How To Get Vault Pass BG3 And Access The Locked Area

Exploring the Lower City in Baldur's Gate 3 eventually leads players to the heavily guarded Counting House, where vast fortunes and secret vaults reside. Obtaining a Vault Pass is essential for players who wish to explore these restricted quarters without provoking the guards. Securing official permission makes navigating the high-security bank significantly smoother and allows your party to uncover valuable loot.
Locating the Counting House in the Lower City
The Counting House is situated along the southern waterfront of the Lower City in Act 3. Upon arrival, players will notice strict security measures enforced by both bank guards and specialized automatons. Speaking with Head Clerk Meappl inside the main lobby is the first step toward gaining legitimate access to the deeper vaults.
Attempting to sneak past the guards without authorization usually triggers aggressive encounters or places the entire building on high alert. Interacting directly with the staff provides dialogue paths to learn how the facility operates. Securing proper documentation is always the safest method to bypass the primary security checkpoints.
How to Obtain the Bank Vault Pass
To acquire the Vault Pass, players need to persuade Head Clerk Meappl using dialogue checks involving Persuasion, Intimidation, or Deception. Successfully convincing him will grant your party a Bank Pass, which grants official clearance to pass through the heavy doors. Alternatively, high-sleight-of-hand characters can attempt to pickpocket the pass directly from the clerk.
If dialogue options fail, players can also investigate the surrounding offices on the upper floors to find alternative documentation. Searching through desks and private letters can yield key clues or permissions required to navigate the restricted zones. Having a rogue with high stealth capabilities simplifies this retrieval process greatly.
Bypassing Security and Entering the Vaults
Once the Vault Pass is in your possession, present it to the guards guarding the heavy doors leading downstairs. They will step aside, allowing your party to enter the lower subterranean corridors without initiating combat. This granting of passage gives you time to prepare for any puzzle elements or traps located deeper within.
Inside the vault area, players will encounter a large floor tile puzzle that protects the main vault doors. Stepping on the correct sequence of numbered plates opens the final barrier leading into the high-security vaults. Ensuring your party remains patient prevents triggering automated security systems while solving the door lock.
Looting the Locked Vaults and Managing Consequences
Beyond the main security doors lie individual high-security vaults belonging to prominent figures throughout Baldur's Gate. Many of these vaults require high-level lockpicking skills or specific keys scattered throughout the game world to open. Inside, adventurers can discover legendary gear, substantial gold caches, and key quest items.
While the Vault Pass gets you into the lower level, picking individual vault locks can still be seen as a crime if witnessed. Use invisibility spells or strategic positioning to unlock the private safes without alarming nearby guards. Completing this heist cleanly ensures you retain both your rewards and a positive standing within the city.