Baldur's Gate 3 Act 1 Walkthrough
A streamlined Baldur's Gate 3 Act 1 walkthrough covering the Nautiloid crash, the Grove, the Goblin Camp, and both routes into Act 2.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 Walkthrough
Act 1 spans the region around the Emerald Grove and ends when you cross into Act 2 at either the Mountain Pass or the Underdark. This walkthrough covers the critical path and the most rewarding side content without spoiling every secret.
1. The Nautiloid (Prologue)
- Escape the ship, learn basic combat, and rescue fellow survivors.
- Reach the bridge and fight the Intellect Devourer, then the Mind Flayer.
- Your choices here set origin flavor but do not lock builds.
2. The Wilderness
After the crash, explore in this rough order:
- Overgrown Ruins — learn the Find Familiar spell, fight intellect devourers.
- Road to the Grove — meet Scratch (a dog) and a wounded tieflings.
- Blighted Village — gain access to the Goblin Camp through the cellar. Loot the basement for the “Grab” spell.
3. Emerald Grove
The Grove is your Act 1 hub. Key objectives:
- Save the Grove or side with the goblins — a major fork.
- Meet Wyll, Gale, and Karlach nearby.
- Complete Astarion’s and Shadowheart’s early personal beats.
- Loot the trader and the secret vault behind the waterfall.
4. Goblin Camp
- Three leaders: Priestess Gut, Ragzlin, Minthara.
- Killing all three without triggering the raid is the stealth-optimal path.
- Free Halsin (a bear) from the cage for a powerful ally.
5. Underdark Route (Recommended)
Enter via the well in the Blighted Village or the Zhentarim cave:
- Myconid Colony — safe camp, trade, and a powerful ring.
- Sussur bark disables spells — useful against casters.
- Grymforge — Duergar quest, the Adamantine Forge for legendary armor.
- Exit through the boat to the Mountain Pass / Act 2.
6. Mountain Pass Route
- Shorter but skips Underdark loot.
- Meet Lae’zel’s Githyanki patrol and a creche with a key story beat.
7. Must-Do Side Content
| Location | Reward |
|---|---|
| Auntie Ethel (Hag) | Powerful hair buff or dangerous deal |
| Waukeen’s Rest | Rescue, loot, and a quest chain |
| Barcus Wroot | Karlach approval, Gnome rescue |
| Owlbear Cave | Optional cub companion |
Act 1 Completion Checklist
- Decide the Grove’s fate.
- Recruit your preferred companions.
- Reach level 4–5 before crossing.
- Gather at least one adamantine item or strong Act 2 weapon.
Final Tips
Act 1 is the most content-dense region. Do not rush. Long rest frequently to catch companion scenes, and explore both Underdark and Mountain Pass if you want the strongest start into Act 2.