Build the best Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Karlach is one of the strongest Origin Companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. Her exceptional fighting prowess makes her a must-have character in any playthrough – a fearsome warrior capable of dealing massive damage to anyone in the game.
This quick guide will walk you through the best build for Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Who is Karlach and where can you find her in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Karlach Cliffgate is a Tiefling citizen of the Lower City in Baldur’s Gate 3, forced to fight in the war between demons and devils as a prisoner and champion of Archdevil Zariel. Having grown sick of life in Avernus, Karlach escapes Avernus aboard a Mind Flayer ship, allowing her to live away from Avernus and become a trusted companion of Enver Gortash. Gortash would later betray her and sell her back to Zariel, who would then use Karlach as a lab rat for The Hellion’s Heart.
You can select Karlach as an Origin Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 or recruit her later in the game and add her to your party as a Companion. You can find Karlach on Risen Road X:111, Y: 503.
Best Builds for Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3
A Barbarian/Fighter multiclass build is the best Build for Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3 – a powerful melee DPS damage dealer with great survivability and multi-attack capabilities.
Best Abilities for Karlach
Just a few levels into the Fighter subclass, Karlach can gain access to Action Surge – a powerful ability that enables multiple actions per turn. Coupled with bonus damage from Great Weapon Master Feat, Karlach can become a monstrous melee fighter who can deal massive damage four or more times in a single turn.
Best Equipment for Karlach
By default, Karlach possesses an impressive Strength Score of 17 alongside high Constitution and Dexterity Stats, which point towards a powerful melee fighter capable of wielding heavy two-handed weapons. However, Karlach can also be very effective at range when equipped with a bow or other throwing weapons.
Some great weapons you can give Karlach are the Everburn Blade, Balduran’s Giantslayer, or the Sword of Chaos, with the Sword of Chaos being the best.
The Balduran’s Giantslayer provides 2d6+3 slashing damage, which scales well with Karlach’s high Strength. The Everburn Blade is no slouch, with a 2d6 slashing damage and a 1d4 fire damage stat. Both weapons grant Pommel Strike, Lacerate, and Cleave, but the Balduran’s Giantslayer gets a bonus skill called Topple, the Big Folk. The Sword of Chaos is even more powerful, giving Karlach a 2d6+6 slashing damage and the ability to regain 1-6 HP upon successful hit.
As for armor, the best one you can get for Karlach is the Adamantine Scale Mail, which reduces incoming damage and sends melee attackers Reeling for two turns. The Adamantine Scale Mail also negates Critical Hits from attackers, making Karlach even tankier.
If you can’t get the Adamantine Scale Mail, the Bonespike Garb is a decent choice, too. The Bonespike Garb adds 15 temporary hit points to Karlach whenever she enters Rage and inflicts 2 Piecing Damage to attackers.
Best Subclass for Karlach
By Level 3, you can pick a Barbarian subclass for your Karlach build in Baldur’s Gate 3. You have three choices: Wildheart, Berserker, or Wild Magic. The best option here is arguably Berserker, as this subclass is easy to play and offers good damage potential.
A Barbarian Berserker Karlach can gain access to several important features and spells:
- Frenzied Strike
- Enraged Throw
- Mindless Rage
- Intimidating Presence
The Frenzied Strike is one of the most important features/spells you can learn with a Barbarian Berserker build. This ability is unlocked at Level 3 and enables bonus action that allows you to make an extra melee attack with your current weapon and gives a stacking -1 to attack rolls whenever you use the bonus action melee attack.
Other features/spells that you can get with a Barbarian Berserker Karlach build include Enraged Throw (allows you to pick up items or creatures and throw them to enemy units), Mindless Rage (renders Karlach immune to Charmed, Frightened, and Calm Emotions), and Intimidating Presence (instills Fear to enemies rendering them unable to move, making them easier targets).
Related: When To Multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 – Answered
Conclusion
The best build for Karlach is, without a doubt, the Barbarian Berserker with a Fighter Multiclass Build. Karlach is already a very powerful melee fighter, to begin with, so building her around her strengths will only make her unstoppable. The Tiefling Barbarian is a fearsome warrior capable of decimating multiple foes in one turn. Still, she also possesses a kind heart, willing to help innocent people and not expect anything in return.
