How do I trigger Astarion's romance in Baldur's Gate 3?

To trigger Astarion's romance in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to build a strong relationship with him by making choices that align with his personality and preferences. Astarion is a complex character with a dark past, and his romance path requires careful attention to his dialogue, approval, and story progression. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand AstarionÔÇÖs personality. He is a high elf vampire spawn with a sarcastic, cunning, and morally ambiguous nature. He appreciates acts of self-interest, manipulation, and cruelty, but he also values wit and charm. To gain his approval, you should make choices that reflect these traits. For example, siding with morally questionable characters, using deception or intimidation in dialogue, and showing a willingness to embrace darker paths will earn his favor. Conversely, being overly altruistic or self-sacrificing will likely lower his approval.

The romance with Astarion begins to take shape during Act 1. One of the key moments occurs after youÔÇÖve gained enough approval from him. At some point during your camp rest, Astarion will approach you and reveal his true nature as a vampire. This is a pivotal moment in his storyline. If you handle this revelation well, it can significantly boost your relationship with him. To trigger this scene, ensure youÔÇÖve rested at camp multiple times and have interacted with him positively in dialogue. When he reveals his secret, choose dialogue options that show understanding or curiosity rather than fear or hostility. For example, saying something like ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt mindÔÇØ or ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm intriguedÔÇØ will help build trust.

After this revelation, continue to gain his approval by making choices that align with his values. For instance, during the quest involving the goblin camp, siding with the goblins or using underhanded tactics to achieve your goals will earn his approval. Additionally, during the confrontation with the druid Kagha, choosing to expose her corruption or siding with the tieflings in a way that involves manipulation will also please him.

Another important step in AstarionÔÇÖs romance is the party scene at the end of Act 1. After resolving the conflict at the grove, your party will celebrate at camp. During this celebration, Astarion may approach you and express interest in a romantic encounter. To ensure this happens, make sure his approval is high enough by this point. If he does approach you, choose dialogue options that indicate your interest in him. This will lead to a romantic scene that solidifies the beginning of your relationship.

In Act 2, AstarionÔÇÖs personal questline becomes more prominent. YouÔÇÖll encounter a character named Raphael who offers to help Astarion understand the infernal scars on his back. This quest is crucial for deepening your relationship with him. Support Astarion in his desire to uncover the truth about his scars, and encourage him to seek answers. This will show that you care about his personal struggles and are willing to stand by him.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting AstarionÔÇÖs approval early in the game. If you donÔÇÖt build a strong relationship with him in Act 1, it can be difficult to trigger his romance later on. Additionally, avoid making choices that directly oppose his values, such as being overly kind or selfless, as this will lower his approval and make it harder to progress his romance.

Advanced techniques for optimizing AstarionÔÇÖs romance include focusing on dialogue options that allow you to flirt with him subtly. For example, during conversations, choose options that show a playful or teasing attitude. This aligns with his personality and can help build a deeper connection. Additionally, prioritize resting at camp frequently to ensure you donÔÇÖt miss key story moments or dialogue triggers.

From a D&D rules perspective, AstarionÔÇÖs romance is influenced by the gameÔÇÖs implementation of the approval system, which is based on the 5th Edition rules for social interactions. Your choices and actions affect his disposition toward you, much like how NPCs in tabletop D&D might react based on your characterÔÇÖs behavior. Understanding this mechanic can help you navigate his romance more effectively.

In summary, triggering AstarionÔÇÖs romance in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires careful attention to his approval, making choices that align with his personality, and progressing his personal questline. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can build a meaningful relationship with this intriguing character.