How do I access the hidden area in the Moonrise Towers in Baldur's Gate 3?

To access the hidden area in Moonrise Towers in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to explore the area thoroughly and solve a few puzzles. The hidden area is located in the lower levels of the towers, and it contains valuable loot, unique encounters, and important story elements. Here is a detailed guide on how to access this hidden area.

First, you need to reach Moonrise Towers. This location becomes accessible during Act 2 of the game. You can get there by following the main storyline, which will lead you to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Once you arrive at Moonrise Towers, you will need to gain entry. This can be done by either infiltrating the towers or by gaining the trust of the Absolute cultists. Both methods have their own challenges and consequences, so choose the one that best fits your playstyle.

Once inside Moonrise Towers, you need to explore the lower levels. The hidden area is located in the basement, which can be accessed through a secret door. To find this door, you need to look for a bookshelf in the library area. The bookshelf is actually a hidden door that can be opened by solving a puzzle. The puzzle involves finding a specific book and placing it in the correct position on the shelf. The book you need is called "The Necromancy of Thay," and it can be found earlier in the game. If you don't have it, you can still solve the puzzle by using a character with high Perception to detect the hidden mechanism.

After opening the secret door, you will find yourself in a hidden passage that leads to the basement. The basement is filled with traps and enemies, so proceed with caution. You will encounter several cultists and undead creatures, so make sure your party is well-prepared for combat. It is recommended to have a balanced party with a mix of melee and ranged fighters, as well as a healer. Spells like Detect Traps and Disarm Traps can be very useful in this area.

As you explore the basement, you will come across a large chamber with a central altar. This altar is the key to accessing the deepest part of the hidden area. To activate the altar, you need to place a specific item on it. The item you need is the Moonlantern, which can be obtained earlier in the game. If you don't have the Moonlantern, you can still proceed by using a character with high Arcana to decipher the runes on the altar and activate it manually.

Once the altar is activated, a hidden door will open, revealing a staircase that leads to the deepest part of the hidden area. This area contains powerful enemies and valuable loot, including rare weapons and armor. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the enemies here are some of the strongest you will encounter in the game. It is recommended to use crowd control spells and abilities to manage the enemies and focus on taking them down one by one.

In addition to the combat challenges, the hidden area also contains several puzzles and traps. These can be bypassed by using skills like Perception, Investigation, and Thieves' Tools. It is important to take your time and carefully examine your surroundings to avoid triggering traps or missing hidden items.

One common mistake players make is rushing through the area without properly preparing their party. This can lead to unnecessary deaths and missed opportunities. Make sure to rest and heal your party before entering the hidden area, and bring plenty of healing potions and scrolls. Another mistake is not exploring thoroughly, which can result in missing valuable loot and important story elements. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny, and use skills like Perception and Investigation to find hidden items and secrets.

Advanced techniques for accessing the hidden area include using stealth to avoid combat and traps, and using spells like Invisibility and Pass Without Trace to bypass enemies. These techniques require careful planning and execution, but they can make the area much easier to navigate. Additionally, using characters with high Intelligence and Wisdom can help you solve puzzles and decipher runes more easily.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the hidden area in Moonrise Towers is a great example of how the game incorporates exploration and puzzle-solving into its design. The use of Perception, Investigation, and Arcana checks reflects the importance of these skills in the tabletop version of D&D. The combat encounters in the area also showcase the game's implementation of D&D 5E rules, with enemies using abilities and tactics that are true to their tabletop counterparts.

Overall, accessing the hidden area in Moonrise Towers is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following this guide and using the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully navigate the area and uncover its many secrets. Whether you're looking for powerful loot, unique encounters, or important story elements, the hidden area in Moonrise Towers has something for every player.