When does Act 2 start in Baldur’s Gate 3? Answered

Much like the structure of your average movie, the main story of Baldur’s Gate 3 splits itself into three acts. But whereas a movie typically lasts around one-and-a-half to two hours or more, Baldur’s Gate 3’s campaign stretches to nearly 50 hours, and that playtime can go much further depending on how much optional content you decide to partake in. Because of this, it might take an incredibly long time before you finally get past the first act and experience the next major phase of the story. So at what point in Baldur’s Gate 3 can you transition into Act 2?

How do you trigger Act 2?

From what I have researched, Act 2 will trigger once you enter and explore the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where much of this new section of the game takes place. Players can access this area through two methods, one of which involves navigating the Mountain Pass route located to the far west of the map you explore in Act 1. Once you reach this route, the game will suggest that you take care of any remaining activities and quests before moving on to the second act. Although you can still return to the Act 1 map after transitioning into Act 2, it seems that certain quests won’t remain available if uncompleted.

You can also access the Shadow-Cursed Lands by passing through the Underdark. This route is a bit more involved, as it first takes you to Grymforge, an area that’s not exactly light on content. This area features an elevator close to some docked boats that will transport you right to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. If you’d like to learn more about what you can do to reach Grymforge, take a look at our Harper Stash guide.

By traveling through one of these routes and stepping into the Shadow-Cursed Lands, you will earn an achievement called “The Plot Thickens.” This indicates that you have officially entered Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing you to continue the story in earnest.

Screenshot: PC Invasion