There's a lot to love about Baldur's Gate 3, which brings to mind how the romance options in the game are next level just like everything else. Karlach is one of the fan favorites that players can romance, and often do.
Players are drawn to Karlach because of her cheerful demeanor and lighthearted attitude, even in the face of a dire future. She's also the hottest companion in the campsite, both literally and figuratively, so getting close to her requires a few careful steps. It's worth it for what could be the most romantic — and potentially heartbreaking — storyline in the game.
Baldur's Gate 3: 12 Reasons To Romance Karlach
Out of all the romance options available in Baldur's Gate 3, Karlach has won the hearts of many. For those who are still unsure, here's why.
Finding And Recruiting Karlach
There are a few ways that the player can find and recruit Karlach later in Act 1. For those that have extended Jump capabilities, she might even be available sooner.
- Take Ander's Quest. Anders and the Knights of Tyr are located in the house south of the Risen Road Waypoint. They'll claim to be on a righteous hunt for a devil and give the party Karlach's location along with a quest to deliver her head.
- Recruit Wyll. Wyll is also hunting Karlach, and he's been led to believe she is a devil. He'll reveal a clue about her last whereabouts, which points to somewhere near the river or the bridge.
- Find Her in the Woods. It's also possible to just find Karlach sitting by the riverbank east of the bridge without having Wyll in the party or speaking to the Knights.
Each of these options includes dialogue choices that ask Karlach about her past and who she is. Even Wyll balks at the prospect of killing her when he finds out that he's been misled and is hunting a Tiefling, not a devil. If there's no room in the party to recruit Karlach when the player first talks to her, send her to camp, but don't forget to include her in the party when confronting Anders.
If the protagonist kills Karach or doesn't find her, and fails to recruit her into the party or sends her to camp, it's not possible to romance her.
Gaining Karlach's Approval
Any romance in BG3 starts with a high Approval rating. Players can raise their Approval with Karlach by doing conventionally heroic or selfless things that would make sense with a Good Moral Alignment in the D&D universe. These include saving the Tieflings in the Grove, refusing their reward, and helping wayward kids and animals whenever possible.
Not all the other companions will feel the same way Karlach does about Tav's actions. Shadoweart, Lae'zel, and Astarion will disagree with her on virtually everything. Better party combos with Karlach would include Wyll, Gale, Jaheria, or Halsin.
Every Possible Ending for Lae'Zel in Baldur's Gate 3
The variety of endings in Baldur's Gate 3 is incredible, and this guide will tell about all possible endings for Lae'Zel.
Romancing Karlach
Karlach is a sweet and hopeless romantic, which is an interesting paradox given her massive Barbarian frame. She likes campfires, stuffed animals, starry nights, and dinner by candlelight, which players will discover if they get intimate with her.
Karlachs' companion questline is called "Our Fiery Friend" in the Journal. The most important component to have on hand is Infermal Iron. Soul Coins are only required to power up the Infernal Engine, not to fix it.
Act 1
- Questline: After defeating the Knights of Tyr, keep Karlach in the party as much as possible and talk to her about her past. She'll tell the plater about Avernus, Gortash, Zariel, and the Infernal Engine that has replaced her heart. If Dammon is still in the Emerald Grove when Karlach is recruited, and he can tune her up once.
- Cut Scenes: Karlach's body is too hot to the touch until Dammon can fix her. After he works on the engine the first time, she can kiss the player, but it's a burning hot kiss that allows no more than the faintest touch. In the meantime, it's still possible to flirt with her and attempt to cool her down by throwing water at her and other fun things.
Act 2
- Questline: There's not much in the Underdark for Karlach until the party reaches Last Light Inn. Dammon was traveling with the Tieflings, but found a haven and a forge with the Harpers. He can fix her a second time so that she can be touched safely. If the party missed Dammon in Act I, he tunes her up twice here, but needs a Long Rest between each session.
- Cut Scenes: This is the warm and fuzzy campfire scene that shows the main character and Karlach lounging by the campfire and includes the now-famous quote, "I wanna ride you until you see stars." This is the first physical love scene in the Karlach romance saga.
Act 3
- Questline: All that's left for Karlach to do is confront Lord Gortash, the person who sold her to Zariel so many years ago. There aren't any upgrades available, but there are some possibilities as to Karlach's ultimate fate, romance or no romance, and none of them are very good.
- Cut Scenes: Go on a "Hot Date" with Karlach not only for the fun but also for the Achievement. This event happens early in Act 3, provided Karlach's engine is fully tuned. The evening consists of a night on the town that includes a sumptuous meal, and an intimate rendezvous in a real bed as opposed to the usual bedroll in the dirt.
For those that are also tempted by a romance with Halsin that becomes available at about this point in the game, note that Karlach doesn't want to participate, but gives the Tav permission to have some of their own fun.