Unleashing the Romance in Baldur's Gate 3: Ultimate Guide to Wooing Karlach

There are many reasons to adore Baldur's Gate 3, and this holds true for its exceptional romance options. Among these options, Karlach stands out as a fan favorite that players often choose to pursue.

What attracts players to Karlach is not only her cheerful disposition and lighthearted attitude, but also her ability to maintain these qualities even in the face of a grim future. Unquestionably, she is the most captivating companion at the campsite, both in terms of attractiveness and metaphorical significance. However, developing a close relationship with her demands careful navigating. Nevertheless, the effort is well worth it, as it opens the door to a potentially heartwrenching and deeply romantic storyline within the game.

Finding And Recruiting Karlach

In Act 1, players have multiple options for locating and recruiting Karlach. If the player possesses advanced Jump abilities, they may even be able to find her earlier.

One method is to embark on Ander's Quest. Anders and the Knights of Tyr can be found in the house south of the Risen Road Waypoint. They will assert that they are on a noble mission to eradicate a demon and will disclose Karlach's whereabouts. Additionally, they will assign the player a task to retrieve her head.

Recruit Wyll, who is also in pursuit of Karlach, believing her to be a devil. He will provide a hint regarding her recent location, indicating that it might be somewhere close to the river or the bridge.

Alternatively, it is also likely to come across Karlach while exploring the woods, where she could be found seated by the riverbank to the east of the bridge without the need for Wyll's presence or interaction with the Knights.

Dialogue options in each of these choices allow the player to inquire about Karlach's past and identity. Even Wyll shows hesitation in ending her life upon discovering that he was misled and targeting a Tiefling, not a devil. If there is no available spot in the party to recruit Karlach initially, send her to camp but remember to bring her along when confronting Anders.

Not recruiting Karlach into the party, killing her, or failing to locate her will prevent any possibility of romancing her.

Gaining Karlach's Approval

Romantic relationships in BG3 begin with a high Approval rating. Players can increase Approval with Karlach by engaging in traditionally heroic or selfless deeds that align with a Good Moral Alignment in the D&D universe. These deeds may include rescuing the Tieflings in the Grove, declining their reward, and aiding lost children and animals whenever possible.

However, not all companions share Karlach's perspective on Tav's actions. Shadoweart, Lae'zel, and Astarion generally hold differing opinions. Optimal party combinations for Karlach would involve Wyll, Gale, Jaheria, or Halsin.

Romancing Karlach

Karlach, despite her imposing Barbarian physique, is a delightful juxtaposition of sweetness and hopeless romanticism. Her fondness for campfires, stuffed animals, starry nights, and romantic candlelit dinners becomes evident when players develop a deeper connection with her.

In the Journal, Karlach's companion questline goes by the name "Our Fiery Friend." To progress in this questline, it is crucial to possess Infernal Iron. While Soul Coins are necessary for fueling the Infernal Engine, they are not needed for its repair.

Act 1

Questline: To enhance the gaming experience, it is advised to maintain Karlach in the party after triumphing over the Knights of Tyr and engage in conversations about her intriguing past. Karlach will disclose details about Avernus, Gortash, Zariel, and the extraordinary Infernal Engine that has replaced her heart. If the character Dammon is still present in the Emerald Grove at the time of Karlach's recruitment, he possesses the ability to tune her up once.

Cut Scenes: As Karlach's body temperature reaches scorching levels, Dammon swiftly undertakes the task of fixing her. Once he manages to tinker with the engine, a bittersweet moment ensues as Karlach can kiss the player; however, the kiss remains fervently hot, permitting only the slightest brush. In the meantime, amidst the ongoing repairs, there remains the opportunity to engage in light-hearted flirtation with Karlach and explore creative solutions like dousing her with water to quell her overwhelming heat.

Act 2

Questline: Karlach does not find much in the Underdark until the party arrives at Last Light Inn. Dammon, who was traveling with the Tieflings, has found a refuge and a forge with the Harpers. He can repair her once again, ensuring that she can be touched safely. If the party missed Dammon in Act I, he adjusts her twice here, but requires a Long Rest between each session.

Cut Scenes: This delightful and affectionate campfire scene depicts the main character and Karlach relaxing by the fire. It includes the famous line, "I want to make love to you until you see stars." This marks the first intimate moment in the Karlach romance saga.

Act 3

Questline: Karlach's final task lies ahead: confronting Lord Gortash, the one responsible for having sold her to Zariel years ago. Despite the absence of any available enhancements, the potential outcomes for Karlach's ultimate destiny - whether involving romance or not - remain grim and disheartening.

Experience "Hot Date" with Karlach to not only have fun but also earn an Achievement. This event takes place early in Act 3, if Karlach's engine is fully tuned. The evening involves a lavish meal and a private encounter in a proper bed instead of the usual bedroll on the ground.

If you are interested in pursuing a romance with Halsin, which becomes an option around this time in the game, please be aware that Karlach refuses to be involved but allows Tav to enjoy themselves.