BG3 Temple Of Selune Puzzle Solution And Walkthrough

Navigating the vast underground regions in Baldur's Gate 3 often leads adventurers into intricate challenges, with the moon puzzle in the Defiled Temple being a major highlight. Located beneath the Goblin Camp, this ancient altar blocks direct access to the dangerous Underdark. Understanding how to align the stone discs effectively allows players to progress smoothly without wasting unnecessary time during Act 1.
Reaching the Defiled Temple Puzzle Room
Before attempting to solve the mechanism, players must first gain entry to Priestess Gut's private quarters inside the Shattered Sanctum. Defeating or sneaking past her massive bodyguard, Polma, opens the path deeper into the temple ruins. Descending the stone staircases eventually brings the party into a large chamber featuring four interconnected stone circles embedded in the floor.
Standing at the entrance archway gives the proper perspective required to manipulate the rotating discs correctly. The puzzle consists of four circular plates containing various full moons, half moons, and full dark circles representing new moons. Proper alignment requires all dark moon symbols to end up on the bottom plate facing the light source.
Step-by-Step Moon Disc Rotation Guide
To align the discs efficiently, face the puzzle directly from the southern entrance doorway before initiating any turns. Rotate the bottom plate first, followed immediately by rotating the right plate to move the dark moons into position. Next, turn the bottom plate once more before shifting the top plate into place.
Finally, rotating the right plate one last time will lock all four solid dark moon symbols into the bottom circle. Completing this sequence triggers a distinct mechanical click as the heavy stone doorway at the far end of the hall slides open. This path grants safe passage down the ladder leading directly into the Selûnite Outpost within the Underdark.
Alternative Methods to Bypass the Puzzle
Players who prefer to bypass the mechanical rotating lock entirely have a few tactical options available. Positioning a high-perception character near the stairs on the upper wall allows the party to spot a hidden lever. Unlocking this mechanism with a successful Sleight of Hand check opens the secret doorway instantly.
Alternatively, smaller characters or Druids transformed into small creatures can utilize a hidden rocky crevice near the rafters to navigate through the surrounding chambers. Regardless of the chosen path, gaining access to the Underdark provides massive experience rewards and opens up vital storyline quests.