Exploring Avernus in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a thrilling opportunity to delve into one of the Nine Hells, a plane of fire, war, and infernal bargains. This hellish realm is deeply tied to infernal lore and central to certain quests, especially those connected to characters like Karlach or the devil Raphael. If you’re looking to understand how to enter Avernus in BG3, the process involves a combination of progressing through specific story arcs, interacting with key NPCs, and making critical choices. The journey is not straightforward, and missing certain triggers can lock you out of experiencing this fiery domain. Here’s how to make sure you gain access to Avernus and uncover its dangerous secrets.
Understanding Avernus in Baldur’s Gate 3
The First Layer of the Nine Hells
Avernus is the first level of the Nine Hells, a battlefield where devils and demons constantly clash. In BG3, Avernus is not an open exploration zone for most players but rather a location tied to specific character storylines and moments. It’s especially important in the narrative surrounding infernal contracts, cursed souls, and characters with hellish backgrounds.
While you don’t begin your journey in Avernus, certain choices and story developments will eventually give you the chance to visit or interact with it directly usually in a controlled, quest-driven scene.
Key Characters Tied to Avernus
Karlach
Karlach is a companion who plays a major role in Avernus-related content. As a former soldier in the Blood War, she has strong ties to this realm. Her personal quest and backstory gradually reveal more about the Nine Hells and offer one of the primary pathways to entering Avernus.
Raphael
Raphael is a devil you encounter during your playthrough. He offers tempting deals and infernal bargains that often hint at his deeper connection to Avernus. If you pursue his questline, you’ll get a much closer look at the politics and dangers of hell, which could eventually lead to direct interaction with Avernus.
Mizora and Wyll
If Wyll is in your party, his pact with the devil Mizora becomes another thread that ties into infernal realms. While not always leading directly into Avernus, this subplot complements the themes and may provide useful insight or eventual access depending on choices made during the game.
How to Enter Avernus in BG3
Step 1: Recruit and Follow Karlach’s Questline
The clearest route into Avernus begins by recruiting Karlach and continuing her companion quest. Her journey begins early in Act 1 and progresses across the game. Pay close attention to the steps in her storyline, as skipping them or making different decisions may affect your ability to enter Avernus later on.
- Find Karlach near the Risen Road area during Act 1.
- Help her deal with the infernal engine implanted in her chest.
- Assist her in navigating her past as a soldier in the Blood War.
Her quest slowly unlocks details about Avernus and will eventually present you with a key choice: help her return to Avernus or find another solution. If you choose to help her go back, this becomes your chance to enter the realm yourself.
Step 2: Advance to Act 3 and Complete Her Arc
Most of the meaningful Avernus content becomes available in Act 3. By this point, you should have resolved earlier infernal interactions and be ready to make a final choice about Karlach’s fate. The decision you make determines whether or not you enter Avernus.
- Speak with Karlach frequently and explore all her dialogue options.
- Use all opportunities to learn more about her condition and her connection to the Nine Hells.
- Accept her request when she brings up returning to Avernus to avoid burning out.
Agreeing to travel with her back into Avernus opens up a special ending where you accompany her into the infernal plane, effectively allowing your character to enter Avernus.
Optional Paths to Avernus
Through Raphael’s Questline
While Raphael’s story doesn’t always take you directly to Avernus, it provides critical lore and infernal influence that may branch into scenes involving hell. If you engage with his quest and explore the House of Hope in Act 3, you gain insight into how devils operate and control Avernus. In some cases, you may glimpse portions of Avernus or hear about portals and contracts tied to it.
Hidden Portals and Infernal Interactions
Throughout the game, you may discover infernal relics, portals, or strange magical items connected to the Nine Hells. These may not take you to Avernus fully, but they often feature scenes or interactions that simulate the environment. Always investigate unusual infernal altars, scrolls, or cursed locations. They may offer glimpses of Avernus or set the stage for more access in future expansions or sequels.
Things to Know Before Entering Avernus
You Can’t Freely Roam
Avernus is not a fully explorable open-world zone in BG3 at least not in the base version. Entering it happens through scripted sequences, primarily tied to story endings or character-driven events. Think of it as a narrative destination, not a dungeon you can walk into anytime.
Your Choices Shape the Outcome
When you choose to enter Avernus, especially during Karlach’s ending, it’s often a point of no return. Make sure your main quests and side objectives are complete. Your choices will influence whether you go alone, bring companions, or even sacrifice yourself.
Expect Infernal Themes and Consequences
Being tied to Avernus means dealing with devils, contracts, corruption, and moral dilemmas. This realm is not forgiving. Players who choose to engage deeply with infernal characters should be prepared for lasting consequences.
Tips for Unlocking the Best Avernus Outcome
- Always talk to Karlach after major plot points her quest evolves alongside your main progress.
- Use Speak with Dead or detect thoughts many infernal characters reveal secrets through special dialogue options.
- Keep Wyll alive and engage with Mizora their infernal storylines complement Karlach’s and may offer more insight.
- Search every infernal-themed area locations like the House of Hope contain references to Avernus and its rules.
Will There Be More of Avernus in the Future?
While you can currently enter Avernus through specific quest endings, many players hope for deeper exploration in future content. Given Avernus’ central role in the Baldur’s Gate universe and its connections to Descent into Avernus, it’s possible that future expansions or sequels will allow full travel to this infernal plane. For now, your journey into Avernus is mainly narrative, but no less significant in impact.
Learning how to enter Avernus in BG3 requires attention to story choices, especially those connected to Karlach and infernal NPCs like Raphael and Mizora. While it’s not a traditional region you can walk into, Avernus plays a powerful narrative role in the game’s final act. By making the right decisions and following character arcs carefully, you can unlock a dramatic journey into the Nine Hells that shapes the fate of your party. Whether you walk willingly into the fire or are pulled in by the weight of destiny, Avernus awaits those brave or damned enough to face it.