Finding and unlocking the Sickroom basement in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) can be a confusing but rewarding part of your journey, especially for players who enjoy uncovering hidden secrets and progressing deeper into certain questlines. Located within Vernworth, the Sickroom serves as a restricted area tied to specific characters and story events. The basement under this facility holds key narrative clues and sometimes useful items. If you’re stuck trying to open the basement door or unsure how to trigger access, this guide will walk you through every step required to gain entry to the Sickroom basement in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Where to Find the Sickroom in Dragon’s Dogma 2
The Sickroom is located in Vernworth, the capital city where many main story quests and faction missions unfold. You’ll first encounter the Sickroom as part of the early narrative involving the Arisen’s origin and the mystery surrounding the false Sovran. The building is clearly marked and accessible through the lower district of the city.
How to Reach the Sickroom
- Head toward the central area of Vernworth.
- Look for the building near the palace quarter, often guarded or marked on the map.
- The main floor is open during relevant quests, but the basement remains locked.
You can enter the building and talk to NPCs inside, but access to the basement requires additional steps tied to story progression or specific quest triggers.
Why the Sickroom Basement Matters
The basement of the Sickroom in DD2 isn’t just a random locked door it’s a plot-relevant location tied to several key NPCs and may contain secret documents, evidence, or items that help progress quests. Gaining access can also unlock dialogue options and new interactions with NPCs like Wilhelmina or Empress Nadinia, depending on your choices.
Possible Contents of the Basement
- Quest items or medical records
- Hidden dialogue tied to the Empress storyline
- Clues related to the counterfeit Arisen or political conspiracies
Although its content varies based on your actions, opening the basement can enrich your understanding of the lore and open new questlines.
How to Unlock the Sickroom Basement
The door to the Sickroom’s basement is locked by default and cannot be picked using standard methods. You’ll need to trigger specific quests and acquire a key, or find alternative access paths depending on your progress in the story. Below are the main methods players have discovered for unlocking it.
Method 1: Progressing Through Main Quests
The most straightforward method is tied to completing certain main story quests involving Empress Nadinia, the false Arisen, and your own character’s origin.
- Complete theSeat of the Sovranquestline.
- Engage in the palace-related storyline where the true and false Arisen are discussed.
- Talk to relevant NPCs including Brant and Wilhelmina during these quests.
- Eventually, you’ll be given access to the Sickroom basement as part of the narrative.
Once the story hits certain beats, a key may be automatically added to your inventory or the door will unlock during a cutscene or quest update.
Method 2: Receive the Basement Key
If you progress a questline involving patients in the Sickroom or uncover secrets about the Sovran’s lineage, you may be granted theSickroom Basement Key.
How to Get the Key
- Speak to Wilhelmina frequently during your visits to the Sickroom.
- Pay attention to any dialogue hinting at hidden truths or research below the facility.
- Complete smaller quests involving medical herbs or caretaking duties.
When trust is established, the key may be handed over or found in a chest nearby if quest markers lead you toward it.
Method 3: Use a Hidden Entrance
In some cases, players have found alternate entrances to the Sickroom basement by exploring connected areas beneath Vernworth. This method often requires keen observation and nighttime exploration.
Possible Alternate Route
- Look for underground passageways near the city’s outskirts.
- Explore the sewer or waterway systems some of them loop beneath medical facilities.
- Use a lantern and be prepared for hostile enemies or environmental hazards.
This route may not always be available depending on your story progression but is worth checking if direct access is denied.
Tips Before Entering the Basement
Before heading into the Sickroom basement, ensure you’re prepared. While not always dangerous, these areas can contain hidden enemies or traps, and they’re often tied to cutscenes that lock you into specific narrative outcomes.
Preparation Checklist
- Rest at an inn to save your progress.
- Bring a pawn with high perception or healing skills.
- Equip a lantern and sufficient curatives.
- Clear inventory space for quest items or loot.
Also, consider having active quests related to the storyline. Being on the right quest can ensure proper flag triggering and prevent bugs that may lock you out.
What to Do After Unlocking the Basement
Once the basement is open, explore thoroughly. Talk to any NPCs inside and collect all available items. There may be letters, tomes, or relics that are not obviously tied to a current quest but are needed later.
Recommended Actions
- Search every room and examine shelves or drawers.
- Revisit the area after story progression to find new interactions.
- Use what you find to confront characters during later dialogues.
It’s also wise to return later in the game to check for new developments, as the Sickroom evolves depending on choices made in related quests.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Some players report not being able to open the basement despite finishing key quests. This is usually due to missed dialogue, skipped steps, or not meeting hidden conditions.
Solutions
- Replay the palace or Sickroom quests and talk to all NPCs again.
- Rest at a nearby inn to reset the area and check for quest updates.
- Make sure you’re not missing a triggered cutscene by changing the time of day.
If you’re still stuck, check your quest log to see which objectives are still marked incomplete or require further action. Sometimes the basement only becomes available after a major story choice is made.
Opening the Sickroom basement in Dragon’s Dogma 2 requires more than just picking a lock or brute force. It’s a narrative-locked area that depends heavily on your story choices, character interactions, and quest progress. Whether you gain access through the main quest, a hidden key, or a secret passage, getting inside offers valuable story context and gameplay benefits. Be thorough in your exploration, and always talk to NPCs multiple times to uncover hidden paths. With the right preparation and timing, the mysteries beneath the Sickroom will soon be yours to discover.