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 vary depending on when and how her death occurs, as well as your choices throughout the game. Karlach is a unique companion with a fiery personality and a tragic backstory tied to the infernal engines that power her. Her death can impact your party dynamics, story progression, and even the ending of the game. Below is a detailed explanation of what happens if Karlach dies, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.

First, it's important to understand the mechanics of companion death in Baldur's Gate 3. When a companion dies in combat, they are considered "downed" and can be revived using spells like Revivify or by visiting a healer such as Withers at your camp. However, if you choose not to revive them or if they die in a story-related event, they are permanently removed from your party. Karlach's death can occur in several ways, such as during combat, through story choices, or by failing her personal quest.

If Karlach dies in combat, you have the option to revive her using the methods mentioned above. However, if you let her stay dead, her absence will affect your party composition. Karlach is a powerful Barbarian with high strength and durability, making her a valuable frontline fighter. Without her, you may need to adjust your party to compensate for the loss of her combat abilities. For example, you might recruit another melee-focused companion like Lae'zel or respec a character to fill the role.

If Karlach dies as a result of story choices, the consequences can be more significant. For instance, if you fail to resolve her personal quest involving the infernal engine in her chest, she may die permanently. This quest requires you to find a way to stabilize or remove the engine, and failing to do so can lead to her death. In this case, her death is irreversible, and you will lose access to her dialogue, interactions, and potential romance options.

One important tip is to pay close attention to Karlach's personal quest and make choices that align with her goals. For example, siding with the Paladins of Tyr who are hunting her can lead to her death if you choose to betray her. On the other hand, helping her confront the Paladins and supporting her quest to remove the infernal engine can strengthen your bond and keep her alive. Additionally, keeping Karlach in your party during key moments can provide opportunities to influence her fate.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting Karlach's personal quest or making choices that directly conflict with her interests. For example, siding with enemies who want to harm her or ignoring her requests for help can lead to her death. It's also important to manage her health in combat, as her aggressive playstyle can make her a target for enemies. Using healing spells, potions, and positioning her strategically can help keep her alive.

Advanced techniques include optimizing Karlach's build to maximize her effectiveness in combat. As a Barbarian, she benefits from high strength and constitution, as well as abilities like Rage and Reckless Attack. Equipping her with powerful weapons and armor can further enhance her durability and damage output. Additionally, pairing her with companions who can support her, such as a healer or a spellcaster who can buff her, can make her even more formidable.

In terms of D&D rules, Karlach's abilities are based on the Barbarian class from the 5th Edition ruleset. Her Rage ability grants her resistance to physical damage and increases her melee damage, while Reckless Attack allows her to gain advantage on attack rolls at the cost of giving enemies advantage against her. Understanding these mechanics can help you make the most of her strengths and mitigate her weaknesses.

Specific examples of scenarios where Karlach's death can occur include the encounter with the Paladins of Tyr, where choosing to side with them can lead to her death. Another example is failing to find a solution to her infernal engine, which can result in her dying from the engine's instability. In both cases, the outcome depends on your choices and how you handle the situation.

In conclusion, letting Karlach die in Baldur's Gate 3 can have significant consequences for your party and the story. By understanding the mechanics involved, making thoughtful choices, and optimizing her build, you can influence her fate and keep her as a valuable companion. Paying attention to her personal quest, managing her health in combat, and supporting her goals are key to ensuring her survival and strengthening your relationship with her.