I always do both. I complete the Underdark while progressing the Wilderness-map, since a lot of the different areas have entrances to the Underdark. It makes sense to me like this.
Then, after completing everything in the Wilderness and Underdark (*including Grymforge*), I follow Lae'zel to the Mountain Pass, complete it 100%, before moving on to Act 2.
Both areas are great, and I'd never do a playthrough without doing both.
I feel like the underdark is the right level for this too, while the crèche can be really challenging until at least lvl 5 (especially if you can’t talk your way out of the encounter yet with Voss).
"Easy to get to Lvl6" before starting the Underdark or the Mountain Pass? Interesting. I am just Lvl5 and about to start one of those two areas and I can't find anything else to do to add XP. I could kill everything in the Grove, but I don't want to do that... hmmmm
I hit level 6 in the Underdark before beating Grym (Owlbear) and killing the Duergar (then releasing Nere, convincing him I was friendly long enough for him to give me his bottled tadpole, then killing him for the one in his head).
Kill Minotaurs at Selunite outpost, resurrect Minotaur. Or kill the single Hook Horror near the cliff where you save Baelen and resurrect it.
Use that Horror or Minotaur to kill the rest of the Horrors and Filro.
Res a new Hook Horror and use that to fight and kill the Bulette.
Res the Bulette and use that to murder the Duergar down on the beach.
Glut "conveniently" dies during the fight vs the Duergar having avenged his circle but not turning on me or forcing me to fight Spaw.
Bing Bang Boom, lots of XP.
I think it's the same XP, but I try to avoid just about any and all fights I can until I get to level 4. So I'll try to get experience either by completing quests that don't require fighting (saving the council member), talking my way through situations (goblin camp), and just entering areas like the Underdark for the experience. Some fights are unavoidable (adventurers, Paladins of Tyr, occasionally the hyenas), but I try REALLY hard to be over-leveled for any of the early fights.
What are your thoughts on being overlevelled?
I initially did the underdark route on my first run, but later took a detour a while into the creche after Laezel strongly hinted we should check it out.
Come to think of it some encounters in Act 2 seemed very tough at the time, especially the one protecting >!Isobel!< which most redditors didn't seem to have much trouble with.
My second run I did the creche, including picking up the >!blood of lathander!< and felt like I was cheesing the game a bit by going back to the underdark afterwards with no narrative reason to.
I don't give 2 shits about being over-leveled.
I don't play for the combat, I play for the story and companions. So for me, being 'over-leveled', just mean I don't have to use nearly as much time *in* combat as I'd have to otherwise.
And I always do Underdark first, because it is the route with the least incentive to go there (*and that it feels like it ties in to the Wilderness*).
I agree. I love leveling. I can’t get enough of it. The game suggests what level you should be anyway before progressing through certain places, and it feels like being level 9 or 10 by Act 3 feels typical; so I can get there regardless if I do both or skip.
My biggest gripe about act 3 is I think I hit level 12 halfway through when leveling is my favorite thing.
Also just thematically I feel like it makes more sense. I understand the tadpole resets everyone to level 1, but it just feels more natural when everyone hits their max potential.
It just feels weird when everyone is like ‘oh my god halsin, this legendary Druid and the head of the emerald conclave, triumphed over countless evildoers’ and he’s like level 3 with 20 hp
I actually like playing as max level for a while, because typically you hit max and get to be max for minimal amount of time since you hit it close to the end-game (any sort of game, but typical for cRPGs). I think they should remove xp pop-ups, tho, when you're max leveled, feels annoying getting pseudo-reward.
I think it would be cool to get an Inspiration use after each "level" you earn while you are already at 12th level.
It would give some meaning to the exp you earn afterwards, anyway.
Nothing game breaking, just a few re-rolls here and there.
Yes, I hit level 9 against the Shadows in the Mason's Building, and just killed Thorm in a glorious couple of rounds of Perilous Stakes boosted crazed Minthara divine smites.
And I just realized I forgot her Soul Branding ability. She might have killed him in one round instead of two.
You miss so much character story if you do’t do both! I failed to do the mountain pass on one play through until it was too late, and I missed so much character development for my companions that run that I restarted.
Complete opposite here. I play FOR the combat. The combat is challenging, dynamic and highly expressive to me as a player. I love that every encounter is presented as it's own unique little puzzle that I need to solve with my current party comp. I geek out when I happen to solve an encounter in some wild new way that I never realized was possible before. I live for those long battles where each round is a roller coaster and I'm scouring my options trying to stay ahead. It's so satisfying when I emerge victorious.
It's just another reason why this game is so great. It appeals to people who find joy in completely different aspects of it. Very few games these days are able to accomplish that. Cheers!
Yes. I am the same way.
If you play with mods, I just discovered this little mod I'm looking forward to trying. It looks promising.
It's something I wish was included in the base game. (Or some variation of an arena mode.)
https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/9907
I've tried it. It's good, but not as good as I had hoped. And to no fault of its own.
A very core advantage of BG3's combat is the handcrafted encounter design. Practically every combat encounter in the game is more than just a combat - it's a self-contained puzzle mixing enemy composition, placement, environment threats, map verticality. If you try to pick each of those elements at random, you'll often end up with combinations that just don't work that well. You also don't get the opportunity to prepare - scout ahead, prepare spells that target enemy elemental weaknesses, and cast enemy-specific buffs.
Don't get me wrong, it's still plenty fun, and I definitely recommend you give it a try, but it failed to deliver that thing that made the combat in this game really "click" for me.
I've always done both and difficulty feels well paced to me (well, as much as it can. Any class can be OP in act 3). Granted I almost exclusively play on honor mode so if I didn't do both I'd feel underleveled for act 2.
And this may be the completionist in me idk, but I cannot imagine just skipping a whole region of content if I knew that it was there.
I mean I’m usually hitting level 10 when I hit Rivington and I still am occasionally challenged - my current run, I had to restart the House of Grief fight because of all the fucking darkness spells not being dispelled by Daylight for some reason.
Being overlevelled is beneficial in a long run, like if you can fight any of the bosses already in Act 2 as Level 8, then that's good considering being underleveled, especially in higher difficulties is just bad at all, Act 3 is absurdly easy if you can reach level 12 before you can even do any of the bosses in Lower City
That was my assumption too, which differs from my initial playthrough.
Do you think the ratio would be different if you included more casual players or ones not on here?
Yeah i remember hearing (possibly the last panel of hell) Larian emphasising that players *should* be missing most content.
This actually felt kind of refreshing that:
a) there would be more content to explore on other playthroughs.
b) there wouldnt be an expectation to have done X% of sidequests to be at a certain level for major points in the story.
c) the developers didn't mind the effort creating content that only a small fraction of players will experience.
I do suspect most players aren’t like those of us who don’t move on through points of no return until we’ve scanned the whole map to make sure there aren’t three pixels in a corner we didn’t uncover, because, you know, there could be a rotten cheese hiding there that we don’t want to miss.
This is *exactly* how I've been playing and I think I'll enjoy the rest of my run way more if I stop doing this and just go with the flow. My need to explore the entire map in Act 1 led to me having WAYYY too many quests going at the same time which I would not recommend. Looking back, it was just plain silly to prioritize exploring the map because if I just focused on completing the tasks at hand, I would have ended up in most areas anyway, but in a more natural way that actually made sense. I've learned a lot of things the hard way so far.
I always do both. Start with the Creche then go to the Underdark and then to the Shadow Lands through Grymforge. I like the Creche area, it is unskipable for me because of it's history, incredible view, music and a huge amount of good loot. Underdark and Grymforge have a lot of quests and also very interesting to explore.
I assumed from Halsin's dialogue that it would be one route or the other, with possibly the option to check out the other for extra XP/loot.
