Exciting news has emerged for fans of Baldur’s Gate 3. A new Dungeons & Dragons lore book has unveiled additional insights into the fate of Karlach, the beloved barbarian tiefling. This has confirmed a more uplifting canonical ending than what players might experience through the game’s various outcomes.
Warning! Spoilers for Baldur’s Gate 3 follow…
The Fate of Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 presents players with several potential conclusions for Karlach, whose mechanical heart teeters on the edge of failure. In one scenario, without intervention, Karlach tragically perishes as her infernal heart combusts. Alternatively, she might sacrifice herself by becoming a Mind Flayer. Another possibility sees players persuading Karlach to leave Faerûn for Avernus, leaving her fate uncertain.
A Surprising Turn in Dungeons & Dragons Lore
Recent developments have given fans hope for Karlach’s story post-Baldur’s Gate 3. The canon Astarion’s Book of Hungers D&D Expansion suggests that Karlach survives and returns to Faerûn, as subsequent D&D installments featuring Karlach occur after the game’s timeline. This confirms that Karlach is alive and her engine has been repaired, allowing her to return to the city years later. According to social media insights, the timeline progresses to 1501, with Karlach back in the spotlight.
Them progressing the year to 1501 and having Karlach in the city again implies she gets her engine fixed in canon https://t.co/A8akZTyUzQ
— Ren Masao Ankoku (@RenMasaoAnkoku) November 12, 2025
The timeline provided in the book aligns the events of Baldur’s Gate 3 in 1492 DR, while Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn and Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, featuring Karlach, occur in 1501 DR. This suggests her infernal heart was indeed repaired, allowing her adventures to continue.
The Future of Baldur’s Gate
Although Larian Studios has concluded major updates for Baldur’s Gate 3, they continue to roll out occasional hotfixes. While the studio focuses on future projects, it has been indicated another studio may eventually develop a sequel to the successful RPG. Fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of Karlach’s return in future installments.