Baldur's Gate 3 Stop the Presses: Step-by-Step Quest Completion

In the vast and intricate world of Baldur's Gate 3, players often find themselves faced with quests that are as challenging as they are rewarding. Among these, the "bg3 stop the presses" quest stands out for its unique blend of stealth, strategy, and the power to sway public opinion within the game. This quest not only tests players' dexterity and intellect but also immerses them in the rich, narrative-driven experience that the game is renowned for. Completing it successfully not only advances the player's standings but also impacts the world of Baldur's Gate in a significant way.

This article offers a detailed step-by-step guide on how to navigate the treacherous paths of the "Stop the Presses" quest. From initiating the quest by discovering the hidden location of the Baldur's Mouth to the final act of changing the headline using the bg3 printing press, every phase is covered. We'll provide tips and tricks to sneak past the Steel Watchers, ensuring that both newbies and seasoned players of Baldur's Gate 3 can complete this mission with finesse. For gamers looking for comprehensive bg3 tips and tricks to master "baldur's gate 3 stop the presses," this article serves as an indispensable resource.

How to Start the Stop the Presses Quest

To initiate the "Stop the Presses" quest in Baldur's Gate 3, players need to find and converse with Estra Stir. She is located just south of the Basilisk Gate Waypoint in the Lower City, easily identifiable next to a paperboy. Estra, a journalist, will inform the player that they are the focus of an upcoming article in the Baldur's Mouth Gazette, which is not portrayed in a flattering light.

Talking to Estra Stir

Upon speaking with Estra Stir, players learn that the upcoming edition of the Baldur's Mouth Gazette will feature them prominently. Estra hints at the content being damaging to the player's reputation but refuses to disclose more details about the article or discuss the player's objections to being written about without consent. This conversation triggers the quest, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.

Understanding the Assignment

The quest essentially begins with the revelation that the next edition of the newspaper, set to print after the player's next long rest, will include this controversial article. Players are left with a critical decision: to allow this portrayal to proceed, which would solidify their villainous reputation among the city's populace, or to find a way to alter the content of the article before it goes to print. Additionally, players can intimidate the paperboy to obtain a free copy of the newspaper, providing a firsthand look at the stakes involved in the quest.

Breaking into the Baldur's Mouth

To successfully infiltrate the Baldur's Mouth and prevent the publication of a damaging article, players must navigate through a series of strategic maneuvers. Below are the steps to locate the newspaper building and navigate inside effectively.

Locating the Newspaper Building

The Baldur's Mouth is situated a short distance west of where you met Estra Stir, near the Basilisk Gate waypoint. This proximity makes it relatively straightforward to find the building. However, upon arrival, players will discover that the entrance is securely locked, necessitating alternative methods of entry.

Navigating Inside the Building

Players have several options to gain access to the building:

1. Frontal Approach with Invisibility or Lockpicking:

   • Cast Invisibility on your party or use a skilled character to lockpick the front door. Once inside, move towards the southeastern corner to find a metal gate. Lockpicking this gate will grant access to the elevator leading down to the basement.

2. Roof Access:

   • Utilize abilities like Fly, Misty Step, or Dimension Door to reach the roof. In the southeast corner, break the wooden planks to drop down directly into the elevator. This route bypasses many of the internal security measures and leads straight to the basement.

3. Stealth and Deception:

   • Engage in a conversation with Ettvard Needle to distract him while a companion sneaks to pickpocket the basement key. Alternatively, if you have characters skilled in Stealth and Sleight of Hand, such as Astarion, use them to sneak past guards and access restricted areas.

Once inside the basement, players need to be cautious of Steel Watchers if they have not been disabled previously. Using continued Invisibility is recommended to avoid detection. Navigate through the corridors and utilize lockpicking skills on any gates that block progress.

By following these methods, players can successfully infiltrate the Baldur's Mouth, reach the basement, and access the printing press required to alter the controversial article, thus safeguarding their reputation in Baldur's Gate 3.

Sneaking Past the Steel Watchers

To successfully navigate the Steel Watch Foundry in Baldur's Gate 3, players must employ stealth techniques and carefully follow patrol paths to avoid detection by the Steel Watchers.

