Divinity Original Sin 2 Getting to Ryker 2nd Floor: A Guide to Reaching Ryker's Second Floor in Divinity Original Sin 2

In "Divinity: Original Sin 2," reaching Ryker's second floor in the Stonegarden mansion can initially be a bit tricky, especially for first-time players. Ryker, one of the key quest givers in the Reaper's Coast area, resides in his mansion where the main floor is accessible, but the upper floor — holding treasures, secrets, and lore — is off-limits without the right approach. To access the second floor, there are several options:

1. Find the Hidden Ladder or Stairs: At the back of Ryker's house (first floor, northern side), look for a secret lever behind a painting or in a hidden nook. Activating this will reveal a ladder or staircase leading up to the second floor.
2. Teleportation Spells: Use the Teleportation or Tactical Retreat spell to send a character directly to the balcony or upper floor if you see a spot to land. Look for a clear sightline from the outside.
3. Spirit Vision: Sometimes, certain doors and levers aren't visible until you've cast Spirit Vision, so be sure to use this ability in Ryker's mansion to uncover hidden pathways or interactable objects.
4. Lockpicking: If there's a locked door or hatch, a character with high Thievery can often pick it, bypassing the need for levers or spells.

As a professional interior designer, I appreciate how the mansion’s challenging layout reflects Ryker’s secretive personality by cleverly integrating hidden doors and vertical movement—a bit like using layered spaces or mezzanines in contemporary homes to create intrigue and flow. If you enjoy analyzing and crafting house layouts in games, you'll love the complexity of designing real spaces using tools like a 3D Floor Planner.

Tips 1:

If you’re struggling to spot the trigger for the secret ladder, systematically check behind all paintings and objects along the walls using the “Alt” key to highlight interactable items. Don’t forget to use Spirit Vision!

FAQ

Q: What do I find on Ryker’s second floor?

A: The second floor contains loot, books, Soul Jars, and deeper lore about Ryker and his experiments. There may also be trap mechanisms and hidden threats.

Q: Can I access Ryker’s second floor without fighting him?

A: Yes, it's possible to explore the upper floor stealthily or before confrontation, especially with high Thievery or teleportation skills.

Q: Do choices in Ryker’s quests affect what you get upstairs?

A: Certain quest outcomes can change dialogue or hostility, but the loot and lore upstairs remain mostly consistent.

Q: What level should my party be before tackling Ryker’s mansion?

A: Level 11-13 is recommended to handle any hostile encounters or traps within the mansion comfortably.

Q: Is there a way to get upstairs if my party lacks Thievery and teleportation?

A: Yes—look for the secret switch behind paintings using Spirit Vision and the “Alt” key. The game is designed with multiple ways for all classes to explore.