Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 is packed with companions, quests, hidden loot, and decisions that shape the rest of your journey. Many players rush ahead and miss rewards they can’t get back later. This Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 checklist makes sure you complete everything important before moving on to Act 2.
1. Recruit All Companions
- Shadowheart near the crash site
- Astarion in the wilderness
- Lae’zel trapped in a cage by Tieflings
- Gale stepping out of a portal
- Wyll inside the Emerald Grove
- Karlach near the Risen Road
Having a full roster early gives you flexibility in combat and story choices.
2. Explore the Emerald Grove
- Help the Tieflings in their conflict with the Druids
- Save Arabella and the Tiefling children
- Decide the fate of the Grove and its people
Your choices here shape future storylines and affect key characters.
3. Clear the Goblin Camp
- Deal with Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara
- Choose whether to defend or destroy the Grove
- Collect unique loot and experience
This questline ties directly into the Emerald Grove storyline, so decisions matter long-term.
4. Enter the Underdark
- Find entrances through the Blighted Village well, Goblin Camp, or Zhentarim hideout
- Join the Myconid Colony and fight duergar enemies
- Discover the Adamantine Forge for crafting powerful gear
The Underdark holds some of the strongest loot in Act 1 and multiple paths forward.
5. Visit the Risen Road and Zhentarim Hideout
- Recruit Karlach if you haven’t already
- Complete Zhentarim quests for gold and equipment
- Shape your reputation with factions
These areas expand Act 1 beyond the main story, rewarding exploration and careful choices.
6. Investigate the Mountain Pass
- Encounter githyanki warriors and progress Lae’zel’s storyline
- Gain valuable experience before moving to Act 2
This location offers tough battles and important lore.
7. Don’t Skip Side Dungeons
- Dank Crypt for early loot and the Amulet of Lost Voices
- Owlbear Cave for loot and XP
- Blighted Village for goblin fights and secrets
- Rescue Halsin to strengthen the Emerald Grove
Exploring side areas ensures you collect valuable gear, XP, and lore.
Quick BG3 Act 1 Checklist
| Task | Location | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit companions | Multiple | Party expansion, quests |
| Solve Grove conflict | Emerald Grove | Future story impact |
| Defeat goblin leaders | Goblin Camp | XP + loot |
| Explore Underdark | Multiple | Adamantine Forge, rare items |
| Save Karlach | Risen Road | Companion |
| Zhentarim quests | Hideout | Gear, gold |
| Mountain Pass | North Act 1 | XP, githyanki plot |
| Side dungeons | Various | Gear, XP, lore |
Final Tip
Before leaving Act 1, double-check your quests, companions, and gear, you won’t get another chance. This Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 checklist ensures you don’t miss out on companions, loot, or major story choices that matter later in the game.
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