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If you’ve played throughBaldur’s Gate 3, you know that Larian Studios has crafted an unforgettable cast of companions, each with their own unique stories and personalities. But there’s one character who stands out above the rest, capturing players’ hearts with her infectious optimism, tragic backstory, and unwavering determination:Karlach, the lovable Tiefling Barbarian with a heart of gold(and an infernal engine).
From the moment we first meet Karlach on the Risen Road, it’s clear that she’s not your typical companion. Born in Baldur’s Gate to a loving family, Karlach’s life took a dark turn when she was betrayed by her employer, Enver Gortash, and sold to the archdevil, Zariel.
Trapped in Avernus and forced to fight in the Blood War for a decade, Karlach’s only hope for freedom lies in the nautiloid’s incursion into the Nine Hells.
The Challenges of Bringing Karlach to Life
In an interview withIGNat The Game Awards 2023, the developers ofBaldur’s Gate 3shed light on the creation of one of the game’s most beloved companions, Karlach. While some fans speculated that her personal quest was cut from Act 3, directorSwen Vinckeand lead writer Adam Smith were quick to clarify that it was never there to begin with.
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When Karlach first appeared in early access, her backstory was relatively straightforward.“So her quest was, ‘I’m an escapee from hell and devils are trying to send me back,'”Smith explained,“that’s what we had.”However, the developers knew they wanted her to be the “labrador of the party,” a happy-go-lucky character who, despite her awful past, was determined to make the most of her newfound freedom.
She has the very awful backstory, but she’s like, ‘I’m having the best day of my life.’ Everyone else is having the worst day of their life.
This juxtaposition of a tragic past and an infectiously positive outlook is what makes Karlach such a compelling and charming character. Players can’t help but root for her as she navigates the challenges of Faerûn and the impending threat of her infernal engine.
The Infernal Engine: A Late but Crucial Addition
One of the most significant aspects of Karlach’s character, her infernal engine, was actually a relatively late addition to her story. As Smith revealed, the idea came about when the developers were brainstorming ways to give Karlach a more active role in the game’s narrative.
We were sitting in a room and we were saying we need something for her to actively be doing, and that was where the engine came from.
This “ticking clock” aspect of her infernal engine adds a sense of urgency and emotional weight to Karlach’s story, as we must deal with the realization that our dear friend is living on borrowed time.
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The developers worked hard to ensure that this aspect of Karlach’s character was well-integrated into the game’s narrative and gameplay, even allowing us to temporarily cool down her engine with the help of Dammon, the Tiefling blacksmith.
A Tragic Ending for a Beloved Character
Despite our best efforts, Karlach’s story in BG3 is destined for a tragic end. The game offers several possible endings for the Tiefling Barbarian, but none of them are truly happy. Karlach can return to Avernus with Wyll or the player, become an Illithid to stop the Netherbrain or die as a hero after defeating the Netherbrain.
That’s it, and then the ending was very tragic. We always had the burnout ending where she literally just burns up and dies. We added the spot where you see her in hell with the cigars, and then the epilogues. It gives more hope that, whatever she’s doing, there’s still hope. Which yeah, was important.
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While opinions may vary, there’s no denying that Karlach has won the hearts of manyBaldur’s Gate 3players. Her contagious optimism, tragic backstory, and the depth of her character development have made her a fan favorite and a strong contender for the title of best companion in the game.
This, of course, is all thanks to the skills and dedication of the developers at Larian Studios, who were able to create such a precious character despite the challenges posed by her late addition to the game.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC and Mac via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The game is also available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :966
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
