Baldur’s Gate 3 boasts a vast and intricately crafted world, brimming with hidden gems and secrets waiting for players to uncover. Each area is not only expansive but also meticulously detailed, ensuring that every nook and cranny feels vibrant and immersive. Even the most inconspicuous areas are often adorned with intriguing lore or Easter eggs that deepen the game’s narrative.
The dedication and artistry inherent in this game often leave players in awe, particularly in its more expansive environments. The stunning vistas across different regions are truly breathtaking, with each location offering its own unique charm and set of rewards for those who venture off the beaten path.
10 The Selûne Shrine Offers More Than Just Utility
A Hidden Secret in the Owlbear’s Cave
The Selûne Shrine, located within the owlbear cave, may not be as grand as other sites, but it certainly deserves recognition. This shrine can be easily overlooked, especially since the game encourages players to leave promptly after an encounter with the owlbear mother. The enchanting light that bathes the shrine makes it feel like it is under Selûne’s divine protection.
For players aligned with Selûne, this cave offers some notable interactions. For instance, if you bring Shadowheart with you, she will have insightful remarks to share about the shrine. The proximity of the cave to the forest near the former Moonhaven, now known as the Blighted Village, sparks a narrative where the gilded chest may symbolize a gift intended for a young Selûnite on a journey to maturity.
9 Grymforge: Where Lava Becomes Art
A Once-Proud Sharran Temple by the Ebonlake
Previously a temple dedicated to Shar, Grymforge offers stunning visuals that can rival even the Gauntlet. The breathtaking cutscene as you approach Grymforge highlights its impressive architectural design. Fire lakes scattered throughout the forge create an intense ambiance, enhancing the various battles players face.
Although Grymforge is relatively compact compared to other locations, it hides numerous treasures, such as the legendary Adamantine forge. Discovering these secrets can yield items that are beneficial for subsequent Acts, making a thorough exploration worthwhile.
8 The Enchanting Secluded Cove
A Scenic Spot for a Simple Side Quest
The Emerald Grove is home to stunning views, with its earthy aesthetics epitomized in the cozy cave rooms. My favorite spot is the Secluded Cove, leading down to a beach that, assuming it’s not strewn with dead harpies, is one of the most visually striking sections in the first act.
The cove’s tranquility makes it an ideal backdrop for the harpies’ beguiling nature. Once they are dealt with, players can fully appreciate the landscape. The view along the ascent to the harpy’s nest is remarkable, providing a perfect setting for a beach-themed photo opportunity after ensuring Mirkon’s safety. Adjacent to the beach is a melancholic bear waiting for Halsin’s return, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene.
7 Ebonlake Grotto: A Unique Wonder
A Unique Sanctuary of Sentient Mushrooms
For players venturing through the Underdark to access Act Two, Ebonlake Grotto is an essential stop. This locale is the sole place where players can interact with the enchanting Myconids, a race of colorful, sentient fungi. A breathtaking cutscene unfolds when players assist Sovereign Spaw in seeking vengeance against Nere and the duergar in Grymforge.
If you aim to romance Shadowheart, one of the trade items you can obtain from Blurg is the Night Orchid, a gift that can boost her approval.
While the broader Underdark presents a myriad of perils, the Grotto provides a whimsical escape, ideal for trading loot and resting post-battle. This enchanting space features intriguing characters like Blurg and Omeluum, alongside potential side quest opportunities with Derryth.
6 Akabi’s Jungle: A Vibrant Hazard
A Unique Punishment
If you are daring enough to cheat the Djinni’s wheel at the Circus of the Last Days without becoming a cheese wheel yourself, you’ll find yourself in a stunning jungle inhabited by prehistoric raptor-like creatures. Although this is supposedly a punishment, it offers some of the most richly detailed and vibrant scenery in the game. The overgrown aesthetic here is unlike any other region in Baldur’s Gate 3. Exploring this beautiful area is highly recommended.
Fortunately, the Chult Alioramuses are not particularly formidable, allowing easy exploration within this exclusive locale. The presence of such a breathtaking setting behind a specific interaction underscores the attention to detail that Larian Studios has dedicated to Baldur’s Gate 3. You can find a portal to return to Baldur’s Gate on the opposite side of the area, along with a locked treasure chest containing a legendary weapon.
