Beholder Tunnels – Baldur’s Gate II

This guide will walk you through the Beholder Tunnels in the Underdark in Chapter 5 of Baldur’s Gate II. This area’s code in the game files is AR2101.

Overview

You’ll encounter lots of beholders in these tunnels. Items like the Cloak of Mirroring and the Shield of Balduran can make the fights much easier. Beyond that, beholders aren’t pursuers, so you can use hit-and-run tactics against them, killing one or two of them and then retreating to try again.

1 – Elder Orb

Right after entering these tunnels (via Exit A), you’ll encounter a beholder and an elder orb here. You’ll earn 28,000 xp for defeating them, and you’ll find an Amulet of Spell Warding, the Blade of the Equalizer, and an Eyestalk of an Elder Orb when you loot the corpses. The blade can be used by Cromwell in the Docks District to craft The Equalizer. You might need the eyestalk for Matron Mother Ardulace’s noble blood quest in Ust Natha.

2 – Drow vs. Beholder Battle

At this spot, you’ll encounter some drow fighting a beholder. The drow will win the fight handily — and then turn on you — so for the easiest time against them, you should attack them right away while they’re distracted. You can earn up to 34,000 xp for winning the battle.

Just to the east of the battle site, you’ll find the Sling of Arvoreen +4 in a wall crevice.

3 – Beholder Battle

At this spot, you’ll encounter three beholders and two gauths — a full house in beholder poker. You’ll earn 60,000 xp for winning the hand.

4 – Gauth vs. Mind Flayer Battle

At this spot, you’ll encounter three gauths fighting three mind flayers. The mind flayers are by far the more annoying enemy, so you should target them first and then mop up whatever gauths remain. You can earn up to 54,000 xp for winning the battle.

5 – Major Beholder Battle

Right around here, you’ll encounter five beholders and two gauths, and the beholder and elder orb to the east (#6) might wander over as well. You’ll earn 88,000 xp for winning the battle.

6 – Beholder Battle

You’ll encounter a beholder and an elder orb here. You’ll earn 28,000 xp for defeating them.

7 – Gauth Battle

In this part of the tunnel system, you’ll encounter five gauths. They’ll start out separated into two groups, but they’ll probably all end up attacking you at once. You’ll earn 45,000 xp for defeating them.

Nearby to the north in a wall crevice, you’ll find a Greenstone Amulet.

8 – Treasure Room

Inside the containers in this room, you’ll find 5600 gp plus some gems and trinkets.

Exits

• A) Exit to the Underdark.