Where is the secret room in the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3?

The secret room in the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3 is a hidden area that contains valuable loot and important story-related items. To access this room, you need to solve a puzzle involving a specific set of conditions and interactions. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and enter the secret room, along with tips and considerations to help you succeed.

First, you need to reach the House of Hope, which is located in the city of Baldur's Gate. This area becomes accessible during Act 3 of the game. Once you are inside the House of Hope, you will need to explore the building thoroughly. The secret room is located in the basement, but it is not immediately obvious. You will need to look for clues and interact with the environment to uncover the entrance.

The key to finding the secret room lies in a series of paintings and a hidden lever. In the basement, you will notice several paintings on the walls. One of these paintings is different from the others and has a unique symbol on it. This painting is the key to unlocking the secret room. You need to interact with this painting to reveal a hidden lever behind it. Pulling this lever will open a hidden door that leads to the secret room.

However, simply finding the lever is not enough. You also need to solve a puzzle to activate it. The puzzle involves aligning the symbols on the painting with the symbols on the floor. There are four symbols in total, and you need to match them correctly. This requires careful observation and some trial and error. Once the symbols are aligned, the lever will become active, and you can pull it to open the hidden door.

When entering the secret room, be prepared for potential combat encounters. The room is guarded by powerful enemies, so make sure your party is well-equipped and ready for a fight. It is also a good idea to save your game before attempting to enter the room, in case things go wrong.

Inside the secret room, you will find a variety of valuable items, including rare weapons, armor, and magical artifacts. There are also important story-related items that can provide additional context and depth to the game's narrative. Take your time to explore the room thoroughly and collect everything of value.

One common mistake players make is rushing through the basement without paying attention to the details. The paintings and symbols are easy to miss if you are not looking carefully. Make sure to examine every corner of the basement and interact with all the paintings to find the correct one.

Another mistake is not being prepared for the combat encounter inside the secret room. The enemies guarding the room are tough, and if your party is not ready, you could find yourself in a difficult situation. Make sure to have healing items, buffs, and strong spells ready before entering.

Advanced techniques for this puzzle include using spells like Detect Magic or Identify to help locate the hidden lever and symbols. These spells can highlight important objects and make the puzzle easier to solve. Additionally, having a character with high Perception can help you spot the hidden details more easily.

In terms of D&D rules, the puzzle and hidden room mechanics are inspired by traditional tabletop RPG elements. The use of Perception checks to find hidden objects and the need for careful observation and problem-solving are classic D&D tropes. The combat encounter inside the room also follows standard D&D rules, with enemies using abilities and tactics that are consistent with their stat blocks.

In summary, finding the secret room in the House of Hope requires careful exploration, attention to detail, and some puzzle-solving skills. By following the steps outlined above and being prepared for the challenges inside, you can successfully uncover this hidden area and reap the rewards it offers.