BG3 Where Is The Counting House And How To Reach It
Navigating the bustling streets of Baldur's Gate in Act 3 can be overwhelming due to the sheer density of locations, quests, and hidden secrets. Among the most prominent landmarks in the city is the Counting House, a heavily guarded bank containing massive fortunes, high-security vaults, and vital plot connections. Locating this financial fortress and securing entry to its restricted areas requires a mix of exploration, dialogue, and smart decision-making.
Location of the Counting House in Baldur's Gate
The Counting House is situated along the southern waterfront of the Lower City in Act 3. Players can find the massive stone structure near the docks, roughly located around the map coordinates X:-98, Y:-148. Its grand, fortress-like facade makes it stand out from the surrounding urban harbor area.
To reach the building, fast travel to the Lower City Central Wall waypoint and head directly south toward the coast. Alternatively, traveling west along the docks from the Heapside Strand waypoint will bring you straight to its main gates. The front entrance is patrolled by guards, signaling the high level of security inside.
How to Gain Access Inside the Vaults
Entering the lobby is entirely legal and open to the public, but progressing further into the vault area requires official authorization. Speak with Head Clerk Meadhoney near the front desk to discuss entering the vault section. You can convince him to grant you a temporary pass by successfully passing an Intimidation, Persuasion, or Deception skill check.
If dialogue checks fail, stealthy players can choose to pickpocket a vault pass directly from the clerk. Securing this pass allows your party to move past the guards stationed at the heavy iron doors without triggering combat. Having a pass simplifies exploration and ensures you can freely investigate the lower chambers.
Navigating the Inner Security and Vault Puzzles
Once past the guards, head down the stairs into the lower vault level where personal and high-security safes are stored. Reaching the deepest vaults requires solving a floor tile puzzle that acts as a combination lock. Players must step on the numbered floor plates in the correct sequence—1, 3, 5, and 6—without stepping on incorrect tiles.
Alternatively, players with creative approaches can bypass the combination puzzle altogether. Throwing a water bottle onto the floor tiles and casting a lightning spell or arrow will short-circuit the locking mechanism, causing the vault doors to swing open. This environmental solution offers a fast alternative for parties equipped with elemental magic.
Why Visiting the Counting House Matters
Beyond the rich loot stored inside the vaults, visiting the Counting House is essential for major companion storylines and Act 3 quests. It plays a pivotal role in Jaheira's questline, where players track down the elusive Stone Lord and his associates. Intervening in the events inside the deep vault is also necessary for recruiting Minsc to your camp.
Additionally, gathering vault keys hidden throughout the Lower City allows players to unlock high-security safes filled with valuable gold, rare magic items, and quest clues. Exploring every corner of the bank yields significant rewards for thorough adventurers. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of both the narrative turns and financial gains waiting inside.