Baldur's Gate early walkthrough: Friendly Arm Inn to Nashkel
Follow the early main-story route while leaving space for equipment, companions and optional quests.
Edition covered
The 1998 Sword Coast campaign and its AD&D second-edition fundamentals. Pictures show Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition, whose extra companions, kits, interface and optional campaigns differ from the original release. Tales of the Sword Coast is identified separately; Siege of Dragonspear is outside this guide.
Use the named settlements as landmarks
The initial route is a practical sequence rather than a demand to clear every wilderness map. Reach the Friendly Arm Inn, organize the party and follow reports of trouble toward Nashkel.
| Stop | Main purpose | Check before leaving |
|---|---|---|
| Candlekeep | Opening training and supplies | Buy a usable weapon and basic protection |
| Ambush area | Meet Imoen | Recruit or deliberately decline her help |
| Friendly Arm Inn | Meet Jaheira and Khalid | Expect danger near the inn approach |
| Beregost | Services and local quests | Read companion and journal requests |
| Nashkel | Investigate the southern troubles | Prepare for the mines |
Prepare before the mines
Nashkel Mines are an early investigation objective, but the route there can still kill a level-one party. Buy ammunition, identify useful equipment and carry healing before descending.
| Check | Reason | Useful action |
|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Ranged characters need a supply | Carry spare arrows, bolts or bullets |
| Healing | Rest may be interrupted | Bring potions and prepared divine spells |
| Trap detection | Hidden hazards punish the whole formation | Keep a thief available |
| Save slots | Quest and combat choices can be costly | Keep a separate pre-dungeon save |
Treat wilderness detours as optional risk
The map allows you to meet threats stronger than the current group. Save before entering a new area and return later if attacks consistently fail or a single spell wipes out the party.
Keep evidence and journal entries
Speak to quest contacts after completing a local objective. Important documents and dialogue point toward the next stage of the iron crisis; do not sell an unidentified quest item merely to clear inventory space.
Speak to quest contacts after completing a local objective. Important documents and dialogue point toward the next stage of the iron crisis; do not sell an unidentified quest item merely to clear inventory space.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Baldur's Gate publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Beamdog game manuals | files.beamdog.com |
| Publisher Adventurer guide | store.steampowered.com |