where is the hidden vault in the Counting House in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden vault in the Counting House in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the game's most intriguing secrets, requiring careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and sometimes combat to access. This vault is part of the Lower City area in Act 3, and it holds valuable treasures, including gold, rare items, and potentially powerful equipment. To access the vault, you need to navigate the Counting House's secure areas, bypass its defenses, and solve a puzzle involving the vault's mechanisms. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to reach the Counting House, which is located in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. The Counting House is a large, secure building that serves as a bank, and it is heavily guarded. To gain entry, you can either use persuasion or deception to talk your way in, or you can find alternative methods, such as sneaking in through less obvious routes. If you choose the diplomatic approach, having a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception will be helpful. Alternatively, you can use stealth and invisibility spells to bypass guards and enter unnoticed.

Once inside, you need to locate the vault area. The Counting House has multiple floors, and the vault is located in the basement. To reach the basement, you need to find a way to access the lower levels. This can be done by finding a key or a passcode, or by picking locks on doors leading downward. If you have a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand, lockpicking is a viable option. Otherwise, you may need to search for keys or clues hidden in the building.

The vault itself is protected by a complex locking mechanism that requires solving a puzzle. The puzzle involves interacting with a series of levers and pressure plates in a specific sequence. The correct sequence is not immediately obvious, so you may need to experiment or find clues within the Counting House. Some players have reported finding notes or journals that hint at the correct order, so be sure to thoroughly explore the area and interact with any documents or objects that might provide useful information.

One common mistake players make is rushing through the puzzle without paying attention to the clues. The vaultÔÇÖs mechanism is designed to be challenging, and failing to solve it correctly can trigger traps or alarms, alerting the guards and making the situation more difficult. Take your time to observe the environment and look for any hints that might guide you to the correct solution. If you have a character with high Intelligence or proficiency in Investigation, they may be able to deduce the correct sequence more easily.

Once you solve the puzzle and unlock the vault, you will gain access to its treasures. The vault contains a significant amount of gold, as well as rare items and equipment that can be valuable for your party. Be prepared for potential combat, as the vault may be guarded by powerful enemies or traps. Having a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities and utility spells will help you handle any threats that arise.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize your approach by using spells like Invisibility, Misty Step, or Knock to bypass obstacles and gain access to restricted areas. Additionally, having a character with the Dispel Magic spell can be useful for neutralizing magical traps or barriers. If you are playing on higher difficulty levels, consider bringing along a character with high Perception to detect hidden traps and avoid triggering them.

From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of the vault puzzle and its defenses are consistent with the gameÔÇÖs implementation of 5th Edition rules. The use of ability checks, such as Perception, Investigation, and Sleight of Hand, reflects the importance of character skills in overcoming challenges. The presence of traps and combat encounters also aligns with the D&D tradition of balancing exploration with risk and reward.

In summary, accessing the hidden vault in the Counting House requires a combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and sometimes combat. By carefully navigating the Counting House, solving the vaultÔÇÖs puzzle, and preparing for potential threats, you can successfully unlock the vault and claim its treasures. Pay attention to clues, use your partyÔÇÖs abilities wisely, and be ready for anything the game throws at you. This secret is a rewarding challenge that adds depth to the gameÔÇÖs exploration and provides valuable rewards for your efforts.