Venturing into the House of Hope is one of the most thrilling endgame encounters in Baldur's Gate 3. Located deep within Raphael's domain in Avernus, this treacherous area offers incredible legendary loot alongside major story confrontations. To access this realm, players must first locate a specific shop in the Lower City and execute a precise summoning ritual.
Finding the Devil's Fee in Lower City
The journey to the House of Hope begins at the Devil's Fee, a shop managed by Helsik in the northern area of Lower City. Players can either pay Helsik a hefty sum of gold or strike a deal to obtain the necessary ritual ingredients. Reaching this location prepares your party for one of the most challenging dungeons in the entire game.
Once you acquire the ritual pouch from Helsik, make your way to the top floor of the shop to find the summoning circle painted on the floor. Arranging the items correctly is crucial to opening the portal to Avernus safely. Proper preparation ensures your party is fully equipped before stepping through the infernal threshold.
Setting Up the Ritual Circle Correctly
To successfully perform the ritual, you must place five distinct items on specific points of the star diagram on the floor. Place the Skull on the point closest to the altar, then place the Coin of Mammon on the point to its right. Follow the circle clockwise by placing the Diamond, the Incense, and finally the Infernal Marble in the center spot.
If the items are placed correctly, the circle will ignite with red flames and open a portal straight into Raphael's residence. Stepping through takes your party directly into the House of Hope, where dangerous enemies and powerful artifacts await. Managing your inventory carefully ensures you do not accidentally misplace these required reagents.
Exploring the House of Hope and Rescuing Hope
Inside the realm, players will meet Hope, a trapped spirit who provides crucial guidance and disguise spell assistance. Navigating the grand halls requires stealth or decisive combat against infernal guards patrolling the estate. Exploring side rooms allows players to gather high-tier gear and essential quest items.
Your primary objectives involve retrieving the Orphic Hammer from the Archives and freeing Hope from her prison in the cellar. Breaking Hope's chains requires using the hammer while dealing with surrounding demonic defenders. Completing these tasks sets the stage for a dramatic showdown near the exit portal.
Confronting Raphael and Escaping Avernus
Attempting to leave the House of Hope triggers a legendary boss battle against Raphael and his powerful allies. Preparing your team with fire resistance, crowd control spells, and high burst damage is key to surviving the encounter. Destroying the Soul Pillars around the room significantly reduces Raphael's magical capabilities during the fight.
Defeating the devil allows your party to escape back to Baldur's Gate with unmatched rewards and critical quest progress. Successfully completing this quest remains a highlight of Act 3 for strategy enthusiasts. Careful tactical planning makes this daunting hellish heist manageable and deeply satisfying.