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In Baldur’s Gate 3, “Stop the Presses” is a curious sidequest with a time-sensitive design in BG3. It’s not uncommon for an RPG to implement quests where time works against you. The feature is a fun way to drive up suspense, giving everything a more realistic feel. Although “Stop the Presses” is only a sidequest, it’s easy to fail if you don’t time it right. Our guide will show you how to complete the quest and what not to do so you won’t fail it.
“Stop the Presses” Baldur’s Gate 3 Guide
(Updated on October 11, 2024 – updated links and format)
“Stop the Presses” in BG3 is an Act 3 sidequest. The sidequest will activate once you speak to the NPC named Estra Stir. She’s near the entrance of the Lower City, standing roughly southeast of the Basilik’s Gate waypoint.
When you talk to her, she’ll mention that a rather unflattering article about you will be released soon. The Baldur’s Gate 3 sidequest “Stop the Presses” officially begins.
Note: do not Long Rest after receiving the sidequest. If you take a Long Rest after you get the quest, you will automatically fail it and cannot do it again. The article will be released, ruining your reputation around the area. The NPCs around won’t speak highly of you, and you may even have issues with the shopkeepers.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the best way to come out on top in “Stop the Presses” is to start and finish it as soon as you speak with Estra. Head into Baldur’s Mouth Gazette to reach the NPC Ettvard Needle. He’s in charge of the upcoming article, and even though you can try to convince him not to print it, he’ll kick you out.
Now unable to enter the Baldur’s Mouth Gazette, it’s time for sneaking. Turn-based mode is helpful here since you can strategically place characters where they need to be.
Breaking Into the Baldur’s Mouth Gazette
Here are some of the useful features to have to complete “Stop the Presses” in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Misty Step
- Fly
- Wild Shape
- Potions/Scrolls of Invisibility
- Sleight of Hand
- Dimension Door
You can use stealth to sneak into the front door or behind the building through the doors on the second story. From the front, you must wait for the door to not be in sight of the guard. Pick the lock, turn invisible, and enter the building.
Otherwise, the back doors require you to Fly, Jump, or use Wild Shape to reach the second story. Another way to enter is to jump to the top of the Baldur’s Mouth Gazette. You can use the buildings around you to help with the process. Up there, you’ll notice some wooden planks as a barricade on the ground. Break this barricade and it will drop you inside an elevator that will take you to the basement.
Reach the basement to continue “Stop the Presses” in Baldur’s Gate 3. Use either the elevator or the stairs.
Finding the Replacement Article for “Stop the Presses” in BG3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the only way to “Stop the Presses” is to swap out the article for something more positive. However, the basement features a pair of Steel Watchers. If you already disabled the Steel Watch Foundry, you can freely walk through the basement. The Steel Watchers are only there if you have yet to complete that quest. If you see them, maintain a comfortable distance to sneak by.
Southeast is the printing press room, your goal location. However, if you don’t want to backtrack, we recommend finding a replacement article first. There are a few positive articles in different rooms of the basement like “Cutest Cat You’ve Ever Seen” or “Make Big Money By Trading With Adventurers.”
However, we strongly encourage you to refrain from any actual looting. Only retrieve the positive article you want to insert. Baldur’s Gate 3 has a bug in “Stop the Presses” where some players fail no matter what. It appears to stem from looting beforehand.
You can always find a replacement article right behind the sentient printing press machine. Like the others, it’s inside a wicker basket. After you speak with the machine, start the conversation again and choose to insert the positive article you picked up.
If you spoke to the machine first and also saved Dolly the Pixie in Act 2, the press will start out friendlier and direct you to the positive articles. Otherwise, you can find them on your own.
Completing “Stop the Presses” in Baldur’s Gate 3
With the replacement article with the printing press, escape the basement. Stick to stealth if need be. Eventually, you may face a confrontation with a guard, but they will throw you out like before. Once you’re outside again, return to camp for a Long Rest or two.
Related:
How To Complete Avenge the Drowned in Baldur’s Gate 3
Afterward, check your quest log to see that you succeeded with the sidequest. Return to the area to notice the shopkeepers more willing to trade and the NPCs behaving much nicer to you.
