In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), companion approval plays a crucial role in shaping your character’s relationships with party members. Among these companions is Karlach, a fiery and passionate tiefling barbarian with a tragic past and a heart of gold. Her approval or disapproval of your actions not only affects your in-game interactions with her but can also influence the course of your journey.
Building Karlach’s approval requires understanding her personality, values, and unique backstory. In this article, we will explore who Karlach is, how her approval system works, and provide strategies for gaining her favor, including specific decisions and behaviors that resonate with her character.
Who Is Karlach?
Karlach is one of the most memorable characters in Baldur’s Gate 3. A towering tiefling with a burning heart (both literally and figuratively), Karlach has escaped from a life of slavery under the infernal lord Zariel, where she was bound to fight in the endless Blood War between devils and demons. Her freedom and newfound lust for life make her a fierce but compassionate warrior. Despite her tragic backstory, Karlach is full of joy, humor, and optimism, which makes her a unique and inspiring presence within your party.
As a companion, Karlach seeks to live her life to the fullest, having been denied so much of it. She values freedom, justice, and kindness, especially for those who have been oppressed or exploited. However, her infernal engine heart is both her strength and her curse, putting a time limit on her life, making her story one of urgency and bittersweet moments.
Karlach’s Values and Personality
Understanding Karlach’s values is essential to gaining her approval. As a character shaped by years of enslavement and combat in the infernal realms, Karlach craves freedom and justice. However, she is not driven by vengeance or cruelty; rather, she seeks to live a life of joy, embracing her freedom and helping those who are similarly oppressed. Below are some key aspects of her personality and values that influence her approval system:
Freedom and Justice: Karlach despises oppression and loves seeing others stand up for themselves or for the downtrodden. She has a strong moral compass and appreciates actions that promote justice.
Compassion for the Vulnerable: Despite her ferocious combat skills, Karlach is empathetic and caring, especially towards those who are weak or suffering. She approves of kind actions that protect or uplift the vulnerable.
Anti-Cruelty: Karlach does not approve of needless cruelty, even against enemies. While she can be fierce in battle, she values mercy and honor.
Lust for Life: After escaping a life of torment, Karlach wants to experience the joy of being alive. She appreciates humor, boldness, and taking risks in pursuit of adventure.
Karlach’s Approval System
In BG3, approval systems allow companions to react to the decisions the player character makes. Karlach’s approval rating reflects how much she likes or dislikes the player’s actions. A high approval rating can lead to romantic interactions, deeper conversations, and even new storylines. On the flip side, low approval can lead to discontent, and potentially, a companion leaving the party or refusing to cooperate.
Karlach’s approval changes based on the player’s decisions during dialogues, quests, and events. Each action the player takes may result in approval gain, approval loss, or neutral reactions from Karlach. Understanding what kinds of actions affect her approval positively or negatively is key to building a strong relationship with her.
How to Increase Karlach’s Approval
To gain Karlach’s favor, you’ll need to consistently make decisions that align with her values. Below are some strategies and specific examples of how to increase Karlach’s approval in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Fight Oppression and Injustice
Karlach has a deep hatred for oppression, and she approves of actions that fight against those who abuse their power or exploit others. Helping the weak or downtrodden, challenging tyrants, and standing up for justice will resonate with her.
Example: In quests where you encounter slavers or groups exploiting the vulnerable, take the moral high ground and fight against them. Freeing prisoners or challenging corrupt leaders will often result in Karlach’s approval.
- Show Compassion to the Helpless
Despite being a fierce barbarian, Karlach is incredibly compassionate. She appreciates kindness, especially towards the weak or innocent. Whenever you have the chance to help those in need, do so, as it will earn Karlach’s respect and approval.
Example: In one scenario, you might encounter a group of refugees in need of assistance. Choosing to help them rather than ignore their plight or take advantage of their situation will earn Karlach’s approval.
- Avoid Cruelty and Unnecessary Violence
Karlach is not a fan of wanton cruelty, especially if it targets innocent or defenseless individuals. While she can understand the necessity of combat in battle, she disapproves of actions that involve needless suffering or brutality.
Example: If given the option to spare a defeated enemy, especially one who poses no further threat, choose mercy. While Karlach enjoys combat, she does not believe in needless killing.
- Embrace Adventure and Boldness
Karlach loves bold decisions that show a lust for life and adventure. If there’s a risky but exciting option available, especially one that allows you to seize the moment, it’s likely to gain her approval. She respects players who are willing to throw caution to the wind for the sake of experience and adventure.
Example: During a conversation or mission, if you’re presented with the choice to take a dangerous but thrilling course of action, such as leaping into battle or attempting a bold move, Karlach is likely to appreciate it.
- Defend the Party and Show Loyalty
Karlach is a fierce protector of her friends, and she values loyalty. Standing up for your companions, showing that you care for them, and defending the party in difficult situations will resonate deeply with Karlach.
Example: If a situation arises where one of your companions is being mistreated or challenged unfairly, stepping in to defend them will increase Karlach’s approval. She respects players who show loyalty and stand by their friends.
How to Lose Karlach’s Approval
Just as there are actions that can increase Karlach’s approval, there are certain behaviors that can cause her to disapprove. Avoid the following if you want to stay on her good side:
- Supporting Oppressors or Abusers of Power
Karlach detests tyranny and oppression. If you side with oppressors or participate in actions that support the powerful at the expense of the weak, she will disapprove.
Example: Helping a corrupt official or enslaving someone will almost certainly result in Karlach disapproving of your choices.
- Needless Cruelty or Brutality
As mentioned earlier, Karlach dislikes unnecessary violence, especially towards those who cannot defend themselves. If you act cruelly or kill without cause, her approval will drop.
Example: If you choose to kill a surrendering enemy or inflict unnecessary pain during a confrontation, expect Karlach’s disapproval.
- Dishonorable or Deceptive Behavior
While Karlach understands that not all situations are black and white, she values honor and honesty. Deceiving others for personal gain or betraying allies will result in a loss of approval.
Example: If you betray an ally or deceive someone for selfish reasons, Karlach may view this as dishonorable and express her disapproval.
Building a Relationship with Karlach
If you consistently make decisions that align with Karlach’s values, you’ll not only earn her approval but also develop a deeper bond with her. A high approval rating can unlock romantic interactions, leading to deeper conversations, personal moments, and even the possibility of romance.
Karlach’s romantic storyline, like many in Baldur’s Gate 3, is both emotional and intense, shaped by her tragic past and her desire to live life to the fullest. By building trust and showing that you share her values, you can explore this side of her character and form a powerful connection with her.
Conclusion
Building Karlach’s approval in Baldur’s Gate 3 is about more than just making the right decisions—it’s about understanding her values, empathizing with her journey, and showing loyalty to both her and the party. By embracing justice, compassion, and boldness, you can win Karlach’s favor and unlock new depths in your relationship with this compelling and complex companion. Whether you’re fighting against oppression, protecting the weak, or simply sharing a laugh around the campfire, Karlach’s presence in your party adds a fiery yet heartfelt dynamic that makes the journey through Baldur’s Gate all the more rewarding.