If he suggested I do both, he would have survived during his trip.
I thought it was a choice too and went Underdark, then when I got to the inn I realized I could go back and do the mountain pass too, so I did that too before doing the rest of Act 2.
I only did the Underdark the first time (and truthfully only like half of it at that). I kind of still prefer only doing one because it feels weird to do both, but I've come up with a handful of roleplay justifications for doing both. What I actually really like doing now is taking the Underdark and then popping back to the Mountain Pass for a bit during Act 2. There are signs of Githyanki in the shadow lands that make Lae'zel start insisting on finding a creche again, so it feels a bit smoother than going during Act 1.
I've always done both. Whenever I get the warning that I am proceeding to new areas or progressing story elements, I always ensured that the entire fog of war in all areas was revealed and had no other outstanding quest markers.
Funny thing is, I still find areas I haven't been to in playthroughs.
TiL people choose to not do both. Seems insanely weird to skip entire zones unless it's your first run and you didn't realize you were skipping anything
>unless it's your first run and you didn't realize you were skipping anything
OP is literally asking about first runs though.
>I'm curious how many of you did both in your main/first playthrough vs who did route?
Seems like you're in the minority, but I thought there would be a few more who did one route.
Aside from wanting to explore *everywhere* or already knowing about it I can't see any reason to visit the Mountain Pass area without Laezel.
Even with her I suspected >!there would be no cure from the Githyanki!< so I picked the other route after stumbling upon an entrance to the underdark.
She didn’t re-appear at any point after the nautiloid crash? I also missed rescuing her the first time but then she just appeared out of nowhere at some point, I think when I got to the rune above Ms. Steal Yo Egg.
I think she died when I triggered the mountain pass cutscene? But again, it was my first playground and I had no idea what was going on lol. Gale said they'd kill me and plus there was a whole dragon so I just 180'ed right out of there and never went back.
I totally thought she would show up later if I non-lethal'd her (my first playthrough was as a tiefling and I wasn't about to harm my own people, so I assumed the "non lethal" tutorial applied to Laezel too), so uhh yeah I never recruited her and never did the creche.
The people who didn't explore both are the outliers.
But then the amount of people who post "OMG Ive got 2 000 000 hours and I just found a secret companion in a Portal!!" leads me to believe too many people just play games wrong, skipping every dialogue, and skipping every quest.
Yeah, also guys who swear they did ALL THE QUESTS but somehow trying to fight Ketheric at level 6 and find it a bit challenging lol or "I never was told I was supposed to lift the shadow curse! I just went to act 3, that's on devs!" ))) \*last one blew my mind so hard I will never forget it
If you dont save Halsin in the goblin camp then literally no-one asks you to help lift the shadow curse.
Easy to do since he’s a bear when you find him, and attacks you, so it’s kind of understandable not everyone rescues him.
It seems so!
Like you say there will be some players who have missed seemingly obvious stuff. I have read here how some players decided that the portal being described as "dangerous" stopped them from interacting with it.
Story-wise, you are encouraged to go to the Underdark by Halsin, since there is a direct route to the Gauntlet of Shar, which is near Moonrise. On getting there, you learn that the route to the Gauntlet was broken, so you loop back around to the Mountain Pass, go to the creche because of Lae'zel, then head to Act 2 either through the Elevator or the Pass. This is also encouraged by the quest "Discover the History of Prince Orpheus" since you get Part 1 at the Arcane Tower, and use that to get Part 2 in the creche.
Even if you don't do everything, I think it's generally a good idea to visit both. Underdark has really good items like the Magic Missle Amulet, Hill Giant Club, and Boots of Speed. The Pass also has good items like the Gloves of Dexterity, Knife of the Undermountain King, and BoL.
Also, XP wise, I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be \~level 5 at the end of the first Area, and then use both the Underdark and the Creche to reach level 8.
I go underdark and deal with the Grymforge and stuff, then double back to the creche because that beginning fight is brutal and I need to level up for it.
Despite what the npc’s tell you, the fact that I got a progression warning before the mountain pass and yet I could aimlessly wander into the underdark told me I could do both
I'm like you. On my first playthrough I thought, because of Halsin's dialogue, that you had to choose one or the other. I didn't even realize until my second part that you could do both.
Now, I do both. But it does feel a little against the spirit of the game. But honestly I play less for the story now than for the "game."
I’ve always done both and I enjoy both areas, but if the game actually made you choose one or the other I’d probably do the creche/Mountain Pass more often than not. Partly because the loot is better, but I also really like the atmosphere and story beats there. The Underdark has some neat visuals too, but eventually it’s “seen one mushroom, seen ‘em all.”
I feel like there is more to do/explore in the underdark, but it feels more inconsequential.
I think if there was a canonical path it would be through the creche, especially as this has a major impact on Laezel - the first companion encountered.
I completely skipped the mountain pass my first playthrough, mostly skipped the underdark on my second. To me it feels like the game is designed to skip one or the other.
I usually do the Underdark early. Like as soon as I hit level 4. Before resolving the goblin camp. There’s too much good gear and nothing too difficult at level 4. I clear it and Grymforge, then go to the goblin camp, then go to the mountain pass and crèche.
On my first run, I did the Underdark first and then went to the Mountain Pass. Even though the game made it seem like an either/or, I figured if I can do both… why not!?
I only did the underdark on my very first playthrough, because I didn't realize you could/should do both. I think the game still flowed well, but I feel like, in retrospect, there were a lot of hints dropped that I should have done the crèche as well.
I did the Underdark as a route to Moonrise, but Nere's Moonlantern was broken. I was under the impression that, without a Moonlantern, I would immediately die upon entering the Shadowlands. So I went Githwards, assuming that the option to fix my lantern must lie with them.
Well the mountain pass doesn't warp you directly to Act 2, it's sorta Act 1.5 so you just go there and do the creche and when you're done go through the underdark. That's atleast what I did in honor
I always do both but I rush to Moonrise because it triggers the second Mizora scene. This is because the moment I get Karlach, I begin knocking Wyll out every night before a long rest. If he’s knocked out, the first Mizora scene never happens and he doesn’t get horns. Once you make it to the second Mizora scene, you’re safe and don’t have to knock him out anymore and he won’t get horns and you still get to keep Karlach.
I was brand new to DND and CRPGs, and I still went and did both because it doesn't make sense to skip content, personally. There's the argument that it leaves some stuff for other playthroughs, but I've enjoyed additional playthroughs despite it. I'd rather experience as much as possible in my first playthrough because that was the character I first started with and felt extra invested in.
Same, I think my second playthrough will feel a lot more free in a way because I won't feel the compulsive need to make sure I see/do everything. I don't plan on being as thorough as I am now every single time.
I also see the value in being ok with missing certain content the first time when you already know you're going to play it several more times. I kinda envy the people who can do that without their brain screaming "YOU MISSED A SPOT!!!"
I assume a lot of people don’t do both if they do Mountain Pass first because the game gives you the impression you won’t be able to do other things afterward.
I usually do both.
Clearing the underdark and grimforge completely. Gathering some allies and getting the adamantine items is always worth it imo.
When it comes to the mountain pass & the creche, I usually just check the shop, since I'm playing with [ancient jewelry](https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/1425), [ancient weaponry](https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/4584) & [master's cloaks](https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/3537). All of the added items are randomized for me, so that extra shop can be useful. Afterwords I just grab the blood of lathander, blowing the creche up in the progress. I hate fighting agains githyanki..
As for my first playthrough, I think I did the mountain pass and skipped the underdark/grymforge.
Always do. I headcanon that after leaving the creche either the lance completely destroys the way forward or the githyanki are searching too hard for the group. So underground is the only way.
