What happens if I let Karlach die in Baldur's Gate 3?

If you let Karlach die in Baldur's Gate 3, the consequences can significantly impact your gameplay, particularly in terms of story progression, companion relationships, and available resources. Karlach is a unique companion with a compelling backstory tied to the infernal and the ongoing conflict in the game. Her death can alter the dynamics of your party and the narrative outcomes of certain quests. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to approach this situation.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Karlach is a Tiefling Barbarian with a fiery personality and a tragic past. She is a potential companion you can recruit early in the game, and her personal quest revolves around her infernal engine heart, which is both a source of power and a curse. If Karlach dies, her questline will end abruptly, and you will lose access to her unique abilities, dialogue, and potential romance options. Additionally, her death may affect the approval ratings of other companions, especially those who have a positive relationship with her, such as Wyll, who has a personal connection to her story.

To let Karlach die, you can either fail to protect her in combat or make specific story choices that lead to her demise. For example, during her personal quest, if you side with the Paladins of Tyr who are hunting her, she will be killed in the ensuing confrontation. Alternatively, if you fail to repair her infernal engine or make choices that exacerbate her condition, she may die as a result of her heart failing. In combat, if she falls and you choose not to revive her, she will remain dead, and her body can be looted for her unique items.

Step-by-step instructions for letting Karlach die depend on the method you choose. If you want to let her die in combat, simply avoid healing her or reviving her when she falls. If you want to kill her through story choices, side against her during key moments, such as when dealing with the Paladins of Tyr or when making decisions about her infernal engine. Be aware that these choices will lock you out of her questline and any rewards associated with it.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the impact of KarlachÔÇÖs death on your party dynamics. If you rely on her as a frontline fighter, her absence will leave a gap in your party composition that youÔÇÖll need to fill with another character or by adjusting your strategy. Additionally, her death may affect the morale of other companions, particularly Wyll, who may disapprove of your actions if he sees you as responsible for her death. This could lead to tension within the group and potentially affect your ability to romance or gain the trust of other companions.

Common mistakes to avoid include accidentally reviving Karlach if you intend to let her die. Be cautious when using spells like Revivify or scrolls of resurrection, as these can bring her back to life if used on her body. Additionally, avoid making choices that inadvertently save her, such as repairing her infernal engine or siding with her against the Paladins of Tyr, if your goal is to let her die.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve planning your party composition and strategy around KarlachÔÇÖs absence. If you know you will let her die, consider recruiting another melee-focused companion, such as LaeÔÇÖzel, to fill her role. Alternatively, you can adjust your tactics to rely more on ranged combat or magic, reducing your dependence on a frontline fighter. Additionally, you can use her death as an opportunity to explore alternative story paths and outcomes, such as pursuing WyllÔÇÖs questline without the complications of KarlachÔÇÖs presence.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the rules for death and dying in 5th Edition. When a character falls to 0 hit points, they must make death saving throws to determine if they stabilize or die. If Karlach fails three death saving throws, she will die permanently unless you intervene with magic or other means. Additionally, the gameÔÇÖs approval system is based on the D&D 5E rules for social interactions, where companions react to your choices based on their personalities and values.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with the Paladins of Tyr. If you side with the Paladins, Karlach will fight to the death, and you will have the option to loot her body afterward. Another scenario involves her infernal engine. If you fail to repair it or make choices that worsen her condition, she may die in a dramatic cutscene, leaving you to deal with the aftermath. In both cases, her death will have lasting consequences for your party and the story.

In conclusion, letting Karlach die in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that affects your gameplay in multiple ways. Whether through combat or story choices, her death will alter your party dynamics, companion relationships, and available questlines. By understanding the mechanics involved, planning your strategy, and considering the consequences, you can make an informed decision about whether to let her die and how to adapt to the changes it brings.