Table of Contents

Which Way Should I Take to Moonrise Towers? A Baldur’s Gate 3 Travel Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Which way should I take to Moonrise Towers? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

So, you’re staring at your map, the ominous silhouette of Moonrise Towers looming in the distance, and wondering: Which way should I take to Moonrise Towers in Baldur’s Gate 3? The short answer is: it depends on your playstyle, your character’s level, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. There isn’t one definitively “best” route, but rather several paths, each with its own challenges, rewards, and narrative implications. Let’s break down your options:

Unveiling the Paths to Moonrise Towers

There are essentially three primary routes you can take:

The Mountain Pass (Grymforge bypass): This path, accessible from Act 1 near the Goblin Camp, offers a more direct, combat-heavy route. You’ll face challenging encounters with Githyanki patrols and other dangers, testing your party’s mettle. This route bypasses the Grymforge entirely.
The Grymforge Route (Underdark): This route involves navigating the Underdark, a vast subterranean region filled with unique creatures, quests, and secrets. You’ll need to find a way to descend into the Underdark (through the Zhentarim Hideout, Defiled Temple, or Whispering Depths) and then progress through the Grymforge, an ancient forge guarded by powerful constructs. This is generally considered a more exploration-focused and story-rich option.
The Absolute’s Transport: This is a consequence of a choice you may make to get yourself captured and escorted to Moonrise Towers. It may seem like an easy and quick path, however, it does offer you less choice and control and could lead to less than satisfactory outcomes.

Deep Dive into the Mountain Pass

The Mountain Pass is the route for those who relish a good fight. Be prepared for encounters with high-level Githyanki warriors, including possible encounters with Kith’rak Voss. This path also leads to Rosymorn Monastery, where you can find some valuable items and unravel a piece of the Githyanki lore.

Pros: Faster travel time to the Shadow-Cursed Lands (once past the initial challenges), potential to acquire powerful Githyanki gear, opportunities to confront the Githyanki early.
Cons: Demanding combat encounters, bypasses much of the Underdark content, potentially less experience overall, the potential to miss out on key story elements related to the Grymforge.

Exploring the Grymforge Route

The Grymforge, accessed through the Underdark, is a sprawling area filled with Duergar slaves, animated constructs, and the terrifying Adamantine Forge. This route is generally considered the longer and more intricate of the two, but it offers a wealth of experience, unique items, and significant story developments.

Pros: Significant experience gain, access to powerful items (especially through the Adamantine Forge), deeper exploration of the Underdark lore, encounters with interesting characters, the potential to influence the fate of the Duergar slaves.
Cons: Longer travel time, more challenging puzzle sections, requires careful resource management, a higher chance of getting lost, a challenging fight with Nere.

The Absolute’s Transport – The Risky Route

The Absolute’s Transport is the route of no choice, if you are captured or choose to be captured. It offers the player little to no option and is the least desirable in almost all cases.

Pros: A slightly less confrontational path.
Cons: Reduced options, choices and overall experience.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Adventure

Ultimately, the “best” path to Moonrise Towers depends on your priorities:

For speed and combat: The Mountain Pass.
For exploration and story: The Grymforge Route.
For a risky and slightly less confrontational path: The Absolute’s Transport.

Consider your party’s level and composition. If you’re struggling with the Githyanki patrols in the Mountain Pass, the Underdark might offer a chance to level up and acquire better gear before tackling them. If you enjoy puzzles and exploration, the Grymforge is a must-see. And if you prefer a more streamlined experience, the Mountain Pass might be more appealing.

Also, remember to consider the narrative implications. Choosing one path over another can affect your relationships with certain factions and characters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reaching Moonrise Towers

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate your journey to Moonrise Towers:

Is one route definitively easier than the other? Not necessarily. The Mountain Pass has demanding combat encounters early on, while the Grymforge route has more complex puzzles and exploration. The difficulty depends on your party composition and playstyle.
What level should I be before attempting the Mountain Pass? Aim for at least Level 5, and ideally Level 6, before venturing into the Mountain Pass. The Githyanki patrols can be brutal at lower levels.
What level should I be before attempting the Grymforge? Aim for at least Level 4, and ideally Level 5, before exploring the Grymforge. The enemies within can be challenging.
Can I do both the Mountain Pass and the Grymforge in the same playthrough? Yes, you absolutely can! You can explore both areas before committing to moving on to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. In fact, it’s highly recommended to maximize your experience and loot.
How do I get to the Underdark? There are several ways: through the Zhentarim Hideout (requires passing a perception check in Waukeen’s Rest), the Defiled Temple (accessed through the Goblin Camp), or the Whispering Depths (beneath the Blighted Village).
What is the Adamantine Forge, and why is it important? The Adamantine Forge is an ancient forge located in the Grymforge that allows you to craft powerful Adamantine weapons and armor. Finding the forge and the required molds and Mithral ore is a challenging but rewarding quest.
Should I side with the Duergar or the Myconids in the Underdark? This is a complex choice with significant consequences. Siding with the Duergar can provide temporary benefits, but ultimately aligns you with a tyrannical force. Siding with the Myconids is generally considered the more “good” aligned option.
What are the Shadow-Cursed Lands? The Shadow-Cursed Lands are the region surrounding Moonrise Towers, shrouded in a deadly curse that requires specific methods to traverse safely.
What should I do before entering the Shadow-Cursed Lands? Ensure you’ve completed as much content as possible in Act 1 (including both the Mountain Pass and the Underdark/Grymforge), leveled up sufficiently, and acquired the best gear available. Also, consider learning methods to protect yourself from the Shadow Curse.
How do I protect myself from the Shadow Curse? You can use torches, light spells, or the blessing of Selûne to mitigate the effects of the curse. However, these are only temporary solutions. You’ll need to find a more permanent solution to explore the Shadow-Cursed Lands safely.
Are there any missable quests if I choose one route over the other? Yes, certain quests are exclusive to each area. The Mountain Pass has quests related to the Githyanki, while the Grymforge has quests related to the Duergar and the Underdark creatures.
What happens if I get captured by the goblins? Being captured may lead to the route of the absolute, which is less than satisfactory as it does not leave a lot of options for the player.
Can I go back to Act 1 areas after reaching Moonrise Towers? Yes, you can return to most Act 1 areas, but be aware that the story will progress, and some events may be altered or unavailable.
What is the point of no return in Act 2? The point of no return in Act 2 is generally considered to be after resolving the main questline at Moonrise Towers. Once you progress beyond this point, you’ll be unable to return to certain areas and complete certain quests.
Where can I learn more about the game mechanics and strategies for Baldur’s Gate 3? There are many resources available online, including forums, wikis, and video guides. You can also explore educational games and research at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used for education and learning.

Concluding Thoughts

Choosing the path to Moonrise Towers is a crucial decision in Baldur’s Gate 3, impacting your gameplay experience and the unfolding narrative. Weigh your options, consider your party’s strengths, and embrace the adventure that awaits you! Each path offers a unique journey filled with danger, reward, and unforgettable moments. Good luck, and may your dice rolls be ever in your favor!