Where can I find the hidden entrance to the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3?

The House of Hope is one of the most intriguing and hidden locations in Baldur's Gate 3, tied to the enigmatic and powerful character Raphael. This location is not part of the main storyline and requires careful exploration and specific actions to access. The House of Hope is a pocket dimension within the Nine Hells, and gaining entry is no simple task. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to find the hidden entrance and what to expect.

To begin, you need to locate Raphael in Act 2. He can be found in the Last Light Inn, where he will offer you a deal involving the Crown of Karsus. During this conversation, he will mention the House of Hope, hinting at its existence. However, the actual entrance is not accessible until Act 3. Once you reach Baldur's Gate in Act 3, you will need to find a specific item called the Infernal Marble, which is key to unlocking the entrance.

The Infernal Marble is located in the Devil's Fee, a shop in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. The shop is run by a tiefling named Helsik. Helsik is a devil-worshipper and has connections to the Nine Hells. She possesses the Infernal Marble and is willing to part with it for a price. You can either purchase it from her or, if you have high enough Charisma or Persuasion skills, convince her to give it to you for free. Alternatively, if you prefer a more aggressive approach, you can steal it from her shop, though this will likely result in combat with Helsik and her guards.

Once you have the Infernal Marble, you need to perform a ritual to open the portal to the House of Hope. This ritual involves placing the Infernal Marble on a specific altar in the Devil's Fee. The altar is located in the back room of the shop, and you will need to interact with it to begin the ritual. The ritual requires specific components, which Helsik can provide if you ask her about the process. These components include a diamond, a skull, and a vial of blood. If you donÔÇÖt have these items, you can purchase them from Helsik or find them elsewhere in the game.

After placing the Infernal Marble on the altar and arranging the components correctly, the portal to the House of Hope will open. Stepping through the portal will transport you to Raphael's domain. Be prepared for a challenging experience, as the House of Hope is filled with powerful enemies, traps, and puzzles. Raphael himself is a formidable foe, and you will need to be well-prepared to face him.

One important tip is to ensure your party is well-equipped and leveled before attempting to enter the House of Hope. The enemies within are tough, and the environment is hostile. Make sure you have plenty of healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have a balanced party with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities to handle the various challenges you will face.

A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of the House of Hope. Many players rush in without proper preparation and find themselves overwhelmed by the enemies and traps. Take your time to explore and gather resources before attempting to enter. Additionally, be mindful of the story choices you make, as they can affect your experience in the House of Hope. For example, if you have made a deal with Raphael earlier in the game, he may have specific expectations or demands when you meet him in his domain.

Advanced techniques include using stealth and invisibility to bypass some of the more dangerous areas. Spells like Invisibility and Pass Without Trace can be invaluable for sneaking past enemies and avoiding combat. Additionally, using spells like Detect Magic and Identify can help you find hidden traps and treasures.

In terms of D&D rules, the House of Hope operates under the same mechanics as the rest of the game, but with a heightened sense of danger. The enemies you face will have higher stats and more powerful abilities, so itÔÇÖs important to understand their strengths and weaknesses. For example, many of the enemies in the House of Hope are resistant to fire damage, so avoid relying too heavily on fire-based spells and abilities.

In conclusion, finding and entering the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and rewarding endeavor. It requires careful preparation, strategic thinking, and a willingness to face significant challenges. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully navigate this hidden location and uncover its many secrets.