Where to Find the Festering Cove in Baldur's Gate 3? Discovering the Hidden Gem
by Swetha P | Updated Aug 21, 2023
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3, the third installment in the beloved RPG series, is developed and published by Larian Studios. Based on the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system, the game offers both single-player and cooperative multiplayer experiences. Set in a rich fantasy world, players can create and customize characters, forming a party with pre-generated companions as they embark on a thrilling adventure.
The game features turn-based combat, reminiscent of Larian's previous titles, Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin II, all adhering to the D&D 5th Edition rules. It first launched in early access for macOS, Windows, and the Stadia streaming service in October 2020, followed by a full Windows release in August 2023. Versions for macOS and PlayStation 5 are scheduled for September 2023. Unfortunately, the Stadia version was canceled due to the platform's closure.
Where to Find the Festering Cove in Baldur's Gate 3?
To discover the Festering Cove in Baldur's Gate 3, you'll need to venture into the Underdark, a dark and mysterious subterranean realm. The most common route to access this hidden location is through Auntie Ethel's lair. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Enter the Underdark
Lower Ground Level
Beware of Explosive Flora
Locate the Entrance
Use Mushrooms as Platforms
Find the Cragged Rock
Remember that the Festering Cove is an optional area in the game, but it offers unique choices and experiences that can impact your party's journey. It's a hidden gem worth exploring for its lore and potential rewards before proceeding to Act 2 in Baldur's Gate 3.
Festering Cove in Baldur's Gate 3
The Festering Cove in Baldur's Gate 3 is a hidden gem within the game's expansive world, offering players a unique and secluded experience. Tucked away from the prying eyes of society, it serves as the home of the mysterious Kuo-Toa race, an enigmatic and intriguing group. What sets the Festering Cove apart is its clandestine nature; it doesn't appear on the in-game map, and there are no markers to guide players to its location.
Instead, discovering it often relies on a stroke of luck or word-of-mouth from the gaming community. To gain access to this elusive location, players must navigate the complex realm of the Underdark. One of the more straightforward paths is through the Goblin Camp, followed by a westward journey from the Selunite Outpost. However, traversing this route requires caution, as dangerous entities like the Drow and a Beholder roam the area.
Upon reaching the Festering Cove, adventurers will be greeted by a giant chasm. While most characters won't sustain fall damage, those with a Wizard build might find it prudent to employ spells like Feather Fall for added safety. Finally, locating a suitable wall to climb down leads to a rendezvous with the enigmatic Kuo-Toa. It's worth noting that Festering Cove primarily emphasizes storytelling and roleplaying over tangible rewards.
This optional area allows players to immerse themselves in the lore of Baldur's Gate 3 and make choices that align with their character's moral compass. Whether opting for peaceful resolutions or engaging in conflicts, these decisions within the Festering Cove don't drastically impact the main plot but provide a rich and intriguing detour for adventurers to explore. Good-aligned characters, in particular, may feel compelled to aid the Kuo-Toa in their plight, adding depth and complexity to their journey in this hidden corner of the game world.
Baldur's Gate 3 Gameplay
Baldur's Gate 3 offers an immersive and dynamic role-playing experience that caters to both solo adventurers and those looking for cooperative multiplayer excitement. At the core of the game is the player's ability to craft and customize characters, allowing for a deeply personal and unique journey through the richly woven narrative. The option to form a party with pre-generated companions adds depth to the storytelling, as these characters bring their own stories, personalities, and perspectives to the table.
One of the standout features of Baldur's Gate 3 is its turn-based combat system, closely aligned with the rules of the D&D 5th Edition. This tactical combat approach offers players a chance to strategize and engage in challenging battles that require both wit and cunning. The system's roots can be traced back to Larian Studios' previous successes with Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin II, which have been praised for their combat mechanics. This familiarity ensures that Baldur's Gate 3 provides an engaging and strategic combat experience.
Beyond combat, the game shines in its emphasis on exploration, decision-making, and character development. The vast and meticulously crafted world invites players to uncover secrets, engage in meaningful dialogues, and shape the narrative through their choices. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast or a newcomer to the series, Baldur's Gate 3 offers an enchanting and challenging adventure in a captivating fantasy realm, making it a must-play title for RPG enthusiasts seeking a truly immersive experience.
Where to Find the Festering Cove in Baldur's Gate 3? - FAQs
Baldur's Gate 3 was released in early access in October 2020 and had its full Windows release in August 2023.
Access the Festering Cove by entering the Underdark through Auntie Ethel's lair and navigating through mushroom portals.
Sacrificing companion results in their permanent departure from your party, initiating a battle with the Kuo-Toa. You can obtain the same buff by acquiring BOOOAL's sickle through other means.
No, the Festering Cove is an optional area with its own questline and lore, offering a chance for roleplaying and exploration.
Baldur's Gate 3 features turn-based combat, following the rules of D&D 5th Edition, similar to Larian's previous games like Divinity: Original Sin.