How Romancing a Baldur’s Gate 3 Character Can Lead to the Worst Ending for Another

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a total of eight companion characters available for players to engage in romantic relationships. While additional NPCs boast their own unique romance interactions, they lack the depth of connection that can be established with a party companion. This can lead to complex emotional dynamics, particularly when pursuing characters like Mizora or Harleep, which can trigger specific responses from companions. Moreover, choosing to romance one character may inadvertently cause distress or even dire consequences for another companion.

Players should remain keenly aware that companions react to both positive and negative treatment. In some scenarios, mistreatment can lead to companions leaving the party altogether. It is vital for players to navigate their romantic interests thoughtfully, or they may inadvertently miss significant narrative elements, including the possibility of seeing certain companions in the game’s epilogue. Strategic decision-making is essential to ensure the fates of all characters involved.

Lae’zel’s Unique Romance Comes with Consequences for Karlach

Karlach Faces Peril If Players Choose Lae’zel

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Lae’zel’s initially standoffish demeanor masks a surprisingly heartfelt romance, yet statistics from Larian’s first anniversary reveal that only 12.9% of players have reached her Act 3 romance scene. This indicates that the majority remain unaware of the complete arc of this romance. Consequently, those who pursue a relationship with Lae’zel may risk leaving another companion’s narrative arc unresolved, particularly in the case of Karlach.

Over the last 12 months, you’ve smooched your companions a total of 75 million times. Please give them a break; their lips are losing pixels. pic.twitter.com/6UWN45gri6 — Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3) August 7, 2024

As discussed in a recent video by Praetorian, a game update has allowed all characters to join Lae’zel in her quest against Vlaakith, irrespective of their character class. Githyanki characters can partake in her quest for “ascension,”presuming they have not forsaken their loyalty to Vlaakith. Unfortunately, this path leads to a significant consequence for Karlach: without a player’s intervention, her character is destined to die in a heartbreaking scene.

This fate is particularly poignant, as players often feel governed by a lack of agency. Despite the option to reassure Karlach of their support, if a player chooses to depart with Lae’zel, they can end up abandoning her in her time of need. While the chance to explore a fulfilling ending with Lae’zel is enticing, it comes at the cost of losing one of the game’s most treasured companions.

Wyll’s Fate Is Intertwined with Karlach’s

Wyll Needs the Player’s Presence to Support Karlach

Moreover, Karlach is not the only character affected by the decision to leave with Lae’zel. When Karlach begins to suffer from her engine’s burning, Wyll can offer to accompany her to Avernus if players have completed his story arc and he has assumed the role of Avernus’ blade. However, the absence of the player means this cutscene won’t trigger, denying Wyll the opportunity to join Karlach.

If Wyll becomes a Duke, he similarly cannot accompany her. These limitations feel out of character for Wyll, especially considering the profound development both he and Karlach have undergone. Their storylining concludes abruptly without sufficient resolution, which can frustrate players. Despite the harsh circumstances of their situation, having support from either Wyll or the player can enhance Karlach’s morale in the confrontation with her fate. Regardless of who is with her, she ultimately aspires to rebuild her life, highlighted in the epilogue where she finds blueprints to potentially fix her engine, leading to a more hopeful outcome that may be missed if the player departs prematurely.

Players Can Navigate Romance Without Sacrificing Karlach

Karlach and Lae'zel from Baldur's Gate 3 — Custom Image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

For players eager to foster their romance with Lae’zel while ensuring Karlach’s survival, strategic choices are paramount. The simplest solution involves refraining from departing to the Astral Plane with Lae’zel, allowing for a complete resolution of both story arcs. Players can also explore multiplayer campaigns; if one player decides to go with Lae’zel, another can take over the scene and ensure they are present for Karlach’s plight.

Additionally, players possess the ability to save Karlach’s life by redirecting her fate before it becomes irrevocable, though transforming her into a mind flayer as a solution appears more cruel than her original dilemma.

Thanks to Larian’s embrace of modding culture, creative solutions are cropping up within the community. Yet, it remains a poignant experience for those left helplessly watching Karlach’s demise due to player choices. With both Lae’zel and Karlach as excellent companions, players will find a greater satisfaction in preserving Karlach’s storyline.

Source: Praetorian/Youtube, Baldur’s Gate 3/X

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