How do I find the hidden entrance to the Counting House in Baldur's Gate 3?

To find the hidden entrance to the Counting House in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to explore the city of Baldur's Gate thoroughly and pay close attention to environmental clues. The Counting House is a significant location in the game, often tied to quests involving wealth, secrets, and powerful factions. The hidden entrance is not immediately obvious, and uncovering it requires a combination of exploration, dialogue, and sometimes combat.

First, you need to reach the city of Baldur's Gate. This is a late-game area, so ensure your party is well-prepared with strong equipment, spells, and consumables. Once in the city, head to the Lower City district, where the Counting House is located. The Counting House is a large, imposing building, but the main entrance is heavily guarded and not accessible without the right credentials or a clever approach.

To find the hidden entrance, start by exploring the area around the Counting House. Look for suspicious or out-of-place elements in the environment, such as loose bricks, hidden switches, or unusual markings on walls. The hidden entrance is often located in a less conspicuous part of the building, such as a side alley or a basement area. Use characters with high Perception or Investigation skills to spot these clues. Characters like Astarion, who has high Dexterity and Perception, are particularly useful for this task.

One common strategy is to speak with NPCs in the area. Some may provide hints or rumors about the hidden entrance. For example, a beggar or a street urchin might mention seeing someone sneaking into the Counting House through a secret passage. Engaging in dialogue and using Persuasion or Intimidation checks can yield valuable information. If you have a character with high Charisma, such as Wyll or a custom character with the Noble background, they can excel in these interactions.

Once you have a lead, head to the suspected location of the hidden entrance. This is often a small, nondescript door or a grate in the ground. You may need to pick the lock or find a key. Characters with high Sleight of Hand, like Astarion or a Rogue, can pick locks easily. If you don't have a key, consider using spells like Knock to open locked doors. However, be cautious, as using magic in public areas can attract unwanted attention from guards or hostile NPCs.

After gaining access to the hidden entrance, be prepared for potential combat encounters. The Counting House is a high-security area, and you may face guards, traps, or even magical wards. Use stealth to avoid detection, or prepare your party for a fight. Spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace can help you move undetected. If combat is unavoidable, focus on disabling enemies quickly and efficiently. Area-of-effect spells like Fireball or crowd-control abilities like Hold Person can turn the tide in your favor.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the area without proper preparation. The Counting House is a dangerous place, and entering without a plan can lead to a quick defeat. Ensure your party is well-rested and has all necessary spells and abilities ready. Another mistake is ignoring environmental clues. The hidden entrance is often hinted at through subtle details, so take your time to explore thoroughly.

Advanced techniques involve using divination spells like Detect Magic or Identify to uncover hidden mechanisms or magical traps. These spells can reveal hidden doors or deactivate magical wards. Additionally, using familiars or summoned creatures to scout ahead can provide valuable information about enemy positions and trap locations.

In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of finding hidden entrances rely heavily on skills like Perception, Investigation, and Sleight of Hand. These skills are governed by your character's ability scores and proficiency bonuses. For example, a character with high Wisdom and proficiency in Perception is more likely to spot hidden doors or traps. Similarly, a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand can pick locks more effectively.

Specific examples include using Astarion to scout ahead and pick locks, while a character like Gale uses Detect Magic to identify magical traps. If you encounter a locked door, you can use a combination of lockpicking and spells like Knock to gain entry. In combat, positioning your party strategically and using crowd-control spells can help you overcome the guards and traps inside the Counting House.

In summary, finding the hidden entrance to the Counting House in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful exploration, strategic use of skills and spells, and thorough preparation. Pay attention to environmental clues, engage with NPCs for hints, and be ready for combat or stealth challenges. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully uncover the hidden entrance and access the secrets within the Counting House.