How do I find the hidden entrance to the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3?

To find the hidden entrance to the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to navigate a series of steps that involve exploration, dialogue, and sometimes combat. The House of Hope is a secret location tied to the character Raphael, a devil who plays a significant role in the game's story. This area is not part of the main questline, so discovering it requires careful attention to details and interactions with certain NPCs.

First, you need to encounter Raphael in Act 1. He appears in the Druid Grove or the Goblin Camp, offering you a deal. While you don't have to accept his deal, interacting with him is crucial because it sets the stage for later encounters. Raphael will mention the House of Hope, hinting at its existence and importance. Pay close attention to his dialogue, as it provides clues about how to proceed.

In Act 2, you will find more information about the House of Hope in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Specifically, you need to visit the Last Light Inn and speak with the NPC named Mol. Mol is a tiefling child who has made a deal with Raphael. Through dialogue with Mol and other tieflings, you can learn more about Raphael's influence and the House of Hope. This information is vital because it gives you context and motivation to seek out the hidden entrance.

The actual entrance to the House of Hope is located in Act 3, in the city of Baldur's Gate. To find it, you need to explore the Lower City. Look for a building called the Devil's Fee, which is a shop run by a tiefling named Helsik. Helsik is a key figure in gaining access to the House of Hope. She has the knowledge and items necessary to open a portal to Raphael's domain.

When you enter the Devil's Fee, engage in conversation with Helsik. She will offer to help you open a portal to the House of Hope, but it comes at a cost. Helsik will provide you with a list of rare and expensive components needed for the ritual. These components include items like a diamond, a skull, and infernal iron. Gathering these items can be time-consuming, so it's a good idea to start collecting them early in the game if you suspect you'll want to visit the House of Hope.

Once you have all the required components, return to Helsik and give them to her. She will perform the ritual, opening a portal to the House of Hope. Step through the portal, and you will find yourself in Raphael's domain. Be prepared for a challenging experience, as the House of Hope is filled with powerful enemies and traps. It's advisable to have a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities and healing options.

One common mistake players make is not paying attention to Raphael's dialogue in Act 1. His hints are subtle but crucial for understanding how to proceed. Another mistake is neglecting to gather the ritual components early, which can delay your progress. Additionally, some players underestimate the difficulty of the House of Hope, so make sure your party is well-equipped and leveled before entering.

Advanced techniques include using stealth and invisibility to bypass some of the tougher enemies in the House of Hope. Spells like Invisibility and Pass Without Trace can be invaluable for avoiding unnecessary combat. Additionally, having a character with high Perception can help you detect and disarm traps, making your journey through the House of Hope safer.

In terms of D&D rules, the House of Hope is a plane of existence separate from the Material Plane. This means that certain spells and abilities that affect planar travel, such as Plane Shift, could theoretically be used to access it. However, in Baldur's Gate 3, the ritual performed by Helsik is the primary method of entry.

Specific examples of challenges in the House of Hope include dealing with Raphael's minions, navigating the treacherous layout, and solving puzzles to unlock certain areas. One notable encounter is with the Orthon, a powerful devil who serves Raphael. Defeating the Orthon requires careful strategy, as he has high health and deals significant damage.

In summary, finding the hidden entrance to the House of Hope involves a combination of careful exploration, dialogue, and preparation. Pay attention to Raphael's hints, gather the necessary ritual components, and be ready for a challenging experience once you enter. With the right strategy and preparation, you can successfully navigate the House of Hope and uncover its secrets.