Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of choices that can change your campaign. The first big choice appears in the form of the path you want to take to venture into Act 2. Two paths lead to the same destination, the Last Light Inn. Whether you should take the Mountain Pass or the Underdark route can be a difficult decision to make in Baldur’s Gate 3. We are here to make this easy for you.
Should you take the Mountain Pass or the Underdark?
While one path is easier than the other in Baldur’s Gate 3, we recommend that you go through both the Mountain Pass and the Underdark. Yes, you heard it right. Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to return to the untrodden path despite a stark warning at the point of no return.
Both areas offer unique side quests; companion quests progression and rare loot. Missing out on any route is a bad option. Just avoid going and completing the Moonrise Towers, as it will completely lock you out of Act 1 activities.
Which path to choose first?
As we have decided to go through both paths, the next question arises. Which path should you choose first? The simplest answer to this question is the Mountain Pass.
The reason for selecting the Mountain Pass is that it is easier, shorter, and lets you obtain a legendary weapon, Blood of Lathander, earlier in the game. You can also progress Lae’zel’s companion quest and make an acquaintance with the Gith people.
The Underdark region is not only hidden but also very difficult to traverse and survive this early. Once you level up enough on the Mountain Pass and unlock the Last Light Inn waypoint, you can return to the Underdark and force your way through it.
Activities to do on the Mountain Pass
On your way to Mountain Pass, you will come across Waukeen’s Rest, where you can start Rescue the Grand Duke side quest and further Wyll’s companion quest. On your way, you will meet Karlach and recruit her. The best thing about this path is progressing Gale’s companion quest, The Wizard of Waterdeep. Make sure to find Eliminster Aumar, who will cure Gale temporarily.
Your next encounter will be with a Githyanki petrol that will make Lae’zel search for the Githyanki Creche.
Our next stop on the Mountain Pass is Rosymorn Monastery. This desolate place is full of secrets and ultimately leads to the Githyanki Creche Y’llek. You can complete the Steal a Githyanki Egg side quest here, but this will make Lae’zel furious. Inside the Githyanki Creche, you can progress The Githyanki Warrior side quest by accepting the cure for Illithid Parasite, which won’t end well.
The Githyanki Queen Vlaakith will make her first appearance, forcing you into a pivotal decision. While you are in it, solve the Ceremonial Weapons puzzle to obtain the Dawnmaster’s Crest, pivotal in obtaining the Blood of Lathander mace.
How to reach Underdark and what to do
Finding the entrance to the Underdark is a major task on its own. However, you can enter it in one of the three following ways.
- Solve the Defiled Temple Moon puzzle in the Goblin Camp after killing True Soul Gut.
- Enter the Whispering Depths dungeon from the well in the Blighted Village. Kill Phase Spider Matriarch and jump down the hole.
- By finding the secret elevator behind a false wall in Zhentarim Hideout. You will need to steal the key to the elevator from the guard there, accompanied by a dog.
- Finding Hag’s Lair inside the Gnarled Teahouse and passing through the Overgrown Tunnel.
The best path, in our opinion, is the Defiled Temple, as it drops you near the Grymforge. While it sounds enticing to visit Grymforge as soon as possible, we recommend you go to the Myconid Colony first. Here, you will find the following quests.
- Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite
- Cure the Poisoned Gnome
- Avenge Glut’s Circle
- Side with Sovereign Spaw
- Kill the Duergar Intruders
- Find the Missing Boots
- Find the Mushroom Picker
- Protect the Myconid Circle
Once you collect the quests and complete a few, travel to the Grymforge. This area is massive and has a lot of quests to offer. Some noteworthy ones are.
- Help the Cursed Monk
- The Adamantine Forge
- Free True Soul Nere
- Save the Grymforge Gnomes
- Kill Nere to obtain his head
This place is also home to some of the best weapons and armor the game offers. You can find Mithril Ores and corresponding Adamantine Moulds to create an Adamantine Longsword, Adamantine Scale Mail, and Adamantine Shield.
Once you finish the Grymforge area, you can use the elevator to proceed to Act 2. This will lead you to the Last Light Inn inside Shadow Cursed Lands.
