Deep within the complex layers of Nekataka lies one of the most mysterious and lore-rich areas in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire the Archives Subbasement. Often overlooked by casual explorers, this shadowy and secretive location holds key pieces of Eora’s ancient history, as well as unique items, puzzles, and storylines. For those invested in exploration and uncovering secrets, the Archives Subbasement offers a haunting, atmospheric experience that rewards curiosity and sharp thinking. Entering this area isn’t just about loot it’s about discovering forgotten truths and surviving the dangers hidden below the surface.
Finding the Archives Subbasement
Location Overview
The Archives are located within the Royal Deadfire Company Headquarters in Queen’s Berth, Nekataka. The upper levels appear mundane, containing books, scrolls, and scattered scholars. However, beneath the surface lies the Subbasement a restricted zone often locked away from public access.
Accessing the Subbasement
To reach the Archives Subbasement, players must often complete certain quests or unlock specific dialogue options with NPCs such as archivists or royal officers. In some playthroughs, stealth or a high Mechanics skill may allow you to bypass locked doors or restricted guards. Typical methods of access include:
- Completing quests for the Royal Deadfire Company
- Finding hidden switches or levers in the Archives proper
- Using stealth to sneak past locked or guarded entrances
Once inside, players will immediately sense a shift in tone. The lighting dims, eerie sounds echo through stone halls, and the air becomes thick with secrets left to rot in the dark.
What Lies Within the Subbasement
Atmosphere and Design
The Subbasement is more than just a dungeon it’s a slice of Eora’s forgotten history buried beneath layers of bureaucracy and decay. Dusty tomes line ancient shelves, strange runes glow faintly along the walls, and arcane mechanisms hum with residual energy. The entire place exudes mystery and quiet danger.
Enemies and Hazards
While not teeming with enemies like other dungeons, the Subbasement holds its share of peril. Traps are common both mechanical and magical and carelessness can lead to a swift end. Encounters may include:
- Animated constructs guarding specific chambers
- Wraith-like entities disturbed by your presence
- Magical wards that trigger unless disabled
Players are encouraged to bring companions with high Perception and Mechanics skills. These talents help spot danger before it springs and disarm traps before they do permanent harm.
Key Puzzles and Lore
The Locked Vault
One of the most notable features in the Subbasement is a sealed vault door that requires solving a riddle or collecting a set of unique keys found throughout Deadfire. The vault often hides powerful lore items, enchantment materials, or even gear tied to the game’s deeper mythology.
Historical Documents
Scattered throughout the Subbasement are rare scrolls and ancient journals. These texts can reveal:
- Early history of the Huana people and their gods
- Details about Eothas and his journey through the Deadfire
- Secrets about the Engwithans and their forgotten experiments
Reading and understanding this lore isn’t required to complete the game, but for players invested in the world of Pillars of Eternity, it enriches the narrative dramatically.
Notable Items and Rewards
Unique Equipment
Among the shelves and chambers, you can find rare enchanted items or gear with special effects. These include:
- Soulbound weaponsthat evolve with your character
- Artifactstied to side quests or companion backstories
- Scrolls or grimoireswith powerful high-tier spells
Crafting Materials
Due to the magical nature of the Subbasement, it’s not unusual to discover rare crafting materials like Luminous Adra or components from ancient Engwithan devices. These can be used to upgrade weapons or create unique enchantments.
Connections to Other Quests
Faction Involvement
Several factions in Deadfire such as the Vailian Trading Company or the Royal Deadfire Company have an interest in the secrets buried within the Archives. Entering the Subbasement without permission may affect your reputation or questlines with certain groups.
Companion Reactions
Depending on your party composition, certain companions may react to discoveries within the Subbasement. For example:
- Alothmay have unique insights on arcane texts
- Palleginamight offer commentary on faction-based secrets
- Tekehucould provide cultural context to Huana-related lore
These moments enhance immersion and can unlock new dialogue paths or companion quests later in the game.
Gameplay Tips for Navigating the Subbasement
Preparation is Essential
- Bring companions with Mechanics and Arcana skills to disable traps and understand runes.
- Stock up on lockpicks and healing items before venturing below.
- Equip light sources or spells that improve visibility in dark areas.
Explore Every Corner
Some secrets are hidden behind false walls or require triggering events in a specific order. Use the tab key to highlight interactable objects, and don’t rush through rooms without examining everything.
Save Frequently
With potential traps and unpredictable encounters, quick-saving before entering each room can prevent frustrating setbacks.
Why the Archives Subbasement Matters
More Than Just Loot
While gear and XP are always welcome, the Archives Subbasement represents something deeper. It’s a place where the past meets the present, and where the player can glimpse the long-forgotten truths that shape the Deadfire Archipelago. Discovering lost knowledge can influence key decisions later in the story and provide critical context for major events.
A Narrative Treasure Trove
For lore-focused players, the Subbasement is one of the richest areas in the game. The documents and artifacts found here weave together centuries of Eora’s history, offering insights into the gods, the ancient races, and the fate of the world. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous dungeons aren’t those filled with monsters but those filled with knowledge.
The Archives Subbasement in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire stands as a testament to Obsidian’s commitment to deep, rewarding exploration. Hidden beneath the political façade of Nekataka, it holds forgotten history, dangerous secrets, and powerful treasures. Whether you’re a completionist, a lore-seeker, or a tactician hunting rare loot, the Subbasement offers something unforgettable. Take your time, tread carefully, and dive deep into the mysteries that lie in the shadowy corners of Eora.