BG3 ancient tome contains forbidden secrets of necromancy. Unlocking the ancient tome requires navigating the dangerous Whispering Depths area, defeating a powerful enemy, and passing difficult wisdom saving throws. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to unlock the ancient tome in BG3.
Key Takeaways
- The ancient tome is located in the cellar of the house with the red door in Blighted Village
- To access the tome, you need the Dark Amethyst key found in Whispering Depths
- Defeat the Phase Spider Matriarch in Whispering Depths to get the key
- Pass three wisdom saving throws (DC 10, 15, 20) to unlock the tome
- The tome contains powerful but dangerous necromantic secrets
BG3 Ancient Tome Location
The ancient tome itself is located in the cellar of the house with the red door in the Blighted Village. However, the cellar door is locked and requires the Dark Amethyst key to open it. This key is found in the Whispering Depths dungeon underneath the Blighted Village.
Accessing Whispering Depths in BG3
To reach Whispering Depths, you need to interact with the old well in the center of the Blighted Village. This will transport your party to the underground dungeon.
Once in Whispering Depths, head northwest, following the narrow path until you reach a huge hole. The Dark Amethyst key is located at the bottom of this hole, amongst some bones. Pick up the key once you reach it.
Defeating the Phase Spider Matriarch
The Phase Spider Matriarch guards the Dark Amethyst key in Whispering Depths. You’ll need to defeat her in combat to be able to claim the key.
The Matriarch is a powerful enemy that can quickly overwhelm an unprepared party. Here are some tips for defeating her:
- Use ranged attacks and spells. The Matriarch is hard to hit up close.
- Focus fire on her weak points like the eyes and abdomen.
- Destroy her webs quickly so you can keep moving.
- Beware her teleportation ability.
- Crowd control spells like Hold Person are very effective.
Once you defeat the Matriarch, you can safely pick up the Dark Amethyst key and exit Whispering Depths.
Unlocking the Cellar
Return to the Blighted Village and go to the house with the red door. Use a crowbar to pry open the cellar door, then use the Dark Amethyst key on the locked ancient tome inside to unlock it.
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Arcane Tower Guide
Passing the Wisdom Saves
Reading the ancient tome and unlocking its necromantic secrets requires passing three increasingly difficult Wisdom saving throws:
- DC 10 – Failure inflicts the Whisps of Madness debuff (-1 to Wisdom checks)
- DC 15 – Failure inflicts the Baleful Knowledge debuff (-2 to Wisdom checks)
- DC 20 – Failure prevents you from unlocking the tome entirely
Having a high Wisdom score, along with buffs like Guidance, will help you pass these saves. If you fail, reloading a previous save is your best option.
Unlocking the Tome’s Secrets
If you succeed at all three saving throws, you’ll unlock the following rewards:
- Learn powerful but dangerous necromantic rituals
- Create and control undead creatures
- Gain the Forbidden Knowledge trait (+1 to Wisdom saves and checks)
- Learn the Speak with Dead spell
However, using the dark knowledge in the tome risks corrupting your character as well. Tread carefully, as the promises of power often come with a price.
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Silver Ingot Guide
What to Do With the Tome
Once unlocked, you have several options for what to do with the ancient tome:
- Learn its secrets– This gives you access to powerful but dangerous necromantic magic if you can resist the tome’s corrupting influence.
- Sell it– The tome could fetch a high price from merchants and collectors interested in rare magical artifacts.
- Destroy it– If you’re unwilling to use or sell such a dark object, destroying the tome could be the safest option.
Consider your character’s motivations and alignment before deciding the fate of the ancient tome. While tempting, its dark power may prove too dangerous in the end.
FAQ – August 11, 2023
Where is the ancient tome located in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The ancient tome is located in the cellar of the house with the red door in the Blighted Village. You’ll need the Dark Amethyst key found in Whispering Depths to unlock the cellar and gain access to the tome.
What is needed to unlock the ancient tome?
You need to 1. Get the Dark Amethyst key from Whispering Depths, 2. Defeat the Phase Spider Matriarch, 3. Open the cellar door with a crowbar, and 4. Pass three Wisdom saving throws (DC 10, 15, 20) to unlock the tome.
How do you defeat the Phase Spider Matriarch?
Use ranged attacks and spells focused on her weak spots. Destroy her webs quickly. Beware her teleports. Crowd control spells like Hold Person work very well. Bring fire damage if possible.
What are the wisdom saving throws to unlock the tome?
DC 10, failure inflicts Whisps of Madness debuff. DC 15, failure inflicts Baleful Knowledge debuff. DC 20, failure prevents unlocking the tome.
What can I do with the ancient tome after unlocking it?
You can learn its necromantic secrets, sell it for profit, destroy it, or carefully use it if you resist the corrupting influence. Consider your character’s motivations when deciding.
