How do I start Karlach's romance in Baldur's Gate 3?

To start Karlach's romance in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a series of steps that involve building her approval, making specific dialogue choices, and progressing through her personal quest. Karlach is a Tiefling Barbarian with a fiery personality and a tragic backstory, which makes her romance path both rewarding and emotionally engaging. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to recruit Karlach. She can be found in the Wilderness area, specifically near the Risen Road. YouÔÇÖll encounter her during a confrontation with some Paladins of Tyr. To recruit her, you need to side with her against the Paladins. This initial choice is crucial because it sets the tone for your relationship. If you side with the Paladins, Karlach will not join your party, and youÔÇÖll miss the opportunity to romance her.

Once Karlach is in your party, the next step is to build her approval. Karlach approves of bold, courageous, and kind actions. She dislikes cowardice, cruelty, and unnecessary violence. To gain her approval, make choices that align with her values. For example, helping the Tiefling refugees in the Druid Grove will earn you significant approval points. Similarly, standing up to bullies and showing compassion to those in need will also please her.

Dialogue choices are another important aspect of building her approval. When speaking with Karlach, choose options that show empathy and understanding. She has a tragic past, and she appreciates when you acknowledge her struggles without pitying her. For instance, when she talks about her infernal engine heart, respond with curiosity and support rather than fear or disgust.

As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll reach a point where KarlachÔÇÖs personal quest becomes available. This quest involves finding a way to stabilize her infernal engine heart. Completing this quest is essential for advancing her romance. YouÔÇÖll need to gather specific items and information to help her. Pay close attention to her dialogue and follow the clues she provides.

Once her personal quest is underway, youÔÇÖll have opportunities to deepen your relationship. During camp scenes, choose to spend time with her. These moments are crucial for building intimacy. For example, during a camp scene, you might have the option to share a drink with her or engage in a heartfelt conversation. These interactions will increase her approval and bring you closer to starting a romance.

ItÔÇÖs important to note that KarlachÔÇÖs romance is tied to her approval rating. If her approval is high enough, she will eventually express her feelings for you. This usually happens after a significant story event or during a camp scene. When she does, respond positively to her advances. Rejecting her at this point will close off the romance path.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting her personal quest. If you donÔÇÖt complete her quest, her romance will not progress. Additionally, avoid making choices that lower her approval, such as being cruel or selfish. These actions can hinder your chances of starting a romance.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition to include characters that complement KarlachÔÇÖs abilities. For example, having a healer like Shadowheart can ensure Karlach stays alive during tough battles, allowing her to shine in combat. Additionally, using her Rage ability strategically can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

In terms of D&D rules, KarlachÔÇÖs Barbarian class gives her access to powerful abilities like Rage and Reckless Attack. Understanding these mechanics can help you use her effectively in combat. For instance, Rage increases her damage output and resistance to physical damage, making her a formidable frontline fighter. Reckless Attack allows her to gain advantage on attack rolls at the cost of giving enemies advantage on attacks against her. Use these abilities wisely to maximize her effectiveness.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain KarlachÔÇÖs approval include defending the Tiefling refugees from the goblin attack, standing up to the Druid Kagha, and helping the Tiefling children in the grove. These actions not only increase her approval but also align with the overall story and moral choices in the game.

In conclusion, starting KarlachÔÇÖs romance in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 involves recruiting her, building her approval, completing her personal quest, and making the right dialogue choices. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully romance Karlach and enjoy a deep, meaningful relationship with her.