Where is the hidden entrance to the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden entrance to the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3 is a crucial location for players seeking to confront Raphael, the cunning and manipulative cambion. This area is not immediately obvious and requires careful exploration and interaction with the game world to uncover. The House of Hope is a pocket dimension tied to Raphael, and accessing it involves a series of steps that blend exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to find and enter this hidden location.

To begin, you must first reach Act 3 of the game, as the House of Hope is tied to the later stages of the story. Once in Act 3, you will need to locate the Devil's Fee, a shop in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. The shop is run by Helsik, a tiefling who deals in infernal artifacts and has connections to the Nine Hells. Helsik is the key to accessing the House of Hope, as she possesses the knowledge and tools necessary to open a portal to Raphael's domain.

When you enter the Devil's Fee, engage Helsik in conversation. She will initially be reluctant to help you, but you can persuade her to assist by passing a high Persuasion or Intimidation check. Alternatively, you can offer her a significant amount of gold (around 20,000 gold pieces) to secure her cooperation. Helsik will then provide you with the necessary components to perform a ritual that opens the portal to the House of Hope.

The ritual requires you to place specific items on a pentagram drawn on the floor of Helsik's shop. These items include a diamond, a skull, a ruby, an infernal tome, and a ritual dagger. Helsik will guide you through the process, but itÔÇÖs important to ensure you have these items in your inventory before attempting the ritual. If youÔÇÖre missing any of the required items, Helsik will sell them to you, though this can be expensive.

Once the items are placed correctly, Helsik will instruct you to stand in the center of the pentagram. She will then begin the ritual, summoning a portal to the House of Hope. ItÔÇÖs crucial to ensure your party is fully prepared before stepping through the portal, as the House of Hope is a dangerous area filled with powerful enemies and traps. Make sure your characters are well-equipped with healing potions, scrolls, and any other consumables that might aid in combat.

Upon entering the House of Hope, you will find yourself in a luxurious yet eerie environment. The area is filled with traps, puzzles, and hostile creatures loyal to Raphael. One of the first challenges youÔÇÖll face is navigating the hallways and avoiding or disarming the numerous traps scattered throughout. A character with high Perception and proficiency in ThievesÔÇÖ Tools will be invaluable here, as they can detect and disable traps more effectively.

As you explore the House of Hope, you will encounter several key locations, including RaphaelÔÇÖs private chambers, a grand dining hall, and a library filled with infernal knowledge. Each area offers unique challenges and opportunities for loot. For example, in the library, you can find powerful magical items and scrolls that can aid you in your journey. However, be cautious, as some of these items may be cursed or guarded by powerful enemies.

One of the most significant encounters in the House of Hope is with Raphael himself. He is a formidable opponent with high health, powerful spells, and the ability to summon allies. To defeat him, youÔÇÖll need a well-coordinated strategy that leverages your partyÔÇÖs strengths. For example, a Paladin or Fighter can serve as a tank to absorb damage, while a Wizard or Sorcerer can deal heavy spell damage from a distance. Additionally, using crowd control spells like Hold Monster or Banishment can help manage RaphaelÔÇÖs allies and give your party an advantage in combat.

After defeating Raphael, you will have the opportunity to claim his powerful artifacts, including the Orphic Hammer, which is essential for freeing Orpheus in the gameÔÇÖs later stages. Be sure to thoroughly explore the House of Hope after the battle, as there are many hidden treasures and secrets to uncover.

In summary, accessing the House of Hope requires careful preparation, strategic thinking, and a willingness to engage with the gameÔÇÖs more complex mechanics. By following the steps outlined above and leveraging your partyÔÇÖs strengths, you can successfully navigate this challenging area and reap the rewards it offers. Remember to save frequently, as the House of Hope is a high-stakes environment where mistakes can be costly. With patience and perseverance, youÔÇÖll be able to conquer RaphaelÔÇÖs domain and emerge victorious.