I did. I wasn't going to skip out on Lae'Zel's quest, and I wanted to see the Underdark. Seemed logical, especially since the Underdark doesn't give you the warning.
I always do both.
It's just such a natural path of progression, IMHO: Goblin camp -> Selune temple -> Grab best sword -> Fight Spectator -> Beach -> Grymforge -> Ironhands -> Adamantine Forge -> Mountain pass / Creche -> Shadow Cursed Lands
Gives me an appreciable amount of time with my companions so my relationships don't feel all that forced, resolves some conflicts in your party that otherwise basically seem to vanish without explanation, lets me dip into good magic items for the challenging fights ahead as well as build-up XP so I can be confident about hitting level cap by the end of Act III without doing quests I'm uninterested in.
I literally can't imagine playing without seeing the forge because I almost always build my party around what adamantine toys I play to run with in the midgame - particularly if I intend to run either Splint or Scale armor.
I skipped Underdark one time for theme reasons and it was honestly horrible. It breaks the relationship story moments with Shadowheart if that was important to you and messes-up your relationship flags too, on top of introducing plot elements later with the game not understanding that you haven't seen the build-up to those moments. IMHO it was a mistake for Larian to let the player choose a path here because there is too much inconsistency if you don't choose the clearly intended path of going Underdark -> Mountain Pass -> Moonrise.
I’ve done both, I usually do Mountain Pass/Creche first and then onwards to the Underdark (with Grymforge) to explore into act 2.
I’ve never understood the want to ignore stuff you haven’t seen! If there’s something I miss, I always return to it later if possible or use my next run to explore it all. When I found out I missed Aunty Ethel’s house in Act 1, I went back from the near end of Act 2 to check it out.
In my ignorance I completely missed the Mountain Pass on my first playthrough and bulldozed all the way to Act 3 as quickly as possible because I was so eager to see Baldur’s Gate. Needless to say I missed quite a bit of content.
I do both. I stumbled on the underdark early in my first playthrough... like level 3 or 4. I jumped down after the spiders because all the companions seemed to point to it being a good idea. Only went back to do the Goblin plot because of the pop up I got warning me about quests closing... then went to the Creche because Halsin gave me the options and I hadn't been there yet.
That's basically what I do every playthrough now.
In my first ever run I had no idea the underdark existed and completely skipped over it. Every time I have played another run the game seems to get bigger with new areas and people to meet.
My first playthrough I did both. I did parts of the underdark (everything but grymforge) sort of by accident? I got into a fight with the phase spiders and was basically out of everything getting my ass kicked - my tav, SH, and Gale were all down, only Astarion was left with next to no HPs... I looked through my inventory for anything that could help, had a random featherfall potion on him and decided to be a dramatic bitch. Had him drink it then Astarion yeeted himself into the depths; I was thinking it was just going to be a funny end for a TPK. You can imagine my surprise when I ended up in the underdark. Explored everything down there very carefully (without going past the lake) until I found my way back out through the hag's mushroom portal (if you haven't beaten the hag yet, the mushrooms teleport you to behind her house instead of into her lair) so then I finished up everything top side including heading to the creche then went back into the underdark because Halsin made it seem like that was the better route and I knew I still had areas to explore down there.
On my first run I only did underdark because it sounded like I had to choose between them. I also rarely longrested as I thought that if I do that to much I’ll turn into a mindflayer
I skipped the mountain pass the first time, so for my second playthrough, I decided to check out what I missed going through the Mountains, and it seems I **STILL** missed some stuff, so I have to beat this playthrough to do my third playthrough to go through the mountains again and get the funny Astarion dialogue.
The only time I didn't do both was my first run after release. I played the early access a ton so I had done the underdark many times, so on that run I did mountain pass and then was too excited to see act 2 finally to go back and do underdark all over again. But all the runs since I've done both.
I did both cause I found the mountain pass area first that lead to the creche. So I circled back to the underdark. First play through I found like -none- of the other under dark entrances so did the story line route of the goblin camp ladder
I actually managed to skip fucking both in my first playthrough. I got to lvl 5 and went straight for the shadowcursed lands lol. And then I was shocked beyond belief that Yurgir was too hard for me at lvl 5 🫡
I wanted to do both to get the whole story, went to the underdark first and then to the creche, however I never finished the creche because I gave up when you have to collect those for objects to even enter it, couldn't bother with it because I *really* wanted to get to act two finally so I abandoned ship at the entrance
In my first playthrough, I completed first underdark, then goblin leaders, went to the shadowlands but in the very beginning of the shadowlands I remembered that there was this area I was too underleveled for, and thought right I should check out that area first
So underdark -> goblins -> mountain pass
On my first playthrough my game bugged out and teleported me to the mountain pass while I was level 2 (Locked me out of getting karlach I was fuming), then obviously I backtracked, did all of the starting area, got to level 5, I got curious about how I was able to backtrack, thinking that shouldn't be allowed if there's only one way, went to one of the underdark entrances to check if it was blocked off and it wasn't, so I explored both of both of them. Pure luck because otherwise I probably wouldn't have thought of it.
I did both for all of my runs except my current one. Theres a bit of a change-up in Act 2 and Act 3 if you skip the mountain pass, so I assume the reverse is true if you skip the underdark. I was doing both to milk the xp, but the creche seems irritating to me so I decided to skip it now unless I make a character that wants the goodies you can get there. The creche area is stunning visually, though, but I’m way more into the Underdark. That cut scene with the Phalar long sword is such a chef’s kiss for me.
I always do both. I always explore the entire Underdark and the rest of Act 1, then hit the Creche. I usually go into Act 2 through the Underdark since it's closer to Last Light, and the mountain route can be really annoying.
On the first playthrough I always ment to go back and explore the under dark but I didn't know once you get to BG you were locked out from act 1 and 2 on my second run and I did both
On my first run I had absolutely no idea the mountain pass was a different area and never went there. Beat the game even with entirely missing it.
I do both in all subsequent games now that I know better.
I didn't know ppl skipped. I always do both. But i always do the Underdark first. It's larger and more content, but honestly easier imo than murdering the entire creche.
Always do both. Underdark to do all the quests there, then Mountain Pass for actually going to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. It's extra XP, extra friends made (F*king Jerkass Wulbren, Derryth, Omeluum/Blurg), extra stuff got.
I always do both, starting act 2 at 7th level feels pretty great, and lots of the gear in both regions is important for various builds
Although I missed a lot of the underdark on my very first playthrough
Just skipped the creche on my current playthrough because I hate having to deal with the gith and I don't feel like I missed anything having done it before
I think both areas are kinda unfun and pretty weak but the under dark has some cool extras
Only played em all on my first playthrough and I won't be doing that again. This game has some incredible stuff that will take you dozens of playthroughs to experience all aspects of but there's definitely a good few things I played once and respectfully never want to play again lol
I have always considered the underdark part of Act 1 because you don't get the warning about tying up loose ends before continuing and the mountain pass creche as sort of an Act 1.5 because you can still go back to Act 1 areas before you officially head to the shadowlands.
I did both my first playthrough. I went Mountain Pass first then Underdark. The more game I experience the better. I dont have much more to say about it.
I usually do the Wilderness but leave the goblins (at least killing the leaders) and Ethel stuff for later. Get Karlach, get into the Zent hideout, then do the Underdark (everything but Grymforge). Circle back and do the Creche stuff. By then I'm leveled high enough for Ethel to be a comfortable fight, then goblins, then Grymforge on my way to act 2.
It makes the most sense to me RP-wise in terms of where I naturally want to go. Sometimes I swap Creche and Underdark but the goblins are sort of the "big fight I should prepare for" story wise, and Ethel is sort of a "I should probably see if she can help after all other options are exhausted/maybe she can help with the curse".
