How do I access the hidden area in the Temple of Lathander in Baldur's Gate 3?

To access the hidden area in the Temple of Lathander in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to solve a series of puzzles and navigate through the temple's defenses. This hidden area contains valuable loot, including the legendary weapon known as the Dawnmaster's Crest, and provides deeper insight into the lore of the temple. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to reach the Temple of Lathander, which is located in the Mountain Pass area. This area becomes accessible after you complete the Goblin Camp storyline or choose to bypass it. Once you arrive at the temple, youÔÇÖll notice itÔÇÖs heavily guarded by Githyanki warriors and other enemies. Clearing these enemies is the first step, but be prepared for a tough fight. Make sure your party is well-equipped and has a balanced mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities.

After dealing with the enemies, head to the main chamber of the temple. Here, youÔÇÖll find a large statue of Lathander and several pressure plates on the floor. These pressure plates are part of a puzzle that unlocks the hidden area. The key to solving this puzzle is to place heavy objects on the correct pressure plates. You can use items like crates, barrels, or even your party members to weigh down the plates. The correct combination involves placing objects on the plates that correspond to the symbols on the statue. Look closely at the statue for clues, as the symbols are often depicted in a specific order.

Once the correct pressure plates are activated, a hidden door will open, revealing a passage to the lower levels of the temple. Be cautious as you proceed, as this area is filled with traps and additional enemies. Disarming traps requires a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in the Sleight of Hand skill. If you donÔÇÖt have such a character, consider using spells like Mage Hand to trigger traps from a safe distance.

As you navigate through the lower levels, youÔÇÖll encounter a series of rotating beams of light. These beams are part of another puzzle that requires precise timing and positioning to avoid. The beams deal significant damage if they hit you, so move carefully and use the environment to your advantage. Look for safe spots where you can pause and plan your next move. This puzzle is a test of patience and observation, so take your time to study the patterns of the beams.

After successfully navigating the beams, youÔÇÖll reach a chamber containing the Dawnmaster's Crest. This legendary weapon is a powerful mace that deals radiant damage and has additional effects that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. However, claiming the crest is not without its challenges. The chamber is guarded by powerful constructs that will attack you as soon as you attempt to take the weapon. Be prepared for a tough fight, and make sure your party is at full health before engaging.

In terms of character building, having a cleric or paladin in your party can be particularly useful in this area, as they can use their divine abilities to heal and protect the party. Additionally, characters with high Perception and Investigation skills will have an easier time spotting traps and hidden mechanisms. If youÔÇÖre playing on higher difficulty levels, consider bringing along a rogue or ranger to handle traps and provide ranged support.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the puzzles without carefully observing the clues, which can lead to unnecessary damage or even death. Another mistake is not preparing adequately for the fights in the temple, as the enemies here are some of the toughest youÔÇÖll encounter in the early game. Make sure to rest and replenish your resources before attempting to access the hidden area.

Advanced techniques involve using spells like Invisibility or Misty Step to bypass certain traps and enemies. These spells can give you a significant advantage, especially if youÔÇÖre playing with a smaller party or on higher difficulty levels. Additionally, using environmental objects to block or redirect the beams of light can make the puzzle easier to solve.

In terms of D&D rules, the puzzles and traps in the Temple of Lathander are designed to test a variety of skills and abilities, reflecting the gameÔÇÖs roots in tabletop RPGs. The pressure plate puzzle, for example, requires a combination of Strength and Intelligence to solve, while the rotating beams test Dexterity and Perception. These mechanics are a great example of how BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 translates traditional D&D gameplay into a digital format.

In conclusion, accessing the hidden area in the Temple of Lathander is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By carefully observing your surroundings, preparing for tough fights, and using your partyÔÇÖs abilities to their fullest, you can uncover the secrets of the temple and claim the powerful Dawnmaster's Crest. This hidden area is a testament to the depth and complexity of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, offering a rich experience for players who are willing to explore and solve its many mysteries.