Navigating the gloomy corridors of Moonrise Towers in Baldur's Gate 3 often leads players into intricate encounters filled with dark magic and hidden secrets. Among these mysteries, uncovering Balthazar's private quarters exposes an intriguing mechanism known as the Ancient Altar. Figuring out what item belongs on this pedestal is crucial for unlocking a hidden chamber packed with valuable loot and narrative discoveries.
Locating the Hidden Ancient Altar in Moonrise Towers
Before you can interact with the altar, you must gain access to Balthazar's personal quarters on the upper floor of Moonrise Towers. Once inside, you will notice a large bookshelf equipped with protruding books that trigger dangerous environmental traps if handled incorrectly. Activating the correct book reveals the hidden device concealed behind the bookshelf.
Understanding the layout of the room helps players avoid taking unnecessary damage while searching for clues. Examining nearby notes and scattered lore provides subtle hints about the necromancer's morbid experiments. Once the shelf moves aside, the altar becomes fully visible and interactive.
The Key Item Required for the Ancient Altar
Solving the puzzle requires inserting a human heart directly into the altar's prompt window. Fortunately, players do not need to search far, as several biological remains and loose hearts can be gathered directly from the bloody tables and corpses nearby. Placing the heart onto the mechanism triggers the secret door mechanism, opening the passage to Balthazar's inner sanctum.
If you do not happen to have a spare heart in your active inventory, simply search the sacrificial tables in the immediate area. Interacting with the device while holding the item opens the insertion menu effortlessly. Once confirmed, the stone wall shifts open to reveal the hidden room.
Rewards and Secrets Inside the Secret Room
Stepping inside the secret chamber grants players access to rare equipment and powerful crafting opportunities. Within the room, you will find a treasure chest containing unique gear like the Coldbrim Hat along with protective elixirs. Investigating the surrounding desks also reveals crucial lore entries that shed light on Ketheric Thorm's ongoing plans.
Additionally, the room houses a corrupted ritual circle surrounded by broken Moonlanterns and a dead pixie. Bringing Gale along allows your party to choose between destroying the circle for a permanent concentration buff or crafting a unique Shadow Lantern. Making the right choice enhances your overall party utility during the challenging battles ahead.
