How to keep Karlach from leaving your party in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, almost everything you do counts as a choice. Even the order in which you attempt the various quests may be a choice you didn’t realize you were making. Those choices may cause undesired results, such as one character or another becoming unavailable for the game’s remainder. Along those lines, here is our guide explaining how to keep Karlach from leaving your party in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 – how to keep Karlach from leaving your party in Act 1

When you access The Risen Road (see our guide detailing all ways to get to The Risen Road if you’re unsure of the process), you will meet Karlach near its eastern end. She is a powerful warrior you can talk into joining your cause. To keep Karlach from leaving your party in Act 1, you must take a noble approach to the Save the Refugees side quest.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Not long after I met Karlach, I decided to visit the region known as the Mountain Pass. I was doing things out of order, as that area leads to some extremely challenging fights. Before you enter it, the game offers a prompt warning how difficult the area will be. It also encourages you to tie up any loose ends. If you enter the Mountain Pass map too soon, Karlach will leave your party.

To keep Karlach from leaving your party in Act 1, you must first resolve a key side quest to her satisfaction. Only then you can safely enter the Mountain Pass sub-area. Note that the sub-area is different from the general area marked ‘Mountain Pass’ on the main map.

Complete the Save the Refugees and side quest before you enter the Mountain Pass. In my own playthrough, I also dealt with the Paladins of Tyr, but that may not be strictly required. Once you have wrapped up the loose ends, you can start exploring the Mountain Pass region without Karlach immediately leaving your party.

Save your progress before you enter the Mountain Pass, just in case other requirements are unmet. Besides completing those quests, you should also avoid trying to recruit Minthara, which requires you to betray the Druids. The best way to keep Karlach from leaving your party is to save the Tieflings. Also, fight on behalf of the innocent when opportunities arise. Otherwise, Karlach will probably hate you.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.