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

To access the secret area in Waukeen's Rest in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully explore the environment and solve a few puzzles. 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 secret area is not immediately obvious, and accessing it requires some exploration and interaction with the environment. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and access this hidden area.

First, when you arrive at Waukeen's Rest, you will notice that the inn is on fire. Your primary objective is to help the people trapped inside, but there is also a hidden area that contains valuable loot and additional story elements. To access this secret area, you need to explore the building thoroughly. Start by entering the burning inn through the main entrance. Be cautious of the fire and collapsing debris, as they can cause damage to your party. Use spells like Create Water or items that can extinguish flames to make your exploration safer.

Once inside, head to the second floor of the inn. You will find a room with a locked door. This door is the key to accessing the secret area. To unlock it, you need to find a key or use a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand to pick the lock. If you choose to pick the lock, make sure you have a character like Astarion or a Rogue in your party, as they are more likely to succeed in this task. Alternatively, you can use the Knock spell, which automatically opens locked doors without requiring a key or a skill check.

After unlocking the door, you will find a hidden room with a chest and some valuable items. However, the real secret lies beneath this room. Look for a trapdoor or a hidden hatch on the floor. This hatch is not immediately visible, so you need to search the area carefully. Use the search function or have a character with high Perception to spot the hidden hatch. Once you find it, interact with it to open it and reveal a ladder leading down to a secret basement.

In the basement, you will encounter a hidden area filled with traps and enemies. Be prepared for combat, as there are likely to be hostile creatures guarding the area. Use stealth to avoid triggering traps and ambushes. Characters with high Stealth, like Rogues or Rangers, can scout ahead and disarm traps using their Thieves' Tools. If you prefer a more direct approach, you can trigger the traps from a safe distance using ranged attacks or spells.

The secret area contains several valuable items, including rare weapons, armor, and gold. There may also be hidden lore or story elements that provide additional context to the events at Waukeen's Rest. Make sure to thoroughly search the area for any hidden compartments or additional secrets. Some containers may require a Perception check to find, so having a character with high Perception is beneficial.

One common mistake players make is rushing through the area without thoroughly exploring it. The secret area is well-hidden, and it is easy to miss if you are not paying attention. Take your time to search every corner of the inn, especially the second floor and the basement. Another mistake is not being prepared for combat. The enemies in the secret area can be challenging, so make sure your party is well-equipped and has enough healing items before venturing into the basement.

Advanced techniques include using spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace to avoid detection and bypass traps. These spells can make it easier to explore the area without triggering combat or traps. Additionally, using characters with high Perception and Investigation skills can help you find hidden items and secrets that you might otherwise miss.

In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics involved in accessing the secret area are based on skill checks like Perception, Investigation, and Sleight of Hand. These skills are crucial for finding hidden objects, disarming traps, and unlocking doors. The game implements these rules by requiring players to pass skill checks to access certain areas or items. Understanding how these skills work and building your characters accordingly can greatly enhance your exploration experience.

In summary, accessing the secret area in Waukeen's Rest requires careful exploration, solving puzzles, and being prepared for combat. Use characters with high Perception and Sleight of Hand to find and unlock hidden doors, and be cautious of traps and enemies in the basement. Take your time to thoroughly search the area for valuable items and hidden lore. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully uncover the secrets of Waukeen's Rest and gain valuable rewards.