Baldur's Gate 3 has plenty of creepy crevices and wild woods for you to adventure through, but beware because aside from the dangers of ravenous monsters and enemy factions, you may also be held up by some particularly nasty puzzles. But never fear, our guide is here to help you figure out the moon puzzle so you can get into the Defiled Temple ASAP!
How to solve the Defiled Temple moon puzzle in Baldur's Gate 3
© Larian Studios
While you're out being the conquering hero, you may encounter a defiled temple with a door that can only be opened by a puzzle dealing with the phases of the moon. If you want to reach the Underdark and complete the Reach Moonrise Towers quest, you'll need to crack this puzzle. Unfortunately, there isn't much in the way of clues in the room itself, but don't worry, we've got you covered.
Your main clue is going to come from the ogre, Polma, who's the bodyguard of the High Priestess and who you'll need to kill to progress. Be sure you're rested and ready before you take her on! Once she's been taken care of, loot her to find the Priestess Journal. The clue reads as follows:
“Thus the interlocking circles will bring the full moons to match the stars, while casting darkness where it belongs at the bottom. That chasm to the Underdark will stay sealed.
I confess the design is not foolproof to outsiders, but I had to sacrifice complexity for material resilience. I’ve always wondered why Selune took me from the Hall of Wonders to serve at this temple as a priestess. Perhaps this was the reason.”
In short, the "darkness" mentioned refers to the new moons, or the black circles. The full moons are the white circles and must be brought into the dark. To solve the puzzle, set up the rings in this way: the top ring should have four white circles. The right ring should have a white circle on the top left, two half and half circles on the top and bottom right, and a black circle on the bottom left. The bottom ring should have four black circles. And finally the left ring should have two half and half circles on the top and bottom left, a white circle in the top right, and a black circle on the bottom right. Once you've gotten those arranged, the Underdark should open for you.
But wait! That isn't the only solution. If your character is perceptive and handy with Thieves Tools, you can completely bypass the puzzle. Search the Selune symbols on the wall and if your perception is high enough, you'll notice a lever. Pulling the lever will lock it, but by using the Thieves Tools, you can free it and use it to open the door instead.
That's all we know about getting past the moon puzzle in Baldur's Gate 3. For more features and guides, click here to check out the game hub.
