Can You Recruit Karlach Without Wyll Becoming a Devil in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?

Want to know how to recruit Karlach and save Wyll from turning into the devil in BG3? Here's the inside scoop!

By Ali Usama - Senior Editor

If you’ve found yourself torn between the tales of Wyll and Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’re not alone. We’re talking about one being tasked to kill the other, major drama right there. Every seasoned player knows how important the companions in BG3 are, and let’s be real, the companion stories in this RPG are not to be taken lightly. There is the same scenario when you try to recruit both Wyll and Karlach in BG3 but the involvement of patron Mizora turns things upside down. But what if I told you there’s a way to have your cake and eat it, too? In other words, you can recruit Karlach without allowing Wyll to turn into a devil in Baldur’s Gate 3.

The Conflict: Mizora’s Task to Wyll

Mizora is Wyll’s warlock patron – the one pulling the strings behind his actions. She gave him a big task: to track down Karlach and kill her – it’s a classic “will he or won’t he” situation.

A nice chat with Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3

If Wyll plays the obedient minion and completes Mizora’s order, you can get him in your party and receive the Infernal Robe. But (and it’s a big BUT), you have to say goodbye to Karlach from Baldur’s Gate 3 – an important and great barbarian fellow who could’ve been fighting side-by-side with you. Alternatively, if Wyll decides to ignore Mizora’s task and keep Karlach safe, Mizora isn’t the forgiving type. Not only does Wyll get on her naughty list, but you will also not get that valuable item.

You might think, “Do I want a party member or some good gear?” But what if I told you that you don’t have to choose? Yes, you heard right! Though it’s a bit like threading a needle while blindfolded, there’s a way to get Wyll to check off his to-do list for Mizora and get Karlach to your party safely. You can even get some romantic sparks flying with Karlach.

Now, let’s talk about that sweet final prize that Wyll receives– the Infernal Robe. Not only is it exclusive, but this item boosts your AC by +1, makes you kind of invincible against fire, and comes packed with the fire shield: warm spell. Equipping this robe is like being the center of a fiery universe; you glow up within three meters, laugh off cold damage, and any enemy dumb enough to take a swipe at you? They will receive a toasty 2d8 fire damage for their trouble.

How to Save Both Karlach & Wyll (Keeping Him from Becoming Devil) and Get the Infernal Robe in BG3?

Facing Karlach in Blighted Village

Let’s break down the steps to get the powerful Infernal Robe and save Karlach. Just remember the golden rule: save, save, and save again. You don’t want any unfortunate misclicks ruining your master plan.

  1. Before anything else, make sure you’ve talked with Wyll. Get the deets on his task so it’s jotted down in your record.
  2. Get Wyll in your party but there is a plot twist – leave him at camp. If you’re scratching your head on how to split the party, either drag Wyll’s portrait until that chain icon breaks or simply click the chain icon to let everyone go solo for a bit.
  3. Once you’ve left Wyll resting at your camp, make your way to Karlach. She’s at the north of the Blighted Village. Follow the road east, give the gnolls a wide berth, and find her beyond a fallen log. Before proceeding further, it’s a good idea to save here so you can start again in case things turn in the wrong way.
  4. Resist the urge to get up close and personal with Karlach. Remember, we’re avoiding triggering her cinematic. Instead, bring her down from a distance. Some classes might find this simple, so fingers crossed you’re one of them.
  5. Once you’ve dealt with Karlach, go back to camp. Spill the beans to Wyll and make sure your journal gets updated with the task done.
  6. Now, again go back to where Karlach fell, but don’t get too close again! With a little finesse (a few reloads), you can recruit Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3 without setting off that animation. Once she’s woken up, she’ll return to her spot, and can now join your party.
  7. Head back to camp for a long sleep, it will let the Mizora appear. If you have played your cards right, she’ll gift Wyll with the precious Robe. The next day; get all your crew together and recruit Karlach.

The Consequences

There doesn’t appear to be any lasting impact on the game’s outcome by going this way. Both Karlach and Wyll’s side quests keep trucking on the way they should. So, you won’t be breaking the game or anything. But after you’ve played both sides and secured both Karlach and that robe for Wyll, you might notice something… off. Yes, Wyll is going to have a bit of a devilish vibe. Mizora and Wyll will act like he’s broken his pact and sprouted horns, even if he hasn’t. But, if you ask me, it’s a tiny quirk and it’s somehow worth it. Besides, who doesn’t like a character with a little edge? It adds character (pun intended).