Okay so I spent all last weekend digging up every damn dirt pile in Baldur’s Gate 3 because I kept missing secret loot early on. Seriously, walked right past mounds thinking “just some dumb dirt.” Big mistake.
Why I Even Started This Mess
First playthrough? Totally skipped getting a shovel. Dumb, I know. Found all these weird dirt spots looking like something’s buried but couldn’t interact. Later found a shovel halfway into Act 2 and went “OH. CRAP.” Missed out on so much stuff back in Emerald Grove and stuff.
My Dirt-Finding Adventure (and Screwups)
Got stubborn this time. Took Lae’zel with me everywhere ’cause she carry weight good. Bought the first shovel I saw from Aaron in the Druid Grove camp – cost me like 50 gold, felt ripped off but whatever.
Started near where you crash-land the ship:
The Overgrown Ruins Spot (Act 1)
- Past the intellect devourers, near Shadowheart’s pod? There’s a mound just chilling beside some roots. Missed this twice!
- Dug it up: Found a skeleton with a rusty key. Key opened a chest nearby hiding some basic potions and gold. Not amazing, but hey, free stuff.
Then headed to Emerald Grove:
Druid’s Chambers Backyard (Act 1)
- Behind where Kagha hangs out, by the stone wall near the cliff edge. Easy to miss behind some shrubs.
- Dug here: Got the Boots of Striding! These things are actually clutch early on. Lets you not get knocked prone so easy. Felt like I won the lottery.
After killing the goblin leaders:
Blighted Village Treasure Pits (Act 1)
- Two good spots here. One’s near the windmill, kinda tucked behind it. Another is in the garden area south of where you find Philomeen.
- First pit gave me a pouch with some gems – nice for selling later. Second one? Found the Sorrow Glaive! This blue weapon? Really good for Act 1 fighters. Had to reload ’cause I triggered a trap first try – poisoned needles. Ouch.
The Underdark was sketchy:
Sussur Tree Root Cluster (Act 1 Underdark)
- Near the fast travel point. This mound looked different, blended in with the glowing roots.
- Took forever to spot this one. Reward? Gloves of Hail of Thorns. Felt super niche for ranger types, maybe sell it.
My favorite find though?
Myconid Colony Mushroom Patch (Act 1 Underdark)
- Past Sovereign Spaw, near where Blurg and Omeluum hang out. Look for glowing mushrooms around a flat patch of dirt.
- Dug here: Found a damn Noblestalk! That weird mushroom Derryth wants. Kept it though. Used it later after taking a big hit – healed Gale almost full and gave him a buff! Way better than selling it for a few gold to Derryth.
Dumb Stuff I Learned
- Shovel First, Questions Later: Buy one IMMEDIATELY. Don’t be me.
- Perception Checks Rule: Your party rolls passively to see mounds. If someone fails? The mound stays hidden. Switch characters! Stick someone with good perception near the front.
- Traps Suck: Some mounds have traps. Save before digging. Seriously.
- It’s Everywhere: Mounds are hidden in plain sight. Near cliffs, behind buildings, under weird plants. Look close, especially where the map shows dirt patches.
Finding this stuff felt way more satisfying than just killing bosses sometimes. Like discovering hidden pockets of goodies everyone else walks past. Now I dig literally everywhere that looks even slightly suspicious. Worth the backache!