How To Use Burrow Hole BG3 Complete Gameplay Guide

Posted on 25 September 2026 | 107
News

Exploring every hidden corner of Faerûn in Baldur's Gate 3 often reveals secret pathways and tiny openings embedded in walls or cliffs. These tiny openings, known as burrow holes, frequently lead to exclusive treasure chests, hidden shortcuts, or entirely skipped rooms. Knowing how to maneuver your party members through these tiny gaps requires specific spells, abilities, or racial features.

Understanding Burrow Holes in Baldur's Gate 3

Burrow holes are significantly smaller than standard rocky crevices found throughout the game. While small races like halflings or gnomes can easily walk through standard crevices, burrow holes require further size reduction or special transformations. Spotting these environmental secrets typically relies on passive perception checks as your party explores.

Failing a perception check might make you miss a burrow hole entirely during your initial walkthrough. However, switching active companions or bringing high-wisdom characters along can give your group another chance to spot the opening. Once revealed, interacting with the hole directly will inform you if your current character is too large to enter.

Shapeshifting and Transformation Abilities

One of the easiest ways to access a burrow hole is by utilizing a Druid's Wild Shape ability. Transforming into a cat allows you to slip through tiny passages without needing additional magical buffs. This method makes Druids exceptionally useful scouts for uncovering hidden areas early in your campaign.

It is important to note that sending a summoned familiar through a burrow hole is not allowed in standard gameplay mechanics. The game restricts familiars from entering these small spaces to prevent players from bypassing key obstacles effortlessly. Therefore, an actual party member must undergo transformation or size reduction to traverse the gap.

Using Magical Spells to Shrink Your Character

If you do not have a Druid in your active party, transformation spells offer an alternative solution. Casting Gaseous Form turns a character into a cloud of mist, allowing seamless travel through even the smallest cracks. This spell works regardless of the character's original race or body size.

Another popular strategy involves combining size-altering magic with small character races. For example, casting Enlarge/Reduce on a Gnome or Halfling reduces their size enough to fit into a burrow hole. Medium-sized characters can also use Disguise Self to become a small race first before applying the reduction spell.

Why Exploring Burrow Holes Is Worth the Effort

Taking the time to squeeze through burrow holes often rewards players with valuable loot and hidden storylines. Many sealed rooms containing rare equipment, gold, or quest items can be reached without picking complex locks. Additionally, some burrow holes offer tactical advantages by allowing your group to bypass heavily guarded checkpoints or hazardous traps.

Mastering these environmental interactions enriches the overall role-playing experience in Baldur's Gate 3. Experimenting with different party compositions and spell combinations ensures that no secret remains out of reach. Keep a lookout for these subtle openings to discover every hidden reward Faerûn has to offer.