Rescuing Nere and Escaping Underdark in BG3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the depths of the Underdark hold some of the game’s most tense encounters, particularly in the Grymforge area where True Soul Nere awaits rescue behind a deadly cave-in. This guide explores every aspect of freeing him, managing the ensuing conflicts, and ultimately finding a way out of the subterranean nightmare. Players must act swiftly against toxic fumes and make pivotal decisions that shape alliances and rewards.

Navigating to the Grymforge Heart

The journey begins upon docking at Grymforge, a Duergar stronghold rife with tension. Head toward the central platform where Sergeant Thrinn commands her forces. She reveals that an explosion trapped Nere and several Deep Gnomes behind rubble, with poisonous gas rapidly filling the space. Interacting with the blocked passage allows communication with Nere, but he offers no solutions—leaving players to uncover the means of liberation themselves.

Time constraints are strict: long rests or leaving the Underdark trigger Nere’s demise, failing the quest automatically. Short rests remain viable, but efficiency is key amid lurking threats like patrols and oozes.

Acquiring Explosives for the Cave-In

To breach the rubble, explosives are essential. The primary option is the Runepowder Vial, located in a hidden chamber nearby. From the cave-in site, ascend stairs to a balcony overlooking a room with aggressive oozes. Defeat them, then leap across a gap—using spells like Jump or Githyanki abilities if needed—to reach a corpse holding the vial.

Alternative methods include crafting smoke powder satchels or using other bombs, which function similarly. Some players stash explosives near the rubble beforehand to manipulate enemy positions. Return the vial to the blockage and detonate it carefully to avoid self-harm.

Strategic Alliances Before the Blast

Before exploding the cave-in, scout for allies. Elder Brithvar, plotting rebellion against the Absolute, lurks on a northern balcony with guards. Agreeing to betray Nere post-rescue gains you powerful support in the inevitable fight. This pact turns Brithvar’s forces against Nere, easing combat significantly.

• Pros of allying with Brithvar: Extra fighters overwhelm Nere’s novices; prevents multi-front battles.
• Cons: Betrayal risks if you side with Nere later; permanent buffs like ‘Enemy of Justice’ if guards are killed prematurely.

Alternatively, clear out Thrinn’s loyalists first for a cleaner confrontation, though this demands stealth and crowd control like webs or grease to funnel enemies.

The Explosive Release and Immediate Chaos

Detonating the Runepower clears the path, freeing Nere and two gnomes. In a cutscene, Nere executes one gnome instantly, sparking combat unless interrupted. Enter turn-based mode during the animation to unleash attacks, preventing further kills.

Nere emerges aggressive, commanding Absolute cultists. Choices branch here:

Combat Tactics for Victory

The arena features lava pools, making positioning critical. Enemies use Thunderwave and shoves to knock allies into hazards—counter with Eldritch Blast pushback, bonus action shoves, or barrels for area denial.

Party setups excel:

• Rogue (e.g., Astarion) for high-ground sniping and Misty Step escapes.
• Monk/Gnome for mobility; Cleric for heals.
• Plant fire barrels pre-fight; detonate remotely.

Nere and Dunnol can mind-control allies—prioritize them. Destroy the watching eye if present to avoid reinforcements. In Tactician mode, isolate foes with smoke and bombs before release.

Looting Nere and Gnome Aftermath

Defeating Nere yields prime gear: Dagger +1, Sword of Screams (1d4 psychic), Disintegrating Night Walkers (Misty Step), broken moonlantern, and a parasite specimen.

Spare the surviving gnome by resolute dialogue or mind dive. Return Nere’s head to Myconid Sovereign Spaw for rewards, including a functional moonlantern.

Paths Out of the Underdark

Escaping requires a moonlantern to counter shadow curses en route to Moonrise Towers. Repair the broken one via gnomes or Myconids, or obtain from other quests like the Myconid colony.

Alternatives include boat travel from Grymforge or arcane lifts, but lanterns are vital for safe passage. Delaying too long (two rests/camp visits) lets poison claim everyone, allowing safe looting post-mortem.

Moral Choices and Long-Term Impacts

Siding with Nere advances Absolute loyalty but forgoes righteous loot. Betraying him aligns with rebellion, freeing enslaved gnomes like Beldron and Barcus Wroot. Informing Nere of mind flayer manipulation can flip him, opening unique dialogues.

These decisions influence reputation with Duergar, Myconids, and future Act 1 arcs.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

• Avoid long rests until resolution.
• Save before detonation—outcomes vary by prior talks.
• High ground and separation win fights.
• Check gnome dialogues post-fight for side quests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save both gnomes?

One dies in cutscene, but interrupt combat immediately to protect the second via aggressive turns.

What if I let Nere die?

Rest twice or fast travel; loot remains, Duergar disperse.

Best build for the fight?

Ranged pushers, mobile melee, crowd control casters.

How to get a working moonlantern?

Loot Nere, repair with gnomes, or trade head at Myconids.

Does siding affect Moonrise?

Yes—Nere’s path eases entry; rebellion aids other factions.