Baldur’s Gate 3 Karlach companion guide – location, best BG3 build, and choices

Want to learn more about Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3? This Tiefling Barbarian is an absolute menace in combat encounters as she enters a rage to knock down opponents. As an Asmodeus Tiefling, Karlach has a striking appearance.

She’s one of the stronger Baldur’s Gate 3 companions but don’t expect her to steer conversations in the right direction or sneak through enemy forces. The Barbarian class is one of the straightforward ones when it comes to Baldur’s Gate 3 classes and subclasses. Read on to learn more about this unique character.

Where is Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3 – location explained

Karlach can be found along the Risen Road beyond the Blighted Village in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can side with her or the paladin Anders in the Hunt the Devil quest. To find her, you’ll want to first approach the Blighted Village. Head north, either through the top of the village or by going around the eastern flank of it and jumping over some rocks at a ford in the river. Karlach can be difficult to find, and many players likely won’t encounter her until later into Act 1.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll want to head towards the rough location of the tollhouse – the large two-story building at the end of a stone bridge. If you’ve found Waukeen’s Rest before this, just head southeast and you’ll run into it.

From the tollhouse, traverse further south, following a small dirt road that runs east of the ford crossing we mentioned earlier. You’ll find Karlach backed into a corner near some stone cliffs. We’ve also marked the rough location on the map below as a helpful guide.

She spent her life fighting in Avernus, and is powered by an Infernal Engine for a heart. Kill the shady paladin and his allies to gain the option of recruiting her later. Anders’ smite attacks are particularly deadly to Karlach so protect her from them via spells or other methods.

Karlach choices explained in BG3

You soon learn that Karlach isn’t a devil and is just a Tiefling warrior who was forced to serve under the Archdevil Zariel in the Blood War. Wyll believed that she was evil so he must be convinced of her innocence. She managed to sneak away through the Nautiloid when it momentarily passed through Avernus. And while the paladin Anders is a sworn knight, he doesn’t serve Tyr as he claims. Here are the choices you can make with Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Side with Karlach and fight the Paladin Anders and his party. You learn that Anders served Archdevil Zariel as he threw away Tyr’s gifts since they let him down. And since he is under Zariel’s control, he is tasked with bringing Karlach’s soul to Avernus.
• You can choose to hand Karlach over to Anders but she will no longer be a companion.
• With Wyll, ask him to hear Karlach out. Once he realizes that she isn’t a devil, he will co-operate and the two will become friends. If he isn’t in your party at the time, this confrontation will happen at your camp. I returned to camp to find these two characters at their throats.
• You can choose to let Wyll kill Karlach too. Understandably, this won’t let you recruit Karlach in BG3.

Karlach’s background and BG3 inspiration

Inspiration points are gained by performing actions that align with your character’s background. This can then be used to reroll ability checks at crucial points in Baldur’s Gate 3. Karlach has an Outlander background. Here are some ways that Karlach can use to earn inspiration points:

• Nest Egg – Take an item from the Carrion Crawler nest.
• Rock Steady – Survive the bandits’ rolling boulder trap.
• Mushroom Enthusiast – Destroy each kind of hazardous Underdark mushroom.
• Clever Cuckoo – Steal from the giant bird’s nest in the Underdark.
• Abyss Jumper – Enter the Underdark through the bottomless well.

Karlach’s starting skills and attributes in Baldur’s Gate 3

Karlach is a potent addition to any adventuring party in this Dungeons and Dragons adventure through the Forgotten Realms. She has a Greataxe and a Crossbow when you first meet her. Unique abilities take advantage of Karlach’s stats that lean towards Strength. Here are the skill proficiencies of Karlach in BG3:

• Animal Handling
• Athletics
• Intimidation
• Perception

Since Karlach is a Zariel Tiefling, here are the features you’ll have access to:

• Base Racial Speed – You can move 9m per turn.
• Darkvision – Can see in the dark up to 12m.
• Hellish Resistance – You have resistance to Fire damage, taking only half damage.
• Thaumaturgy Cantrip – Advantage on Intimidation and Performance Checks.
• Searing Smite at level 3
• Branding Smite at level 5
• +2 and +1 to any ability

