In Baldur’s Gate 3, players are constantly discovering hidden corners, secret chambers, and mysterious areas that add depth to the world and lore. One such location is the Acrid Workshop, an eerie and alchemical site shrouded in poison and mystery. It is not a location you’ll stumble into casually, and it serves as a great example of how exploration in BG3 can be both rewarding and dangerous. If you’re trying to find out where the Acrid Workshop is in Baldur’s Gate 3, this detailed guide will walk you through the exact location, how to access it, and what to expect once you’re inside.
Where to Find the Acrid Workshop
General Location on the Map
The Acrid Workshop is located in theLower Cityof Baldur’s Gate, specifically within the sewers beneath the city. This area becomes accessible during the third act of the game. The workshop itself lies deep within theUndercity Ruinsor theAbandoned Cisterndepending on the choices and exploration paths you’ve taken. It is not immediately obvious and often missed by players who aren’t actively combing through the sewer system or pursuing certain side quests that lead you in that direction.
How to Access the Sewers
To reach the Acrid Workshop, you need to first gain access to the Lower City Sewers. There are several entry points:
- Manholes in the Lower City: Look for grates or hatches scattered around the main streets of the city. These are often near taverns, alleyways, or behind buildings.
- The Heapside Strand waypoint: From here, you can find a nearby hatch leading into the deeper sewer systems.
- Quest-related entries: Certain quests, such as those involving the Guild or Bhaalist cults, may guide you into the sewers naturally.
Once inside, be prepared to deal with traps, enemies, and a confusing layout of twisting tunnels and chambers.
Navigating to the Acrid Workshop
Finding Your Bearings Underground
The sewers in Baldur’s Gate 3 are multi-layered and labyrinthine. As you explore, you may come across various points of interest such as the Undercity Ruins, the Temple of Bhaal, and other side quest areas. To find the Acrid Workshop, you should look out for theAbandoned Cistern, a specific zone filled with pipes, steam, and a distinctive green haze that hints at poisonous activity.
Near the cistern, you’ll notice a suspiciously sealed room with thick metal doors and arcane runes. This is your cue that you’re close to the Acrid Workshop. You may need to pass certain skill checks or find a switch to open the doors. Look around the surrounding corridors and be prepared to use high Perception or Investigation skills to locate hidden levers or pressure plates.
Warning: Poison and Traps
As the name suggests, the Acrid Workshop is filled with toxic hazards. When you approach or enter the area, you’ll notice:
- Lingering poison gas: It spreads across the floor and will damage characters unless they are resistant or properly protected.
- Explosive traps: Often triggered by movement or hidden switches, these can quickly wipe out an unprepared party.
- Arcane puzzles: Some areas may require disabling magical wards or triggering mechanisms in the correct order.
Using spells likeGust of Windor equipping poison-resistant gear will greatly help in safely traversing the workshop. Also, consider sending a rogue or stealthy character ahead to disarm traps before your party follows.
What is the Purpose of the Acrid Workshop?
Lore and Background
The Acrid Workshop was used by an alchemist or mage obsessed with toxins and magical experimentation. Throughout the workshop, you’ll find notes, journals, and remains that hint at the dark experiments that took place there. These pieces of lore aren’t tied to the main story, but they contribute to the richness of BG3’s world-building and help explain some of the environmental hazards found in other parts of the sewers.
Items and Rewards
Though the Acrid Workshop is not part of a main questline, it still offers useful rewards for players who brave its dangers:
- Alchemical ingredients: Rare herbs, mushrooms, and poison glands can be collected and used in crafting.
- Magical gear: Occasionally, you may find unique items or enchanted equipment with poison-based effects or resistances.
- Scrolls and potions: The workshop often contains valuable consumables like Scrolls of Acid Arrow or Potions of Poison Resistance.
Thoroughly exploring every container and hidden compartment will maximize your loot. Keep in mind that some items may be guarded by magical barriers or arcane locks that require high Intelligence or specific spells to bypass.
Optional Encounters and Side Content
Depending on your choices earlier in the game and the people you’ve interacted with, the Acrid Workshop may tie into side quests involving shady characters in the Lower City. For example, guild members or criminal contacts might reference a secret lab or ‘toxic hideout’ that turns out to be the workshop. Alternatively, it may simply be a standalone location for curious players who thoroughly explore the Undercity.
Enemy Types in the Workshop
While not a heavily populated area, there are still threats to be mindful of:
- Animated constructs: Such as arcane turrets or poison-infused guardians left behind by the workshop’s owner.
- Toxic slimes or oozes: Creatures that thrive in the alchemical environment and can poison your party.
- Traps that summon enemies: Some traps may trigger waves of hostile creatures or magical attacks.
Make sure to scout ahead and maintain situational awareness to prevent ambushes or triggering deadly sequences.
Tips for Surviving the Acrid Workshop
To safely navigate and benefit from the Acrid Workshop, keep the following tips in mind:
- Bring poison resistance items: Rings, cloaks, or potions that provide resistance will protect your characters from constant damage.
- Use ranged attacks: If there are enemies guarding tight corridors, picking them off from a distance reduces risk.
- Have a rogue or high-Perception party member lead: This helps in detecting traps and secrets before they become a problem.
- Save often: Due to the heavy trap presence, save before entering each room or disarming devices.
The Acrid Workshop in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a dangerous but rewarding hidden location tucked deep within the sewers of the Lower City. It’s a perfect stop for adventurers interested in alchemy, poison, or arcane mystery. Whether you’re searching for crafting materials, rare loot, or simply love uncovering every corner of BG3’s map, the Acrid Workshop is a location that should not be overlooked. Its toxic ambiance and subtle storytelling make it one of the many intriguing side areas that enrich the game’s immersive world.