How to Achieve Karlach’s Best Ending in Baldur’s Gate 3: A Definitive Guide

Karlach, the tiefling barbarian with a heart of gold (or rather, infernal engine), is arguably one of the most beloved companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, her questline is fraught with peril and heartbreak, and achieving her “best” ending requires careful decisions and a commitment to her well-being. This guide will outline exactly what you need to do to give Karlach the happiest possible conclusion to her story.

The best ending for Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3 involves travelling to Avernus with her alongside Wyll. This allows her to potentially stabilize her infernal engine and find a purpose beyond her impending demise. This outcome requires several key choices throughout the game, focusing on repairing her engine, romancing her (optional, but highly recommended for the emotional impact), and making specific decisions at the end of Act 2 and throughout Act 3. Letting her die, becoming a Mind Flayer, or staying in Faerûn to slowly burn out are all far less desirable outcomes.

Key Steps to Karlach’s Best Ending

The path to Karlach’s best ending is a complex tapestry woven throughout your entire playthrough. Here’s a breakdown of the critical steps:

1. Recruit Karlach Early: Found in Act 1, near the Risen Road. Killing the “Paladins” of Anders (who are actually Zariel cultists) is crucial for gaining her trust.

2. Repair Karlach’s Engine: Throughout the game, you’ll encounter Dammon, a tiefling blacksmith. You need to find Infernal Iron to upgrade Karlach’s engine twice. The first piece is in the Blighted Village, and the second can be found in the Shattered Sanctum (Goblin Camp) or Grymforge. Ensure you speak to Dammon each time you find Infernal Iron.

3. Romance Karlach (Optional, but Recommended): Building a strong relationship with Karlach enhances the emotional impact of her ending. Start by expressing interest in her and being supportive of her plight. The romance truly blossoms after the first engine upgrade.

4. Make Crucial Choices in Act 2: After rescuing the Tieflings and Gnomes from Moonrise Towers, talk to Karlach. This is a pivotal moment where you reaffirm your support for her and her quest to find a solution to her engine issues. Failing to do so can negatively impact the endgame.

5. Continue to Assist Dammon in Act 2: Dammon is available in the Last Light Inn. Make sure to find him and use the Infernal Iron you got to further the quest.

6. Uphold Justice Against Gortash: Gortash is a key player in the events of the game, and he will try to manipulate you. Do not take his deal and continue your journey to get revenge against him.

7. Act 3: Wyll’s Pact: In Act 3, Wyll will face a difficult choice regarding his pact with Mizora. Encourage him to break his pact or renegotiate it to help Karlach. This is crucial for him to be free to join her in Avernus.

8. The Grand Finale Decision: After defeating the Netherbrain, Karlach realizes her engine is about to destroy her. You’ll have a choice:

   • Go to Avernus with her and Wyll: This is the best ending. Volunteer to accompany her and persuade Wyll to join.
   • Let her die: A tragic and heart-wrenching ending.
   • Become a Mind Flayer: Karlach will vehemently oppose this and consider it a terrible fate.
   • Stay in Faerûn: Karlach will slowly burn out, aware of her impending doom.

9. Commit to the Journey: During the final dialogue sequence, reaffirm your commitment to finding a solution for Karlach in Avernus. This solidifies the bond between you, Karlach and Wyll, setting the stage for their future adventures.

Understanding the Nuances

While these steps provide a clear path, understanding the motivations and emotional states of Karlach and Wyll is crucial. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about genuinely connecting with these characters and making choices that align with their values. Listen to their dialogue, observe their reactions, and let your roleplaying guide your decisions. This will not only enhance the emotional payoff of the ending but also ensure that you make choices that truly feel right for your characters. The Games Learning Society underscores the importance of engaging with games on a deeper, more meaningful level. You can find more information about this approach at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I kill Karlach in Act 1?

If you kill Karlach, you’ll obviously miss out on her entire questline and the opportunity to achieve her best ending. She offers significant combat prowess and a compelling story, making her a valuable companion.

2. Can I romance someone else and still get Karlach’s best ending?

Yes, you can romance another character. However, romancing Karlach enhances the emotional impact of her ending and provides additional dialogue options. It also strengthens the bond between your character and hers.

3. Is it possible to save Karlach’s engine without Dammon?

No, Dammon is essential for repairing Karlach’s engine. If Dammon dies before you can repair her engine twice, you will not be able to achieve Karlach’s “best” ending. Protect him at all costs!

4. What happens if Wyll is dead? Can I still get Karlach’s best ending?

While Wyll is not strictly required, his presence significantly enhances the ending. Without Wyll, your character will need to accompany Karlach to Avernus alone. This is a viable option, but it lacks the camaraderie and potential for a more hopeful future that Wyll brings.

5. Where can I find Infernal Iron?

Infernal Iron can be found in a few key locations:

• Blighted Village: In a locked chest inside a building.
• Shattered Sanctum (Goblin Camp): On a shelf in a room near the Priestess Gut.
• Grymforge: On a body near the lava.

6. What if I side with the Goblins in Act 1? Can I still recruit Karlach?

If you side with the Goblins and raid the Emerald Grove, Karlach will become hostile. You won’t be able to recruit her.

7. Does my character’s class affect Karlach’s ending?

No, your character’s class doesn’t directly affect Karlach’s ending. However, certain dialogue options related to persuasion, intimidation, or insight might be helpful in convincing Wyll to join Karlach in Avernus.

8. Can I change my mind about going to Avernus with Karlach at the last minute?

Yes, you can change your mind. However, this will lead to a much sadder ending for Karlach. Choosing to stay in Faerûn will result in her death, and she will resent you for abandoning her.

9. What are the benefits of going to Avernus with Karlach?

The primary benefit is providing Karlach with a chance at a longer, more fulfilling life. Avernus, while dangerous, offers the potential to find a solution to her engine problem. It also gives her a purpose beyond simply surviving.

10. How important is approval rating in getting Karlach’s best ending?

A high approval rating is crucial. Karlach needs to trust you and believe that you have her best interests at heart. Making choices that align with her values and being supportive of her goals will significantly improve your relationship and increase your chances of achieving her best ending.

11. What happens if I let Karlach become a Mind Flayer?

Karlach will strongly object to becoming a Mind Flayer. It is considered to be one of the worst possible outcomes. She would much prefer death than becoming one of the Illithid.

12. Is there any way to fully cure Karlach’s engine problem in Faerûn?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Karlach’s engine problem within Faerûn. The game heavily implies that Avernus is the only place where a potential solution might be found.

13. Does the ending change based on my difficulty setting?

No, the ending for Karlach does not change based on the difficulty setting you choose. The choices you make throughout the game are the determining factor.

14. How does Wyll’s personal quest affect Karlach’s ending?

Wyll’s personal quest is intertwined with Karlach’s ending. Ensuring Wyll breaks or renegotiates his pact with Mizora is essential for him to be free to join Karlach in Avernus. This requires careful consideration of the choices presented to Wyll throughout Act 3.

15. Are there any mods that can affect or alter Karlach’s ending?

Yes, there are mods available that can alter Karlach’s ending or provide additional options. However, using mods can sometimes introduce unforeseen issues or break the game. It’s important to research any mods thoroughly before installing them.