Story4 min read
BG3 Act One Fundamentals
Grove, goblins, and Underdark — how to leave Act 1 without missing half the companions.
Grove vs goblin camp
This is a major fork. Recruit and talk first; a surprise raid will lock quests.
Companions
Shadowheart, Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Wyll, Karlach, and later Halsin/Minthara/Jaheira/Minsc. You will miss someone if you never leave the road.
Illithid powers
Optional power with story cost. Roleplay it; do not treat tadpoles as free feats without reading.
Level curve
Explore. If fights feel impossible, you skipped a map, not a hidden difficulty bug.