The House of Hope" is a key location in the third act of Baldur's Gate 3, and gaining access to it is not as simple as it may seem. This part of the game can be easily overlooked, but it's important to understand its potential. In this article, we will explore what treasures can be found in the "House of Hope," what dangers await the player, and how to gain allies in the process.
How to Enter the "House of Hope" in Baldur's Gate 3
To enter this location, you need to unlock a special portal, the existence of which can be learned in the "Devil's Fortune" in Lower City (-37;-9). While the merchant Helsick is busy, players can explore her house. After going around the counter and climbing the stairs, the door to her private quarters is guarded by a ward, which can be deactivated by examining its "thirst" and providing the required item.
Upon entering Helsick's room, a pentagram suggesting demon summoning can be discovered. Helsick's diary reveals that she is willing to share information for extra gold. In the bedroom, a ledger reveals the connection between Helsick and Gortash. Chests on the floor contain items needed for the ritual, but their placement on the pentagram remains a mystery.
After searching the rooms, if the player does not find additional clues, they may assume that Helsick carries important items. Returning downstairs, the player has several ways to talk to Helsick and get to Avernus. It is then necessary to convince Helsick to open the portal to Raphael's sanctum, which can be done by the main character or any other character with the appropriate skills. The cost of this can be reduced through persuasion, intimidation, or offering a souvenir from the other side.
Players can also steal the necessary items from Helsick's pockets if they have sufficient dexterity. This method is more economical. After the theft, the player is provided with a grimoire, ritual items, and a mini-instruction.
Preparation for Entering
Before entering the "House of Hope," it is recommended to be prepared by having scrolls and potions of invisibility, potions of speed, and fire resistance elixirs in the inventory. It's also worth noting that the use of magic or items can be extremely useful during the exploration of this location.
Exploration
Passing through the banquet hall, the player reaches a hatch leading to the Prison of Hope. Initially, the entrance is restricted, and the player starts exploring the location, moving counterclockwise. It is recommended to pay attention to lockers containing interesting camp clothes and read the notes on the internal balconies, revealing the relationship between the Devil and Hope.
Solving the Mysteries
Passing through several doors, the player encounters a mysterious force field blocking the way. However, by discovering the room with the infernal control stone and skillfully passing checks, the player opens access to additional rooms, finding gold, a helmet, and important items such as the Mol and the Staff of Power.
Meeting Hope and the Archivist
Approaching the last door, the player meets Hope and can successfully pass checks to get information on how to present themselves when dealing with the Archivist. Behind the door is an archive where the player encounters the Archivist. By introducing themselves as Verillius Receptor, the player gets a pass through the force field, providing access to the boudoir.
Boudoir and Choice with Harlep
In the boudoir, the player meets Harlep, and a choice is offered: refuse and start a fight, agree to a "game" with subsequent action choices, or kill Harlep. Passing a Wisdom check, the player can refuse the "game" and learn Raphael's safe location.
Resolution with Harlep and Completion
Choosing the option to "surrender the body but not the mind" or "surrender the heart and soul," the player completes a sequence of intimate scenes, makes a choice that affects the plot development, and gains access to Raphael's safe containing 5 soul coins and a note with the password to the Orphic Hammer. Stealing the Orphic Hammer and successfully escaping from the House of Hope in Baldur's Gate 3 requires cunning and coordination. Here is a detailed plan of action:
Preparation
Return to the archive and leave all group members except one at the entrance to the room.
Choose a character with high thievery and stealth skills.
Steal the Orphic Hammer
Inside the archive, using the selected character, steal all three items: the Orphic Hammer, the Amulet of Great Health, and the Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength. Choose the password option when interacting with the hammer. Ensure that the archive is empty after your actions.
Escape with the Orphic Hammer
Activate the stealth mode and separate the characters one by one. Open the door and start moving along the outer wall, avoiding fireballs. On the first turn, drink a potion/use spells of invisibility and separate the characters. On the second turn, drink a potion of speed and continue moving along the wall, avoiding fireballs. Coordinate their actions based on the length of the slowest character's move. Reach the hatch to the Hope's prison, reunite the group, and descend.
Save Hope
A cinematic scene will begin. Wait for the end of the haste potion's effect. Give the Orphic Hammer to one of the melee characters. Press the button on the wall, enter the prison, and free Hope. Prepare for a battle with the prison guards. Using counterspells and powerful spells might be useful.
Continue exploring and following the plot with the freed Hope.
How to Defeat Raphael
To successfully defeat Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3, follow these steps:
Return back through the hatch after saving Hope. Run to the room where you initially appeared to use the portal. Without wasting time on a fight, move towards the portal.
After all characters return to the starting room, take a short rest and position them accordingly. Click on the portal, and Raphael will appear with Jergal. In the battle with Raphael, passing a Persuasion check (30) will make the fight much easier. It is recommended to save the game before starting the battle.
In the battle with Raphael, cambions, imps, and Korrilla will join. Jergal will also be present. Focus on destroying the soul pillars to prevent Raphael from receiving buffs. Summon tanking allies to distract enemies. Use powerful skills and bludgeoning weapons for effective destruction of the pillars. Consume potions of speed and fire resistance. Remember that Raphael can "ascend" when his HP is below 60%, making him more dangerous. Leave Lae'zel with the Orphic Hammer for strong hits, and use her under the influence of the speed potion for effective pillar destruction. Don't forget to monitor Hope's HP and prevent her death.
After defeating Raphael, remove the Infernal Vestments from his corpse. Read his journals, which can be found on his body.
Escape from the House of Hope
If you manage to persuade Jergal to join your side, he will become an ally in the "Gathering Allies" quest.
Following this strategy will allow you to successfully defeat Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3 and continue your adventure.
