How do I get the best outcome for the Astarion romance in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?

To achieve the best outcome for the Astarion romance in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully navigate his personal questline, make specific choices that align with his character, and build a strong relationship with him throughout the game. Astarion is a complex character with a dark past, and his romance is deeply tied to his personal growth and the choices you make regarding his freedom and morality. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you get the best outcome.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of building a relationship with Astarion. Like all companions in Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion has an approval system. His approval is influenced by your dialogue choices, actions, and decisions throughout the game. Astarion tends to approve of morally ambiguous or selfish actions, such as lying, stealing, or siding with morally dubious characters. However, he also appreciates when you support his autonomy and freedom. To maximize his approval, you should consistently choose dialogue options that align with his values, such as encouraging his independence or indulging his darker tendencies.

In Act 1, youÔÇÖll encounter Astarion early in the game, and this is where you should start building your relationship with him. Key moments include allowing him to drink your blood when he reveals his vampiric nature, as this shows trust and willingness to indulge his needs. Additionally, siding with him in conflicts, such as when dealing with the Gur hunter Gandrel, will increase his approval. Be cautious, however, as pushing him too hard or making choices that restrict his freedom can lower his approval.

In Act 2, AstarionÔÇÖs personal questline becomes more prominent. YouÔÇÖll encounter a vampire hunter named Raphael, who offers to reveal the secrets of AstarionÔÇÖs scars in exchange for a favor. This is a pivotal moment in his story. To get the best outcome, you should encourage Astarion to seek the truth about his scars, as this leads to a deeper understanding of his past and his relationship with his former master, Cazador. Supporting his desire for freedom and self-discovery is crucial here. Avoid pressuring him into making decisions that align with your moral compass if they conflict with his own desires.

Act 3 is where AstarionÔÇÖs romance reaches its climax. In this act, youÔÇÖll confront Cazador, AstarionÔÇÖs former master, in a dramatic showdown. The choices you make during this confrontation will determine the outcome of AstarionÔÇÖs story and your romance with him. To achieve the best outcome, you should support Astarion in rejecting CazadorÔÇÖs power and refusing to complete the ritual that would grant him immense power at the cost of thousands of lives. This choice aligns with his growth as a character and his desire to break free from his past. If youÔÇÖve built a strong relationship with him, he will choose to spare the spawn and reject the ritual, showing that he values his freedom and your relationship over power.

ItÔÇÖs important to note that forcing Astarion to complete the ritual or making choices that prioritize power over his autonomy can lead to a negative outcome in his romance. He may become more like Cazador, losing the humanity heÔÇÖs been striving to reclaim. This can result in a strained or even broken relationship with him. To avoid this, always prioritize his freedom and support his decisions, even if they conflict with your own moral compass.

In terms of combat tactics, Astarion is a rogue, so he excels in stealth, sneak attacks, and dealing high damage from the shadows. To optimize his effectiveness in combat, equip him with light armor and finesse weapons like daggers or rapiers. Use his Cunning Action to hide, disengage, or dash, allowing him to maneuver the battlefield and avoid taking damage. Pairing him with a character who can cast spells like Invisibility or Darkness can further enhance his stealth capabilities.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting AstarionÔÇÖs approval in the early acts. If you donÔÇÖt build a strong relationship with him early on, it can be difficult to influence his decisions in Act 3. Additionally, making choices that prioritize your own moral code over his desires can lead to a breakdown in your relationship. Always consider his perspective and support his autonomy to maintain a strong bond.

Advanced techniques for optimizing AstarionÔÇÖs romance include using the tadpole powers to gain insight into his thoughts and emotions. This can provide additional dialogue options that deepen your connection with him. Additionally, completing side quests that involve helping other characters who have been wronged by powerful figures can resonate with AstarionÔÇÖs own struggles and increase his approval.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, AstarionÔÇÖs vampiric nature and rogue abilities are key to his character. His vampiric bite attack is a unique ability that allows him to heal himself while dealing damage to enemies. This ability is particularly useful in combat, especially when paired with his sneak attack. Understanding the mechanics of sneak attack, such as needing advantage or an ally within 5 feet of the target, can help you maximize his damage output.

Specific examples of choices that impact AstarionÔÇÖs romance include the decision to let him drink your blood in Act 1, supporting his desire to learn about his scars in Act 2, and helping him confront Cazador in Act 3. Each of these moments is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with him and influence his ultimate fate.

In conclusion, achieving the best outcome for the Astarion romance in Act 3 requires careful attention to his approval, supporting his autonomy, and making choices that align with his growth as a character. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a satisfying and meaningful romance with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3.