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The Abandoned Cistern Puzzle might easily slip under the radar in Baldur’s Gate 3, but those following the adventures of Jaheira and Minsc are likely to stumble upon it. If you’ve encountered the Stone Lord in the Counting House, you’ll recognize the moist, shadowy parts of the Lower City where this puzzle is located. Completing it is necessary for progressing certain companion questlines, making it essential to tackle at some stage in your journey.
Jaheira and Minsc are characters from earlier Baldur’s Gate titles, and their questline is a nod to long-time fans of the series. To kick things off, be sure to recruit Jaheira during Act 2, as her presence adds a unique touch to your adventure and opens the door to what many consider the ultimate conclusion of the sluice-gate puzzle quest.
How to Begin the Abandoned Cistern Puzzle
Head Down Into the Lower City Sewers
To start the Abandoned Cistern Puzzle, you need to follow Minsc as he leads you into the sewers after confronting him at the Counting House. This quest is connected to Jaheira as you and your party delve into the mystery of the Stone Lord in Baldur’s Gate. Expect tougher battles during this segment as it takes place in Act 3, unlike the earlier quests.
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After you’ve faced the Stone Lord at the Counting House and have been tasked with recovering the lost treasures from the vault, you should investigate the vault. If you succeed in an Investigation check, a party member may mention the city’s sewers. You can access the sewers through any of the following entrances:
- The Thieves Guildhall: By agreeing to assist Nine-Fingers, you can enter the sewers from here.
- Danthelon’s Dancing Axe: If you aided the Harpers in the basement (which is necessary to recruit Minsc), you can access the sewers from their hideout.
- The Manhole Cover: Located just south of the Janneth Estate, you’ll find a manhole cover that leads to the sewers.
Regardless of your chosen entrance, you need to navigate to the northwestern area of the sewers, dealing with any Bhallists or other foes that block your path. After clearing this area, you’ll arrive in a chamber featuring two large valves and a massive locked door. To progress, you’ll need to adjust the valves to balance the water’s temperature and pressure to unlock the door.
Discovering the Note for Sanitation Workers
Find Your Key Clue for the Puzzle
Beside the Temperature Valve, there’s a note attached to the machine. This note clarifies that the water temperature and pressure must be at “optimal” levels for the gate to open. Until both parameters are at their optimal points simultaneously, that large round door will stay shut.
Characters with a strong Perception skill can easily spot the Note to the Sanitation Workers, so ensure someone in your party has a high score in this skill to catch the hint without missing it.
Timing is critical in this puzzle, as the levels controlled by each valve shift over time. The note stipulates that the valves need to reach optimal levels, not merely the highest settings, making it challenging to get both the pressure and temperature just right at the same time. Position your party members so they won’t obstruct your efforts (unless you’re going solo with a unique character build), and prepare to act swiftly.
How to Solve the Sluice-Gate Puzzle in the Abandoned Cistern
Increase the Temperature to Its Ideal Point
By interacting with each valve, you’ll see a status update at the top of your screen showing that the “X level is rising.” Next to this, you’ll also see the current status of the water’s temperature or pressure. Start with the temperature valve, adjust it, and wait until it indicates “Perfectly Warm” at the top of the screen, then turn it off. Quickly do the same for the pressure valve until both registers show that they are optimal.
Once a valve is turned off, its corresponding level will gradually decrease. This means you’ll need to be quick to ensure both valves are at perfect levels at the same time. If your first attempt doesn’t succeed, wait for the valves to reset and give it another shot!
After accomplishing this, the gate of the Abandoned Cistern will unlock, allowing you to move forward and face the Stone Lord. Don’t forget to bring Jaheira into your party if you want to recruit Minsc in Baldur’s Gate 3 and advance both of their story arcs.
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Crossing the gate that was previously sealed off will trigger a cutscene leading to a battle, so ensure your party is well-rested and prepared for action. The true identity of the Stone Lord might surprise you, influencing how you engage in the ensuing combat. Ironically, solving the Sluice Gate puzzle in Baldur’s Gate 3 raises more questions than it answers.
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