How to Find Bard’s Lost Guitar in The Forge

TL;DR

  • Start quest with Bard near spawn before searching for guitar
  • Find hidden drop area behind Umut the Brave in Stonewake’s Cross cave
  • Collect guitar near skeleton in secret chamber using E key
  • Receive Unknown Key for Arcane Pickaxe plus XP and currency
  • Complete in 5-7 minutes for essential early-game power spike

When you first arrive in The Forge’s starting zone, you’ll encounter Bard positioned conveniently near the spawn point. This melancholic NPC stands out immediately due to his visible distress over his missing instrument. Engaging with him initiates one of the most valuable early-game side quests that provides access to superior mining equipment.

Bard's Guitar location in the Forge

Quest Activation Protocol: Approach Bard and press the E key to interact. This conversation trigger is mandatory – without initiating the quest dialogue, the guitar remains unobtainable even if you discover its location. The interaction menu presents multiple dialogue options; select the one addressing his lost instrument specifically.

Strategic Consideration: While optional for main story progression, this side mission delivers one of The Forge’s most powerful early-game pickaxes, making it essentially required for efficient resource gathering. The 2-3 minute investment yields substantial long-term benefits for your character’s progression curve.

After securing the quest from Bard, navigate to Stonewake’s Cross island and enter the prominent cave structure. Inside, locate Umut the Brave, an NPC positioned conspicuously within the cavern. The hidden access point lies directly across from his position, concealed within what appears to be ordinary terrain.

Undeadman location in the Forge

Secret Chamber Access: Move toward the wall section opposite Umut the Brave and continue forward until the ground gives way, dropping you into a concealed sub-level. This environmental trick often catches players off-guard, as the visual indicators are subtle. The descent is safe and doesn’t cause fall damage.

Collect Bard's Guitar in the Forge

Item Retrieval Technique: Within the hidden chamber, locate the skeletal remains and search the immediate vicinity. Bard’s Guitar rests beside the bones, clearly visible against the cave floor. Press E to collect it, which automatically adds it to your quest inventory. The retrieval process is instant and doesn’t require additional actions.

Navigation Note: Use the wooden ladder positioned nearby to return to the main cave level. This vertical transition point is easily identifiable and provides the only exit from the secret area.

With Bard’s Guitar secured, retrace your path to the quest giver near the spawn area. Initiate conversation using the E key and select “Here is your guitar” from the dialogue options. This completes the quest chain and immediately distributes your compensation package.

Bard's Guitar quest reward in the Forge

Primary Reward – Unknown Key: This rare item unlocks the gate within the same cave system leading to Fallen Angel’s Cave. Inside awaits the Arcane Pickaxe, a superior mining tool that significantly accelerates resource collection rates. The key cannot be obtained through any other method, making this quest essential for serious crafters.

Secondary Compensation: You receive immediate experience points contributing to level progression and a currency payout. All character races receive identical rewards, ensuring balanced access to this powerful equipment.

Strategic Application: The Arcane Pickaxe represents a substantial power spike for early-game mining operations. Its improved swing speed and resource yield per strike dramatically reduce time investment for material gathering. Consider consulting our BF6 Weapons Unlock Guide to maximize your combat effectiveness alongside this enhanced gathering capability.

Time Efficiency Strategy: Plan this quest as part of your initial zone clearance routine. The entire process from initiation to reward collection typically requires 5-7 minutes for experienced players. Newcomers should budget 8-10 minutes to account for navigation learning curves.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Many players mistakenly search for the guitar before activating the quest, wasting valuable exploration time. Others overlook the subtle visual cues indicating the hidden drop area, repeatedly circling the cave without discovering the entrance mechanism.

Gear Preparation: While no combat is required, ensure you have adequate inventory space before collection. The quest item occupies one slot, and the subsequent pickaxe requires another. For comprehensive character planning, reference our BF6 Class Selection Guide to align your gathering capabilities with your chosen specialization.

Progression Sequencing: Complete this quest immediately after arriving in The Forge to maximize the Arcane Pickaxe’s utility throughout your gameplay session. The accelerated resource acquisition compounds over time, providing significantly more materials for crafting and upgrades.

This side mission exemplifies The Forge’s design philosophy of rewarding thorough exploration. The substantial payoff justifies the brief time investment, establishing an efficient foundation for your entire gameplay experience. For broader context on game mechanics, explore our Battlefield 6 Complete Guide to understand how this quest integrates with the wider progression systems.

Action Checklist

  • Locate Bard near spawn and initiate quest with E key
  • Navigate to Stonewake’s Cross cave and find Umut the Brave
  • Discover hidden drop area opposite Umut and descend to secret chamber
  • Collect guitar near skeleton using E key
  • Return to Bard, complete quest, and acquire Unknown Key

No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » How to Find Bard’s Lost Guitar in The Forge Complete guide to finding Bard's Lost Guitar in The Forge with strategic tips and reward optimization