The sweet piece of gameplay in Baldur’s Gate 3 that current players are allowed to traverse through include different locations of Faerun that have personalities of their own. These areas come from the depths of the earth where evil lie dormant to a lush grove full of kids and families of faith. Each place has a story to tell, but sometimes those stories are better than others. Sometimes the people who reside within them can be worthwhile or a waste of time.
With around 10 locations available in the early access Act One of Baldur’s Gate 3, there is a lot to unpack and everyone has already picked favorites whether it be for aesthetics or because of the challenge the area brings.
9 The Risen Roads
These blood-stained dirt roads are last on the list of areas because not much is going on aside from two quests. There are traders and a strange situation or two, but the overall look of the land being grass and trees is very casual for the eye. There does have to be some casual, normal locations in an RPG fantasy world though. These types of areas allow you to take a breather from the overwhelming visuals elsewhere in Faerun.
8 Zhentarium Hideout
Armed at every corner with explosives and levers, this hideout is ready for a hit and run. The dwellers are ready to fight anyone at any given moment, making them more interesting than a group of like-minded people hiding from authorities. The depths of the pits of the caves add an ominous feel next to the fact that the cave will be blown to bits soon. It’s a cool area if you like dwarves and stone, but compared to other areas it’s second to last.
7 Waukeen’s Rest
Scrolling past Waukeen’s Rest sparks interest in everyone. Dead bodies and firey flames? Best to assume there’s a fight around the corner. But there isn’t. Not unless you force one anyway. Waukeen’s Rest is a depressing scene thanks to the goblins that looks beautiful with the smoke and brimstone.
There are many water barrels in the corners of the middle burning house to collect and either use to navigate the houses or for future battles. There’s also a ton of food in the middle house’s kitchen which are valuable if you’re low on health potions. Because you can only level up to level four in early access, food heals you generously.
6 Blighted Village
Without realizing where the back roads are and which villages are barren, most people bump into the Blighted Village on their way to the goblins. It’s a valuable main area. This is an immediate fight if you can’t persuade or navigate the dialogue with the goblins residing in the village. There are many different groups of potential enemies to watch out for but the loot is sparse unless you go down a well or hatch. Aside from fights for experience or funny random encounters, there’s a group of three ogres in a building and with the right dialogue they can become your ally’s in a fight of your choosing.
5 Overgrown Ruins
The beginning of the game is what sets our nostalgia for the future. This is our first time with the gameplay and graphics outside of the intro and tutorial. Freedom at its finest. Though Larian has overused waking up on a beach, the first breath of fresh air is exciting and you’re quickly brought to your senses if you turn left instead of right first.
4 Fetid Bog/Sunlit Wetlands
If you like stereotypical fantasy, your old Hansel and Gretal experience, the bog is the place for you. The Fetid Bog is high on the list for the many different choices to be made leading up to meeting the Hag. If you initially fail the perception check, the swamp looks stunningly beautiful. The before and after shots of sunny wetlands to decaying swamp are breathtaking.
Aside from visual aesthetics, there’s many decisions, traps, and fights this location leads to. There are dangerously enticing fruits, secret notes in crevices, and trapped people waiting to be discovered.
3 Goblin Camp
The Goblin Camp is one of the main focused areas for weighted decisions that will affect the world. If you choose to be friendly with the goblins, there’s extra traders, extra dialogue and side quests to be had and ridiculous shenanigans to watch. The hall is bustling with activity. If you choose to kill them all one by one from the outside to the inside, there is too much loot to even count. The Goblin Camp is a valuable area for all your needs, no matter your decision in the quest for the grove.
2 Silvanus Grove
The fate of Silvanus Grove is the first big quest you’ll find yourself pulled into. Most of your companions will care less for the safety of the mossy territory, but the lore and loot is worthwhile. The scenery is unique, from the naturalistic ritual location that’s guarded off to the slums of anxious tiefling refugees fighting for their lives. The grove goes to second place for it’s various quests and opportunities for mischief.
1 The Underdark
Arguably one of the hardest areas in the early access next to the Hag’s domain, The Underdark is a shocking change to any other setting in the game currently. If you’re not a D&D player, stumbling upon this glowing cave full of fumes and creatures stops you right in your tracks. Every turn is full of anxiety, wondering what will be thrown at you next. The Underdark is meant to be a place of rest for all things evil. Challenging or not, the experience of the Underdark is something you have to see for yourself.
NEXT: 10 Games To Play While You Wait for Baldur’s Gate 3
