The Thorm Mausoleum puzzle in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the more intricate challenges you’ll encounter in Act 2. This puzzle is set within the Shadow-Cursed Lands and serves as a gateway to the Gauntlet of Shar, an area crucial to progressing in the game. Solving it requires both attention to detail and patience, as you need to interact with various elements in the correct sequence to avoid triggering traps and to unlock the path forward.
Locating the Thorm Mausoleum
Before diving into the puzzle itself, you need to locate the Thorm Mausoleum. It’s found north of the House of Healing in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. To reach it, you’ll need to pass through the city near Moonrise Towers and navigate through a graveyard. Once inside the mausoleum, prepare yourself for the puzzle ahead.
Disarming the Traps
Upon entering the mausoleum, the first thing to do is disarm the traps scattered around the room. These traps are cleverly placed and can deal significant damage to your party if triggered. It’s recommended to use a character with high perception and dexterity, such as Astarion, to disable these traps. Clearing them out will allow you to move freely within the room and focus on the puzzle without worrying about sudden attacks or damage.
The Paintings and the Puzzle
The puzzle revolves around three paintings, each depicting a different scene. Underneath each painting is a button that you must press in the correct order to unlock the path forward. The paintings are as follows:
- Moonrise Towers: This painting is located to your left as you enter the room.
- Grief: Depicting a man mourning next to a corpse, this painting is on your right.
- Ketheric Thorm on a Throne: This final painting is located on the back wall.
The order in which you press the buttons is crucial. The correct sequence is:
- Moonrise Towers
- Grief
- Ketheric Thorm on a Throne
If done correctly, the wall behind the painting of Ketheric Thorm will slide open, revealing a secret passage. However, if you press the buttons in the wrong order, the room will fill with thick smoke, and gargoyle heads will begin to shoot projectiles at your party. This is why disarming the traps beforehand is so important—it minimizes the risk if you make a mistake.
Uncovering the Secret Passage
Once you’ve successfully completed the puzzle, the revealed passage allows you to take an elevator down to the Gauntlet of Shar. This area is filled with even more challenges and puzzles, but completing the Thorm Mausoleum puzzle is a significant step forward in your quest to confront Ketheric Thorm and uncover the secrets of the Shadow-Cursed Lands.
If you’re struggling to find the correct order on your own, there’s a helpful hint hidden within the mausoleum. In the eastern section, you’ll find a stained book on an altar. This book contains a clue to the puzzle’s solution, stating: “From splendor to tragedy, to infamy.” This refers to the story depicted in the paintings, guiding you to press the buttons in the correct sequence.
