Finding Alani Kelso is a key step in one of GreedFall’s early quests, but many players hit an unexpected roadblock when they arrive at the marked building only to find the main gates firmly locked. The quest marker points straight at a sealed entrance, and there is no obvious key or lever to be found. This guide explains exactly why those gates are closed, how to find the correct entrance, and what to do if the in-game pathfinder seems to be leading you astray.
The locked gates are not a bug, and you do not need to load an earlier save. The area is designed to funnel you around to a side entrance that becomes accessible once you have reached the right point in the story. Instead of brute forcing the main door, you will take a short detour that leads directly to Alani Kelso without any further fuss.
Understanding the Problem: Why Are the Gates Locked?
When you first receive the objective to speak with Alani Kelso, your quest log directs you to a large, imposing building in the city. Depending on your current story progress, this might be the palace, a guild headquarters, or another important structure. The main gates are sealed because the interior of that building is not yet fully loaded or because the narrative requires you to enter through a less conspicuous route. Think of it as the game’s way of guiding you toward a specific story beat: the front door is closed off to prevent you from wandering into areas that are not yet relevant.
This design choice can be disorienting, especially because the world map and quest marker both insist that you are standing right on top of your target. Rest assured that this is working as intended. The only way forward is to explore the perimeter of the building and locate the secondary entrance.
Step-by-Step: Finding the Alternate Entrance
Follow these steps to reach Alani Kelso without wasting time backtracking or reloading:
- Step 1: Stop trying to open the main gates. If you have already interacted with them and seen a “locked” message, move away and do not linger. There is no key or puzzle attached to this door at this stage of the quest.
- Step 2: Circle around the building. Walk away from the main gate and start moving clockwise or counterclockwise around the outer wall. Keep the building on your immediate left or right so you do not lose your bearings. The alternate entrance is usually on the opposite side from where you first approached, often tucked behind a corner or down a short flight of stairs.
- Step 3: Look for a smaller door or gatehouse. The side entrance may look like a servant’s door, a guard post, or a modest archway. It will not be as grand as the front facade, but it will be clearly usable. Once you spot it, approach and interact. The door should open without any resistance.
- Step 4: Follow the interior corridor. After entering, you will find yourself in a hallway or courtyard. The path is linear, so simply walk forward. Alani Kelso is most likely standing in a room at the end of this path, often by a desk or near a large window.
Navigating to Alani Kelso
Once inside the building, the game’s pathfinding should correct itself and draw a clear route to Alani Kelso. If the marker still seems confused, ignore it and rely on your own eyes. Walk the length of the hall and check any adjoining rooms. She is typically located on the ground floor, though in rare instances you might need to climb a short staircase. Keep an eye out for NPCs who might be standing near her, as they often indicate that you are in the right area.
If you entered through the correct side door, the quest will update automatically when you approach Alani Kelso and initiate dialogue. There is no additional trigger or puzzle to solve. Should the quest fail to update, fully exit the building and re-enter to refresh the instance.
What to Do If the Quest Marker Is Misleading
The in-game GPS can sometimes lead you to the locked front gate instead of the usable side entrance. This happens because the quest marker is tied to Alani Kelso’s exact coordinates rather than the doorway you are meant to use. When the marker sits directly on top of the locked gate, the pathfinder assumes you have arrived and stops giving directions, even though the entrance is blocked.
To work around this, disregard the marker’s insistence that you are at the correct spot. Physically walk the perimeter as described above. Once you locate and pass through the side door, the marker will snap to the interior path and guide you the rest of the way. If it still points at the gate from the inside, you have likely entered through the wrong door. In that case, go back outside and try the other side of the building.
Tips for Avoiding Confusion
- Do not waste lockpicks or resources. The main gate cannot be picked or forced open. Save your supplies for chests and doors that actually need them.
- Use photo mode or a free camera if available. This can help you scout the building’s layout and spot the correct entrance without wasting time running in circles.
- Check your journal. Sometimes the quest description will mention that you should enter through a “side door” or a “back entrance.” If it does, follow that hint literally.
- Be patient with the pathfinding. GreedFall’s navigation system can be quirky, especially in dense city areas. Slow down and take the time to manually explore instead of relying entirely on the marker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the gates to Alani Kelso locked?
A: The main gates are locked by design to guide you toward the correct story path. You have not missed a key or trigger; you simply need to use the side entrance around the back of the building.
Q: How do I get to Alani Kelso if the main gate is locked?
A: Circle the building and look for a smaller door on the opposite side. This entrance will be unlocked once you have progressed far enough in the story. Enter through there and follow the corridor to find Alani Kelso.
Q: Is the quest marker pointing to the wrong location?
A: The marker is technically correct because it leads to Alani Kelso’s exact position, but the pathfinder cannot account for the locked gate. Disregard the marker when it tells you to stand in front of the locked door, and manually explore the building’s perimeter.
Q: Do I need to complete another quest first?
A: In most cases, the side entrance becomes available as soon as you receive the objective to speak with Alani Kelso. If you cannot find any open door at all, double-check that you have advanced the main story enough to trigger this quest. Occasionally, finishing a nearby side task or speaking to a key NPC will unblock the area.
Q: What if I still cannot find her after entering?
A: Walk the entire interior. Alani Kelso is often in a large hall or office on the ground floor. If she is not there, the building may have a second level accessible via stairs. If the quest still will not update, fast travel away and return to reset the instance.
This particular segment of GreedFall has tripped up many players, but the solution is refreshingly simple once you know to abandon the main gate. With Alani Kelso spoken to, the story will move forward and you can leave the locked-door confusion behind. Keep exploring, and remember that the most direct path on the map is not always the one the game wants you to take.
