Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of characters, and among the most captivating is Astarion, the elegant yet morally ambiguous vampire rogue. For players seeking to kindle a romance with this intriguing companion, understanding how to gain his approval is key. Unlike some companions who value altruism and heroism, Astarion responds to actions that align with his self-serving nature, appreciation for wit, and thirst for power. This guide will delve into the nuances of Astarion’s personality and provide a comprehensive breakdown of choices you can make throughout your Baldur’s Gate 3 journey to earn his favor and unlock the path to romance.
Understanding Astarion’s Personality and Approval Triggers
To effectively navigate your interactions with Astarion and boost his approval, it’s crucial to grasp his core values and motivations. Astarion is a creature of survival, shaped by centuries of servitude and trauma. He values cunning, self-preservation, and displays of dominance. Actions perceived as weak, selfless to a fault, or overly compassionate often fail to impress him, or even decrease his approval. Conversely, he appreciates displays of cleverness, particularly when it involves manipulating or outsmarting others. He also favors decisive actions that demonstrate a willingness to seize power and control situations.
It’s important to note that while Astarion leans towards “evil” or morally gray choices, this doesn’t mean you must play a completely villainous character to romance him. Instead, focus on actions that are assertive, self-interested, and prioritize pragmatism over pure altruism. He respects strength and resourcefulness, even if it comes at the expense of others. Understanding this core tenet of his personality is the foundation for making choices that resonate with him.
Maximizing Astarion’s Approval: A Comprehensive Guide
Gaining Astarion’s approval is an ongoing process throughout your Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure, starting from your very first encounter. Here’s a categorized breakdown of choices, mirroring the game’s progression, to help you consistently earn his favor.
Early Game Choices
Your initial interactions with Astarion set the stage for your relationship. From the moment you meet him on the Ravaged Beach, certain dialogue options and actions will begin to sway his opinion of you.
- Accept Astarion’s Apology: When you first encounter Astarion and he attempts to ambush you, accepting his somewhat insincere apology earns initial approval. This demonstrates a degree of pragmatism and perhaps a lack of naivety, which Astarion appreciates.
- Trick and Betray the Tieflings Capturing Lae’zel: In the early encounter with Tieflings holding Lae’zel captive, siding with Astarion’s suggestion to trick and betray the Tieflings gains his approval. This showcases a willingness to prioritize expediency and manipulate others, traits he admires.
- Demand Lae’zel Say “Please”: When freeing Lae’zel from the Tiefling cage, prompting her to say “please” before releasing her is a minor act of asserting dominance that Astarion finds amusing and approving.
The Druid Grove and Surrounding Areas
The Druid Grove and its surrounding areas in Act 1 present numerous opportunities to impress Astarion through your interactions with various factions and individuals.
- Avoid Mediating Between Zevlor and Kagha: When witnessing the conflict between Zevlor and Kagha, refraining from attempting to mediate or resolve their dispute is seen favorably by Astarion. Interference in others’ conflicts, especially when driven by altruism, is not something he values.
- Allow Arka to Kill Sazza: In the Grove, if Arka seeks to kill the goblin Sazza, allowing him to proceed with his vengeance earns Astarion’s approval. This aligns with his view of decisive action and retribution.
- Approve of Kagha’s Actions: When speaking with Kagha, expressing that you “enjoyed the show” when she was harsh or punitive towards others will resonate with Astarion’s inclination towards dominance and control.
- Emphasize Refugee Desperation: When discussing the plight of the refugees with Astarion, highlighting their desperation rather than focusing on compassion or charity aligns with his pragmatic worldview.
- Poke Nettie’s Bird: This seemingly minor action of poking Nettie’s bird in the Enclave, while perhaps slightly mischievous, can be interpreted as a disregard for rules and a bit of playful cruelty, which Astarion finds amusing and thus, approving.
- Provoke Aradin and Zevlor’s Fight: If you can instigate the argument between Aradin and Zevlor to escalate into a fight, Astarion will approve. This demonstrates a penchant for causing chaos and enjoying conflict.
- Side with Kagha: In the questline involving Kagha and the Shadow Druids, siding with Kagha and her ruthless methods, even if it leads to negative consequences for the Grove, will gain Astarion’s approval.
- Open the Gate for the Raiders: Choosing to open the gate for the goblin raiders attacking the Grove is a significant act of siding with chaos and destruction, which aligns strongly with Astarion’s darker tendencies and earns considerable approval.
- “Bad News, Children” Dialogue: In the dialogue with the Tiefling children during the Grove attack scenario, choosing the dialogue option “Bad news, children. You’re all going to die” is an extremely cruel and callous statement that, while morally reprehensible, will greatly impress Astarion with its ruthlessness.
- Praise Lae’zel’s Interrogation of Zorru: Commending Lae’zel for her harsh interrogation methods when dealing with Zorru in the Grove demonstrates an appreciation for forceful tactics, which Astarion approves of.