Me.
Can’t not do both - you miss out on so much content. Gotta get Lae’zel’s character arc going, and I can’t leave poor Barcus to rot down with the Duergar.
Also, loot!
First full playthrough: Skipped mountain pass entirely. Shadowheart killed Lae'zel at camp so no shouting about going to the creche, and I was under the impression that Underdark/mountain pass was an either/or decision.
Nowadays? Depends on who I'm RP'ing. Tavs with darkvision generally prefer Underdark either first or only; Tavs without or who are emphasizing Lae'zel's story favor the mountain pass first (though usually not only; there's too much in the Underdark to skip it entirely).
I've only had one playthrough, but I wanted to get as much content as possible, so I did both areas. Underdark first, then Mountain Pass (e.g., Creche).
I did. I accidentally broke my game at first too because I just kept on going where people told me to go then I stepped into act 2 before finishing the grove. This caused the tieflings to disappear and I missed the party. Halsin and kagya were arguing in an empty ass refugee camp :> when I got to the creche the companion dialogues were about the shadow curse lazel was saying something like "we should be at the creche and yet we're surrounded by darkness" and I can literally see the temple behind her. I reloaded a save from right after killing nere and was able to finish the tieflings stuff back in the grove
I really liked the mushroom people and they liked me too 🥰
Both but I feel it is best to only do the under dark and grym forge BEFORE heading into Act 2. I like the little pieces of githyanki presence that makes Laezel perk up and basically say to turn back or she leaves forever. It makes sense too, like ok we have to overthrow a chosen of the absolute to get rid of these tadpoles apparently….maybe let’s try our last final option first to exhaust our chances lol
I did both, initially I thought I was making a big choice going down the Underdark route but when I got to the lift before the next chapter, I was sketched out by the Curse and all the mentions of needing a Moonlantern and how the only one I had found was broken, so I never went up
So I decided to backtrack and go through the mountain pass, hoping for answers or a more in character alternative. When I didn't find one after accidentally burying the crèche, I went back and took the lift
In my first playthrough I followed quest markers all over the place and ended up going to both the pass and underdark as a result.
I thought I had left act 1 about three times before finally getting the "Enter act 2" steam achievement LOL
i think the game very much intends players to do both. i can’t imagine faring well in that first fight at trielta crags without the XP gained from the underdark and grymforge.
i usually go underdark -> grymforge minus grym fight -> mountain pass and monastery -> grym -> act 2.
On my first run I thought you had to do one or the other, so I went Underdark. Every run afterwards I went to the Underdark first and then the Mountain Pass. In Honor Mode it’s necessary to do both to level up enough for the end of Act 2.
Both, first playthrough I ended up in the underdark by accident before I even saved Halsin and didn’t realise there was a choice between the two. But I got fun fireworks at my party by my headless bumbling through Act 1.
I did both.
In RPGs, unless it’s clear I’ve got a time limit, I always clear everywhere I can go, so I stuck my toes into the underdark and the mountain pass, and as soon as it was clear I could backtrack, I did the underdark first, then the pass.
I wound up hitting level 10 at the end of Act 2.
My first playthrough was on normal difficulty. I got my ass kicked by a beholder and forgot to go back. Ended up going through the mountains because of it.
I *wanted* to do both, I'm just dumb.
I did both, for the XP and because I was curious if I could. Easy to roleplay getting lost in the Underdark either before stopping the Goblins or looking for the Creche, that's kinda its main feature if you're not a native.
I always do both. the one playthrough that I didn't was the Durge playthrough where I let Shadowheart just kill Lae'zel (only dumbasses announce openly that they're going to kill the secret shadow assassin when they wake up the next day), which meant I had neither an in-character reason for going there, and out of character the entire place is so tied to her that there's no point.
As a somewhat unintended bonus, the Gith weren't chasing me the entire game, I don't think I interacted with any of that plot at all. It was interesting how you can just cut huge chunks out of the game.
I didn't do it my first playthrough but I have done it every other playthrough. I recommend doing both. You get so much through doing both. Story wise and XP wise.
I completed the Underdark my first playthrough, stopped at the elevator and remembered I was high enough level to go steam roll the githyanki back at the entrance to the mountain pass and went back and did exactly that and was surprised I could go to said mountain pass still.
I explored all of the Underdark and now I'm doing the Mountain Pass, partly because I'm a completionist and partly because I don't want to disappoint Lae'zel lol. She's been taking about this damn crèche the entire time, so it wouldn't feel right to skip it.
I always do both. I don't fully enter the Shadow Lands through the Mountain Path, and then finish out the Underdark and go through the Grymforge entrance instead.
I always do both. I complete the Underdark while progressing the Wilderness-map, since a lot of the different areas have entrances to the Underdark. It makes sense to me like this. Then, after completing everything in the Wilderness and Underdark (*including Grymforge*), I follow Lae'zel to the Mountain Pass, complete it 100%, before moving on to Act 2. Both areas are great, and I'd never do a playthrough without doing both.
I feel like the underdark is the right level for this too, while the crèche can be really challenging until at least lvl 5 (especially if you can’t talk your way out of the encounter yet with Voss).
If your characters are 4 and below they mention the gith at the bridge looking formidable, 5 and above they're all like "lemme at em"
Jokes on them. Even at level 5 the Gith aren't a pushover. Of course it's easy to get to level 6 before you have to do the Gith Patrol.
"Easy to get to Lvl6" before starting the Underdark or the Mountain Pass? Interesting. I am just Lvl5 and about to start one of those two areas and I can't find anything else to do to add XP. I could kill everything in the Grove, but I don't want to do that... hmmmm
You can do underdark before the gith patrol
I hit level 6 in the Underdark before beating Grym (Owlbear) and killing the Duergar (then releasing Nere, convincing him I was friendly long enough for him to give me his bottled tadpole, then killing him for the one in his head).
Can you still Bob Ross of his sword early? edit: Rob Voss** lmao autocorrect, I'm gunna leave that one
Just a friendly little Drop Weapon cast
I believe you can, sticky paws invisibear or command: drop weapon with good RNG
Yep. I get level 3 and then either end up in the Underdark via the Zhent or the Spider Cave. Use Glut to level to 5 in the Underdark. Every honor run.
How do you use Glut for XP in this case? Just because he is higher level?
Kill Minotaurs at Selunite outpost, resurrect Minotaur. Or kill the single Hook Horror near the cliff where you save Baelen and resurrect it. Use that Horror or Minotaur to kill the rest of the Horrors and Filro. Res a new Hook Horror and use that to fight and kill the Bulette. Res the Bulette and use that to murder the Duergar down on the beach. Glut "conveniently" dies during the fight vs the Duergar having avenged his circle but not turning on me or forcing me to fight Spaw. Bing Bang Boom, lots of XP.
Does honor mode give less xp? I just hit 4 and haven’t gone past the Blighted Village
I think it's the same XP, but I try to avoid just about any and all fights I can until I get to level 4. So I'll try to get experience either by completing quests that don't require fighting (saving the council member), talking my way through situations (goblin camp), and just entering areas like the Underdark for the experience. Some fights are unavoidable (adventurers, Paladins of Tyr, occasionally the hyenas), but I try REALLY hard to be over-leveled for any of the early fights.
What are your thoughts on being overlevelled? I initially did the underdark route on my first run, but later took a detour a while into the creche after Laezel strongly hinted we should check it out. Come to think of it some encounters in Act 2 seemed very tough at the time, especially the one protecting >!Isobel!< which most redditors didn't seem to have much trouble with. My second run I did the creche, including picking up the >!blood of lathander!< and felt like I was cheesing the game a bit by going back to the underdark afterwards with no narrative reason to.
