What is the solution to the puzzle in the Gauntlet of Shar in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Gauntlet of Shar in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging dungeon filled with puzzles, traps, and enemies that test both your problem-solving skills and combat abilities. One of the key puzzles in this area involves navigating through a series of trials designed by Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss. These trials are meant to test your devotion to her ideals, and solving them is essential to progressing through the dungeon and accessing the inner sanctum. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to solve the puzzle in the Gauntlet of Shar.

The Gauntlet of Shar consists of three main trials: the Soft-Step Trial, the Self-Same Trial, and the Faith-Leap Trial. Each trial has its own unique mechanics and challenges, but they all revolve around themes of stealth, self-reflection, and trust in the darkness. To begin, youÔÇÖll need to interact with the Umbral Gem pedestals located in the central chamber of the Gauntlet. Each trial rewards you with an Umbral Gem upon completion, and youÔÇÖll need three gems to unlock the inner sanctum.

The Soft-Step Trial is the first trial youÔÇÖll encounter. This trial tests your ability to remain unseen and avoid detection. The room is filled with shadow creatures that will attack if they spot you. To complete this trial, youÔÇÖll need to navigate through the room without being detected. The key to success here is stealth. Make sure your party is equipped with stealth-enhancing abilities or items, such as the Pass Without Trace spell or items that grant invisibility. You can also use distractions, like throwing objects to lure the creatures away from your path. Move slowly and carefully, using the environment to your advantage. Once you reach the end of the room, interact with the Umbral Gem pedestal to claim your reward.

The Self-Same Trial is the second trial and focuses on self-reflection. When you enter the trial room, youÔÇÖll be confronted by shadowy versions of your own party members. These clones have the same abilities and equipment as your characters, making them formidable opponents. The key to winning this trial is to focus on defeating your own clone first. Once your clone is defeated, the other clones will become weaker and easier to handle. Use crowd control spells and abilities to manage the fight, and make sure to heal and buff your party as needed. After defeating all the clones, interact with the Umbral Gem pedestal to complete the trial.

The Faith-Leap Trial is the final trial and tests your ability to trust in the darkness. This trial involves navigating through a dark room filled with invisible platforms. The platforms are only visible when illuminated by a light source, but the trial requires you to trust in the darkness and step onto the invisible platforms without light. To complete this trial, youÔÇÖll need to carefully move forward, testing each step to ensure youÔÇÖre on solid ground. Use the environment to guide you, such as the faint outlines of the platforms or the sound of your footsteps. Once you reach the end of the room, interact with the Umbral Gem pedestal to claim your final reward.

After completing all three trials, return to the central chamber and place the Umbral Gems into the pedestals to unlock the inner sanctum. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as the sanctum is guarded by powerful enemies. Make sure your party is well-rested and equipped with the necessary spells and items before proceeding.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the trials without proper preparation, failing to use stealth effectively in the Soft-Step Trial, and not focusing on your own clone in the Self-Same Trial. Advanced techniques include using spells like Misty Step or Dimension Door to bypass obstacles, and optimizing your partyÔÇÖs abilities to handle the unique challenges of each trial.

In terms of D&D rules, the trials in the Gauntlet of Shar are designed to test specific skills and abilities, such as stealth, perception, and combat prowess. The mechanics of the trials are closely tied to the D&D 5E ruleset, with abilities like stealth checks, perception checks, and combat rolls playing a key role in your success.

By following these strategies and tips, youÔÇÖll be able to successfully navigate the Gauntlet of Shar and unlock the inner sanctum, bringing you one step closer to completing your journey in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.