BG3 Stop the Presses: How to Complete This Quest in Baldur’s Gate 3

One of the many intriguing side quests in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is called “Stop the Presses,” where you need to stop a potentially damaging article from being printed in Baldur’s Gate. This quest takes players deep into the city’s social and political intrigue, offering unique dialogue options and character interactions. Here’s how to complete the “Stop the Presses” quest and what you can expect along the way.

What Is the “Stop the Presses” Quest in BG3?

In “Stop the Presses,” you’re tasked with stopping an article from being published in Baldur’s Mouth, the city’s prominent newspaper. The article in question is about you or your party, and it could potentially damage your reputation within Baldur’s Gate. The quest involves investigating the newspaper’s offices, dealing with the editor, and using either diplomacy, trickery, or force to ensure the article never sees the light of day.

This quest highlights the tension between freedom of the press and personal privacy in the game’s world, and your choices can significantly impact how events unfold.

Where to Start the Quest

You can start the “Stop the Presses” quest after reaching Baldur’s Gate, where you’ll come across hints of the upcoming article about you. Visit the Baldur’s Mouth headquarters, a key location in the city, where you’ll begin your investigation.

The quest can be triggered in multiple ways, either through conversations with NPCs in the city or after hearing rumors about the newspaper article being published.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing “Stop the Presses”

Step 1: Investigate Baldur’s Mouth Headquarters

Once you know about the article, head to Baldur’s Mouth offices. The building is located in a central area of the city. Enter the building, and you’ll meet Efrin, the editor of the newspaper. At this point, you’ll have several options for how to handle the situation.

Step 2: Speak with Efrin (The Editor)

Efrin is a tough editor who’s determined to publish the article, but you have several ways to stop him:

• Persuasion: If your character has high Charisma, you can attempt to persuade Efrin to kill the article by explaining why it would be damaging to your reputation.
• Bribery: If persuasion doesn’t work, you can offer Efrin a bribe to prevent the article from being published.
• Intimidation: For more aggressive players, you can intimidate Efrin into not printing the story. This can have consequences later, as Efrin may hold a grudge.
• Stealth: Alternatively, you can sneak into the printing room and sabotage the printing press, making it impossible for the article to go to print.

Step 3: Sabotage the Press (Optional)

If diplomacy fails, you can use stealth to sneak past the workers in Baldur’s Mouth and disable the printing press. Be cautious, as sneaking into restricted areas may result in guards or employees catching you. Disable the press by interacting with the machinery, effectively stopping the article from being printed.

Step 4: Deal with the Aftermath

No matter how you choose to handle the situation, there will be consequences. If you successfully stop the article, your reputation in Baldur’s Gate remains intact. However, depending on how you handled Efrin and his team, you may have made powerful enemies or formed new allies. Keep an eye out for how NPCs react to your choices later in the game.

Rewards for Completing “Stop the Presses”

Upon completing the quest, you’ll receive experience points and potential rewards based on your approach. Using diplomacy may earn you respect from certain factions, while taking a more forceful route might lead to future confrontations.

The outcome of the quest may also affect future storylines, so be mindful of how you handle it. Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its branching narratives, and “Stop the Presses” is no exception.

Tips for Completing “BG3 Stop the Presses”

• Consider your party’s strengths: If you have characters with high persuasion or charisma, use them in conversations with Efrin to make the task easier.
• Save before sneaking: If you plan to sabotage the printing press, make sure to save your game first in case you’re caught.
• Weigh the consequences: Think about how your actions will impact your reputation in Baldur’s Gate. Using force or intimidation may have long-term effects on your standing in the city.

Conclusion

The “Stop the Presses” quest in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a fun and engaging way to explore the city’s complex social dynamics. Whether you choose diplomacy, trickery, or brute force, your actions will shape how the world views you and your party. Completing this quest can protect your reputation in Baldur’s Gate and potentially alter the course of the game’s storyline.

So, are you ready to stop the presses? Head to Baldur’s Mouth, face off with the editor, and decide how you’ll handle this tricky situation. Remember, in Baldur’s Gate, every choice counts.