In the vast world ofBaldur’s Gate 3, players encounter many interactive elements that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. One such intriguing feature is theburrow hole-a small, seemingly insignificant tunnel that can hold hidden treasures, secret paths, or important quest items. These holes are scattered throughout the game and often leave players wondering how to enter them or what secrets lie beyond. Understanding how burrow holes work and how to access them can make a huge difference in uncovering the rich details and rewards hidden within the world of Faerûn.
What Is a Burrow Hole in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Aburrow holeinBaldur’s Gate 3is a small tunnel or opening in the environment that certain creatures or characters can crawl through. These holes are typically too small for regular-sized humanoid characters like humans, elves, or half-orcs. However, smaller races-such as gnomes, halflings, and other tiny creatures-can pass through them with ease. Players who explore thoroughly will notice burrow holes appearing in dungeons, forests, or near hidden areas that lead to loot or shortcuts.
The game’s developers designed burrow holes to encourage players to think creatively about how to use their party’s diverse abilities. They represent an element of environmental storytelling-suggesting that animals or small creatures have made homes in the area, or that there’s a hidden route that only certain beings can traverse.
Where to Find Burrow Holes
Burrow holes can be found in many regions of the game, from the early stages of Act 1 to later, more dangerous areas. Some appear near key quest locations, while others are tucked away in corners, waiting for observant players to notice them. For example, you might find a burrow hole near a goblin camp, inside a cave, or behind a thick bush. They often lead to hidden chambers containing gold, scrolls, or magical items.
BecauseBaldur’s Gate 3rewards exploration, it’s worth paying attention to your surroundings. The game’s perception checks often reveal interactable objects, including burrow holes, that would otherwise remain invisible. Keeping characters with high perception or using spells that enhance awareness can help locate them more easily.
Common Locations for Burrow Holes
- Near animal dens or forested areas where wild creatures roam.
- In caves or ruins that hide ancient treasures or secret chambers.
- Close to quest objectives, especially where sneaking or alternative routes are beneficial.
- Inside or around goblin camps and other enemy hideouts.
Some burrow holes are also found near puzzles or traps, rewarding players who take the time to investigate thoroughly. They can lead to shortcuts that bypass enemies or dangerous terrain, adding tactical advantages during exploration.
How to Enter Burrow Holes
Since most player characters are too large to fit through burrow holes, you’ll need to use creative methods to enter them. There are several ways to do this inBaldur’s Gate 3, depending on your available party members and abilities. The main goal is to either become small enough to fit or to use an ability that allows exploration through a smaller form.
Using a Small Race Character
The simplest way to access a burrow hole is by having a small-sized character in your party. Races likegnomesandhalflingscan naturally fit through these tunnels without needing magic. If one of your party members belongs to these races, you can simply select them and click on the burrow hole to enter.
This approach reflects the game’s emphasis on party composition. Choosing a small race can offer unique advantages beyond combat or dialogue, giving you access to areas that larger races cannot reach.
Using the Wild Shape Ability
If you’re playing as adruid, you can use theWild Shapeability to transform into a small animal, such as a badger or a cat. Once transformed, you can easily crawl through the burrow hole to reach the other side. This method is both practical and immersive, as it fits perfectly within the game’s role-playing mechanics.
Different druid subclasses may offer varying forms that can enter burrow holes. The badger form, for instance, is one of the most useful since it’s designed for digging and navigating tight spaces.
Using Polymorph or Reduce Spells
Another method is through magic. Spells likeReduce(often found in the transmutation school of magic) can temporarily shrink a character’s size, allowing them to fit through small openings. Similarly,Polymorphcan turn a character into a smaller creature capable of entering burrow holes.
These spells provide flexibility for parties that lack small race members or druids. However, they usually require a spellcaster and expend a spell slot, so timing and preparation are important.
Summoning a Familiar
Wizards and Warlocks can use theFind Familiarspell to summon a small creature such as a spider, cat, or rat. Familiars are perfect for exploring burrow holes since they can pass through tight spaces, scout ahead, and even activate switches or interact with items on the other side. While familiars can’t pick up loot directly, they can help you discover what lies beyond the tunnel.
This approach allows you to explore safely without putting your main characters at risk, making it ideal in areas filled with traps or hidden enemies.
What You Can Find Inside Burrow Holes
Burrow holes often lead to hidden treasures, secret rooms, or quest-related areas. Some contain chests with gold or valuable trinkets, while others open paths to areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. They can also hide lore elements such as notes, relics, or environmental clues that deepen the story.
- Treasure and lootGold coins, scrolls, or potions hidden in secret chambers.
- Quest itemsKey objects that advance storylines or side missions.
- Alternate pathsTunnels that bypass traps, locked doors, or enemy patrols.
- Lore secretsBooks, runes, or messages that expand on the game’s history and world-building.
Sometimes, the reward is not material but strategic. For instance, a burrow hole may allow your party to sneak behind enemies or avoid a dangerous encounter altogether. In other cases, the hole could serve as a shortcut connecting two distant areas.
Examples of Burrow Holes in the Game
InBaldur’s Gate 3, certain locations are well-known for having burrow holes with valuable rewards. One example is found in theDruid Grove, where a small tunnel near the training area leads to hidden loot. Another appears in theBlighted Village, allowing players to enter a concealed basement filled with treasure. Each of these holes tells a small story-hinting at wildlife activity, forgotten ruins, or secret hideouts.
These features make exploration feel more rewarding. Players who take the time to look beyond the obvious paths often discover unique details that others might miss. It reinforces the idea that inBaldur’s Gate 3, curiosity truly pays off.
Tips for Exploring Burrow Holes
- Keep a small race or druid in your party for easy access.
- Use perception-enhancing abilities to spot hidden holes.
- Prepare spells likeReduceorFind Familiarfor creative exploration.
- Save your game before entering, as some tunnels may lead to traps or combat zones.
- Check for lore items or clues after emerging on the other side-sometimes the story rewards are as valuable as the treasure.
Theburrow holeinBaldur’s Gate 3may seem like a small environmental detail, but it represents one of the many ways the game rewards exploration and creativity. By experimenting with race abilities, spells, or familiars, players can uncover hidden paths, treasures, and secrets that enhance their adventure. These tunnels add depth to the world, making it feel alive and filled with mystery. Whether you use a halfling, a druid’s wild shape, or a tiny familiar, mastering how to explore burrow holes is an essential skill for anyone who wants to fully experience the magic and wonder ofBaldur’s Gate 3.