How do I increase Karlach's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?

Increasing Karlach's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding her personality, values, and the types of decisions she favors. Karlach is a tiefling barbarian with a strong sense of justice, loyalty, and a desire to protect the innocent. She appreciates bold, straightforward actions and has little patience for deceit or cruelty. To gain her approval, you need to align your choices with her moral compass and engage in actions that reflect her values.

The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on dialogue choices, story decisions, and actions taken during gameplay. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on how they perceive your choices. For Karlach, this means making decisions that prioritize helping others, standing up to bullies, and avoiding underhanded tactics. Her approval can be checked indirectly through her reactions in dialogue and her willingness to engage in deeper conversations or romance.

To increase Karlach's approval, start by recruiting her early in the game. She can be found in the Druid Grove, where she is initially imprisoned. Freeing her and siding with the tieflings against the goblins will immediately earn her approval. From there, focus on making choices that align with her values. For example, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders, choosing to fight rather than negotiate will earn her favor. Similarly, helping the tieflings in the grove and defending them from threats will boost her approval.

In dialogue, Karlach appreciates honesty and directness. Avoid using deception or manipulation, as she sees these as cowardly. For instance, when dealing with the hag in the swamp, choosing to confront her directly rather than trying to trick her will earn Karlach's respect. Additionally, showing compassion for the downtrodden, such as helping the refugees or standing up for the weak, will further increase her approval.

Combat tactics also play a role in gaining Karlach's approval. She is a barbarian, so she values strength and bravery in battle. Using her effectively in combat, such as charging into the fray and dealing heavy damage, will make her feel valued. Additionally, supporting her in combat by healing or buffing her when needed will show that you care about her well-being, further increasing her approval.

One common mistake to avoid is making decisions that prioritize personal gain over the greater good. Karlach disapproves of selfishness and greed, so actions like stealing from the innocent or betraying allies for personal benefit will lower her approval. Similarly, being overly cautious or indecisive in critical moments can also lead to disapproval. Karlach values decisiveness and action, so it's important to make bold choices when the situation calls for it.

Advanced techniques for increasing Karlach's approval include focusing on her personal quest and backstory. As you progress through the game, you will learn more about her past and the challenges she has faced. Engaging with her personal quest and helping her resolve her conflicts will significantly boost her approval. For example, helping her confront her former captors or supporting her in her quest for redemption will deepen your bond with her.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Karlach's approval system is influenced by her alignment and class. As a barbarian, she is aligned with chaotic good, meaning she values freedom and justice but is not bound by strict rules or order. This alignment influences her reactions to your choices, so keeping her chaotic good nature in mind when making decisions will help you gain her approval.

Specific examples of actions that increase Karlach's approval include defending the tieflings in the grove, standing up to the goblin leaders, and helping the refugees in Act 2. Conversely, actions like betraying allies, using deception, or showing cruelty will decrease her approval. By consistently making choices that align with her values and engaging with her personal story, you can build a strong relationship with Karlach and increase her approval throughout the game.