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

Unlocking Astarion's romance in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a combination of dialogue choices, story progression, and building trust with the character. Astarion is a complex companion with a dark and mysterious background, and his romance path requires careful attention to his personality and preferences. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, it is important to understand Astarion's personality. He is a high elf vampire spawn with a sarcastic and cunning demeanor. He appreciates acts of cruelty, manipulation, and self-interest, so aligning your choices with these traits will help build his approval. However, this does not mean you need to be outright evil. Astarion also respects cleverness and self-preservation, so you can still gain his favor by making pragmatic decisions.

To begin, you need to recruit Astarion early in the game. He can be found near the crashed Nautiloid ship in the Wilderness area. After recruiting him, focus on building his approval through dialogue and actions. Some key moments to gain his approval include siding with him in conflicts, making sarcastic or witty remarks, and choosing options that prioritize personal gain over altruism. For example, during the encounter with the goblins at the Druid Grove, siding with the goblins or making deals with them can increase his approval.

As you progress through the story, there are specific events that can significantly boost Astarion's approval. One such event is the encounter with the Gur hunter in the Sunlit Wetlands. If you allow Astarion to deal with the hunter in his own way, it will greatly increase his approval. Another important moment is during the party at the camp after saving the Druid Grove. If you have high enough approval with Astarion, he will approach you with a proposition to spend the night together. This is a crucial step in unlocking his romance.

It is also important to engage in personal conversations with Astarion at camp. These conversations reveal more about his backstory and allow you to deepen your relationship. Be supportive and understanding of his struggles, but also encourage his darker tendencies. For example, when he reveals his vampiric nature, choose dialogue options that show acceptance and curiosity rather than fear or rejection.

One common mistake to avoid is being too altruistic or selfless in your choices. Astarion does not appreciate acts of pure kindness or heroism, so consistently choosing these options will lower his approval. Additionally, avoid confronting him about his vampirism in a hostile manner, as this can damage your relationship. Instead, approach the topic with tact and understanding.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Astarion's romance include focusing on specific quests and interactions that align with his preferences. For example, during the quest to investigate Kagha in the Druid Grove, choosing to expose her corruption and manipulate the situation to your advantage will gain his approval. Similarly, during the quest to deal with the hag in the Sunlit Wetlands, making deals or using cunning tactics will please him.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Astarion's romance is influenced by the approval system, which is based on the D&D 5E rules for character relationships. Your choices and actions affect his disposition towards you, and reaching a high enough approval rating unlocks romantic interactions. This system reflects the importance of role-playing and making choices that align with your character's personality and goals.

Specific examples of scenarios that can boost Astarion's approval include the encounter with the tiefling children in the Druid Grove. If you choose to intimidate or manipulate them, Astarion will approve. Another example is during the confrontation with the goblin leaders. If you use deception or violence to achieve your goals, Astarion will appreciate your cunning and ruthlessness.

In conclusion, unlocking Astarion's romance in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of strategic choices, understanding his personality, and building his approval through key story moments. By aligning your actions with his preferences and engaging in meaningful conversations, you can deepen your relationship and unlock his romance path. Remember to avoid common mistakes, such as being too altruistic or confrontational, and focus on making pragmatic and clever decisions. With careful attention to these details, you can successfully romance Astarion and explore his complex character arc.