And here are the Weapon and Armour proficiencies of Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Simple Weapons
• Martial Weapons
• Light Armour
• Medium Armour
• Shields

Here are Karlach’s attributes:

• Strength: 17
• Dexterity: 13
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 11
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 8

Karlach companion quest guide BG3

Karlach’s companion quest in Baldur’s Gate 3 is titled Our Fiery Friend. It involves repairing Karlach’s heart (an infernal engine) with the help of a gifted Tiefling Blacksmith named Dammon. While you can find him at his blacksmith shop to the north of Emerald Grove, players usually find Karlach after defeating the goblins. This means that Dammon would have moved out with all the Tieflings.

You can then find him at the Last Light Inn in Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3. You can get here via the Underdark or the Mountain Pass. You’ll need Infernal Iron to complete “The Hellion’s Heart” quest. To continue the quest from here, you’ll have to meet Dammon once more at Baldur’s Gate. Here’s how to get to Baldur’s Gate.

And if you’re wondering where to get Infernal Iron in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll find it in the Masterwork Weapon forge under the Blighted Village. You can find one in the treasure room behind Dror Ragzlin’s throne in the Shattered Sanctum too. Get here via the Goblin Camp. Infernal Iron is used to repair Karlach’s heart.

You will eventually meet the person who had sold her into the service of a powerful devil. Dealing with them will progress the BG3 Karlach companion quest further. Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 2 also gives her unique epilogue options for a fitting ending.

How to raise Karlach’s approval in Baldur’s Gate 3

Freeing slaves and shows of strength will certainly win Karlach over. Indirect routes to victory might be frowned on. Karlach’s approval rating will determine whether she can be romanced later on. Here’s how to raise Karlach’s approval in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Arguing to Wyll that she is not a devil when he confronts her at your camp.
• Using Speak with Dead to ask the Abducted Nobleman in the crashed Nautiloid if there are any last rites he would like performed.
• Persuading Zevlor not to take a swing at Aradin.
• Promising Zevlor to talk to Kagha about giving the tieflings more time in the grove.
• Telling Silfy you won’t get angry when she fails to rob you.
• Telling Arabella’s parents that the druids are overreacting to a child.
• Using supporting Alfira the Tiefling Bard with her creative roadblock.
• Persuading Kagha to let Arabella go.
• Calling Kagha a monster after persuading her to let Arabella go.
• Giving your scent to Silver the Wolf in the Druids Grove cave where Kagha is located.
• Confronting Ethel about Mayrina being in her hut unwillingly.
• Save Sazza’s life.
• Say you will free Sazza.
• Telling Mizora she won’t lay a finger on her.
• Petting Scratch.
• Persuading Lump the Enlightened to fight for the flesh of the fallen.
• Intimidating Novice Crusher in the Goblin Camp.
• Taking over Dror Ragzlin to ask your own questions.
• Don’t trust Raphael.
• Telling Halsin you will protect the grove.
• Standing with the Tieflings against Minthara.
• Driving off the goblins from Druid Grove.
• Giving the infernal iron to Damon.
• Telling Ellyka the gith at the bridge are nothing to you.
• Letting Lae’zel speak with the Gith.
• Promising to rescue Duke Ravengard.
• Seeing through Auntie Ethel’s disguise as an elderly woman.
• Telling Jaheira everything about the artefact.
• Drinking wine laced by Jaheira with truth herb.
• Shuffling the lanceboard in favor of Mol.
• Tell the Restless Myconid the truth about the parasite and that you seek safe passage.
• Give the poisoned gnome, Thulla, the antitoxin.
• Report the details of the event to Spaw, after killing the Duergar.
• Give Owlbear Cub a piece of food from your bag, while in camp.

