How to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3 – save the gnome in BG3

Players are quickly learning how to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3 to free a poor gnome. It’s one of the game’s simpler side missions that grant some neat loot if you’re careful. But the wrong move can make things go hilariously wrong.

If you’re just getting to grips with Larian Studios’ latest RPG, here’s how to reach the Goblin camp in Baldur’s Gate 3. And if you’re looking for some interesting content in the Blighted Village, here are all Underdark entrances in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3

Use the ‘brake lever’ on the left-hand side of the windmill to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can find this windmill in the Blighted Village (Extinct Village in Early Access), west of the Druid’s Grove location. Use the correct lever mechanism to help the gnome who’s tied to the blades of the windmill. There’s another ‘release brake lever’ that makes the blades spin faster, flinging the gnome into the distance. These levers are on the 1st floor of the mill so get your heroes there.

Considering that you meet this gnome later on in the Underdark, it makes sense to rescue him. You’ll meet him later in the Save the Grymforge Gnomes quest. Barcus Wroot, the gnome, can be rescued from the goblins with a Persuasion check for diplomacy. Or you could choose to fight the goblins and wargs next to him. Here are the options you can pick from while speaking to the goblin Fezzerk:

• [INTIMIDATION] I won’t let you harm a defenseless being – not without a fight.
• [PERSUASION] All of you lot against one deep gnome? You should find a better target.
• [DETECT THOUGHTS] Read the goblin’s mind.
• [ILLITHID] [WISDOM] You will release the gnome. That’s an order.

A high-charisma character like a Bard or Warlock should be able to handle this encounter without combat. The second choice needs you to pass a Persuasion check of difficulty – 15 and boosts approval with Shadowheart, Karlach, and Gale. Detecting thoughts requires a difficulty class – 9 check to be cleared. You could tap into your Baldur’s Gate 3 Illithid powers if needed. 

While Barcus isn’t too happy about the situation, he lets you take his backpack as a reward. But he doesn’t have it on him so you’ll have to do a little exploring to find it. But at least the fate of the poor fellow is in good hands now. Unless you tossed the innocent being into the air by using the windmill as a trebuchet. It’s an alternate outcome we don’t recommend.

Where is the Gnome’s backpack in BG3?

The Gnome’s backpack is in the windmill cellar in the Blighted Village. You can get it before saving the gnome too. Near the rubble at the back of the windmill, there’s a wooden hatch that you can interact with to head to the basement. Here’s what the heavy chest inside the cellar contains:

• The Speedy Lightfeet (Boots – Medium Armor)
• x1 Potion of Invisibility
• x1 Potion of Healing

At the top of a wooden crate, you’ll find the contents of his backpack. The bag of black powder (Smokepowder Satchel) will make the Find the Explosives quest in the Underdark easier. Succeeding in rescuing Barcus gives you 45 experience points at the end of the quest. You also get 70 more experience points from previous skill checks. And here’s what Barcus’ heavy backpack near this chest contains the following valuables:

• x1 Smokepowder Satchel
• x4 Gold
• x1 Red Apple (Camp Supplies)
• x1 Baguette (Camp Supplies)

That covers how to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3 and its consequences. If you’re looking to shake up your skillset, read up on Baldur’s Gate 3 classes and subclasses. This should keep you ready for mini-quests like saving this deep gnome from the goblins. While the backpack belongs to him, you can sidestep saving Barcus entirely. Note that fighting the goblins here won’t turn the goblins in the Goblin Camp or Shattered Sanctum against you. And if you’re still in Emerald Grove, here’s where Dammon is in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How do you stop the mill in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Pull the Brake lever to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3.