What are the best dialogue choices to increase Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?
Increasing Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires understanding his personality and preferences. Astarion is a high elf vampire spawn with a sharp wit, a penchant for mischief, and a morally ambiguous outlook. He tends to favor choices that are self-serving, chaotic, or cruel, and he dislikes overly altruistic or lawful behavior. To gain his approval, you need to align your dialogue choices and actions with his values.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on how your decisions resonate with each companion. When you make a choice that a companion likes, you gain approval points. Conversely, if you make a choice they dislike, you lose approval points. Astarion's approval is influenced by your willingness to embrace chaos, indulge in dark humor, and prioritize personal gain over the greater good. His approval can also be affected by how you handle situations involving power, manipulation, and freedom.
To increase Astarion's approval, focus on the following strategies. First, choose dialogue options that reflect a sense of humor, especially dark or sarcastic humor. Astarion appreciates wit and cleverness, so playful banter and sarcastic remarks often earn his favor. For example, when encountering the tiefling children in the Druid Grove, siding with Astarion's suggestion to mock or tease them can increase his approval.
Second, prioritize self-interest and personal freedom in your decisions. Astarion values independence and dislikes being controlled or constrained. When faced with moral dilemmas, choose options that allow you or others to act freely, even if it means causing harm or chaos. For instance, during the encounter with the goblins at the Druid Grove, siding with the goblins or allowing them to cause trouble can earn Astarion's approval.
Third, embrace morally ambiguous or outright evil choices. Astarion is not a fan of heroism or self-sacrifice. He prefers actions that benefit him or the party directly, even if it means harming others. For example, when dealing with the hag Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, choosing to side with her or exploit her for personal gain can increase Astarion's approval.
Fourth, show a willingness to indulge in violence or cruelty when the situation calls for it. Astarion enjoys seeing others suffer, especially those he perceives as weak or foolish. When given the opportunity to harm or kill NPCs, especially those who are defenseless or annoying, taking that option can earn his approval. For example, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders in the Shattered Sanctum, choosing to kill them in a brutal or mocking manner can please Astarion.
Fifth, respect Astarion's autonomy and avoid questioning his motives or actions. He values his freedom and dislikes being judged or controlled. When discussing his vampirism or past, avoid pressing him for details or expressing disapproval. Instead, show curiosity or acceptance, and let him take the lead in conversations about his condition.
There are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to increase Astarion's approval. One mistake is being overly altruistic or self-sacrificing. Astarion dislikes characters who prioritize the needs of others over their own, so avoid making choices that are purely heroic or selfless. Another mistake is being too lawful or rigid in your decisions. Astarion prefers flexibility and chaos, so avoid siding with authority figures or enforcing strict rules.
Advanced techniques for increasing Astarion's approval include leveraging his personal questline. As you progress through the game, you will encounter opportunities to help Astarion confront his past and deal with his vampirism. Supporting him in these moments, especially by allowing him to make his own choices, can significantly boost his approval. For example, during the encounter with the Gur hunter in Act 1, siding with Astarion and allowing him to deal with the hunter as he sees fit can earn his approval.
Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play when considering Astarion's alignment and personality. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, Astarion would likely be classified as chaotic neutral or chaotic evil, depending on his actions. This means he values personal freedom and self-interest above all else, and he is willing to break rules or harm others to achieve his goals. Understanding this alignment can help you make choices that align with his preferences.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can increase Astarion's approval include the encounter with the tiefling children in the Druid Grove, where mocking or teasing them earns his favor. Another example is the confrontation with the goblin leaders in the Shattered Sanctum, where choosing to kill them in a brutal or mocking manner pleases him. Additionally, during the encounter with the hag Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, siding with her or exploiting her for personal gain can increase his approval.
In summary, increasing Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires embracing chaos, self-interest, and dark humor. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful choices, and instead focus on actions that prioritize personal gain and freedom. By aligning your decisions with Astarion's values and supporting him in his personal questline, you can build a strong relationship with this complex and intriguing companion.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on how your decisions resonate with each companion. When you make a choice that a companion likes, you gain approval points. Conversely, if you make a choice they dislike, you lose approval points. Astarion's approval is influenced by your willingness to embrace chaos, indulge in dark humor, and prioritize personal gain over the greater good. His approval can also be affected by how you handle situations involving power, manipulation, and freedom.
To increase Astarion's approval, focus on the following strategies. First, choose dialogue options that reflect a sense of humor, especially dark or sarcastic humor. Astarion appreciates wit and cleverness, so playful banter and sarcastic remarks often earn his favor. For example, when encountering the tiefling children in the Druid Grove, siding with Astarion's suggestion to mock or tease them can increase his approval.
Second, prioritize self-interest and personal freedom in your decisions. Astarion values independence and dislikes being controlled or constrained. When faced with moral dilemmas, choose options that allow you or others to act freely, even if it means causing harm or chaos. For instance, during the encounter with the goblins at the Druid Grove, siding with the goblins or allowing them to cause trouble can earn Astarion's approval.
Third, embrace morally ambiguous or outright evil choices. Astarion is not a fan of heroism or self-sacrifice. He prefers actions that benefit him or the party directly, even if it means harming others. For example, when dealing with the hag Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, choosing to side with her or exploit her for personal gain can increase Astarion's approval.
Fourth, show a willingness to indulge in violence or cruelty when the situation calls for it. Astarion enjoys seeing others suffer, especially those he perceives as weak or foolish. When given the opportunity to harm or kill NPCs, especially those who are defenseless or annoying, taking that option can earn his approval. For example, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders in the Shattered Sanctum, choosing to kill them in a brutal or mocking manner can please Astarion.
Fifth, respect Astarion's autonomy and avoid questioning his motives or actions. He values his freedom and dislikes being judged or controlled. When discussing his vampirism or past, avoid pressing him for details or expressing disapproval. Instead, show curiosity or acceptance, and let him take the lead in conversations about his condition.
There are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to increase Astarion's approval. One mistake is being overly altruistic or self-sacrificing. Astarion dislikes characters who prioritize the needs of others over their own, so avoid making choices that are purely heroic or selfless. Another mistake is being too lawful or rigid in your decisions. Astarion prefers flexibility and chaos, so avoid siding with authority figures or enforcing strict rules.
Advanced techniques for increasing Astarion's approval include leveraging his personal questline. As you progress through the game, you will encounter opportunities to help Astarion confront his past and deal with his vampirism. Supporting him in these moments, especially by allowing him to make his own choices, can significantly boost his approval. For example, during the encounter with the Gur hunter in Act 1, siding with Astarion and allowing him to deal with the hunter as he sees fit can earn his approval.
Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play when considering Astarion's alignment and personality. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, Astarion would likely be classified as chaotic neutral or chaotic evil, depending on his actions. This means he values personal freedom and self-interest above all else, and he is willing to break rules or harm others to achieve his goals. Understanding this alignment can help you make choices that align with his preferences.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can increase Astarion's approval include the encounter with the tiefling children in the Druid Grove, where mocking or teasing them earns his favor. Another example is the confrontation with the goblin leaders in the Shattered Sanctum, where choosing to kill them in a brutal or mocking manner pleases him. Additionally, during the encounter with the hag Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, siding with her or exploiting her for personal gain can increase his approval.
In summary, increasing Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires embracing chaos, self-interest, and dark humor. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful choices, and instead focus on actions that prioritize personal gain and freedom. By aligning your decisions with Astarion's values and supporting him in his personal questline, you can build a strong relationship with this complex and intriguing companion.