Hi,

I'm playing the first Baldur's Gate (before going to the second one). I've finished the Cloakwood Mines (with the canon party with my levels between 6-7). There isn't much before going into Baldur's Gate itself and I was wondering when would be the best time to go explore the locations of the expansion (Durlag's Tower and the Island). And if it's the point where I should explore them, should I do some preparations beforehand?

Thanks in advance.

It's the best time for the expansion.

For the island is very important to bring magic weapon for all your users. You can try to do some quest inside of Baldurs gate due they give you good items but don't do quest on other places.

P.d. Another good time is after the game is finished, A final save will be made and you can go to the Expansion places.

To go to the Wolf Island you have to visit Baldur's Gate. For that reason I generally explore Baldur's Gate, get some more quests (and therefore experience) under the belt and grab some better weapons and items unique to BG. I then start TotSC just before reporting back to Scar after his 2 quests -- at the point where he sends you back to Candlekeep. Before going back to Candlekeep seems to be the optimum time in my mind, because once you come back from there, there is only one thing left to do: find and kill Sarevok.

Have to agree with Hickory on the timing. You'll have a bit more XP by then (important because the expansion areas are tough), you'll have access to BG (which, as mentioned, you need), and you'll get some better gear for the final showdown. Be warned though, that if you have the XP cap removed in your game, you may find you're overleveled for the end game.

I'm glad I read this when I did, as I've just reached that point. Can't start yet, though, as I'm still waiting for Imoen to finish dual classing to mage and get her thief skills back. Canon party, so I'm not replacing one (or rather two, unless I removed Imoen, which would defeat the point) NPCs with a different thief temporarily.

Are there any quests which give a good amount of XP in BG, which I should be on the lookout for? Or is the non Tower part of the expansion doable without a thief?

The non Tower portion of BG is easily done with thief-less Imoen, except Narlen Darkwalk's tests in the Thieves Guild. Don't forget that Jaheira has Find Traps, and Imoen should have Knock for any locks. For any traps, just make sure you have the Boots of Grounding (50% protection from electricity), and some potions/scrolls/spells of protection from fire/electricity.

Edit: Oh, sorry, I misread your question. You mean the Wolf Island? No, you need a thief there, because in one spot there are just too many traps. There's lots to do in BG, though.

I suggest that you go to the two islands of ToSC and then come back for Durlag's Tower. Still, level 7 party is going to have a bit of difficult time in the Tower, especially for first-time players. For preparations I'd suggest some potions and magical ammo and maybe a few protection scrolls. You have to fight lots of mages in Ice Island so keep that in mind; On wolf's island you have to fight werewolves but you will also find particular equipment so no need to worry; Durlag's Tower and its subsequent battles are the most difficult part in the whole game (I'd say more difficult than many BG2 areas) so you have to be well-prepared. Also, keep a good thief in your party.