Baldur’s Gate 3 – How To Romance Astarion

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Romancing Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3

The charismatic vampire spawn known as Astarion has captured the hearts of many Baldur’s Gate 3 players, earning Neil Newbon the Best Performance award at The Game Awards 2023. However, romancing Astarion can be a challenging task, especially for those playing as good-aligned characters.

Recruitment

Astarion’s complicated past and duplicitous nature can make for a romance that is both challenging and extremely rewarding

Before romancing Astarion, players must first recruit him into their party. Astarion can be found on the beach near The Grove, where he will ask for assistance in dealing with an Intellect Devourer. After passing a skill check, he will offer to join the player’s party.

Approval and Disapproval

Understanding Astarion’s preferences is crucial for gaining his approval. He values sarcasm and intimidation but disapproves of selfless deeds. Players should avoid actions that trigger his disapproval and focus on building his approval over time.

Act 1: Love at First Bite

Letting Astarion have nibble will boost both his approval score and his performance in combat.
Letting Astarion have nibble will boost both his approval score and his performance in combat.

Players can initiate the romance with Astarion by allowing him to feed on them during a midnight snack. Building his approval through dialogue choices and actions will progress the romance.

Key Choices in Act 1:

  • Choose to let Astarion feed on enemies in battle for approval.
  • Avoid actions that trigger his disapproval, such as saving innocents in The Grove.
  • Participate in specific encounters that increase approval, like dealing with Gandrel and obtaining The Necromancy of Thay.

Act 2: Scars and Shadows

Deciphering the meaning behind Astarion's scars is essential if you plan to romance him.
Deciphering the meaning behind Astarion’s scars is essential if you plan to romance him.

In Act 2, players can delve deeper into Astarion’s backstory by uncovering the meaning behind his scars and making pivotal decisions that affect the romance.

Key Choices in Act 2:

  • Decipher Astarion’s scars and interact with key characters in the Shadow-Cursed Lands.
  • Resolve conflicts and assist Astarion in personal quests to strengthen the bond.

Act 3: Fate at the Gate

Act 3 reveals the full truth of Astarion's past, and the choices players make determine his future.
Act 3 reveals the full truth of Astarion’s past, and the choices players make determine his future.

Players must navigate critical decisions in Act 3 that impact Astarion’s fate and the outcome of the romance storyline.

Key Choices in Act 3:

  • Complete Astarion’s companion quest, “The Pale Elf,” to unlock unique romance scenes and dialogue options.
  • Confront Astarion’s past and make choices that reflect the player’s commitment to the relationship.

Romances with Non-Origin Characters and NPCs

Astarion's response to the game's various optional romances can differ drastically depending on the player's choices.
Astarion’s response to the game’s various optional romances can differ drastically depending on the player’s choices.

Players can explore additional romance options with non-origin characters and NPCs, each with unique outcomes and consequences within the game.

  • Engage in specific encounters that may impact the relationship with Astarion.
  • Consider the consequences of romantic entanglements with other characters and their implications for the main romance storyline.