Exploring the Wilderness
As you venture beyond the Grove and explore the wider wilderness of Act 1, numerous encounters provide opportunities to further solidify Astarion’s approval.
- Use Tadpole Power Against Brynna: When encountering Brynna and the other survivors, using your Illithid tadpole powers to manipulate them into seeking revenge earns Astarion’s approval. This showcases a willingness to use power and control others.
- Persuade Goblin Guard in Blighted Village: Using persuasion to convince the goblin guard in the Blighted Village to allow you entry demonstrates cleverness and manipulation, traits Astarion values.
- Walk in on the Lovers in Blighted Village: Stumbling upon the two ogres having intercourse in the Blighted Village and then telling Astarion it was “fun” displays a lack of prudishness and a dark sense of humor, which he appreciates.
- Demand Compensation from Barcus: After rescuing Barcus Wroot from the windmill, demanding payment from him instead of simply helping him out of altruism aligns with Astarion’s self-serving worldview.
- Intimidate the Ornate Mirror: Using intimidation to interact with the Ornate Mirror in the Blighted Village demonstrates assertiveness and a willingness to dominate even inanimate objects, which Astarion finds appealing.
- Kill Fezzerk: Eliminating the goblin leader Fezzerk in the Blighted Village is a decisive act of violence that Astarion approves of, particularly if done ruthlessly.
- Hire Ogres for Free (and then Betray them): Agreeing to hire the ogres but then finding a way to betray them or avoid paying them showcases cunning and a willingness to exploit others for personal gain, highly valued by Astarion.
- Initially Agree to Help Karlach (but with Selfish Motives): While Astarion generally dislikes overtly altruistic acts, initially agreeing to help Karlach, particularly if framed as being for your own benefit (e.g., removing the tadpole threat), can be acceptable. However, pure selflessness is still generally frowned upon.
- Take Supplies from Paladin Cyrel: When encountering Paladin Cyrel and his group, taking their supplies, even through force or deception, is an act of resourcefulness and taking what you want, which Astarion respects.
- Kill the Githyanki Patrol: Confronting and killing the Githyanki patrol demonstrates strength and a willingness to engage in conflict, earning Astarion’s approval. Alternatively, deceiving them with Lae’zel’s cooperation also works due to the cunning involved.
- Tell the Gnoll to Eat Other Gnolls: During the Gnoll encounter, suggesting that the Gnoll eat its own kind is a display of dark humor and encouraging brutality, which Astarion appreciates.
- Kill or Lie to the Monster Hunter: When encountering Gandrel, the monster hunter pursuing Astarion, either killing Gandrel or successfully lying to him to protect Astarion will significantly increase his approval, demonstrating loyalty and protection towards him.
Sunlit Wetlands (and Auntie Ethel’s Area)
The eerie Sunlit Wetlands and Auntie Ethel’s domain provide further chances to align with Astarion’s preferences.
- Refuse to Help the Brothers Find Mayrina: When approached by the two brothers searching for Mayrina, declining to assist them in their altruistic quest earns Astarion’s approval.
- Resurrect Conor and Give Mayrina the Wand (Then Mock the Situation): Raising Mayrina’s husband, Conor, from the dead and giving Mayrina the Bitter Divorce wand, followed by laughing at the situation with Astarion, showcases dark humor and a lack of sentimentality that he appreciates.
- Laugh at Lorin: During your interactions in Auntie Ethel’s lair, laughing at Lorin, one of her victims, is a callous act that Astarion finds amusing and thus, approving.
- Tell Auntie Ethel the Truth about the Parasite: Being honest with Auntie Ethel about the tadpole in your brain, rather than trying to deceive her, is seen as a pragmatic and straightforward approach that Astarion respects.
- Spare Auntie Ethel (Initially): While it might seem counterintuitive, initially sparing Auntie Ethel can actually gain Astarion’s approval, especially if it’s framed as a strategic decision to potentially exploit her later or simply out of curiosity rather than compassion. (Note: Killing her later is also acceptable).
- Let Astarion Kill the Gur: Allowing Astarion to kill Gur hunters he encounters demonstrates trust and allows him to indulge his vampiric nature, significantly boosting his approval.
Goblin Camp Interactions
Infiltrating and interacting with the Goblin Camp presents numerous opportunities to demonstrate your darker side and gain Astarion’s favor.
- Express Disgust at Goblin Poop Eating: When the goblin asks you to eat poop, responding with “You can’t be serious” shows a disdain for the grotesque, which aligns with Astarion’s refined sensibilities despite his darker nature.
- Boo Volo: Booing Volo during his performance in the Goblin Camp is a minor act of being dismissive of entertainment and perhaps showing a lack of empathy, which Astarion subtly approves of.
- Kiss Novice Crusher’s Foot and Reverse the Kiss: Participating in the ritual of kissing Novice Crusher’s foot to steal the ring, and then later forcing Crusher to kiss your foot, is a display of dominance and manipulation that Astarion finds highly appealing.
