How to solve the Baldur's Gate 3 moon puzzle in the Defiled Temple

The Baldur’s Gate 3 moon puzzle can be very tricky, which is unfortunate, as it also guards one of the entrances to the Underdark. Found in the Defiled Temple of Baldur's Gate 3, behind Priestess Gut’s chambers, it tasks you with arranging images of the Moon in a specific order. This isn’t immediately obvious and has stumped many a player. Thankfully, we’re here to help – read our guide and discover how to solve the moon puzzle in BG3!

How to solve the Baldur's Gate 3 moon puzzle

The Baldur's Gate 3 moon puzzle is solved by arranging the images of the moon into a specific order: all of the new moons must be on the Southernmost ring.

With your back to the door that you entered the chamber through, you will be facing North, with the north disk at the top of the puzzle, the west disk to the left, the east disk to the right, and the south disc being at the bottom of the puzzle. To solve it, spin the plates in this order:

1. North twice
2. East once
3. West once
4. South twice
5. East once

This is just one solution to the puzzle, and it should be noted that there are multiple solutions that you could use! It’s a lot of effort, but at this point you should have the solution set up and the door will open.

How to get through the Defiled Temple without doing the Moon Puzzle

If you want to get through without bothering with the moon puzzle, there is a potential alternative. Walk up to the fallen statue past the top moon disc, and your characters will be prompted to do a little passive perception check. If any of them pass, it'll reveal a lever on the right hand wall, as shown above. 

The lever is locked, but if you have a lockpick you can attempt to unlock it (maybe have Astarion with you for this). Succeed, and the lever will open the secret door to the Baldur's Gate 3 Underdark region without you needing to do the moon puzzle at all!

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