And here’s what you should refrain from doing as it lowers BG3 Karlach’s approval:

• Persuade the adventurers outside the Dank Crypt to leave.
• Tell Kagha that sometimes cruelty is required.
• Attacking the owlbear.
• Booing Volo in the goblin camp.
• Accepting the poison from Nettie.
• Torturing Liam without Wyll (with hot poker).
• Demanding a reward from Minthara for betraying the grove.
• Treating Oscar Fevras, the artist, as your slave.
• Making the Rothe in Grymforge work instead of turning against their masters.
• Not freeing the Pixy inside the working Moon Lantern looted from the Drider in the Ruined Battlefield.

Best Karlach build in Baldur’s Gate 3 explained

While Karlach is a Barbarian, her subclass can make a noticeable impact on how she deals with foes. There are three potential options: Berserker, Wildheart, and Wild Magic. Considering that she relies on powerful melee attacks, the Berserker sounds like a good pairing. Frenzied Strike and Enraged Throw are good options to have.

But I’m partial to the Wildheart subclass as you can pick from Bestial Hearts for powerful bonuses. Aspect of the Beast: Chimpanzee lets you blind enemies by throwing camp supplies, making for some hilarious encounters. Regardless of which subclass Karlach picks, expect high-damage attacks from her access to a collection of the best weapons in the game. Barbarian Berserkers are particularly adept with melee weapons in the early game.

✓ Antony’s annotation

Heal as a Wildheart Barbarian

The Bestial Heart of the Bear gives Karlach a heal option when she rages as a Wildheart Barbarian.

Level 1-4

Level 1 gives a Barbarian access to Unarmored Defense and Rage. Here’s what they mean in BG3:

• Unarmored Defense: When you aren’t wearing any armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier.
• Rage: While raging, deal 2 extra damage with melee and improvised weapons, and when throwing objects. You also have Resistance to physical damage and Advantage on Strength checks and Saving Throws.

Rage ends early if you don’t attack an enemy or take damage each turn. Keep that in mind while using Karlach to make the most of her offensive power. Level 2 grants Reckless Attack and Dangerous Sense:

• Reckless Attack: Gain an Advantage on melee weapon attack rolls in exchange for granting advantage to enemies attacking you until your next turn.
• Dangerous Sense: You have an Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws against traps, spells, and surfaces.

Reckless Attack is a good way to finish enemies off. I wouldn’t advise using it if you’re just starting a fight or if you’re going up against beefy foes. Level 3 offers an additional Rage charge and some subclass bonuses. You get to pick a Bestial Heart as a Wildheart Barbarian. Or you could opt for Frenzied Strike and Enraged Throw of the Berserker subclass.

At level 4, you’ll be able to pick from Baldur’s Gate 3 feats. I recommend the Great Weapons Master feat, which lets you buff up your damage by 10 at the cost of a penalty to attack rolls. This is a toggle that can be switched on or off in combat. It pairs well with Barbarian skills and Karlach’s ferocity.

Level 5-8

Level 5 gives Karlach an Extra Attack and Fast Movement which gives her +5 Momentum if she isn’t wearing Heavy Armour. This is when Karlach becomes a solid melee companion, especially with a two-handed weapon. Level 6 bumps this up with a bonus Rage charge.

Level 7 grants Karlach Feral Instinct, a bonus of +3 to Initiative. And level 8 brings with it the opportunity to pick another feat. If you didn’t use Ability Improvement to buff up Karlach’s Strength, I’d suggest doing that now.

Level 9-12

Level 9 brings in Brutal Critical, which adds a damage die to critical hits.

If you’d like to use Ability Improvement, consider buffing up her Intelligence or Dexterity instead of Strength too. There’s a chance Karlach might find herself in situations where she’ll need saving throw dice rolls from these attributes. Level 10 lets you turn these odds as a Berserker with Intimidation Presence, an action that can cause Fear. And once you reach level 11, Relentless Rage protects you from being Downed and drops you to 1 hit point once.

Level 12 offers up one last feat. A +2 Strength Ability Improvement feat is always a good idea. That covers how to spec Karlach into a fiendish war machine on the battlefield.

