BG3 Moonrise Towers order: rescue prisoners before the warning

If you want to save the prisoners, visit Moonrise Towers and handle the prison before completing the Shadowfell sequence at the end of Shar’s Gauntlet. That transition can close rescue quests. This guide contains Act 2 spoilers.

Before the tower

Prepare protection against the shadow curse, supplies and a way to retreat. You can approach the tower before the final assault and investigate while the inhabitants may not immediately attack, depending on earlier choices. Talk to people, check vendors and locate the prison rather than rushing to the rooftop.

Prison first

In Moonrise Towers Prison, surviving tieflings and Wulbren’s group may be held in separate cells. Speak to them if possible and inspect the guards. One option is to help them break the back walls and reach a boat; another is to open cells and escort them, which can be dangerous. Make sure both groups are actually free and reach safety, not merely that a cell door opened. Availability depends on earlier events.

For Wulbren’s boat plan, talk to him and give him a bludgeoning weapon, such as a mace. His hammer is upstairs in the Warden’s office, reached by an iron ladder; that area is guarded and trespassing. Tell him to wait until you are ready. After the walls break, protect the prisoners, help at the chained boat and speak to Wulbren once survivors arrive. Long resting or fast travelling after giving him the tool can start the escape without you.

Then finish Shar’s trial

Before accepting the warning at the Shadowfell entrance, check your journal, finish the rescue and other unfinished Act 2 tasks, and save manually if your difficulty permits. Actions involving Nightsong lead to major changes and the tower assault. Honour Mode has a single save, so plan before confirming.

This is a cautious sequence, not a complete list of mutually exclusive story branches. Check the linked prison guide for alternative paths.

BG3 Wiki: prison routes · BG3 Wiki: Wulbren rescue cutoff