Baldur’s Gate 3, an enthralling tale set on the Sword Coast, is brimming with hidden treasures and intricate puzzles. Among the many secrets, the Sluice-Gate Puzzle stands out, nestled deep within the vast sewer system beneath Baldur’s Gate. This guide elucidates the steps to successfully navigate this challenge.

Baldur’s Gate: A City Above and Below

The bustling streets of Baldur’s Gate and the serene forests of the Sword Coast are just the surface. Beneath lies a maze of sewers, home to enigmas like the Underdark, Whispering Caverns, and even the clandestine lair of the Hag. These depths hide treasures and challenges, with the Sluice-Gate Puzzle at the heart of it.

Navigating the Sewers

The city sewers aren’t merely conduits for waste; they form a vast network leading to key locations like the Lower City sewers, Temple of Bhaal, and the Undercity Ruins.

Points of Entry

  • The Graveyard: Among the resting places, several tombs and crypts provide secret passages into the sewers. The key is to either pick their locks or find the right keys.
  • Thieves Guildhall: Forming an alliance with Nine Fingers offers a unique access point into the sewers from her Guild Hall.
  • Danthelon’s Dancing Axe: For those in the good graces of the Harpers, a hatch in the cellar of this establishment offers another route into the sewers.
  • Manhole Cover: Situated near the Janneth Estate, this access point leads directly to the City Sewer Waypoint.

Discovering the Abandoned Cistern

Nestled in the Lower City sewers’ western corner, the path to the abandoned Cistern is lined with adversaries like goblins and Bhaal cultists. After this skirmish, players are greeted by a room housing two large valves. To the left is the Water Level Valve and to the right, the Water Temperature Valve.

Solving the Sluice-Gate Puzzle

Adjacent to the Temperature Valve is a note, providing invaluable hints for the puzzle. It emphasizes achieving “optimum” levels for both water and heat. It’s imperative to remember that “optimum” signifies ideal conditions, not extremes.

Manipulating the Valves

  • Water Level Valve: Located to the left, interact with this valve first. Turn it until the indicator reads “Perfect Water Level.”
  • Water Temperature Valve: Next, swiftly move to the right valve. Manipulate it until the “Perfect Warmth” indicator appears. If done correctly, with the Water Level still at “perfect,” the gate below will autonomously open.

In the event of a mistake, a release valve adjacent to the Temperature Valve can reset both mechanisms. Once the gate opens, it remains so, eliminating any risk of being trapped in the Cistern.

In conclusion, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a plethora of challenges, and the Sluice-Gate Puzzle in the Abandoned Cistern is a testament to its complexity. With careful observation and swift decision-making, players can navigate this puzzle seamlessly. This guide aims to equip players with the necessary knowledge to do just that.

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