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 explore the area carefully and solve a few environmental puzzles. Waukeen's Rest is a location in Act 1, and it is a burning inn where you can find several NPCs in distress. 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. The secret area is located in the basement of the inn, and to access it, you need to find a way to enter the basement. The entrance to the basement is not straightforward, and you will need to use your wits and possibly some spells or abilities to get there.

To begin, you should explore the ground floor of the inn. There are several rooms on this level, and one of them contains a locked door that leads to the basement. The door is locked, and you will need to find a way to open it. One way to do this is to pick the lock if you have a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand. Alternatively, you can use a spell like Knock to unlock the door if you have a spellcaster in your party. If you do not have these options, you can also look for a key. The key is held by an NPC named Benryn, who is trapped in one of the burning rooms on the upper floor of the inn. You will need to rescue him to get the key.

Once you have the key or have unlocked the door, you can enter the basement. The basement is dark and filled with debris, so you will need to navigate carefully. There are several traps in the basement, so it is a good idea to have a character with high Perception to detect and disarm them. You can also use spells like Detect Magic or Detect Traps to help you find and avoid these hazards. As you explore the basement, you will find several crates and barrels that contain valuable loot, including gold, potions, and magical items.

One of the most important items in the basement is a hidden chest that contains a rare magical item. The chest is hidden behind a false wall, and you will need to interact with the environment to find it. Look for a section of the wall that looks different from the rest, and use the Examine action to reveal the hidden chest. Inside the chest, you will find a powerful magical item that can be very useful in combat.

There are also several enemies in the basement, including rats and other small creatures. These enemies are not very powerful, but they can be annoying if you are not prepared. Make sure to have your party ready for combat, and use area-of-effect spells or abilities to deal with multiple enemies at once. If you have a character with high Stealth, you can also try to sneak past these enemies to avoid unnecessary combat.

In terms of character building, having a rogue or a ranger in your party can be very helpful for accessing the secret area. These classes have abilities that make it easier to pick locks, detect traps, and sneak past enemies. A wizard or sorcerer with the Knock spell can also be very useful for unlocking the door to the basement. If you are playing as a fighter or a barbarian, you may need to rely on your party members to help you access the secret area.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the area without thoroughly exploring it. The secret area is well-hidden, and you will need to take your time to find all the hidden items and passages. Another mistake is not being prepared for combat. While the enemies in the basement are not very powerful, they can still pose a threat if you are not careful. Make sure to have your party fully healed and ready for combat before entering the basement.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can use spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace to sneak past enemies and avoid combat. You can also use spells like Mage Hand to interact with objects from a distance, which can be useful for disarming traps or opening chests. If you have a character with high Strength, you can also try to break down the locked door to the basement, although this will make a lot of noise and may alert nearby enemies.

In conclusion, accessing the secret area in Waukeen's Rest requires careful exploration and interaction with the environment. You will need to find a way to unlock the door to the basement, navigate through traps and enemies, and search for hidden items. Having a well-rounded party with a mix of combat, stealth, and magical abilities will make it easier to access the secret area and reap the rewards. Take your time, be prepared for combat, and use your abilities wisely to uncover all the secrets that Waukeen's Rest has to offer.