Baldur's Gate 3: Choosing Between the Mountain Pass and the Underdark

As you progress through the early stages of Baldur's Gate 3, you'll eventually come to a fork in the road where you'll need to decide whether to travel to Moonrise Towers through the Mountain Pass or the Underdark. Both options present unique challenges and opportunities, so it's essential to consider the pros and cons of each route before making your decision.

Weighing Your Options: Mountain Pass vs. Underdark

When choosing between the Mountain Pass and the Underdark, keep in mind that Halsin will accompany you regardless of which route you select. However, Halsin is biased towards exploring the Underdark and has his own reasons for wanting to venture into this area.

What Happens When You Take the Mountain Pass in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Mountain Pass route leads northwest, past the Blighted Village and the Goblin Camp. Along the way, you'll encounter a Githyanki patrol attacking mercenaries and a dragon. You can choose to intervene, negotiate, or bypass the conflict altogether.

Once you've navigated this initial encounter, you'll face a more direct route to Act 2 of the game. However, be warned that the Mountain Pass is home to various dangers, including Death Shepherds, ghouls, and a ghast. These undead creatures will challenge even the most seasoned adventurers.

A notable detour along the Mountain Pass is Rosymorn Monastery, where you'll find the Githyanki hideout, Creche Y' llek. This location is crucial for advancing Lae'zel's companion questline, but you can also explore it later if you choose to take the Underdark route.

As you continue through the Mountain Pass, you'll eventually enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands and meet with a group of True Soul Goblins who will offer to lead you to Moonrise Towers. While this route is more direct, it may also limit your interactions with certain characters and quests.

What Happens When You Take The Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Underdark is an equally treacherous route, featuring large, savage creatures and puzzles to solve. Halsin and Shadowheart are keen to explore this area, so if you want to appease these characters, the Underdark might be the better choice.

This route is filled with quests, puzzles, and combat encounters, including the Spectator, a powerful foe. The Underdark is a larger region than the Mountain Pass, offering more opportunities for exploration, side quests, and unique dialogue.

As you navigate the Underdark, you'll encounter various locations, such as the Myconid Colony, the Arcane Tower, and the Grymforge. These destinations offer ample opportunities for character growth, loot, and storytelling.

Eventually, you'll enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands near the Last Light Inn, where you'll meet with a small group of Harpers, a rebel organization fighting against the True Souls. They'll offer to guide you to the Last Light Inn, potentially leading to new alliances and quests.

Which Route Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between the Mountain Pass and the Underdark comes down to personal preference. However, we recommend taking the Underdark route, as it offers more opportunities for exploration, character growth, and nuanced storytelling.

One key difference between the two routes is the people you'll meet and the alliances you'll form. If you choose the Mountain Pass, you may miss out on interactions with the Harpers, limiting your access to certain quests and characters.

Before committing to either route, ensure that you've completed all the quests and objectives you want to tackle in the previous region. It's also recommended to save frequently, as the consequences of your decisions can be significant.

Tips and Considerations:

• Ensure your party members have reached level 5 before advancing through either route.
• Save frequently, as the consequences of your decisions can be significant.
• Explore Rosymorn Monastery, even if you choose to take the Underdark route.
• Consider your party's strengths and weaknesses when choosing between the Mountain Pass and the Underdark.