Karlach best equipment in BG3

Here are some good items in BG3 for Karlach:

• Absolute’s Talisman – If you have less than 25% of your HP when you deal damage, you will gain 1d8 HP
• Crusher Ring – An addition of +3m to Speed
• Haste Helm – At the beginning of a battle, gain +3 to Momentum for 3 turns
• Linebreaker Boost – When you Dash, you gain Wrath for 3 turns
• Everburn Blade – + 1D4 Fire
• Bonespike Garb – You gain 15 temporary hit points whenever you Rage. Reduce all incoming damage by 2. When the wearer is struck by a melee attack, the attacker takes 3 Piercing damage.
• Ring Of Regeneration – At the beginning of your turn, the ring activates to heal you 1d4 Hit Points.

Karlach romance in Baldur’s Gate 3

While other Baldur’s Gate 3 companions can be romanced before the refugee celebration, that wasn’t the case with Karlach in Early Access. The full release of the game changes things. From a high-enough point in Emerald Grove, you can jump over to the Risen Road. You even land right next to Karlach as flames surround her. Don’t worry, she’s resistant to fire.

Remember that you need to have a good enough approval rating to romance Karlach. Following her companion guide is a good option. Eventually, you’ll be able to help her with her fire problem. Use an ice or water spell to cool her raging infernal heart. You can then choose to test it out with a kiss. This doesn’t trigger a romance right away but it’s a start. Eventually, you can head to your bedroll and spend time with Karlach.

Remember to spare Nightsong at the Gauntlet of Shar as failing to do so might impact Karlach’s companion quest in Act 2. Give Dammon enough Infernal Iron and Karlach will be able to touch people without burning them. Rest at camp after this for an intimate moment with her.

While I haven’t got to Baldur’s Gate yet, the devs have already showcased a bit of how BG3 Karlach’s romance will go. Eventually, you’ll get to go on a date with her. Players can take her to a restaurant, order food, and have a friendly conversation. She might even kiss you if you play your cards right. For more information, check out our detailed Baldur’s Gate 3 romance guide.

All Baldur’s Gate 3 Karlach endings explained

Avoid this section if you want to experience the story of Baldur’s Gate 3 without any spoilers. Her endings were rather bittersweet until an update offered a new ending. Here are all the endings for Karlach in BG3:

• Karlach can be turned into a Mind Flayer to free her from the Infernal Engine that was powering her. This might not sound like a happy ending but can be unlocked after completing the right questlines. She retains her mind so it’s not all bad. But her personality appears to fade away even in the short time between this and the epilogue.
• She can return to Avernus. But Karlach isn’t going to be too happy to return to where she was hunted. If you are pursuing a romantic relationship with Karlach, you can choose to accompany her to Avernus. This is done with the hopes that you can find a solution to the Infernal Engine that is slowly heating up. The new scene for Karlach makes it more satisfying than the direct credits roll she got earlier. Now you get to go into Avernus alongside Karlach and Wyll if he chooses to fight for Avernus in his personal quest. The game ends with the three of you wrecking havoc in Avernus.
• She can accept her fate and die in battle. It’s the worst Karlach ending on this list.

That covers everything we know about Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3. She’s easily among the best companions in the game. You can also play as her since she’s one of Baldur’s Gate 3 origin characters. Remember that you can play as other companions like Astarion, Wyll, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart. This makes for a unique experience as a protagonist instead of creating your own character. We had a great time in Faerun as we worked on our Baldur’s Gate 3 review.

For more on the world of Faerun, check out how to stop the windmill in Baldur’s Gate 3. We’ve also got a handy Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian build guide for the perfect killing machine. Here are some Baldur’s Gate 3 cheats to spice up your playthrough. And the best Baldur’s Gate 3 mods can enhance your characters with extra carrying weight and skills across its Acts. Try the game out on PC, PlayStation 5, and finally Xbox Series X|S.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Karlach Companion Guide – FAQ

Can you get Karlach as a companion?

Yes, developer Larian Studios has confirmed that Karlach will be one of the main Baldur’s Gate 3 companions.

How do I recruit Karlach?

Karlach can be found along The Risen Road in the first chapter of the game.