- Blame Goblins for Owlbear Cub’s Situation: When interacting with the Owlbear Cub, blaming the goblins for its predicament, even if untrue, aligns with a negative view of goblins, which Astarion shares.
- Use Tadpole Powers on Krolla: Using your Illithid powers to manipulate Krolla in the Goblin Camp demonstrates a willingness to use any means necessary to achieve your goals, which Astarion approves of.
- Join the Loviatar Ritual: Participating in the Loviatar pain ritual in the Goblin Camp, even if just to observe, shows a tolerance for darker practices and perhaps a curiosity about pain and pleasure, which Astarion finds intriguing.
- Kill Priestess Gut: Killing Priestess Gut, especially if done ruthlessly or strategically, is a decisive action that Astarion approves of.
- Agree to Abdirak’s Torture: Agreeing to be tortured by Abdirak, even if just to endure it, can be interpreted as a form of dominance over pain or a willingness to explore darker experiences, which Astarion finds fascinating.
- Convince Tracker Grikka to Torture Liam: Persuading Tracker Grikka to allow you to torture Liam demonstrates a willingness to inflict pain and control others, earning Astarion’s approval.
- Tell Minthara the Grove Location and Side with Goblins: Revealing the Grove’s location to Minthara and actively siding with the goblins in the attack against the Grove are major acts of betrayal and embracing chaos, which significantly increases Astarion’s approval.
- Attack the Goblin Camp (Later): While initially siding with the goblins earns approval, eventually attacking and wiping out the Goblin Camp (perhaps after exploiting them) is also acceptable, as it demonstrates a willingness to eliminate threats and consolidate power.
- Refuse Halsin’s Aid for the Goblin Camp Assault: When planning to attack the Goblin Camp, refusing Halsin’s offer to join your party for this section reinforces a preference for a more ruthless and less conventionally heroic approach, which Astarion appreciates.
Underdark Decisions
Venturing into the Underdark opens up new avenues to impress Astarion through your choices in this subterranean realm.
- Agree to Kill the Duergar: When approached by the Myconids to eliminate the Duergar, agreeing to do so and carrying out the task aligns with a willingness to engage in conflict and eliminate threats, which Astarion approves of.
- Demand Payment from Thulla: After helping Thulla, demanding payment from her rather than offering assistance freely reinforces a self-serving approach that Astarion appreciates.
- Fight the Fake God: Confronting and fighting the “Fake God” in the Underdark demonstrates a willingness to challenge authority and powerful entities, which Astarion respects.
- Tell Baelen to Solve His Own Mess: When encountering Baelen Bonecloak in the Bibberbang field, telling him to get himself out of his predicament rather than immediately rushing to his aid aligns with a pragmatic and less altruistic approach.
- Kill Glut: Eliminating Glut, the Myconid Sovereign, showcases a willingness to disrupt power structures and engage in decisive action, earning Astarion’s approval.
- Give Owlbear Egg to the Duergar: Giving the Owlbear egg to the Duergar for experimentation is a cruel act that demonstrates a disregard for innocent creatures and a willingness to engage in morally questionable actions, which Astarion finds approving.
- Push Corsair Greymon: Pushing Corsair Greymon off the edge in the Underdark is a ruthless act of violence that Astarion will approve of, particularly if done without hesitation.
- Ask Maghmal for a Slave: When interacting with Maghmal in the Underdark, asking for a slave demonstrates a desire for power and control over others, aligning with Astarion’s own desires and earning his approval.
- Reject the Moonlantern: Declining to take the Moonlantern from the Pixie, especially if framed as a rejection of sentimentality or unnecessary burdens, can be seen as pragmatic and thus, subtly approved by Astarion.
- Tell Nere to Finish Off the Slave: When encountering Nere and the trapped Deep Gnomes, telling Nere to kill the struggling slave demonstrates a callous disregard for life and a willingness to accept brutality, which Astarion approves of.
Beyond Approval: Building a Meaningful Romance
While maximizing Astarion’s approval is crucial for initiating a romance, remember that a relationship is more than just ticking boxes. As you progress through Baldur’s Gate 3, engaging in his personal questline, listening to his story, and showing genuine interest in his past and vulnerabilities will deepen your bond beyond mere approval ratings. While he may initially respond to pragmatic and self-serving actions, a true romance with Astarion blossoms when you understand and accept the complexities of his character, offering a blend of understanding and shared ambition.
Conclusion
Romancing Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a rewarding experience for players who appreciate morally gray characters and complex relationships. By understanding his personality and making choices that align with his values of cunning, self-preservation, and a thirst for power, you can effectively gain his approval and unlock the path to a unique and compelling romance. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigate your interactions with Astarion, ensuring you don’t just win his approval, but also begin to unravel the layers of this fascinating vampire rogue.
