How do I recruit Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3?

Recruiting Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3 is a multi-step process that involves specific story progression, combat encounters, and dialogue choices. Karlach is a tiefling barbarian with a fiery personality and a tragic backstory tied to the infernal forces of the Nine Hells. To recruit her, you need to follow a series of steps that take you through the early acts of the game, with some key decisions along the way.

First, you need to reach the Druid Grove, which is one of the earliest major locations in the game. This is where you will first hear about Karlach. The Druid Grove is under threat from goblins, and as you explore the area, you will encounter various NPCs who mention a tiefling named Karlach. She is described as a dangerous individual who has been working with the goblins. However, as you progress, you will learn that Karlach is not truly aligned with the goblins and has her own reasons for being in the area.

After gathering information about Karlach, you will need to head to the Risen Road, which is located to the northeast of the Druid Grove. This area is filled with hostile enemies, including gnolls and paladins of Tyr. You will need to navigate through these threats to reach Karlach. Along the way, you may encounter Anders, a paladin who claims to be hunting Karlach for her crimes. This encounter is crucial because it sets up the moral dilemma surrounding Karlach's recruitment. Anders will ask you to help him kill Karlach, but if you choose to side with her instead, you will gain her as a companion.

When you finally meet Karlach, she will be near a broken bridge on the Risen Road. She is initially hostile, but if you approach her with the right dialogue choices, you can convince her to join your party. It is important to note that Karlach has a strong sense of justice and will not tolerate evil actions. If you have been making morally questionable decisions up to this point, she may refuse to join you. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a good alignment or at least avoid overtly evil choices if you want to recruit her.

Once Karlach is in your party, you will need to manage her approval. Like other companions, Karlach has an approval system that tracks how she feels about your actions and decisions. She approves of acts of bravery, kindness, and justice, while she disapproves of cruelty, deceit, and selfishness. Building her approval is important if you want to pursue a romance with her or unlock her personal quest. Her personal quest involves confronting her past and dealing with the infernal forces that have shaped her life. Completing this quest will deepen your relationship with her and may lead to unique rewards.

In terms of combat, Karlach is a powerful barbarian who excels in melee combat. Her rage ability allows her to deal massive damage and take hits without going down easily. She is particularly effective against enemies with low armor class, as her attacks can quickly overwhelm them. However, she is vulnerable to ranged attacks and spells, so it is important to position her carefully on the battlefield. Pairing her with a healer or support character can help mitigate her weaknesses and make her even more effective in combat.

One common mistake players make when trying to recruit Karlach is siding with Anders too quickly. If you agree to help him kill Karlach, you will lose the opportunity to recruit her. It is important to listen to both sides of the story before making a decision. Additionally, some players may overlook the importance of approval mechanics and make choices that alienate Karlach. To avoid this, pay attention to her reactions and try to align your actions with her values.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Karlach's effectiveness in combat include equipping her with powerful two-handed weapons and armor that boosts her strength and constitution. Items that increase her movement speed or grant her additional attacks can also be very useful. In terms of story choices, consider how your decisions will impact her approval and personal quest. For example, helping tieflings and standing up to injustice will earn her favor, while betraying allies or making deals with devils will likely upset her.

In summary, recruiting Karlach involves navigating a complex web of storylines, moral choices, and combat encounters. By following the steps outlined above and paying attention to her approval and personal quest, you can successfully add her to your party and build a strong relationship with her. Whether you are looking for a powerful ally in combat or a compelling character to explore, Karlach is a valuable addition to any Baldur's Gate 3 playthrough.