Using Stealth Techniques

Upon reaching the Steel Watch Foundry, players should consider enabling Turn-Based Mode. This adjustment slows down the game, allowing for precise movements and strategic planning. Utilizing Invisibility spells or potions is highly recommended to move undetected around the Watchers. For those without magical aid, taking cover behind objects and timing movements with the Watchers' patrol cycles is crucial. Players can also use movement-boosting actions like Dash or Misty Step to quickly bypass dangerous areas.

Following the Patrol Path

The layout of the Steel Watch Foundry includes a safer, albeit longer, route that begins from the north-west towards the Baldur’s Gate waypoint, then loops back south-west. This path circumvents the majority of the Watchers, leading players around the harbor to the Grey Harbor Docks waypoint. From here, the foundry is accessible via a hidden side path from the Wave Queen’s Temple, which requires using abilities like Feather Fall or Enhance Jump to navigate. Once near the foundry, rotate the camera to discover a hidden shore path along the outer fence, leading directly to a wooden docks area. Here, players can jump up to reach the foundry’s entrance, avoiding the patrolling Steel Watcher or choosing to sneak past it to enter through the loading bay or a side door.

By combining these stealth techniques with a careful observation of the patrol paths, players can infiltrate the Steel Watch Foundry without alerting the Steel Watchers, ensuring their mission to stop the presses remains covert.

Changing the Headline

To modify the headline in the "Stop the Presses" quest within Baldur's Gate 3, players must first gain access to the enchanted printing press. This magical device, located in the basement of the Baldur's Mouth building, is pivotal to changing the narrative of the upcoming newspaper edition.

Accessing the Printing Press

Players have a few routes to reach the printing press:

1. Invisibility or Stealth: Utilizing spells like Invisibility or relying on high Stealth skills to bypass guards and Steel Watchers.
2. Conversational Distractions: Engaging NPCs in conversation to distract them, allowing other party members to move freely towards the press.
3. Physical Abilities: Using abilities such as Lockpicking or Athletics to overcome physical barriers leading to the press.

Upon reaching the press, players will encounter a unique situation if they previously saved Dolly—the pixie from Act 2. The press, recognizing the player's past good deed, initially offers its services for free. However, if the player exits and re-enters the dialogue, the press behaves as though it doesn't recognize them, requiring further persuasion.

Convincing or Controlling the Press

Players have several options depending on their previous actions in the game:

• Saved Dolly: If Dolly was saved, and players have a replacement headline ready, such as "Adventurers, Our Best Hope For the City" found behind the press, they can change the headline immediately.
• Not Saved Dolly: For those who did not save Dolly, they must either:
  • Convince the Press: Perform a Deception or Intimidation check (difficulty rating 15) to persuade the press to assist.
  • Operate the Press Themselves: If persuasion fails, a Sleight of Hand or Athletics check (difficulty rating 20) allows players to manually change the headline.

By successfully navigating these challenges, players can alter the newspaper's content, thus preserving their reputation in Baldur's Gate. This strategic change not only impacts the player's standing but also influences the narrative flow within the game, showcasing the depth of player choices and their consequences.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we've journeyed together through the twists and turns of the "Stop the Presses" quest in Baldur's Gate 3, from the initial meeting with Estra Stir to the intricate task of altering a newspaper headline. By breaking down each step - infiltrating the Baldur's Mouth, sneaking past the Steel Watchers, and finally, changing the narrative at the printing press - we demonstrated how strategic planning and choices dramatically impact both your game experience and the in-game world around you. This accomplishment not only aids in preserving the player's reputation but also adds a layer of depth to the immersive storytelling Baldur's Gate 3 is celebrated for.

Successfully completing this quest exemplifies the game's commitment to offering a diverse array of paths and outcomes based on player actions, underlining the importance of stealth, decision-making, and interaction with the game's environments and NPCs. It highlights the broader implications of how quests in Baldur's Gate 3 can significantly alter the narrative direction, affecting both the character's journey and the larger game world. As adventurers continue to explore the vast, detailed realms of Baldur's Gate 3, remember that each choice and action can unfold in unexpected ways, shaping your unique story and experience within this rich, dynamic universe.