What are the best ways to gain approval from Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3?

Gaining approval from Karlach 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 a disdain for cowardice, manipulation, and cruelty. To gain her approval, you need to align your choices with these traits during key moments in the game.

The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is tied to dialogue choices, story decisions, and actions taken during gameplay. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on how you interact with them and the world around you. For Karlach, this means making choices that reflect bravery, honesty, and a willingness to stand up for others. Her approval can be checked indirectly through her reactions in dialogue or by observing her behavior in camp.

To start gaining Karlach's approval, focus on being direct and assertive in conversations. She respects characters who speak their mind and take decisive action. For example, during the early interactions with the tieflings at the Druid Grove, siding with them and helping them against the goblins will earn her approval. She also appreciates when you show compassion for the downtrodden, such as defending the tiefling refugees or standing up to bullies.

In combat, Karlach values aggressive tactics and a willingness to charge into battle. Using her as a frontline fighter and supporting her with healing or buffs will align with her personality. She also approves of actions that demonstrate strength and courage, such as intimidating enemies or making bold moves during combat encounters. Avoid actions that seem cowardly or underhanded, as these will lower her approval.

One key strategy is to involve Karlach in conversations and decisions whenever possible. Bringing her along in your party ensures she witnesses your actions and reacts accordingly. For instance, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders, having Karlach present and choosing to fight rather than negotiate will earn her approval. Similarly, when dealing with the tiefling Zevlor or the druid Kagha, siding with the tieflings and opposing Kagha's harsh methods will resonate with Karlach's sense of justice.

Another important aspect is completing her personal quest, which becomes available as you progress through the game. This quest involves helping her confront her past and resolve her inner conflicts. Making choices that align with her values during this quest will significantly boost her approval. For example, supporting her desire for vengeance against those who wronged her or helping her find a way to control her infernal engine will deepen your bond.

Avoid actions that Karlach finds distasteful, such as betraying allies, using deception, or showing cruelty. For example, siding with the goblins against the tieflings or making deals with morally questionable characters like the hag Auntie Ethel will lower her approval. Additionally, being overly cautious or indecisive in critical moments can also negatively impact her opinion of you.

Advanced techniques for gaining Karlach's approval include leveraging her barbarian class mechanics. Barbarians thrive in combat, so engaging in frequent battles and allowing Karlach to shine in these situations will naturally increase her approval. Additionally, using her Rage ability effectively and supporting her with spells or abilities that enhance her combat prowess will align with her aggressive nature.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Karlach's approval system is influenced by her alignment and class traits. As a barbarian, she values strength, courage, and direct action, which are reflected in her approval mechanics. Understanding these traits and how they translate into gameplay decisions will help you make choices that resonate with her.

Specific examples of gaining Karlach's approval include defending the tiefling child Mol from harpies, standing up to the druids who mistreat the tieflings, and choosing to fight the goblin leaders rather than negotiating with them. Each of these actions demonstrates bravery, loyalty, and a commitment to justice, all of which Karlach values.

In summary, gaining Karlach's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires aligning your actions and decisions with her values of bravery, honesty, and justice. By involving her in key moments, supporting her in combat, and avoiding actions she finds distasteful, you can build a strong relationship with her. Completing her personal quest and making choices that reflect her personality will further deepen your bond, leading to higher approval and potentially unlocking romance options.