Why is Karlach so hard to romance?
Karlach is hard to romance because of her Infernal Engine, which causes her to overheat and makes it impossible to touch or kiss her without suffering from severe burns, and to progress in the romance, players must find a way to mitigate her condition by acquiring Infernal Iron and speaking with Dammon, the Tiefling blacksmith. Romancing Karlach requires a combination of completing specific quests, building approval through combat prowess and respecting her heritage, and making specific dialogue choices that emphasize strength and honour.
Understanding Karlach’s Romance
Requirements and Challenges
To romance Karlach, players must navigate a complex set of requirements and challenges, including managing her special condition, which poses significant obstacles to physical intimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you trigger Karlach romance scenes?: To trigger Karlach romance scenes, speak with Dammon and give him the second Infernal Iron for Karlach’s heart, then go back to your camp and talk to Karlach, and do a long rest to trigger the Karlach romance scene.
- How can I improve my Karlach relationship?: Actions that increase Karlach’s approval include showing prowess in combat situations, standing up against injustice or bullying, openly acknowledging and respecting her Tiefling heritage, choosing dialogue options that emphasize strength and honour, and engaging in challenges of strength or combat skill.
- How long does it take to romance Karlach?: There’s no time limit on romancing Karlach, so players can continue adventuring until they fancy a romantic interlude, at which point they can chat to Karlach and respond positively to her desire for intimacy.
- Can you romance Astarion and Karlach?: While Karlach is incapable of being in a physically intimate relationship with players, she is open to players having intimate relationships with others, including Astarion.
- Why can’t I kiss Karlach?: Players can’t kiss Karlach without first finding a way to mitigate her condition, which can be done by speaking with Dammon and giving him the second Infernal Iron for Karlach’s heart.
- Will Karlach get mad if you sleep with someone else?: Karlach may dislike it if players flirt with her and then sleep with a different origin companion, thus ending the romance arc.
- Can you date Karlach and Shadowheart?: Players can initiate romance with both Karlach and Shadowheart, but progressing the romance with one may affect the other.
- Is Karlach okay with polyamory?: Karlach gives players a pass to fool around until she can provide, and players can have flings with all companions simultaneously, but monogamy may be required to progress the romance with some companions.
- Can you have both Karlach and Wyll?: By following specific steps, players can save both Karlach and Wyll, continuing their personal quests without major consequences, while exploiting a fitting loophole in the game.
- Why can’t I sleep with Karlach?: Due to her Infernal Engine, Karlach will overheat, making it impossible to touch or sleep with her without finding a way to mitigate her condition.
- Is there a cure for Karlach?: As the game stands now, there is no cure for Karlach’s condition, despite Dammon mentioning a potential cure in a certain scene.
- How to go on a date with Karlach?: Once players get to the Lower City in Baldur’s Gate, if their approval is high enough with Karlach, they’ll get the option to speak to her in camp and invite her out to a date in the city.
- When can you kiss Karlach?: After cooling her with infernal steel, players have a night scene where they can kiss or not, and can also cool her down with water to have a spark kiss.
- Can you romance Karlach as Dark Urge?: Luckily, Karlach can have a particularly impactful relationship with anyone who chooses to play Dark Urge, with some endearing and protective moments.
- Can you still romance Karlach in Act 3?: Yes, players can still romance Karlach in Act 3, by getting to the Lower City in Baldur’s Gate and having high enough approval to speak to her in camp and invite her out to a date in the city.