Where is the hidden chest in the Zhentarim Hideout in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden chest in the Zhentarim Hideout in Baldur's Gate 3 is a well-guarded secret that requires careful exploration and a bit of cunning to uncover. This chest is part of the Zhentarim's smuggling operation, and accessing it involves navigating through the hideout, dealing with its inhabitants, and solving a small puzzle. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to find and access the hidden chest, along with tips and considerations to help you succeed.

First, you need to reach the Zhentarim Hideout, which is located in the Shattered Sanctum within the Goblin Camp. To get there, you must either fight your way through the goblins or use diplomacy to gain access. Once inside the Shattered Sanctum, look for a room with a large wooden door guarded by a goblin named Grat the Trader. This door leads to the Zhentarim Hideout. You can either persuade Grat to let you in or find another way to bypass him, such as using stealth or distracting him.

Once inside the hideout, youÔÇÖll encounter several Zhentarim agents. These NPCs are hostile by default, but you can avoid combat by using dialogue options to convince them that youÔÇÖre not a threat. If you choose to fight, be prepared for a tough battle, as the Zhentarim are skilled fighters. After dealing with the agents, explore the hideout thoroughly. The hidden chest is located in a secret room, which is not immediately obvious.

To find the secret room, look for a bookshelf in the main area of the hideout. This bookshelf is actually a hidden door. Interact with it to reveal a hidden passage. Inside the passage, youÔÇÖll find the hidden chest. However, the chest is locked and trapped, so youÔÇÖll need to disarm the trap and pick the lock to access its contents. This requires a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand. If you donÔÇÖt have such a character in your party, consider using a spell like Knock to open the chest, or use a scroll or potion to temporarily boost your Dexterity.

When disarming the trap, be cautious. If you fail the disarm attempt, the trap will trigger, potentially causing damage or alerting nearby enemies. Save your game before attempting to disarm the trap to avoid losing progress. Once the trap is disarmed and the chest is unlocked, you can loot its contents, which typically include valuable items like gold, gems, and rare equipment.

Important tips and considerations include ensuring your party is well-prepared before entering the hideout. Make sure you have a character with high Dexterity and Sleight of Hand proficiency, or have spells and items that can assist in lockpicking and trap disarming. Additionally, consider the consequences of your actions. If you choose to fight the Zhentarim, be aware that this may affect your reputation with other factions in the game. On the other hand, using diplomacy can open up additional quests and rewards.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the hideout without proper preparation. The Zhentarim are formidable opponents, and engaging them without a plan can lead to a quick defeat. Also, failing to save your game before attempting to disarm the trap can result in lost progress if things go wrong.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to bypass the Zhentarim agents entirely. If you have a character with high Stealth, you can sneak past the guards and reach the hidden chest without alerting anyone. This approach requires careful movement and timing but can save you from a potentially difficult fight.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the process of finding and accessing the hidden chest involves skills like Perception to notice the hidden door, Sleight of Hand to pick the lock and disarm the trap, and Stealth to avoid detection. These skills are governed by your characterÔÇÖs Dexterity and proficiency bonuses, so having a character with high Dexterity and relevant proficiencies is crucial.

Specific examples and scenarios include a situation where your party lacks a character with high Dexterity. In this case, you might need to rely on spells like Knock or use items that temporarily boost your Dexterity. Another scenario is if you fail to disarm the trap, leading to a combat encounter with the Zhentarim. In such cases, having a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities can help you overcome the challenge.

In conclusion, finding the hidden chest in the Zhentarim Hideout requires careful exploration, strategic planning, and the right set of skills. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully uncover this hidden treasure and reap its rewards.