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What to Use Infernal Iron for in Baldur’s Gate 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Infernal Iron, that smoldering, soul-infused metal, is one of the more intriguing resources you’ll stumble across in Baldur’s Gate 3. Finding it is one thing; knowing what to do with it is another. So, what’s the deal? What should you use it for?

The primary and most beneficial use of Infernal Iron is crafting equipment with Dammon at the Emerald Grove and Last Light Inn. Specifically, it’s used to repair and enhance Karlach, your tiefling companion whose engine is, shall we say, running a little hot. Dammon can forge powerful items and upgrades for her, increasing her combat effectiveness and unlocking important parts of her personal questline. Failing to use Infernal Iron for this purpose means missing out on significant story content and a potent ally. Additionally, some players have discovered other creative uses, such as gifting it for certain interactions. Don’t discard it; its value extends far beyond its monetary worth!

The Essential Use: Karlach’s Upgrades

The heart of Infernal Iron’s value lies in its connection to Karlach’s personal quest. This isn’t just about gameplay; it’s about narrative depth and character development. Karlach, with her fiery personality and literal infernal engine, is one of the most compelling companions in the game. Ignoring her questline is a serious mistake.

Dammon, the tiefling blacksmith you encounter first in the Emerald Grove and later in the Last Light Inn, is the key. He can use Infernal Iron to:

Cool Karlach’s Engine: This is critical. Each time you give Dammon Infernal Iron to work on her, it stabilizes her engine. Failing to do this will eventually lead to… well, let’s just say it won’t be pretty for Karlach.
Craft Infernal Armor: This is less about a specific “set” and more about individual pieces of gear with unique properties. These items often synergize well with Karlach’s Barbarian class, boosting her strength and survivability.
Advance the Story: Interacting with Dammon and Karlach with Infernal Iron unlocks key dialogue and story progression related to her origins and her connection to Zariel.

Finding Infernal Iron

Before you can use it, you need to find it. Infernal Iron isn’t exactly lying around on every street corner. Here’s where you can reliably find it:

Blighted Village: Located inside a locked chest in the basement of a building. Requires a successful lockpicking check.
Shattered Sanctum: You can find a piece of Infernal Iron inside a chest in the room where you encounter the goblins torturing someone on a rack.
Moonhaven: You can find a piece of Infernal Iron in the forge area within the Grymforge.
Various Merchants: Keep an eye out for traveling merchants or vendors in various locations; sometimes they stock Infernal Iron. It’s usually expensive, so make sure you really need it before purchasing.

Why Is Karlach’s Quest Important?

Beyond the immediate stat boosts and gear upgrades, Karlach’s quest is essential for several reasons:

Narrative Satisfaction: Baldur’s Gate 3 is renowned for its intricate storylines. Completing Karlach’s quest provides a satisfying resolution to her personal struggles.
Character Development: Witnessing Karlach’s journey and helping her overcome her infernal affliction is a powerful experience that deepens your connection with the character.
Potential Endings: Your choices regarding Karlach and her quest can influence the game’s ending, so engaging with her storyline is crucial for a comprehensive playthrough.

Beyond Karlach: Alternative Uses and Theories

While Karlach is the primary recipient of Infernal Iron’s benefits, rumors and theories abound regarding other potential uses.

Dialogue Options: In some conversations, having Infernal Iron in your inventory might unlock unique dialogue options, particularly when dealing with devils or tieflings.
Crafting Potential: While Dammon is the most reliable crafter, some players speculate that other crafters might have recipes involving Infernal Iron, though this is largely unconfirmed.
Quest Triggers: Some believe that possessing Infernal Iron might trigger specific quests or encounters. This is harder to verify, but it’s worth keeping a piece on hand “just in case.”
Gifting: Some NPCs have favorable responses when gifted Infernal Iron. Experiment to see if it improves their attitude toward you, especially if you’re playing a character with a penchant for deception or persuasion.

Remember, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that rewards experimentation. While the guaranteed benefit is Karlach’s upgrades, don’t be afraid to explore other possibilities. Holding onto at least one piece of Infernal Iron throughout your playthrough is generally a good idea.

FAQs: Infernal Iron in Baldur’s Gate 3

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the mysteries surrounding Infernal Iron:

How much Infernal Iron do I need for Karlach’s entire quest? You typically need two pieces of Infernal Iron to fully complete Karlach’s upgrades with Dammon. It is possible you will need more, so always make sure to pick it up when you see it.
What happens if I don’t give Infernal Iron to Dammon? Ignoring Karlach’s questline will result in her engine overheating, potentially leading to negative consequences for her and possibly affecting your relationship.
Can I sell Infernal Iron? Yes, you can sell it. However, it’s highly discouraged, as its value to Karlach’s quest far outweighs its monetary worth.
Is there a “best” piece of Infernal Iron to use? No, all pieces of Infernal Iron are functionally identical for crafting purposes.
Can I use Infernal Iron for anything else besides Karlach? While Karlach is the primary focus, there are anecdotal reports of it affecting dialogue or triggering events. Always good to keep some on hand.
Does the order in which I give Dammon Infernal Iron matter? No, the order doesn’t affect the outcome.
What if Dammon dies? Can I still upgrade Karlach? If Dammon dies, you will not be able to progress Karlach’s quest unless you find another way.
Is Infernal Iron used in any other crafting recipes? As of now, its primary use is with Dammon. However, future updates might introduce new crafting recipes.
Can I find Infernal Iron in Act 2 or Act 3? Yes, there are locations in both Act 2 and Act 3 where you can find Infernal Iron, ensuring you can continue Karlach’s quest.
Does difficulty level affect the amount of Infernal Iron I find? No, the difficulty level doesn’t influence the availability of Infernal Iron.
What if I accidentally used Infernal Iron for something else? Reload an earlier save if possible. Otherwise, continue searching, as you might find more. Prioritize Karlach’s upgrades.
Does my character’s class affect the usefulness of the Infernal Iron armor? Not directly. However, the properties of the crafted armor might synergize better with certain classes like Barbarian or Fighter.
Is there a limit to how many times I can use Infernal Iron? Only the number of pieces of Infernal Iron you can find limits its use. Karlach’s quest has specific points where you use it, and once those are done, it has no further use.
Is it possible to completely “fix” Karlach’s engine? Completing Karlach’s questline involves stabilizing her engine, but the exact nature of the “fix” and its implications are tied to the narrative and your choices.
Can I learn more about game mechanics and design at the Games Learning Society? Absolutely! The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the educational and research aspects of games and game design. Learn more about the theoretical side of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Infernal Iron is more than just another resource in Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s a key to unlocking a powerful character’s potential and experiencing a compelling story. Make sure you gather every piece you can find!

What to use Infernal Iron for BG3?