What is the best way to find the hidden cave in the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur's Gate 3?

Finding the hidden cave in the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful exploration and attention to environmental clues. The Shadow-Cursed Lands are a dangerous and mysterious area filled with darkness, cursed creatures, and hidden secrets. The hidden cave is one such secret, and accessing it involves a combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you locate and enter the hidden cave.

First, you need to reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This area becomes accessible after you complete the first act of the game and progress through the Mountain Pass or the Underdark. Once you arrive, youÔÇÖll notice the oppressive darkness and the need for light sources to avoid the shadow curse. Make sure your party is equipped with torches, light spells, or other sources of illumination to navigate safely.

The hidden cave is located near the Last Light Inn, a key location in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. From the inn, head east towards the river. YouÔÇÖll come across a broken bridge. Cross the bridge carefully, as the area is patrolled by shadow-cursed creatures. Use stealth or combat to deal with any threats. Once across, follow the riverbank south until you reach a rocky outcrop. This is where the hidden cave is located, but itÔÇÖs not immediately visible.

To reveal the entrance to the cave, you need to interact with the environment. Look for a large, moss-covered rock near the riverbank. This rock has a faintly glowing rune on it. Interacting with the rune will trigger a perception check. If you pass the check, youÔÇÖll notice that the rock is actually a hidden door. Characters with high perception or investigation skills, such as rogues or wizards, have a better chance of spotting the rune. If you fail the check, you can use spells like Detect Magic or Guidance to boost your chances.

Once youÔÇÖve found the rune, you need to solve a simple puzzle to open the door. The rune will display a sequence of symbols. You need to interact with the symbols in the correct order to unlock the door. The sequence is randomized, so youÔÇÖll need to pay attention to the clues provided. If you make a mistake, the rune will reset, and youÔÇÖll have to try again. Take your time and observe the patterns carefully.

After solving the puzzle, the rock will slide aside, revealing the entrance to the hidden cave. Before entering, make sure your party is prepared for combat. The cave is home to shadow-cursed creatures and possibly other enemies. Equip your party with weapons and spells that deal radiant damage, as these are particularly effective against shadow-cursed foes. Spells like Daylight or Spirit Guardians can be very useful in this environment.

Inside the cave, youÔÇÖll find a mix of treasure and danger. Explore carefully, as there are traps and hidden enemies. Use your rogueÔÇÖs stealth and trap-disarming skills to navigate safely. The cave contains several chests with valuable loot, including rare weapons, armor, and magical items. ThereÔÇÖs also a chance to find unique items related to the shadow curse, which can provide useful bonuses or story-related benefits.

One common mistake is rushing into the cave without proper preparation. The shadow-cursed creatures are tough, and the darkness can be disorienting. Make sure your party is well-rested and has plenty of healing potions and spell slots available. Another mistake is ignoring the environmental clues. The rune and the puzzle are key to accessing the cave, so take your time to observe and interact with the surroundings.

Advanced techniques include using spells like Pass Without Trace to avoid combat altogether or using area-of-effect spells to deal with groups of enemies quickly. If you have a character with high charisma, you can also try to persuade or deceive any hostile NPCs you encounter, potentially avoiding combat entirely.

In terms of D&D rules, the perception and investigation checks are based on your characterÔÇÖs abilities and skills. The shadow-cursed creatures follow the standard rules for undead, with vulnerabilities to radiant damage and resistance to necrotic damage. The puzzle mechanics are a creative implementation of the gameÔÇÖs interactive environment, encouraging players to think critically and observe their surroundings.

In summary, finding the hidden cave in the Shadow-Cursed Lands involves careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat preparation. Pay attention to environmental clues, use your partyÔÇÖs skills effectively, and be ready for the challenges inside the cave. With the right approach, you can uncover valuable treasures and gain an advantage in your journey through BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.