Reaching the Underdark is a critical milestone for players navigating Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3, as it opens up vast subterranean areas filled with rare loot and crucial story progression. Adventurers seeking passage into these subterranean depths can choose from four distinct access points scattered across the wilderness map. Each entrance varies in difficulty, puzzle requirements, and potential combat encounters, allowing players to select a path tailored to their party composition.
The Defiled Temple Inside the Goblin Camp
The most straightforward route into the Underdark lies within the Shattered Sanctum located inside the Goblin Camp. Players must navigate into Priestess Gut's private quarters to access the ruined shrine known as the Defiled Temple. Once inside, players can either solve the rotating moon puzzle on the floor or pick a hidden lever lock to unlock the door.
Passing through the secret doorway leads down a ladder into the Selûnite Outpost within the Underdark. Players should take care to disable the outpost's magical defenses by destroying the glowing moonstone atop the central statue before stepping into the main courtyard. This route provides early access to key waypoints and valuable gear.
Plunging Through the Whispering Depths Chasm
Another popular access point is situated directly underneath the Blighted Village in a cave system called the Whispering Depths. Players can enter this area by climbing down the village well or slipping through a cracked basement wall. Deep inside the cavern lies a nest guarded by Phase Spiders and their formidable matriarch.
In the center of the nest is a massive, glowing chasm that leads straight down into the depths. To safely descend, the entire party must cast the Feather Fall spell before jumping directly into the abyss. Jumping without this spell active results in immediate lethal fall damage for your companions.
Unlocking the Zhentarim Hideout Elevator
For players who prefer stealth and diplomacy, a secret entrance is hidden near Waukeen's Rest at the Zhentarim Hideout. After talking or sneaking past the guards guarding the basement hatch, players enter an underground black market lair. Heading toward the back of the hideout reveals a pair of wolves resting near a rock wall.
Succeeding on a passive Investigation check exposes an illusory wall behind the wolves. Walking through this hidden barrier reveals a mechanical winch elevator. Lockpicking the elevator controls allows players to ride the platform safely down into a remote cavern within the Underdark.
Navigating Auntie Ethel's Teahouse Portal
The final and most complex route is located in the Sunlit Wetlands beneath Auntie Ethel's Riverside Teahouse. Players must venture past the fireplace into the Overgrown Tunnel and collect a Whispering Mask from the area. Using Protection from Evil and Good prevents the mask from taking control of the wearer's mind.
Equipping the mask allows party members to step through an illusory wooden door near the waterfall ledge. On the other side of this chamber, players will discover a hidden circle of exotic mushrooms. Stepping onto the mushroom portal immediately teleports the party directly into the Underdark near the Arcane Tower.
