Just like Dungeons and Dragons, the real adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3 always seem to happen in the small little moments in between the big story beats. With so much content to wade through, it’s all too easy to miss side quests that can make your journey easier or reveal new bits of lore.
Before you move on to the next act, you’ll want to make sure you’re not missing out on any pivotal side quests. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of all the essential Baldur’s Gate 3 side quests worth checking out on your next playthrough (because, let’s face it, you have more than one).
Find the Nightsong Side Quest
Even the smallest interactions in Baldur’s Gate 3 can have rippling effects across the course of all three acts. The search for the Nightsong, a rumored hidden relic believed to lurk in a lost temple, begins all the way in the Druids’ Grove. Speak with Aradin (provided he didn’t die to the goblins at the gates to the Grove) to learn about his search for the Nightsong.
This side adventure is a long and winding one, taking you into the Underdark, the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and Lower City of Baldur’s Gate. It’ll also present you with a crucial decision which will have a big impact on your companion Shadowheart.
Rescue the Grand Duke Side Quest
Fans of Wyll won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to learn a little more about his backstory. Help save his father, the Grand Duke Ravengard of Baldur’s Gate, from the cult of the Absolute. You can start the investigation into his whereabouts by helping Counsellor Florrick in Waukeen’s Rest.
You’ll need to venture to the Moonrise Towers to find Grand Duke Ravengard and the rest of the unfortunate prisoners kept there against their will.
Investigate Kagha Side Quest
The situation in the Druid’s Grove is a tough one, and making any hasty decisions or taking a side can easily cut you off to the best resolution. One way to both save the tieflings and get the druids to a peaceful arrangement is not only to Defeat the Goblins to protect the Grove, but also to Investigate Kagha.
It seems Kagha might have some ulterior motives for enacting the Rite of Thorns ritual. With some persistent digging, you can uncover the reasons behind her single-minded actions.
Save the Goblin Sazza Side Quest
Sometimes seemingly random decisions in Baldur’s Gate 3 can have massive impacts. You wouldn’t expect that saving the goblin, Sazza, imprisoned in the Druid’s Grove might actually help you save the Grove. Or, depending on the tilt of your morality, jumpstart your journey to completely obliterating both the druids and the tiefling refugees.
No matter what you decide, freeing Sazza can eventually grant you access to Nightwarden Minthara, a key figure in Act One and crucial to what happens to the future of the Grove.
The Adamantine Forge Side Quest
Somewhere deep in the Underdark, you can find a legendary forge capable of creating adamantine weapons and adamantine armor. To do this, however, you’ll need to not only piece all the clues to the forge’s location together, but defeat the guardian of the forge.
This side quest offers both one of the toughest boss fights you might encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3, but also a huge leg up so early in the game.
Free True Soul Nere Side Quest
While you’re exploring the Underdark, there is another side quest you might want to embark on. Another True Soul is trapped down in the Underdark, his fate entwined with the deep gnomes that dwell here.
You can free True Soul Nere to learn more about his intentions. Whether you decide to side with him or against him is another choice entirely. Just be aware, the fate of the deep gnomes rests with you.
Find the Blood of Lathandar Side Quest
Casting a level six spell once per long rest? Don’t mind if you do! The Blood of Lathandar is a powerful holy mace that can only be found by completing the Find the Blood of Lathander side quest.
Obtaining this relic is no simple process. To start your search, you’ll need to solve some puzzles to obtain a key item before seeking out the home of the Blood of Lathendar… the Githyanki Creche.
Lift the Shadow Curse Side Quest
Listen, we all have a soft spot for the big bear – ahem – Halsin. You might already know that you can romance Halsin in Baldur’s Gate 3, but what if we told you that you could invite him to your party as well?
To convince Halsin to join your party, you’ll have to win him over with a grand gesture. Lifting the Shadow Curse from his childhood friend, Thaniel, should do the trick. This is far from a simple task, and to do so you will need to delve deep into the Shadow-Cursed Lands.
Visit the Emperor’s Old Hideout Side Quest
As you enter the Lower City in Baldur’s Gate for the first time, the Emperor will speak into your mind, telepathically communicating that his previous hideout is located nearby.
While visiting the Emperor’s old hideout isn’t mandatory to your journey, discovering this secret base offers the chance to obtain a truly killer weapon. Just be ready for a fight… what, you thought breaking into a mind flayer’s old hideout was going to be easy?
Sava Arabella Side Quest
Your dialogue choices (and your dice rolls) in the Druid’s Grove have a massive impact on your adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether you save the young tiefling girl, Arabella, from Kagha’s wrath has consequences that extend all the way to the Shadow-Cursed Lands.
If Arabella is saved, you will encounter her again later in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The following side quest to help the poor girl find her parents will lead you on an eerie and twisted journey to the House of Healing and its strange inhabitants.
The Hag Trilogy Side Quests
Something’s not right with Auntie. What starts as a seemingly quaint little side quest to rescue a young woman from the mysterious Auntie Ethel will lead you down a dark and twisting path.
The reach of the Hag is deeper than you might originally think. It seems many poor souls have fallen victim to her machinations. With your help, you might be able to aid those who have survived Auntie Ethel… and get a little reward in the process.
Companion Quests
Baldur’s Gate 3 just wouldn’t be the same without the companions you meet along the way. Whether you’re an Astarion fan or Karlach lover, completing Companion Quests is what gives Baldur’s Gate 3 all its flavor. The deeper into their backstores you delve, the stronger your bonds will grow.
Don’t miss out on a single side quest! You can find a full list of all the Side Quests in Baldur’s Gate 3 here. Need help plotting your course through the main story of Baldur’s Gate 3? You can also check out our full Baldur’s Gate 3 walkthrough.
Shailyn Cotten is a Freelance Writer for IGN. When she’s not writing guides, you can find her gobbling up Legend of Zelda lore, writing cozy fantasy novels, or live-streaming on Twitch. You can find her on Twitter at @ShaiCotten.