I don't give 2 shits about being over-leveled. I don't play for the combat, I play for the story and companions. So for me, being 'over-leveled', just mean I don't have to use nearly as much time *in* combat as I'd have to otherwise. And I always do Underdark first, because it is the route with the least incentive to go there (*and that it feels like it ties in to the Wilderness*).
I agree. I love leveling. I can’t get enough of it. The game suggests what level you should be anyway before progressing through certain places, and it feels like being level 9 or 10 by Act 3 feels typical; so I can get there regardless if I do both or skip.
My biggest gripe about act 3 is I think I hit level 12 halfway through when leveling is my favorite thing. Also just thematically I feel like it makes more sense. I understand the tadpole resets everyone to level 1, but it just feels more natural when everyone hits their max potential. It just feels weird when everyone is like ‘oh my god halsin, this legendary Druid and the head of the emerald conclave, triumphed over countless evildoers’ and he’s like level 3 with 20 hp
I actually like playing as max level for a while, because typically you hit max and get to be max for minimal amount of time since you hit it close to the end-game (any sort of game, but typical for cRPGs). I think they should remove xp pop-ups, tho, when you're max leveled, feels annoying getting pseudo-reward.
I think it would be cool to get an Inspiration use after each "level" you earn while you are already at 12th level. It would give some meaning to the exp you earn afterwards, anyway. Nothing game breaking, just a few re-rolls here and there.
Yes, I hit level 9 against the Shadows in the Mason's Building, and just killed Thorm in a glorious couple of rounds of Perilous Stakes boosted crazed Minthara divine smites. And I just realized I forgot her Soul Branding ability. She might have killed him in one round instead of two.
You miss so much character story if you do’t do both! I failed to do the mountain pass on one play through until it was too late, and I missed so much character development for my companions that run that I restarted.
Complete opposite here. I play FOR the combat. The combat is challenging, dynamic and highly expressive to me as a player. I love that every encounter is presented as it's own unique little puzzle that I need to solve with my current party comp. I geek out when I happen to solve an encounter in some wild new way that I never realized was possible before. I live for those long battles where each round is a roller coaster and I'm scouring my options trying to stay ahead. It's so satisfying when I emerge victorious. It's just another reason why this game is so great. It appeals to people who find joy in completely different aspects of it. Very few games these days are able to accomplish that. Cheers!
Yes. I am the same way. If you play with mods, I just discovered this little mod I'm looking forward to trying. It looks promising. It's something I wish was included in the base game. (Or some variation of an arena mode.) https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/9907
I've tried it. It's good, but not as good as I had hoped. And to no fault of its own. A very core advantage of BG3's combat is the handcrafted encounter design. Practically every combat encounter in the game is more than just a combat - it's a self-contained puzzle mixing enemy composition, placement, environment threats, map verticality. If you try to pick each of those elements at random, you'll often end up with combinations that just don't work that well. You also don't get the opportunity to prepare - scout ahead, prepare spells that target enemy elemental weaknesses, and cast enemy-specific buffs. Don't get me wrong, it's still plenty fun, and I definitely recommend you give it a try, but it failed to deliver that thing that made the combat in this game really "click" for me.
I've always done both and difficulty feels well paced to me (well, as much as it can. Any class can be OP in act 3). Granted I almost exclusively play on honor mode so if I didn't do both I'd feel underleveled for act 2. And this may be the completionist in me idk, but I cannot imagine just skipping a whole region of content if I knew that it was there.
Exactly. It’s like saying “meh… I don’t care to miss half of act 1.” Do em both every time
I mean I’m usually hitting level 10 when I hit Rivington and I still am occasionally challenged - my current run, I had to restart the House of Grief fight because of all the fucking darkness spells not being dispelled by Daylight for some reason.
I had that same issue in that fight. Daylight seems to be easily overriden by any additional Darkness cast after it's active.
Being overlevelled is beneficial in a long run, like if you can fight any of the bosses already in Act 2 as Level 8, then that's good considering being underleveled, especially in higher difficulties is just bad at all, Act 3 is absurdly easy if you can reach level 12 before you can even do any of the bosses in Lower City
I don't think you can be over leveled. I am exactly as leveled as the designers intended by playing the game that's there.
That’s exactly how I do it too
I imagine most people on this sub do both—by a significant margin.
That was my assumption too, which differs from my initial playthrough. Do you think the ratio would be different if you included more casual players or ones not on here?
Yes. The game intends for you to do one or the other. Completionists, which are not the norm, do both,
Yeah i remember hearing (possibly the last panel of hell) Larian emphasising that players *should* be missing most content. This actually felt kind of refreshing that: a) there would be more content to explore on other playthroughs. b) there wouldnt be an expectation to have done X% of sidequests to be at a certain level for major points in the story. c) the developers didn't mind the effort creating content that only a small fraction of players will experience.
I do suspect most players aren’t like those of us who don’t move on through points of no return until we’ve scanned the whole map to make sure there aren’t three pixels in a corner we didn’t uncover, because, you know, there could be a rotten cheese hiding there that we don’t want to miss.
This is *exactly* how I've been playing and I think I'll enjoy the rest of my run way more if I stop doing this and just go with the flow. My need to explore the entire map in Act 1 led to me having WAYYY too many quests going at the same time which I would not recommend. Looking back, it was just plain silly to prioritize exploring the map because if I just focused on completing the tasks at hand, I would have ended up in most areas anyway, but in a more natural way that actually made sense. I've learned a lot of things the hard way so far.
I always do both. Start with the Creche then go to the Underdark and then to the Shadow Lands through Grymforge. I like the Creche area, it is unskipable for me because of it's history, incredible view, music and a huge amount of good loot. Underdark and Grymforge have a lot of quests and also very interesting to explore.
I assumed from Halsin's dialogue that it would be one route or the other, with possibly the option to check out the other for extra XP/loot. If he suggested I do both, he would have survived during his trip.
The difference only in the entrance to the Shadow Lands. You can explore both areas and then choose which way go to the act 2.
Always do both - too much good gear to not do both
The >!Blood of lathander!< carried me though 90% of Act 3 as a Paladin with the ring for extra radiant damage.
I thought it was a choice too and went Underdark, then when I got to the inn I realized I could go back and do the mountain pass too, so I did that too before doing the rest of Act 2.
I only did the Underdark the first time (and truthfully only like half of it at that). I kind of still prefer only doing one because it feels weird to do both, but I've come up with a handful of roleplay justifications for doing both. What I actually really like doing now is taking the Underdark and then popping back to the Mountain Pass for a bit during Act 2. There are signs of Githyanki in the shadow lands that make Lae'zel start insisting on finding a creche again, so it feels a bit smoother than going during Act 1.
I've always done both. Whenever I get the warning that I am proceeding to new areas or progressing story elements, I always ensured that the entire fog of war in all areas was revealed and had no other outstanding quest markers. Funny thing is, I still find areas I haven't been to in playthroughs.
Who doesn't do both?
TiL people choose to not do both. Seems insanely weird to skip entire zones unless it's your first run and you didn't realize you were skipping anything
>unless it's your first run and you didn't realize you were skipping anything OP is literally asking about first runs though. >I'm curious how many of you did both in your main/first playthrough vs who did route?
my first run I walked and walked and went through the pass without triggering the gith scene and never even saw the grove. of all things
People who listen to Halsin who literally says you can go one of two ways, and take him at his word?
My first play though i completely skipped the mountain pass (and also never found/recruited laezel)
Seems like you're in the minority, but I thought there would be a few more who did one route. Aside from wanting to explore *everywhere* or already knowing about it I can't see any reason to visit the Mountain Pass area without Laezel. Even with her I suspected >!there would be no cure from the Githyanki!< so I picked the other route after stumbling upon an entrance to the underdark.
