Where can I find the hidden Infernal Iron in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Infernal Iron is a rare and valuable material that plays a significant role in certain companion quests, particularly those involving Karlach, the tiefling companion. Finding Infernal Iron can be challenging because it is hidden in specific locations and requires careful exploration. Below is a detailed guide on how to locate Infernal Iron, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure you don't miss it.

First, it's important to understand the mechanics of Infernal Iron. This material is used to upgrade Karlach's infernal engine, a device embedded in her chest that grants her unique abilities but also causes her pain. To progress her personal quest, you need to find Infernal Iron and bring it to Dammon, a tiefling blacksmith who can use it to improve her condition. Infernal Iron is not a common loot item, so you must explore specific areas where it is hidden.

One of the earliest locations where you can find Infernal Iron is in the Blighted Village. After entering the village, head to the blacksmith's forge. Inside the forge, you will find a locked chest. To open it, you can either pick the lock using a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand, or you can find the key nearby. The key is located on a table in the same building. Once you open the chest, you will find a piece of Infernal Iron. This is a relatively easy location to access early in the game, so make sure to check it out as soon as you reach the village.

Another location where Infernal Iron can be found is in the Goblin Camp. After infiltrating the camp, head to the Shattered Sanctum, where you will find a room with a large statue of Maglubiyet, the goblin god. In this room, there is a hidden compartment behind the statue. To access it, you need to pass a Perception check to notice the hidden mechanism. Once you find the compartment, you can retrieve another piece of Infernal Iron. This location is more challenging because it requires you to navigate through hostile goblins, so make sure your party is prepared for combat.

A third location is the Underdark, specifically in the Grymforge area. After reaching the Grymforge, explore the area thoroughly. You will come across a locked door that requires a key. The key can be found on a nearby corpse. Once you unlock the door, you will find a room with a forge and a piece of Infernal Iron. This location is more advanced and requires you to have progressed further in the game, so it's best to tackle it after you have a stronger party.

When searching for Infernal Iron, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always have a character with high Perception in your party. This will help you spot hidden compartments and traps that might lead to valuable loot. Second, make sure to explore every nook and cranny of the areas you visit. Infernal Iron is often hidden in out-of-the-way places that are easy to miss if you're not thorough. Third, be prepared for combat in some of these locations, especially the Goblin Camp and the Underdark. Having a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities will make it easier to retrieve the Infernal Iron without losing party members.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through areas without exploring thoroughly and neglecting to bring a character with high Perception. Additionally, some players might forget to return to Dammon after finding Infernal Iron, which is necessary to progress Karlach's quest. Make sure to keep track of your objectives and return to Dammon whenever you find a new piece of Infernal Iron.

Advanced techniques include using spells like Detect Thoughts or Speak with Dead to gather information about hidden locations. These spells can provide clues that lead you to Infernal Iron. Additionally, using stealth to avoid combat in hostile areas can save resources and make it easier to retrieve the material without unnecessary fights.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Infernal Iron is a unique material that doesn't have a direct counterpart in the standard D&D 5E rules. However, it functions similarly to rare crafting materials in other RPGs, requiring specific knowledge and skills to use effectively. The process of upgrading Karlach's infernal engine is akin to crafting magical items, which in D&D 5E typically requires proficiency in Arcana or similar skills.

In conclusion, finding Infernal Iron in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful exploration, attention to detail, and preparation for combat. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully locate this valuable material and use it to enhance Karlach's abilities. Remember to explore thoroughly, use your party's skills effectively, and return to Dammon to make the most of your discoveries.