The Axe or Bomb: The Simplest Lockpicking Tools in Baldur’s Gate 3

Not every character you make in Baldur’s Gate 3 is going to be good at lockpicking

In a game like Baldur’s Gate 3, not every character is skilled in lockpicking. Personally, I prefer to have my Warlock hang out with Gale, Shadowheart, and Karlach, who are my closest companions. Although there are many treasure chests and doors in the game that lead to secret rooms and loot, I always make sure to carry Thieves’ Tools for easy access. However, it appears that smashing the treasure chests open is an alternative option when you don’t have the necessary tools.

Smashing the treasure chests

When Thieves’ Tools are not available, you can simply use a melee weapon or a damaging spell to break open the treasure chests. Most chests have medium or higher toughness, making them resistant to weaker blows. To successfully damage the chest, it is ideal to have a character with high strength, such as Lae’zel or Karlach, as their melee attacks are more likely to be effective. You can repeatedly strike the chest without any consequences. It may take multiple attempts to dent the chest’s armor, but this method is the most resource-efficient way to access the treasure.

Destroying the chests

If you don’t have a powerful character with you, another option is to destroy the chests. Contrary to popular belief, destroying a chest will not destroy the loot inside, even when using fire or gunpowder. A video by YouTuber Proxy Gate Tactician debunks the myths surrounding Baldur’s Gate 3, including rigging 100 chests to explode and comparing the loot before and after the explosion. All the items inside the chests remained intact, proving that the method of destruction does not affect the loot.

Locked doors and other options

Similar to treasure chests, locked doors can also be opened through force or by finding a key or solving a puzzle. However, in Baldur’s Gate 3, the choice is yours. If you prefer a more destructive approach, breaking open chests and doors with sheer muscle or explosives is always an option during your playthrough.