My 2026 Guide to Disabling Guardian Statues in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 may have launched in 2023, but here in 2026, I'm still discovering new ways to outsmart its deadly traps. The Guardian Statues in the Emerald Grove's Underground Passage are a perfect example. These fire elemental traps aren't required for the main story, but if you're a completionist like me, disabling them opens up a convenient back door and saves you from a fiery death. So, how do you turn off these ancient sentinels without getting roasted? I've spent countless hours testing strategies, and I'm here to share what works.

Why Disable the Guardian Statues? 🤔

First, let's address the obvious: you don't have to disable them. The Underground Passage is optional, and you can complete the main scenario without ever stepping foot there. But where's the fun in that? Disabling the Guardians gives you an extra route in and out of the Emerald Grove, which is handy if you've made the grove hostile—say, by attempting to steal the Druid Idol. Plus, there are a few random treasures down there that you can sell for gold. So, if you're a loot-hound like me, it's worth the effort.

Turn-Based Mode: Your Best Friend 🕒

Before you even think about sneaking, switch to Turn-Based mode. This stops time and lets each character move and act in a precise six-second window. I can't tell you how many times this saved my party from being spotted. It gives you enough leeway to sneak, get into position, and turn off the device without getting caught. If the grove is already hostile, this tactic is essential.

Sneaking and Disabling the Guardian Statues 🥷

Each Guardian Statue can be turned off by interacting with the Rune of the [Animal] that's under or nearby. It's a blue rectangle low to the ground, corresponding to an animal like Eagle, Bear, or Wolf. Pressing it once disables the corresponding statue.

The Guardians detect by sight, but they can't see in the dark. The most direct approach is to use the Hide action and slowly walk through the shadows. They'll make Stealth checks by rolling a D20 and adding their Dexterity Bonus. A Rogue character like Astarion is perfect for this. You can boost your Hide ability with specialized gear like the Drow Studded Leather Armour.

YouTuber Galaxy Tech Review preferred to skulk quietly in Real-Time mode, which is riskier if you misstep. In those cases, drink an Elixir of Fire Resistance to take less damage.

Using a Bit of Magic ✨

If your party lacks a strong dice roll, magic can slip you past. Invisibility makes the caster undetectable. Gale and Wyll can learn it at level 3. Player characters can pick it as a Bard, Warlock, Wizard, Sorcerer, Circle of the Land Druid, Arcane Trickster Rogue, or Eldritch Knight Fighter. You can also drink a Potion of Invisibility.

Misty Step is another option, teleporting the caster to a new location—just make sure it's not out in the open. All fifth-level Githyanki characters can use it once per Long Rest. I tend to use Lae'zel with a respec so Misty Step is always available. Sorcerers, Wizards, Warlocks, Bards (via Magical Secrets), Circle of the Land Druids, Ancients Paladins, Vengeance Paladins, Arcane Trickster Rogues, and Eldritch Knight Fighters can also learn it.

Helping Findal: A Moral Dilemma 🧝

If it's your first time in the Underground Passage, you'll find an unconscious Druid named Findal being accosted by Goblins. If you're feeling evil—or just focused on the statues—you can let him die. He drops a rare armor, the Arcane Circlet. But if you want to be heroic, help him.

The fight is close to one of the Guardian Statues. Depending on your approach, it might still be active and fire upon you during the Goblin encounter. Turn it off beforehand, or use turns in battle to focus on the Guardian.

After the Statues: What's Left? 🗺️

Regardless of Findal's fate, you're now free to disable the remaining Guardian Statues. The Underground Passage has a few random treasures and items to sell. Otherwise, there isn't much reason to return—the front gate of Emerald Grove and most Waypoints are more accessible.

So, is it worth the trouble? In my opinion, yes. It's a satisfying puzzle that rewards careful planning and a bit of stealth. And in 2026, with the game still going strong, there's no better time to master every corner of Faerûn.