While exploring the Lower City area of Baldur’s Gate, you can come across some old haunts, including one that means quite a bit to a certain character. If you want to learn more about the Emperor and their past in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s worth the excursion to their old hideout.
Finding the Emperor’s Old Hideout comes up as an ambient side quest in Baldur’s Gate 3, that you can pick up while roaming the Lower City. When you walk by the Elfsong Tavern, the Emperor will reminisce, and mention that you can head inside to see their old hideout. (Note: From here on out, anywhere from major to minor story spoilers, especially for those who haven’t yet completed the opening of Act 3 in BG3.)
Where to find the Emperor’s Old Hideout in Baldur’s Gate 3
Head into Elfsong and back to the kitchen, where you can dip into the cellars. (While you’re here, you might as well warn the cook if you’ve been doing the murder investigation side quest, as clearing out the rats will help complete his portion of the quest.)
Hit the Firewine Barrels for easy rat clearing—don’t worry, the owners don’t seem to mind—and look for a button located in a little area off to the side.
This will open the first secret passageway. But given that the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3 had to be secretive about his little hideout, it’s not the last secret button we’re pushing. Head forward and be ready for a fight.
Clear out the Githyanki trespassers from the hideout
In the next area, you’ll find a detachment of Vlaakith’s Githyanki soldiers, rummaging around. You’ll need to clear them out before you can move further in. A sturdy Paladin is on the low ground, while spellcasters and ranged attackers sit on other flank, on the high ground.
Prioritize the spellcasters and breaking their concentration, or you’ll have more problems to deal with as the fight goes on. Deploy something to take the Paladin’s attention away from squishier party members; either an Elemental or a sturdier fighter like Shadowheart, or utilize some crowd control like Hold Person. Counterspells will also be helpful here, as well as some Misty Steps to escape the encroaching warriors.
Once that’s clear, loot the room and head to the back wall for the second secret button. This leads from the Knights of the Shield’s Hideout into the actual place where the Emperor lived.
Once inside, you’ll find the Emperor’s old adobe. You can wander around and explore, listening to the Emperor monologuing about various aspects of their life in Baldur’s Gate prior to the start of Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s a neat little scene, and an important one if you want to get involved in one of BG3‘s more… interesting romances.
Did you say romance?
Yes, yes I did. In my first Long Rest after this area, I experienced a dream scene with the Emperor. In it, our longtime dream visitor posited the idea of advancing the relationship further. Never let it be said that Larian’s narrative team didn’t shoot their shot when they had the ball.
I’m not 100% sure that this is a hard requirement, but given that the Emperor cites this event directly in the lead-up, it sure does seem like it. So if you want the lover of your dreams (literally), make sure to find the Emperor’s Old Hideout in Baldur’s Gate 3.
