How do I convince Karlach to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3?

To convince Karlach to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to navigate her personal storyline carefully and make choices that align with her values and desires. Karlach is a tiefling barbarian with a strong sense of justice and a tragic past tied to the infernal engine in her chest. Her story revolves around her struggle to break free from the control of the archdevil Zariel and find a way to live a normal life. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to ensure she stays with your party.

First, you need to recruit Karlach. She can be found in the wilderness area of Act 1, near the Risen Road. When you encounter her, she will initially be hostile due to her infernal engine overheating. To recruit her, you must pass a series of dialogue checks to calm her down and convince her to join your party. This requires a combination of persuasion, insight, and sometimes intimidation checks. If you fail these checks, she may attack, so itÔÇÖs important to save before engaging in conversation.

Once Karlach is in your party, her personal quest, "The HellionÔÇÖs Heart," begins. This quest is crucial for keeping her with the party. The main objective is to find a way to stabilize or remove the infernal engine in her chest. Throughout the game, you will encounter various NPCs and opportunities that can help with this. In Act 1, you can speak with Dammon, a tiefling blacksmith, who can provide temporary solutions to stabilize her engine. Helping Dammon and the tiefling refugees will earn KarlachÔÇÖs trust and improve your relationship with her.

In Act 2, you will find more advanced options to help Karlach. Dammon reappears in the Last Light Inn, and with the right materials, he can further stabilize her engine. You need to provide him with infernal iron, which can be found in various locations throughout the game. Make sure to collect as much infernal iron as possible, as it is a key resource for KarlachÔÇÖs quest. Failing to help her in Act 2 can lead to her leaving the party, so prioritize her quest.

Your dialogue choices with Karlach are also important. She values honesty, bravery, and a willingness to fight for whatÔÇÖs right. Avoid making choices that align with evil or selfish motives, as this can alienate her. For example, siding with the goblins in Act 1 or making deals with devils can cause her to lose trust in you. Instead, focus on helping the tieflings, standing up to injustice, and showing compassion. These actions will strengthen your bond with her and increase the likelihood of her staying with the party.

In Act 3, the final steps of KarlachÔÇÖs quest will determine her ultimate fate. You will have the opportunity to confront ZarielÔÇÖs influence directly and make a choice about her infernal engine. Depending on your previous actions and the resources youÔÇÖve gathered, you may be able to remove the engine entirely, allowing Karlach to live a normal life. However, this is a difficult and risky process, and failure can result in her death. Alternatively, you may choose to stabilize the engine, allowing her to continue living but with the constant risk of it malfunctioning. Both choices have significant consequences, so consider them carefully.

Throughout the game, itÔÇÖs important to maintain a positive relationship with Karlach. This involves regular conversations, supporting her in combat, and making choices that align with her values. If you neglect her quest or make choices that go against her principles, she may decide to leave the party. Additionally, failing to stabilize her engine in Act 2 can lead to her becoming unstable and potentially dangerous, forcing you to make difficult decisions about her fate.

In terms of D&D mechanics, KarlachÔÇÖs infernal engine is a unique element that ties into her backstory and abilities. As a barbarian, she relies on her rage and physical strength in combat, but the engine adds an extra layer of complexity. It can overheat during combat, causing her to take damage or lose control. Managing this mechanic is crucial for keeping her effective in battle and ensuring her survival. Make sure to monitor her health and use healing spells or potions as needed.

In summary, convincing Karlach to stay with the party requires careful attention to her personal quest, making choices that align with her values, and managing her infernal engine. By helping her find a solution to her condition and maintaining a positive relationship, you can ensure she remains a loyal and powerful member of your party. Avoid making selfish or evil choices, prioritize her quest, and be prepared for the challenges that come with her unique condition. With the right approach, Karlach can become one of your most trusted companions in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.