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 fiery personality and a tragic backstory tied to the infernal forces of the Nine Hells. Her death can alter the dynamics of your party and the narrative in several ways.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved in letting Karlach die. Karlach can die in combat if her health reaches zero and she fails her death saving throws. Alternatively, you can choose to let her die through specific story decisions, such as siding against her in certain conflicts or failing to protect her during critical moments. If Karlach dies, she is permanently removed from your party, and you lose access to her abilities, dialogue, and personal questline.

To let Karlach die, you can either neglect her in combat or make choices that lead to her demise. For example, during her personal quest, you might encounter situations where you must decide whether to help her or prioritize other objectives. If you choose not to assist her or make decisions that put her in danger, she may die as a result. Additionally, if you fail to protect her during combat encounters, enemies can kill her, especially if she is low on health or surrounded by foes.

Here are some step-by-step strategies to let Karlach die. First, if you want her to die in combat, position her in vulnerable spots during battles, such as near powerful enemies or in areas with environmental hazards. Avoid healing her or using protective spells, and let enemies focus their attacks on her. Alternatively, during her personal quest, make choices that antagonize her or put her in harm's way. For instance, if you encounter a situation where she needs your help to survive, choose not to intervene or actively work against her.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the impact of Karlach's death on your party. Losing her means you lose a strong melee combatant with unique abilities tied to her infernal heritage. This can affect your party's balance, especially if you rely on her for tanking or dealing heavy damage. Additionally, her death can influence other companions' approval ratings. Some companions may disapprove of your actions if they perceive you as responsible for her death, while others might not care as much.

Common mistakes to avoid include accidentally reviving Karlach if you intended to let her die. If she falls in combat, you might be tempted to use a Scroll of Revivify or other resurrection methods. Be mindful of these options and avoid using them if you want her to stay dead. Another mistake is failing to consider the long-term consequences of her death on your story and party dynamics. Her absence can close off certain narrative paths and limit your options in future quests.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve using Karlach's death to your advantage in specific scenarios. For example, if you are playing an evil-aligned character, letting her die might align with your roleplaying goals and open up darker story options. Additionally, if you are struggling with party management and find her abilities redundant, her death can free up a slot for another companion who better suits your playstyle.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the death saving throw system, which determines whether a character dies permanently or can be revived. In Baldur's Gate 3, when a character's health reaches zero, they must make death saving throws. If they fail three times, they die permanently unless resurrected. Understanding this mechanic is crucial if you want to ensure Karlach's death.

Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with the Paladins of Tyr, who are hunting Karlach. If you side with the Paladins and attack Karlach, she will fight back, and if you do not support her, she can die in the battle. Another scenario is during her personal quest, where she seeks to remove the infernal engine from her chest. If you fail to help her or make choices that exacerbate her condition, she might not survive the process.

In conclusion, letting Karlach die in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a combination of combat neglect and specific story choices. Understanding the mechanics, considering the consequences, and avoiding common mistakes are key to achieving this outcome. Whether for roleplaying purposes or strategic party management, her death can significantly impact your gameplay experience.