5 The Gauntlet of Shar: A Beautifully Dark Experience
Stunning Yet Ominous
For those who found Grymforge captivating, the Gauntlet of Shar elevates the experience to a whole new tier. This location draws heavily from classic Dungeons & Dragons dungeons, although some puzzles may challenge players more than others. The haunting aura pervades the Gauntlet, presenting grisly ritual sites within its grand, shadowy corridors.
“Now Lady Shar – she has panache.”- Shadowheart
Traversing the Gauntlet feels akin to wandering through an ancient monument. The splendor of Shar’s fallen acolytes is apparent, with her statues still standing resolutely amid the remnants of Dark Justicar history scattered throughout. The Shadowlands presents a blend of darkness and beauty, with the Gauntlet being one of its crowning achievements.
4 The Astral Plane: An Altered Reality
Among BG3’s Rarest Locations
The enigmatic Astral Plane stands as one of the most pivotal realms in Baldur’s Gate 3, contrasting sharply with the familiar terrain of Faerûn. Here, the starry expanse creates a unique atmosphere that players don’t encounter anywhere else in the game.
Players will traverse this realm multiple times throughout their adventure, especially when conversing with their dream guardian. It appears to serve as a crypt for the remains of deceased deities, though speculation abounds regarding the identity of these entities. Many theorize that the remains belong to Karsus, whose influence becomes increasingly pivotal in the game’s final act.
3 Rosymorn Monastery: A Beautifully Preserved Relic
The Enduring Legacy of Long-Fallen Monks
While many players are tempted to bypass the githyanki crèche, the Rosymorn Monastery is one of the most exquisitely designed locations in BG3. Even if players opt to navigate through the crèche and Mountain Path, they risk overlooking crucial context surrounding the historical narrative of the slaughtered Rosymorn monks at the hands of the gith. Subtle clues within the map allow players to piece together this melancholy history, which is complemented by the monastery’s lingering beauty.
The Blood of Lathander weapon can be discovered beneath the temple, in an exceptionally dramatic setting within the game.
While the interior architecture is stunning, the monastery’s exterior is equally impressive. Taking a cable car down to the entrance provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which is enhanced by the panoramic sights from the monastery’s highest points. The trail leading from the end of Act One is equally picturesque, particularly with landscapes visible from Lady Esther’s makeshift camp.
2 The House of Hope: An Exquisite Retreat
Only the Finest for Raphael
Don’t overlook the House of Hope, as it is not only home to one of the game’s most thrilling boss battles, but it also represents the only significant content players will experience in Avernus. Initially, a more expansive area was planned for Avernus, but it was ultimately cut, rendering the House of Hope even more valuable.
Raphael’s lavish mansion showcases opulent decorations and an array of rare artifacts, making it one of the best locations to explore.
Highlights to Discover in the House of Hope
- Feast Hall
- Chamber of Egress
- Boudoir
- Archive
My personal favorite within the House of Hope is the Chamber of Egress, where a collection of portals to various regions of Faerûn resides. Unfortunately, these portals remain shut, but they present an excellent opportunity for a modded side quest. Each portal offers a glimpse of the destination and can trigger brief voice lines that describe the location, including a rare look at Menzoberranzan within Baldur’s Gate 3.
1 Wyrm’s Lookout: The Ultimate Perspective
Your Adventure Continues
It’s only fitting to place Wyrm’s Lookout at the pinnacle of this list, particularly the camp you access entering Act Three. Here, players will be treated to a cinematic cutscene revealing the city of Baldur’s Gate, accentuating the significance of their journey. There may be a temptation to rush past this area to dive straight into the storyline, but I urge you to linger here a bit before continuing.
2nd location to hear “I Want to Live”at Wyrm’s Lookout by u/Elite_Goose_1 in BaldursGate3
While other areas in the third act certainly deserve recognition, nothing can surpass the breathtaking view of the main city from here. The allure is especially enchanting at night, as beautifully captured by Reddit user Elite_Goose_1. Baldur’s Gate 3 is rich with a compelling narrative and a memorable ensemble, but it’s equally important to admire the stunning landscape architecture.
Source: Elite_Goose_1/Reddit