Baldur’s Gate 3 is a long game, and players are wondering when Act 2 starts and how to get there. The time you spend in the first act is equivalent to a full playthrough of many other RPGs, so it gets confusing about what point in the game you are. In fact, some players may think they’re well into Act 2 when they’re not even close to where it starts.
When does Act 2 start in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Act 2 starts in Baldur’s Gate 3 when you reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This begins your journey through the darkness that covers the land surrounding Moonrise Towers. Your first stop here is the Last Light Inn, where you’ll find some familiar faces, including one from a previous game.
Note that Act 2 only starts when you get the achievement, “The Plot Thickens,” which is described as “Leave Act One – for somewhere altogether darker.” Some other publications have stated that Act 2 starts when you reach the mountain pass, but this is incorrect. One of the paths to Act 2 of BG3 is located there, but it’s not where it starts.
How do you get to Act 2 in BG3?
We’ve found two ways to get to Act 2 in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- The elevator in Grymdark.
- Heading through the mountain pass.
Grymdark
You can reach Grymdark by finding the Duergar Camp at the Underdark Beach and then taking the boat. While exploring, you’ll find the elevator up to the Shadow-Cursed Lands just off the dock.
Mountain Pass
Once you reach the mountain pass, you can follow the trail toward the northwest to find the passage to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This is the shortest path there, but there’s a tough fight blocking your way.
Of the two paths, we recommend going through Grymdark. You’ll miss a lot of content if you skip the Underdark, and you’ll likely be under-leveled if you try to go straight there from Emerald Grove.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 2 FAQ
Act 2 begins when you reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands and unlock the “The Plot Thickens” achievement.
Once in Act 2, players will first encounter the Last Light Inn, where they’ll meet familiar faces, including a character from a previous game.
There are two main routes. One is by using the elevator in Grymdark, accessible after finding the Duergar Camp. The other is through the mountain pass. However, the Grymdark route is preferable for more content and appropriate leveling.