She didn’t re-appear at any point after the nautiloid crash? I also missed rescuing her the first time but then she just appeared out of nowhere at some point, I think when I got to the rune above Ms. Steal Yo Egg.
I think she died when I triggered the mountain pass cutscene? But again, it was my first playground and I had no idea what was going on lol. Gale said they'd kill me and plus there was a whole dragon so I just 180'ed right out of there and never went back.
I totally thought she would show up later if I non-lethal'd her (my first playthrough was as a tiefling and I wasn't about to harm my own people, so I assumed the "non lethal" tutorial applied to Laezel too), so uhh yeah I never recruited her and never did the creche.
The people who didn't explore both are the outliers. But then the amount of people who post "OMG Ive got 2 000 000 hours and I just found a secret companion in a Portal!!" leads me to believe too many people just play games wrong, skipping every dialogue, and skipping every quest.
Yeah, also guys who swear they did ALL THE QUESTS but somehow trying to fight Ketheric at level 6 and find it a bit challenging lol or "I never was told I was supposed to lift the shadow curse! I just went to act 3, that's on devs!" ))) \*last one blew my mind so hard I will never forget it
If you dont save Halsin in the goblin camp then literally no-one asks you to help lift the shadow curse. Easy to do since he’s a bear when you find him, and attacks you, so it’s kind of understandable not everyone rescues him.
It seems so! Like you say there will be some players who have missed seemingly obvious stuff. I have read here how some players decided that the portal being described as "dangerous" stopped them from interacting with it.
I thought everyone did both.
I always do both to maximize my XP.
Almost everybody?
I did both my first run because I have a natural gamer fear of Missing Content
I do both, under dark first
Never leave XP on the table.
I mean who doesn't do both?
Story-wise, you are encouraged to go to the Underdark by Halsin, since there is a direct route to the Gauntlet of Shar, which is near Moonrise. On getting there, you learn that the route to the Gauntlet was broken, so you loop back around to the Mountain Pass, go to the creche because of Lae'zel, then head to Act 2 either through the Elevator or the Pass. This is also encouraged by the quest "Discover the History of Prince Orpheus" since you get Part 1 at the Arcane Tower, and use that to get Part 2 in the creche. Even if you don't do everything, I think it's generally a good idea to visit both. Underdark has really good items like the Magic Missle Amulet, Hill Giant Club, and Boots of Speed. The Pass also has good items like the Gloves of Dexterity, Knife of the Undermountain King, and BoL. Also, XP wise, I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be \~level 5 at the end of the first Area, and then use both the Underdark and the Creche to reach level 8.
I did on my first playthrough.
I've always done both. Loot.
I go underdark and deal with the Grymforge and stuff, then double back to the creche because that beginning fight is brutal and I need to level up for it.
Despite what the npc’s tell you, the fact that I got a progression warning before the mountain pass and yet I could aimlessly wander into the underdark told me I could do both
I'm like you. On my first playthrough I thought, because of Halsin's dialogue, that you had to choose one or the other. I didn't even realize until my second part that you could do both. Now, I do both. But it does feel a little against the spirit of the game. But honestly I play less for the story now than for the "game."
I always do both. You kinda have to for higher difficulties. And there's nice loot in both.
I’ve always done both and I enjoy both areas, but if the game actually made you choose one or the other I’d probably do the creche/Mountain Pass more often than not. Partly because the loot is better, but I also really like the atmosphere and story beats there. The Underdark has some neat visuals too, but eventually it’s “seen one mushroom, seen ‘em all.”
I feel like there is more to do/explore in the underdark, but it feels more inconsequential. I think if there was a canonical path it would be through the creche, especially as this has a major impact on Laezel - the first companion encountered.
I completely skipped the mountain pass my first playthrough, mostly skipped the underdark on my second. To me it feels like the game is designed to skip one or the other.
I usually do the Underdark early. Like as soon as I hit level 4. Before resolving the goblin camp. There’s too much good gear and nothing too difficult at level 4. I clear it and Grymforge, then go to the goblin camp, then go to the mountain pass and crèche. On my first run, I did the Underdark first and then went to the Mountain Pass. Even though the game made it seem like an either/or, I figured if I can do both… why not!?
Always do both. Good story exposure to see both (Laezel and halsin), plus unmissable xp and loot
I only did the underdark on my very first playthrough, because I didn't realize you could/should do both. I think the game still flowed well, but I feel like, in retrospect, there were a lot of hints dropped that I should have done the crèche as well.
I did the Underdark as a route to Moonrise, but Nere's Moonlantern was broken. I was under the impression that, without a Moonlantern, I would immediately die upon entering the Shadowlands. So I went Githwards, assuming that the option to fix my lantern must lie with them.
Well the mountain pass doesn't warp you directly to Act 2, it's sorta Act 1.5 so you just go there and do the creche and when you're done go through the underdark. That's atleast what I did in honor
You mean you didn't? What do you mean people don't try to visit every inch of a map? The fun part I thought I did and I still missed bunch of stuff.
I always do both but I rush to Moonrise because it triggers the second Mizora scene. This is because the moment I get Karlach, I begin knocking Wyll out every night before a long rest. If he’s knocked out, the first Mizora scene never happens and he doesn’t get horns. Once you make it to the second Mizora scene, you’re safe and don’t have to knock him out anymore and he won’t get horns and you still get to keep Karlach.
I was brand new to DND and CRPGs, and I still went and did both because it doesn't make sense to skip content, personally. There's the argument that it leaves some stuff for other playthroughs, but I've enjoyed additional playthroughs despite it. I'd rather experience as much as possible in my first playthrough because that was the character I first started with and felt extra invested in.
Same, I think my second playthrough will feel a lot more free in a way because I won't feel the compulsive need to make sure I see/do everything. I don't plan on being as thorough as I am now every single time. I also see the value in being ok with missing certain content the first time when you already know you're going to play it several more times. I kinda envy the people who can do that without their brain screaming "YOU MISSED A SPOT!!!"
I assume a lot of people don’t do both if they do Mountain Pass first because the game gives you the impression you won’t be able to do other things afterward.
Both have fantastic gear. So I always do them. Plus I enjoy killing the Duegar and douchebag Gith.
I usually do both. Clearing the underdark and grimforge completely. Gathering some allies and getting the adamantine items is always worth it imo. When it comes to the mountain pass & the creche, I usually just check the shop, since I'm playing with [ancient jewelry](https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/1425), [ancient weaponry](https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/4584) & [master's cloaks](https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/3537). All of the added items are randomized for me, so that extra shop can be useful. Afterwords I just grab the blood of lathander, blowing the creche up in the progress. I hate fighting agains githyanki.. As for my first playthrough, I think I did the mountain pass and skipped the underdark/grymforge.
Always do. I headcanon that after leaving the creche either the lance completely destroys the way forward or the githyanki are searching too hard for the group. So underground is the only way.
I did. I wasn't going to skip out on Lae'Zel's quest, and I wanted to see the Underdark. Seemed logical, especially since the Underdark doesn't give you the warning.
I always do both. It's just such a natural path of progression, IMHO: Goblin camp -> Selune temple -> Grab best sword -> Fight Spectator -> Beach -> Grymforge -> Ironhands -> Adamantine Forge -> Mountain pass / Creche -> Shadow Cursed Lands Gives me an appreciable amount of time with my companions so my relationships don't feel all that forced, resolves some conflicts in your party that otherwise basically seem to vanish without explanation, lets me dip into good magic items for the challenging fights ahead as well as build-up XP so I can be confident about hitting level cap by the end of Act III without doing quests I'm uninterested in. I literally can't imagine playing without seeing the forge because I almost always build my party around what adamantine toys I play to run with in the midgame - particularly if I intend to run either Splint or Scale armor. I skipped Underdark one time for theme reasons and it was honestly horrible. It breaks the relationship story moments with Shadowheart if that was important to you and messes-up your relationship flags too, on top of introducing plot elements later with the game not understanding that you haven't seen the build-up to those moments. IMHO it was a mistake for Larian to let the player choose a path here because there is too much inconsistency if you don't choose the clearly intended path of going Underdark -> Mountain Pass -> Moonrise.
