Baldur's Gate 3: Should You Kill Anders or Karlach the Devil in BG3?

If you’ve been exploring Baldur’s Gate 3‘s maze-like realm, you know that it’s plenty of curious and ethically challenging quests. One such quest that’s got players scratching their heads is the “Hunt the Devil” quest. You will stumble upon a choice where you have to decide who gets to live—Anders, the Paladin of apparent righteousness, or Karlach, the Devil who’s not as devilish as she first appears. It’s a typical “lesser of two evils” situation, but the outcome will have serious consequences.

You can either end up with a pretty sick sword that slices and dices, or you can gain a companion who’s not just your average hanger-on, as there will be some valuable rewards. In this article, we’ll explain what exactly happens when you choose one over the other and a little something to make your moral compass spin.

What Happens if You Kill Anders in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Baldur's Gate 3 Anders

So, if you pick Anders as your target, get ready to say adios to his holier-than-thou attitude. After defeating him and his party, you won’t just get the satisfaction of picking a side—you’ll also get the legendary weapon, the Sword of Justice. This blade isn’t something you’d find in a blacksmith’s back alley.

The Sword of Justice comes fully loaded with enchantments that’ll make you feel like you’re cheating (you’re not; it’s part of the game!). First, there is Tyr’s Protection, an enchantment that wraps you in a magical shield, bumping your Armor Class by 2. Then there’s Cleave, which lets you swing that sword in a wide arc, taking down multiple enemies like you’re swatting flies.

Quick Stats of Sword of Justice:

Range: 2m
Proficient: No Martial
Size: Tiny
Weight: 3Kg
Value: 700
Special Features: Heavy, Two-Handed, Dippable

If you’re worried about this choice’s moral ramifications or difficulty level, let me reassure you: taking down Karlach isn’t a big deal. The fight is relatively short and should be straightforward if you have a competent crew. So you’ll not only get a fantastic sword but also an easier path in the quest. To sum it up, if you want the good loot and your combat to be on the more accessible side, then siding against Anders is the way to go.

What Happens if You Kill Karlach the Devil in BG3?

Baldur's Gate 3 Karlachk the Devil

If you decide Karlach is better off not breathing, Anders will be your new BFF. Anders has some excellent skills in his pocket and can help you in different ways. So, if you want to round out your squad with some divine might, Anders is your guy. But you won’t be able to waltz in and get rid of Karlach without a fight. After some dialogue options, you’ll be going toe-to-toe with her. Win that duel, and Anders will be so grateful he’ll practically fall over himself to join your team.

But hold for a moment, there’s a twist. If you have a detective’s curious nature and want to get info, you’ll find disturbing facts about Anders and his crew. Without giving too much away, let’s say their moral compass might be a bit skewed. So, maybe Karlach isn’t the only devil in this story. Evidence suggests that maybe Anders and his Paladin crew are not exactly the virtuous and good guys they pretend to be. Those corpses you stumble upon might make you question who the real devils are in this quest.

Remember that Karlach is infected with the same parasite as you. If you dig deep into her dialogue options, you’ll realize she’s not just some evil being doing evil things. She’s a victim of circumstances just like you. So, what does that make Anders, who is hell-bent on killing her without considering the parasite angle?

Agreeing to be on Karlach’s side in BG3 means you’ll have to defeat Anders and his guards. Once you put Anders and his crew in their place, Karlach becomes a member of your party. And let me tell you, she is a strong character with abilities and stats that can give your team a boost. With Karlach on your side, you’ve got some serious firepower (or, more accurately, devil power) to back you up.

There are benefits and moral concerns associated with killing Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3. Anders can potentially become a strong ally; however, collaborating with him can result in ethical challenges. Are you someone who sees things in absolutes? Or are you open to considering that good and evil can sometimes be a matter of perspective? Whatever you decide, the game features something for you, whether a complex companion or a badass sword.

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