Players will encounter several tests as they work throughBaldur’s Gate 3’s Gauntlet of Shar. The Soft-Step Trial is one of those tests, and fans must sneak past some shadowy figures in order to complete it. This guide contains details on several methods that players can use to address theSoft-Step Trial inBaldur’s Gate 3, and one of them completely trivializes the endeavor.
Before getting into the ways in which the Soft-Step Trial can be completed, it is worth mentioning thatBaldur’s Gate 3players will need to pass througha locked Wrought-Iron Gate in order to reach the end. While this lock only has a DC of 10, fans that cannot pick it do have some other options that they can pursue. Specifically, they can destroy the gate (with something akin to aSmokepowder Bomb), or they can use theSoft-Step Trial Keythat is sitting on a circular table near the trial’s midpoint (accessed with the Lever on the right side of the trial).
Updated on June 26, 2025, by Nahda Nabiilah:Completing all of Shar’s trials is essential to retrieve all Umbral Gems. Each trial will test players' resolve regarding certain skills. Considering the Soft-Step Trial is all about sneaking around without getting detected by the shadows, you can safely assume that this trial will test your Stealth skill. So, make sure to use a character with high Stealth skills,like Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s also possible to give any character an invisibility potion and make them breeze through the trial.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Soft-Step Trial Guide
For those players who don’t mind a bit of “cheating,” the easiest method for completing the Soft-Step Trial begins by separating one party member from the group and sending them to the statue at the end of the trial. Once the separated party member is in position, players should use aBaldur’s Gate 3characterthat remained at the beginning of the trial to interact with the Sacrificial Bowl. This action will cause the trial’s Umbral Gem to appear near the separated party member, and fans can grab it thereafter.
If a player is not comfortable using this somewhat “cheesy” method, they can also take a more “traditional” approach and simply sneak through the trial. While this can be done in many ways, here is a path through the Soft-Step Trial that fans should be able to traverse quite easily:
To note, players should consider deactivating the trial’s traps and collecting the aforementioned Soft-Step Trial Key before they interact with the Sacrificial Bowl. Indeed, while this preparatory work is not necessary if the previously provided path is followed, it can be useful if the player deviates from it. Furthermore, players may want to useBaldur’s Gate 3’s Invisibilityeffect on the character that will pass through the trial, as it makes remaining undetected much easier.