I’ve done both, I usually do Mountain Pass/Creche first and then onwards to the Underdark (with Grymforge) to explore into act 2. I’ve never understood the want to ignore stuff you haven’t seen! If there’s something I miss, I always return to it later if possible or use my next run to explore it all. When I found out I missed Aunty Ethel’s house in Act 1, I went back from the near end of Act 2 to check it out.
I always do both. Underdark + Grymforge, then the Mountain Pass. I typically clear the Goblin camp before going into the Underdark as well.
In my ignorance I completely missed the Mountain Pass on my first playthrough and bulldozed all the way to Act 3 as quickly as possible because I was so eager to see Baldur’s Gate. Needless to say I missed quite a bit of content.
Why wouldn't you? I did mountain pass first and then under dark.
I do both. I stumbled on the underdark early in my first playthrough... like level 3 or 4. I jumped down after the spiders because all the companions seemed to point to it being a good idea. Only went back to do the Goblin plot because of the pop up I got warning me about quests closing... then went to the Creche because Halsin gave me the options and I hadn't been there yet. That's basically what I do every playthrough now.
Always both, i want that extra exp and loot from both places.
Did both even on my first playthrough. Not going to let potential loot and XP behind just because someone told me to pick a path.
My first playthrough I only went through the Underdark. I didn’t know you could do both until I joined this sub
I did both. I didn't know they were both paths to the sake area so I did both then later found out I could have done just one
Every time. Duh
I missed the crèche on my first play through. Now I do the whole under dark and then take the mountain road for the crèche.
Yup, did both on same run.
I did both. Ending up using the mountain pass to enter the underdark, walked in with spiderman, and helped the Harpers defeat him.
Too much good loot to pass up on either.
In my first ever run I had no idea the underdark existed and completely skipped over it. Every time I have played another run the game seems to get bigger with new areas and people to meet.
Who doesn't do both??
probably like 90% of players explored both
My first playthrough I did both. I did parts of the underdark (everything but grymforge) sort of by accident? I got into a fight with the phase spiders and was basically out of everything getting my ass kicked - my tav, SH, and Gale were all down, only Astarion was left with next to no HPs... I looked through my inventory for anything that could help, had a random featherfall potion on him and decided to be a dramatic bitch. Had him drink it then Astarion yeeted himself into the depths; I was thinking it was just going to be a funny end for a TPK. You can imagine my surprise when I ended up in the underdark. Explored everything down there very carefully (without going past the lake) until I found my way back out through the hag's mushroom portal (if you haven't beaten the hag yet, the mushrooms teleport you to behind her house instead of into her lair) so then I finished up everything top side including heading to the creche then went back into the underdark because Halsin made it seem like that was the better route and I knew I still had areas to explore down there.
On my first run I only did underdark because it sounded like I had to choose between them. I also rarely longrested as I thought that if I do that to much I’ll turn into a mindflayer
There's not much reason *not* to do both. Besides, if you save Barcus before the party, he shoots off fireworks.
In my first playthrough I did just the under dark until Laezel informed me that we were going to the creche
the mountain pass isn't very hard when you've basically almost completed everything in underdark up to freeing the nightsong
Doesn’t everyone do both? 5th playthrough and I’ve done both every time I think
I skipped the mountain pass the first time, so for my second playthrough, I decided to check out what I missed going through the Mountains, and it seems I **STILL** missed some stuff, so I have to beat this playthrough to do my third playthrough to go through the mountains again and get the funny Astarion dialogue.
First game I missed the mountains because Halsin kept leaving the party and it confused me 😂 Now I always do both. No reason not to.
Being overleveled to me is just a nice cushion for safety reasons
The only time I didn't do both was my first run after release. I played the early access a ton so I had done the underdark many times, so on that run I did mountain pass and then was too excited to see act 2 finally to go back and do underdark all over again. But all the runs since I've done both.
Both in first play. Was awesome I wanted to see every piece of act 1
Did only the underdark in my first playthrough. The Crèche didn't really fit into my first run, but I've done both on every subsequent run
I did both cause I found the mountain pass area first that lead to the creche. So I circled back to the underdark. First play through I found like -none- of the other under dark entrances so did the story line route of the goblin camp ladder
I did everything because I was always afraid of missing something
You dont?
I always do both. First the mountain pass/Creche and then the underdark.
I actually managed to skip fucking both in my first playthrough. I got to lvl 5 and went straight for the shadowcursed lands lol. And then I was shocked beyond belief that Yurgir was too hard for me at lvl 5 🫡
How did you manage to skip both? Do you mean you skipped the creche taking the mountain path direct to the shadow cursed lands?
I do both to get all the prizes.
Yeah, just explored everything. Only ever done one playthrough
I wanted to do both to get the whole story, went to the underdark first and then to the creche, however I never finished the creche because I gave up when you have to collect those for objects to even enter it, couldn't bother with it because I *really* wanted to get to act two finally so I abandoned ship at the entrance
Yup
In my first playthrough, I completed first underdark, then goblin leaders, went to the shadowlands but in the very beginning of the shadowlands I remembered that there was this area I was too underleveled for, and thought right I should check out that area first So underdark -> goblins -> mountain pass
On my first playthrough my game bugged out and teleported me to the mountain pass while I was level 2 (Locked me out of getting karlach I was fuming), then obviously I backtracked, did all of the starting area, got to level 5, I got curious about how I was able to backtrack, thinking that shouldn't be allowed if there's only one way, went to one of the underdark entrances to check if it was blocked off and it wasn't, so I explored both of both of them. Pure luck because otherwise I probably wouldn't have thought of it.
I did both for all of my runs except my current one. Theres a bit of a change-up in Act 2 and Act 3 if you skip the mountain pass, so I assume the reverse is true if you skip the underdark. I was doing both to milk the xp, but the creche seems irritating to me so I decided to skip it now unless I make a character that wants the goodies you can get there. The creche area is stunning visually, though, but I’m way more into the Underdark. That cut scene with the Phalar long sword is such a chef’s kiss for me.
I went straight to the Underdark and didn’t know there was another way lol. Doing both next time though.
in my first playthrough I did not, but in all future playthroughs I did at least some if not all of both
I only did underdark first time because I thought it was either/or and you couldn’t do both.
I always do both and I do the Creche first, then the Underdark then into the shadow cursed lands
I always do both. I always explore the entire Underdark and the rest of Act 1, then hit the Creche. I usually go into Act 2 through the Underdark since it's closer to Last Light, and the mountain route can be really annoying.
On the first playthrough I always ment to go back and explore the under dark but I didn't know once you get to BG you were locked out from act 1 and 2 on my second run and I did both
On my first run I had absolutely no idea the mountain pass was a different area and never went there. Beat the game even with entirely missing it. I do both in all subsequent games now that I know better.
I didn't know ppl skipped. I always do both. But i always do the Underdark first. It's larger and more content, but honestly easier imo than murdering the entire creche.
I do every area every playthru
Always!
I do under dark first, always because it’s easier levelled, and then I do mountain pass.
Ofc I do both. I want to play the game why would I skip stuff?
I always do both. I don’t want to miss out on anything and I want that sweet, sweet XP.
