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Baldur's Gate 3 Defiled Temple Moon Puzzle Solution

In Baldur's Gate 3, the "Find the Nightsong" quest leads players to encounter a challenging moon puzzle in the Defiled Temple, which they must solve by arranging moon phases correctly to access the Underdark.

by Indhu

Updated Aug 05, 2023

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Baldur's Gate 3 Defiled Temple Moon Puzzle

In Baldur's Gate 3, players encounter a puzzle in the Defiled Temple that involves three circles representing different moon phases: full moon, half moon (left), and half moon (right).As you progress through the "Find the Nightsong" quest in Baldur's Gate 3, you will encounter a distinctive moon puzzle within the Defiled Temple located in the Goblin Camp. This puzzle stands between you and gaining access to the Underdark, an essential area to complete your quests for Shadowheart.

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To reach the puzzle, you must first deal with the goblin priestess and explore her chambers. Beyond her room lies the entrance to the Defiled Temple. You will recognize the correct path when you come across a door adorned with a unique piece of art featuring large eyes and stars hanging above it. This same artwork will reappear later as you continue your journey to find Halsin, the captured druid.

The moon puzzle itself requires you to solve a sliding floor puzzle. The challenge lies in arranging the moon phases correctly to unlock the passage to the Underdark. While there aren't many context clues provided in-game, having some knowledge about moon phases might help you figure out the solution.

For players who may not be familiar with celestial concepts, a Baldur's Gate 3 moon puzzle guide is available to provide a simple solution for this particular puzzle. Following the guide will allow you to progress smoothly and gain access to the Underdark, advancing your quest to find the Nightsong and continuing your adventures with Shadowheart.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Defiled Temple Moon Puzzle Solution

Puzzle Introduction:

Clues from the Journal:

To solve the moon puzzle, players can find a journal in the Defiled Temple that provides hints.
The journal mentions that the full moons should "match the stars," indicating that the top circle should represent a full moon.
It also suggests that darkness "belongs at the bottom," meaning the bottom circle should show the dark, unlit portion of the moon.
This leaves the two half moons to be placed on the left and right sides of the puzzle.

Step-by-step Solution:

Turn the top circle once to show the full moon.
Turn the left circle three times to represent a half moon.
Turn the bottom circle once to display the dark, unlit portion of the moon.
Turn the left circle twice to show another half moon.
Turn the right circle twice to represent a half moon on the right side.
Turn the bottom circle once again to maintain the dark portion at the bottom.
Turn the right circle twice more to complete the second half moon on the right side.

Unlocking the Sealed Passage:

Once the moon puzzle is solved correctly, a passage will open, granting access to the Underdark.
Players should be prepared for challenging encounters and quests related to the "Find the Nightsong" quest in this area.

Alternative Approach:

Alternatively, players can bypass the moon puzzle by using a lever located on a nearby wall. The lever can be lock-picked to open the passage without solving the puzzle.
However, to find the lever, players need to perform a successful Perception check.
To trigger the check, the BG3 party should be moved close to the sealed passage.
This approach provides an option for players who find the puzzle too difficult or wish to take a different path.

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Baldur’s Gate 3: The Defiled Temple and the Moon Puzzle Guide

After defeating High Priestess Gut and her ogre bodyguard Polma, players find themselves in the Defiled Temple, where they encounter the Moon Puzzle.
The puzzle consists of 4 large circular plates with symbols: new moon (black), full moon (white), and half moon (black and white).
The objective is to rotate the plates so that the symbols are arranged as follows:
Top plate (with small Selûne markings): All full moon symbols.
Bottom plate (with the beam of light): All new moon symbols.
Side plates: The half moon symbols.
To solve the puzzle, players need to rotate the stone discs on the floor in the following order: Top, Left, Right, Right, Bottom, Bottom, Bottom, Left, Left.
It's advised to move all the full moon symbols to the top plate first and then focus on aligning the new moon symbols closer to the bottom plate using the side plates.
Try not to realign the top plate if it already has full moon symbols. Instead, use the side plates and the bottom plate for rotating the remaining new moon and half moon symbols.
Once the puzzle is completed correctly, the back wall will reveal a hidden passageway leading to the Underdark.
Exiting the Defiled Temple through the hidden passageway will allow players to continue their quest to find the Nightsong.

How to Solve the Moon Puzzle in the Defiled Temple of Baldur's Gate 3?

The moon puzzle in Baldur's Gate 3's Selune's Defiled Temple is known for its high level of difficulty.
Players must arrange the rotating stone discs to form a specific pattern of moons: Full moons at the top, half-moons in the middle, and no moons at the bottom.
The solution is inscribed on a wall in the room full of explosives, but players can solve it without having seen the clue.
One solution involves turning the discs in a specific sequence, and the door to the Underdark will open.
Alternatively, players can bypass the moon puzzle by performing a perception check near the fallen statue.
If successful, a hidden lever will be revealed on the right-hand wall.
Lockpicking the lever grants access to the Underdark without solving the moon puzzle.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Defiled Temple Moon Puzzle Solution FAQs

1. How do I solve the moon puzzle in the Defiled Temple?

To solve the moon puzzle, arrange the rotating stone discs in the following order: Top, Left, Right, Right, Bottom, Bottom, Bottom, Left, Left. This will align the moons correctly, with full moons at the top, half-moons in the middle, and no moons at the bottom.

2. Where can I find the solution for the moon puzzle?

The solution to the moon puzzle is inscribed on a wall in the room full of explosives next to Priestess Gut's ritual room. However, players can solve the puzzle without having seen the clue by using the correct sequence of disc rotations.

3. How difficult is the moon puzzle in the Defiled Temple?

The moon puzzle is known for its high level of difficulty, and many players find it challenging to solve without guidance or the clue from the wall. It requires strategic thinking and attention to moon phases.

4. Can I bypass the moon puzzle and access the Underdark?

Yes, players can bypass the moon puzzle by performing a perception check near the fallen statue in the Defiled Temple. If successful, a hidden lever on the right-hand wall will be revealed.

5. Is it better to solve the moon puzzle or use the hidden lever to access the Underdark?

The decision depends on the player's preference and playstyle. Solving the moon puzzle provides a sense of accomplishment and aligns with the puzzle-solving element of the game. Using the hidden lever offers a quicker route to the Underdark for those who find the puzzle too difficult or want to explore alternate paths.

Baldur's Gate 3 Defiled Temple Moon Puzzle Solution

Baldur's Gate 3 Defiled Temple Moon Puzzle