Ahead of Baldur's Gate 3's full release, many players are likely trying to decide on which race they're going to play, which class they're going to pick, how they're going to treat playthroughs, who their most consistent party members will be, and so on. Of course, there's nothing quite like spontaneously seeing everything happen either, but for those who want to plan what they can right now, romance in Baldur's Gate 3 might be up there.

Baldur's Gate 3's romance is easily one of its hottest features, and that's even when discounting the bear possibilities. Every romance in the game operates differently, with some characters being more jealous than others, each developing the character differently, and each tying into the overarching story differently. Indeed, it's not as simple as spamming gifts to romance someone or just agreeing with everything they say. Approval does matter, but some companions will react more so when being challenged than when being romanced by a "yes man." As such, pursuing someone's heart is an important choice, and while there are plenty of good options, Karlach may make a lot of short lists.

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Romancing Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3

Players will be able to recruit Karlach fairly early in Act One, once players stumble across her in the world From there, she's a vital companion in Baldur's Gate 3, as she can fill out any party in need of a strong, hardy Barbarian. If players choose a more dex-based character or a more magic-heavy user, she fits right in. Even if players are a barbarian in Baldur's Gate 3, she can fit right in because she stands out thanks to her Infernal Heart. Roleplaying-wise, every companion can impact every scene they're in, and Karlach is no different. After completing her initial quest, for example, players will see her rage out and start setting stuff on fire. Her barbaric nature rings through, as there's another scene where every other companion wants the players to retreat, but she goes into a rage and starts fighting every NPC nearby. Players can abandon her and see her get arrested, or they could fight alongside her--as a love interest or otherwise.

But this rough, rage-induced exterior comes from a hard life, as Karlach was forced to fight in the Blood War despite wanting no part of it. Free after the opening of Baldur's Gate 3, Karlach wants revenge and to work alongside the player to get rid of the tadpole in their heads. Her exterior may seem crude and rough, but her personality is anything but. Karlach could perhaps be described as free-spirited, fun to be around, and a little on the dorky side. Although not defined by it, she clearly fits into the mold of a rough exterior but with a heart of gold. Seeing her unite with old friends, dating her, and otherwise learning more about her is an endearing process, and in and of itself an argument to romance her.

While there is plenty of story and character reasons to romance anyone, someone wanting a fun romance with a darker overstory but a heartwarming venture will likely find it in Karlach. Her very nature means romancing her will suit many playstyles, though of course there may be a limit. After all, how the romance grows and factors into the overarching story, as players head into the ending of Baldur's Gate 3, is unknown. Heading into that unknown with a foolhardy, lovable, and sometimes dorky Karlach will definitely make for an adventure, at least.

Baldur's Gate 3 releases on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PS5.

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