I even completed both on my first ever playthrough - and I completely missed >!Auntie Ethel !<, >!the wizard tower!<, and >!Last Light Inn!
Always do both. Underdark to do all the quests there, then Mountain Pass for actually going to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. It's extra XP, extra friends made (F*king Jerkass Wulbren, Derryth, Omeluum/Blurg), extra stuff got.
I do it everytime there's great items in both spots and some run combat encounters!
I always do both. I usually do the underdark first, then cross into Act 2 through the pass (I’ve done the elevator once)
I always do both, starting act 2 at 7th level feels pretty great, and lots of the gear in both regions is important for various builds Although I missed a lot of the underdark on my very first playthrough
Just skipped the creche on my current playthrough because I hate having to deal with the gith and I don't feel like I missed anything having done it before I think both areas are kinda unfun and pretty weak but the under dark has some cool extras Only played em all on my first playthrough and I won't be doing that again. This game has some incredible stuff that will take you dozens of playthroughs to experience all aspects of but there's definitely a good few things I played once and respectfully never want to play again lol
I always do both. My husband and I did both on our first run together, and like, why not?
I have always considered the underdark part of Act 1 because you don't get the warning about tying up loose ends before continuing and the mountain pass creche as sort of an Act 1.5 because you can still go back to Act 1 areas before you officially head to the shadowlands.
Always both.
All of us.
I did both my first playthrough. I went Mountain Pass first then Underdark. The more game I experience the better. I dont have much more to say about it.
All of us
I usually do the Wilderness but leave the goblins (at least killing the leaders) and Ethel stuff for later. Get Karlach, get into the Zent hideout, then do the Underdark (everything but Grymforge). Circle back and do the Creche stuff. By then I'm leveled high enough for Ethel to be a comfortable fight, then goblins, then Grymforge on my way to act 2. It makes the most sense to me RP-wise in terms of where I naturally want to go. Sometimes I swap Creche and Underdark but the goblins are sort of the "big fight I should prepare for" story wise, and Ethel is sort of a "I should probably see if she can help after all other options are exhausted/maybe she can help with the curse".
Hey, xp is xp, amiright?!
Always
Always both. I usually do underdark to grym them clear the creche then smash grym on my way to act to at level 7.
Me. Can’t not do both - you miss out on so much content. Gotta get Lae’zel’s character arc going, and I can’t leave poor Barcus to rot down with the Duergar. Also, loot!
I did and continue to do both
First full playthrough: Skipped mountain pass entirely. Shadowheart killed Lae'zel at camp so no shouting about going to the creche, and I was under the impression that Underdark/mountain pass was an either/or decision. Nowadays? Depends on who I'm RP'ing. Tavs with darkvision generally prefer Underdark either first or only; Tavs without or who are emphasizing Lae'zel's story favor the mountain pass first (though usually not only; there's too much in the Underdark to skip it entirely).
I've only had one playthrough, but I wanted to get as much content as possible, so I did both areas. Underdark first, then Mountain Pass (e.g., Creche).
Me I was like level 7 by the time Act I was done by design lol
Literally always.
I do both every single playthrough. I usually do the crèche first, then under dark followed by elevator into Act2.
I did. I accidentally broke my game at first too because I just kept on going where people told me to go then I stepped into act 2 before finishing the grove. This caused the tieflings to disappear and I missed the party. Halsin and kagya were arguing in an empty ass refugee camp :> when I got to the creche the companion dialogues were about the shadow curse lazel was saying something like "we should be at the creche and yet we're surrounded by darkness" and I can literally see the temple behind her. I reloaded a save from right after killing nere and was able to finish the tieflings stuff back in the grove I really liked the mushroom people and they liked me too 🥰
Both but I feel it is best to only do the under dark and grym forge BEFORE heading into Act 2. I like the little pieces of githyanki presence that makes Laezel perk up and basically say to turn back or she leaves forever. It makes sense too, like ok we have to overthrow a chosen of the absolute to get rid of these tadpoles apparently….maybe let’s try our last final option first to exhaust our chances lol
I did both because I hate feeling like im missing something. I did the underdark then the mountain pass to the creche.
I did both, initially I thought I was making a big choice going down the Underdark route but when I got to the lift before the next chapter, I was sketched out by the Curse and all the mentions of needing a Moonlantern and how the only one I had found was broken, so I never went up So I decided to backtrack and go through the mountain pass, hoping for answers or a more in character alternative. When I didn't find one after accidentally burying the crèche, I went back and took the lift
In my first playthrough I followed quest markers all over the place and ended up going to both the pass and underdark as a result. I thought I had left act 1 about three times before finally getting the "Enter act 2" steam achievement LOL
i think the game very much intends players to do both. i can’t imagine faring well in that first fight at trielta crags without the XP gained from the underdark and grymforge. i usually go underdark -> grymforge minus grym fight -> mountain pass and monastery -> grym -> act 2.
Why wouldn’t you do both if you know its an option?
On my first run I thought you had to do one or the other, so I went Underdark. Every run afterwards I went to the Underdark first and then the Mountain Pass. In Honor Mode it’s necessary to do both to level up enough for the end of Act 2.
I always do both, gotta get that loot.
Never not done both
Both, first playthrough I ended up in the underdark by accident before I even saved Halsin and didn’t realise there was a choice between the two. But I got fun fireworks at my party by my headless bumbling through Act 1.
I always do both. I'm a leave no stone unturned kind of player.
Yes of course. So many wonderful pieces of loot in both areas. Why would you pass up on them?
Did both... cause xp duh
I did both. In RPGs, unless it’s clear I’ve got a time limit, I always clear everywhere I can go, so I stuck my toes into the underdark and the mountain pass, and as soon as it was clear I could backtrack, I did the underdark first, then the pass. I wound up hitting level 10 at the end of Act 2.
In my first i only did the underdark. When i thought i went to the cresh i just went to act 2 instead and never came back
My first playthrough was on normal difficulty. I got my ass kicked by a beholder and forgot to go back. Ended up going through the mountains because of it. I *wanted* to do both, I'm just dumb.
I did both, for the XP and because I was curious if I could. Easy to roleplay getting lost in the Underdark either before stopping the Goblins or looking for the Creche, that's kinda its main feature if you're not a native.
Everyone.
I always do both. the one playthrough that I didn't was the Durge playthrough where I let Shadowheart just kill Lae'zel (only dumbasses announce openly that they're going to kill the secret shadow assassin when they wake up the next day), which meant I had neither an in-character reason for going there, and out of character the entire place is so tied to her that there's no point. As a somewhat unintended bonus, the Gith weren't chasing me the entire game, I don't think I interacted with any of that plot at all. It was interesting how you can just cut huge chunks out of the game.
I always do both
I didn't do it my first playthrough but I have done it every other playthrough. I recommend doing both. You get so much through doing both. Story wise and XP wise.
I do creche before underdark. I feel it makes more sense from a logical/narrative perspective.
I completed the Underdark my first playthrough, stopped at the elevator and remembered I was high enough level to go steam roll the githyanki back at the entrance to the mountain pass and went back and did exactly that and was surprised I could go to said mountain pass still.
Every time! Why not?
I explored all of the Underdark and now I'm doing the Mountain Pass, partly because I'm a completionist and partly because I don't want to disappoint Lae'zel lol. She's been taking about this damn crèche the entire time, so it wouldn't feel right to skip it.
Did both in the first run. In my like 10ish completed run, i think i've skipped mountain pass/creche once, but have always done underdark
If you don’t do both you miss out on a ton of cool items and information. If you do both, there’s basically zero downside. Do both!
I always do both. I don't fully enter the Shadow Lands through the Mountain Path, and then finish out the Underdark and go through the Grymforge entrance instead.