How do I access the hidden area in the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3?

To access the hidden area in the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a series of steps that involve exploration, puzzle-solving, and careful decision-making. The House of Hope is a location tied to the Archdevil Raphael, and it contains many secrets, including a hidden area that holds valuable treasures and lore. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to access this hidden area.

First, you need to reach the House of Hope. This location is accessible during Act 3 of the game, and you can enter it by interacting with a portal in the Devil's Fee, a shop in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. The shop is run by Helsik, a tiefling who can help you open the portal to the House of Hope. Helsik will ask for a significant amount of gold or a favor in exchange for her services. If you choose to pay her, make sure you have enough gold, as the cost is quite high. Alternatively, you can persuade or intimidate her to lower the price or even help you for free if your character has high Charisma and the appropriate skills.

Once you enter the House of Hope, you will find yourself in a luxurious and eerie environment filled with traps, puzzles, and powerful enemies. The hidden area is located in the boudoir, which is Raphael's private chamber. To access this area, you need to find a way to bypass the magical wards and traps that protect it. The key to unlocking the hidden area lies in solving a puzzle involving a set of paintings and a specific sequence of interactions.

In the boudoir, you will notice several paintings on the walls. These paintings are not just decorative; they are part of a puzzle that you need to solve to reveal the hidden area. Each painting depicts a different scene, and you need to interact with them in a specific order. The correct sequence is based on the story of Raphael's rise to power, and you can find clues about the correct order by exploring the House of Hope and reading various books and notes scattered throughout the area. Pay close attention to any lore or hints that mention Raphael's past, as they will guide you in solving the puzzle.

Once you have determined the correct sequence, interact with the paintings in the following order: the first painting should be the one depicting Raphael's early life, the second should show his first major victory, the third should illustrate his rise to power, and the fourth should represent his current status as an Archdevil. Interacting with the paintings in this order will cause a hidden door to open, revealing the hidden area.

Inside the hidden area, you will find a treasure trove of rare items, including powerful weapons, armor, and magical artifacts. One of the most notable items is the Orphic Hammer, a legendary weapon that can be used to free Orpheus from his chains. This item is crucial if you want to explore certain story paths and endings. Additionally, you will find valuable lore that provides deeper insight into Raphael's character and motivations.

When exploring the hidden area, be prepared for combat. The area is guarded by powerful enemies, including devils and other infernal creatures. Make sure your party is well-equipped and has a balanced composition to handle the challenges. Consider bringing characters with high damage output, such as fighters or rogues, as well as spellcasters who can deal with multiple enemies at once. Healing spells and potions are also essential, as the enemies in this area can deal significant damage.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the puzzle without paying attention to the clues. The paintings must be interacted with in the correct order, and failing to do so will trigger traps or summon additional enemies. Take your time to explore the House of Hope thoroughly and gather all the necessary information before attempting to solve the puzzle.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to avoid unnecessary combat and conserve resources. Characters with high Dexterity and the Stealth skill can sneak past enemies and traps, making it easier to reach the hidden area. Additionally, using spells like Invisibility or Misty Step can help you bypass obstacles and reach the treasure more quickly.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the puzzle in the House of Hope is a great example of how the game incorporates skill checks and problem-solving into its exploration. The paintings puzzle requires players to use their Investigation and Perception skills to find clues and determine the correct sequence. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay and encourages players to think critically and pay attention to the environment.

In conclusion, accessing the hidden area in the House of Hope requires careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic combat. By following the steps outlined above and paying attention to the clues, you can uncover the secrets of Raphael's private chamber and claim the valuable treasures within. Remember to prepare your party for the challenges ahead and use advanced techniques to optimize your chances of success. Happy exploring!