Figuring out how to get to Moonrise Towers is the biggest decision you will have to make in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3. Your options are taking the Mountain Pass or traveling through the Underdark, both of which are fraught with danger.
The Underdark seems like the safest choice, but how do you get there? There are four ways to get into the Underdark, some of which require defeating difficult bosses or casting spells you may not have yet. Here, we will go over every Underdark entrance so you can find the best route instead of just falling to your death down the first hole you find.
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The Defiled Temple Underdark Entrance
Defiled Temple Underdark Entrance
The Defiled Temple is the most popular route to the Underdark, albeit one of the most dangerous, thanks to the hordes of Goblins you will have to fight through. If you’re at the point in your adventure when you’re considering what route to take to Moonrise Towers, however, there’s a good chance you’ve already cleared out the area. If so, your path to the Underdark should be relatively clear.
To reach the Underdark from the Defiled Temple, travel to to the Shattered Sanctum and head left to reach Priestess Gut’s private quarters. There is one particularly large obstacle in your way, however: Priestess Gut’s handmaiden. You can sneak past her, use your powers of persuasion to sway her into letting you in, or defeat her in battle.
However you choose to pass the handmaiden, make your way to the left to reach the puzzle that will unlock your path to the Underdark. There are four circular plates on the floor, each with moon symbols painted around their edges. There are full moon, new moon, and half moon symbols on each plate. You will also notice a pillar of light shining down upon one of the circles. Your goal is to manipulate the stone plates so all symbols on the illuminated circle are new moon symbols. Those are the dark ones.
Manipulating the stone circles can be tricky. Follow these instructions to complete the Defiled Temple Moon Plate puzzle:
Moon Plate Puzzle Solution
- With the illuminated circle at the bottom, spin the top circle once.
- Spin the left circle three times.
- Spin the bottom circle once.
- Spin the left circle twice.
- Spin the right circle twice.
- Spin the bottom circle once.
- Spin the right circle twice.
If you followed these instructions, all moon symbols on the illuminated circle should be dark, and the way to the Underdark will be open.
Whispering Depths Dungeon Underdark Entrance
Whispering Depths Underdark Entrance
The Whispering Depths Dungeon can be found at the bottom of a well in the Blighted Village. This Underdark entrance is not for the weak and is best avoided if you’re afraid of spiders. If you laugh in the face of spiders, however, you can find the well just opposite the Blighted Village waypoint. Interact with it to drop into the dungeon below. Once in the well, you will have to fight through hordes of spiders until you eventually defeat the Phase Spider Matriarch.
The Matriarch can be found guarding the perimeter of a giant hole in the dungeon. If you’re struggling with the boss, try burning the web when she is standing on it to send her plunging to the depths below. Taking out as many egg sacks as you can before the battle officially begins will also help tremendously.
The hole that the Phase Spider Matriarch was guarding leads straight to the Underdark. It is important to note, however, that jumping in the hole unprepared will lead to certain death. Cast Feather Fall before jumping in if you don’t want to end your adventure as a puddle on the Underdark floor.
Auntie Ethel’s Hut Underdark Entrance
Auntie Ethel Underdark Entrance
If you’re not particularly fond of spiders, there is another way to get into the Underdark. But although there are no spiders around this entrance, it’s still just as dangerous. You can save a damsel in distress at the same time, though, which is a nice bonus.
Travel to the Putrid Bog in the southern portion of the map to find some men arguing with an old woman on the path. Interact with them to begin Auntie Ethel’s quest. This quest will send you to her teahouse, through a secret portal in the fireplace, and into the depths of Auntie Ethel’s dungeon.
Continue forward through a gnarled door, making sure to pick up one of the Whispering Masks from the table to the right of it. Continue forward through a waterfall and turn right to climb up some twisting branches until you reach a door made out of roots.
Don your Whispering Mask to sense that the door is just an illusion and pass through. On the other side will be a small mushroom circle. Stand in the circle to portal yourself straight to the Underdark.
Zhentarim Hideout Elevator Underdark Entrance
Zhentarim Hideout Underdark Entrance
If you’re looking for the safest way to reach the Underdark, there is one last option. This route can be found at the Zhentarim Hideout in Waukeen’s Rest. To get there, head to the burning building in Waukeen’s Rest and turn left, where you will come across an ox. To the right of the ox is a door blocked by crates. Destroy the crates and deal with the guard on the other side of the door. There is a large wardrobe in the building that acts as a secret entrance leading to the Zhentarim Hideout.
The Zhentarim Hideout is a big area, but in one corner, you will find a locked elevator. Pick the lock with a lockpick and descend straight into the Underdark with minimal casualties.
