Embarking on your journey in the first act of Baldur’s Gate 3 is both thrilling and challenging. To ensure you enjoy all aspects of this rich narrative, we've prepared a detailed guide on the main and side quests, companion interactions, and important locations.

Main Quest: Find a Cure

Your primary objective in the first act is finding a cure for the illithid tadpole embedded in your character. This task branches out into several significant quests:

1. Explore the Ruins: Start by heading east from the "Roadside Cliffs" waypoint to find the chapel ruins. Here you will encounter Grimbelbock and his adventurers. Persuade them or engage in battle to gain access. Deeper inside, find the Dank Crypt where you can meet Withers, a potential ally for your camp.
2. Travel to the Emerald Grove: Head north to assist a group of adventurers being attacked by goblins. Aligning with Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers, you'll repel the goblins and gain access to the Emerald Grove. This sanctuary provides opportunities to recruit companions and undertake side quests.
3. Resolve Grove's Issues: Inside the grove, tension rises between druids and tiefling refugees. Complete quests like "Save Arabella" and "Investigate Kagha's Plot" to influence the grove's future. Your choices will have lasting consequences.
4. Seek a Cure: Explore several avenues for treatment:
5. Githyanki Creche: Follow Lae'zel to find a githyanki patrol that may offer help.
6. Healer Nettie: Consult Nettie in the inner sanctum of the Emerald Grove for her advice.
7. Goblin Priestess: Head to the Shattered Sanctum to seek assistance from the goblin priestess.
8. Aunt Ethel: Meet Aunt Ethel at the Teahouse on the riverbank in the Sunlit Wetlands for her unique perspective.
9. Journey to the Shadow-Cursed Lands: Choose your path to the Moonrise Towers:
10. Mountain Pass: Accessible via the broken bridge north of the Blighted Village.
11. Underdark: Entry through various locations, including the Priestess Gut's chamber, the Zhentarim Hideout, or the well beneath the Blighted Village.
12. Note: It's advisable to explore both routes before making a decision, as reaching Moonrise Towers is a point of no return for the first act's areas.

Companion Quests

Throughout the first act, you'll meet potential companions, each with their own story:

• Shadowheart: A mysterious cleric with the quest "Daughter of Darkness." Engage with her to uncover secrets of her past and deity.
• Lae'zel: A githyanki warrior seeking her kin. Her quest "Githyanki Warrior" explores her culture and mission.
• Astarion: A high elf with a dark secret. The "Pale Elf" quest delves into his mysterious past.
• Gale: A wizard from Waterdeep with a dangerous ailment. His quest "Wizard of Waterdeep" requires careful management.
• Wyll: Known as the Blade of Frontiers, his pact with a patron unfolds in the "Blade of Frontiers" quest.
• Karlach: A tiefling barbarian with a fiery temperament. The quest "Our Fiery Friend" reveals her infernal ties.

Important Side Quests and Activities

• Save Arabella: Intervene in a tense situation between the young tiefling Arabella and the druids. Your decisions will impact her fate.
• Investigate Kagha's Plot: Uncover a conspiracy within the druid circle by exploring Kagha's secret dealings.
• Save the Gnome: In the Blighted Village, a gnome is tied to a windmill. Your actions determine his fate.
• Rescue Mayrina: At the Teahouse, assist Mayrina in escaping Aunt Ethel's clutches, a powerful hag.
• Find the Missing Shipment: Investigate the disappearance of a caravan west of the Risen Road, leading to an encounter with the Zhentarim.
• Complete Mastercraft Weapon: In the Blighted Village, find Highcliff's journal and gather materials to forge a unique weapon.

Key Locations and Activities

• Dank Crypt: Free Withers, a crucial NPC who offers unique services for your camp.
• Blighted Village: Site of many side quests, including the gnome rescue and crafting the masterwork weapon.
• Goblin Camp: A central location for the main quest, with opportunities for choosing sides.

Underdark Exploration: Additional Adventures

One of the most intriguing locations in the first act is the Underdark. This expansive subterranean world offers both danger and rewards for those who dare to venture into its depths.

• Duergar Expedition: Meet a group of duergar searching for a valuable cargo. Your decisions here may lead to alliances or conflicts.
• Myconid Colony: Encounter the Myconid Sovereign and decide whether to aid them in their plans or oppose them.
• Selune Artifact: Explore ancient ruins to find a Selune artifact that may provide answers to your questions.

The Underdark is accessible through several routes, including the well in the Blighted Village, the Zhentarim Hideout, or the Goblin Camp. Be prepared for high-level battles and don't forget to bring your best gear.

Conclusion

The first act of Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterclass in narrative, exploration, and choice-driven gameplay. With numerous quests, rich companion interactions, and diverse paths to explore, this act lays the foundation for an unforgettable adventure. Following this comprehensive guide, you'll uncover all secrets, make informed decisions, and prepare your party for the challenges ahead in the subsequent acts.

Remember, your decisions in the first act will have a ripple effect throughout the entire game. Whether helping the tieflings, siding with the druids, or exploring the dark corners of the Underdark, your journey is entirely based on your choices. Prepare thoroughly, and may your adventure be as rewarding as it is challenging.