Minsk and Boo stand as iconic figures in the Baldur’s Gate saga and the broader D&D universe. The catchphrase “Aim for the eyes, Boo!” has long been a meme before Baldur’s Gate 3 arrived, and the bulky Minsk alongside his tiny hamster companion earned a beloved, respected place in fans’ hearts. Yet meeting Minsk in the game can be easy to miss or easily overshadowed by other events. This guide explains why saving Minsk matters, how to rescue him, how to reach the sewers, and how to solve the valve puzzle.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Guides
Note: spoilers are included in this guide. Proceed at your own risk.
Why save Minsk in Baldur’s Gate 3
Minsk is a legendary character within the Baldur’s Gate lineage. Rescuing him rewards players with a unique, loyal companion who can join the party and become a camp resident, as well as a substantial chunk of content that easily goes unnoticed without proactive exploration.
Why save Jaheira?
In short, if Jaheira dies during the second act, the opportunity to save Minsk simply disappears—the game won’t offer a second chance. During the Moon Towers assault, there is a strong likelihood that the Master Harpist will rampage and fall. Reloading a previous save is the reliable option before the confrontation begins. Healing Jaheira with potions and restorative spells is possible, but given her AI limitations, many players prefer to recruit another companion instead.
If a player chooses to send Astarion to watch Jaheira’s back, it reduces the risk of multiple deaths and keeps the door open to resurrect the High Harpist if necessary.
How to save Minsk
The rescue cannot be completed before the third act. Players can complete Kina Nine-Fingers’ quest or head to the Accounts Chamber, descending to the vault on the lower floors. This can be approached during combat or through a more cautious route by speaking with Head Clerk Mead and obtaining a temporary pass after completing a few checks. The method to solve the vault puzzle has been explained earlier, and the key to success lies in understanding the sequence.
When a crucial door is passed, a cutscene unfolds in which Minsk appears, though he may act oddly and quickly slip away, leaving the hero in an uneasy situation. To locate Minsk again, players should search the corpses or pass a sighting check at vault No. 9, effectively entering the pit to continue the search.
How do you get into the sewer?
Seek out shutters and interact with them—this path won’t mislead you. There are multiple routes. For newcomers, the easiest route ties into the Emperor’s quest at the Elfsong Tavern, where a former room contains access to at least one sewer passage. Other passages can be found through manholes and sewer grates scattered across the city. In short, there are several viable routes to enter the sewer system.
How to solve the valve puzzle
Inside the sewers, travel to a location known as the Abandoned Cistern. A locked door, three valves, and a lock requiring an Athletics check block progress. The puzzle can be solved by logic if the Athletics check proves impossible. One valve increases temperature, a second raises water level, and the third resets settings. The goal is to light up the icons for “Ideal temperature” and “Ideal water level” on the first two indicators simultaneously. Start with the water valve, wait a moment, and then operate the heater valve to achieve the correct combination.
How to fight Minsk
The battle mantra is clear: forget everything you thought you knew—keep Minsk alive and ensure nearby foes are eliminated. Bringing Jaheira along is highly recommended. It is crucial to keep Minsk alive, so healing him generously is wise, especially when other threats still stand. When enemy numbers dwindle and Minsk stands alone, switch to non-lethal tactics. This option exists in the passive skills menu near the bottom of the panel. If Minsk’s health nears zero, ignore casters and focus on combat to secure victory.
Executing the plan correctly leads to Minsk’s knockout and a cutscene where the Emperor attempts to spout nonsense. Standing firm with Jaheira in the party ensures the outcome remains favorable.
Minsk and Boo
Once Minsk escapes the influence of the Absolute, he races after his hamster Boo. The player simply follows to witness a heartwarming reunion. After the reunion, Minsk can join the player’s camp and be added to the squad—aim for someone’s eyes in battle to ensure your team remains balanced and ready for the next challenge.