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To progress through the main storyline in Baldur's Gate 3, players will find themselves adventuring through one of two paths: Underdark or Mountain Pass. Both will lead to the same destination; it's just a matter of the journey.
But when faced with two unique paths, which one should you choose to reach Moonrise Towers? This guide will delve into the nitty-gritty regarding whether to select the Underdark or Mountain Pass to push further into the campaign and reach Act 2!
Updated by Abigail Angell on August 22nd, 2023: To help readers make a more informed decision, answers to questions about whether you can double back on each of these paths have been included.
Traveling Through The Mountain Pass
There are numerous reasons why players would opt for the Mountain Pass over the Underdark. For starters, they may feel claustrophobic when traveling underground, or perhaps they're scared of the dark. Or, more likely, players have traveled through the Underdark previously and want a quicker route. That's right; despite any faults in scenery and aesthetics, the Mountain Pass is the fastest route.
Players can access the Mountain Pass in one of two ways. They can find the path north of the Goblin Camp through the Risen Road, which is crawling with Gnolls. Optionally, there is a path to the West of the Goblin Camp. It's an occasionally dangerous route, with high-level enemies awaiting the player's party, and it's not recommended unless the entire group is over-leveled. It's best to opt for the first path to the Mountain Pass.
Regardless of the player's chosen path, the Mountain Pass is a dangerous route. But for players who opt to side with the Goblins and romance Minthara, she will accompany the party and can show off her Spider Lute to Kar'niss, who blocks the way. Kar'niss will provide the player with the Moonlantern, which negates the nearby shadow curse debuff.
Traveling Through The Underdark
Alternatively, players may opt for the Underdark route. It's a tough one, with its dark, cavernous space filled with dread and horror. But overall, the Underdark is somewhat more manageable, with far more secrets to uncover.
The easiest route to the Underdark is below the Goblin Camp. But first, players need to solve a puzzle, head through the Shattered Sanctum, and traverse the Defiled Temple. It's quite a journey! But once in the Underdark, it's a quick boat trip to Grymforge to continue the main story.
Can You Visit Both Routes In A Single Playthrough?
Players will be able to bounce back and forth between the Mountain Pass and the Underdark if that is truly their wish. While this will sacrifice valuable time, which may cause some quests to time out before completion, you can always retrace your steps or teleport between Fast Travel points to experience as much of the world as possible.
Which Route To Choose?
So, should the player choose the Underdark or Mountain Pass?
If players want the fastest route to the next set of story missions, then the Mountain Pass is the quickest route. However, working through the Underdark means more unique opportunities for combat, leveling, secrets, and stories to uncover. It's a better journey overall. Ultimately, it's up to the player which path to choose, as this is Baldur's Gate. Every story is unique!
Can You Visit The Starting Area After Entering The Shadowlands?
Even though you can readily travel between the Overworld and the Underdark in Act One, Entering the Shadowlands officially begins Act Two of the story. Before Taking the Elevator into the Shadowlands or entering the cursed zone via the Mountain Pass Route, the player will be warned to tie up any loose ends, but does this mean you can't go back?
Thankfully, you will be able to return to previous areas using Fast Travel points, however, many of the NPCs will move locations, and some quests become more difficult or impossible to complete. Much of NPC movement appears to take place when you first load into the Shadow Cursed Area, which is probably why the game warns you to finish everything before moving on.