What are the best ways to gain Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?
Gaining Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, preferences, and the approval mechanics tied to his character. 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, cunning, or chaotic, and he often disapproves of overly altruistic or lawful decisions. To maximize his approval, you need to align your actions and dialogue choices with his personality and values.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on a hidden numerical value that increases or decreases based on your decisions and interactions. Each companion has their own approval rating, and Astarion's is influenced by how you handle situations that involve deception, cruelty, or self-preservation. High approval with Astarion unlocks deeper dialogue, personal quests, and even romantic opportunities, while low approval can lead to tension or even his departure from the party.
To gain Astarion's approval, focus on making choices that reflect his chaotic and self-serving nature. For example, during the early game, when you encounter the dying mind flayer on the Nautiloid ship, Astarion approves if you choose to ignore the creature and prioritize your own survival. Similarly, when you meet the tieflings who have captured Lae'zel, siding with the tieflings will earn disapproval from Astarion, while mocking or threatening them will earn his approval. These early interactions set the tone for your relationship with him.
Another key moment is during the encounter with the goblins at the Druid Grove. Astarion approves if you choose to deceive or manipulate the goblins rather than fighting them outright. For instance, if you pretend to be a True Soul and use intimidation or persuasion to avoid combat, Astarion will appreciate your cunning. He also approves of decisions that involve cruelty or indifference, such as allowing the goblins to harm the tieflings or refusing to help those in need.
Astarion's personal quest, "The Pale Elf," is a major opportunity to gain his approval. This quest involves uncovering his past and dealing with his former master, Cazador. Throughout this questline, Astarion will appreciate choices that prioritize his freedom and autonomy. For example, when you encounter the Gur hunter who is searching for Astarion, siding with Astarion and helping him evade capture will earn his approval. Similarly, when you confront Cazador, supporting Astarion's desire for revenge and power will strengthen your bond with him.
In combat, Astarion thrives in situations where he can use his rogue abilities to their fullest. Positioning him for sneak attacks, using his vampiric bite ability strategically, and allowing him to finish off enemies will make him feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, giving him items that enhance his dexterity or stealth, such as the Gloves of Thievery or the Cloak of Protection, will improve his effectiveness in combat and indirectly boost his approval.
One common mistake to avoid is making overly altruistic or lawful decisions in Astarion's presence. For example, donating gold to beggars, helping strangers without expecting anything in return, or showing excessive concern for others will often result in his disapproval. Similarly, being overly critical of his vampiric nature or trying to control his actions will strain your relationship. Instead, embrace his chaotic tendencies and support his desire for freedom and power.
Advanced techniques for gaining Astarion's approval include leveraging his rogue skills in dialogue and exploration. For instance, using his stealth and lockpicking abilities to bypass obstacles or steal valuable items can lead to situations where you can make choices that align with his preferences. Additionally, engaging in morally ambiguous activities, such as pickpocketing or lying to NPCs, will often earn his approval.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Astarion's approval mechanics are tied to his alignment and personality traits. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, individuality, and self-interest. Understanding these traits can help you predict his reactions to various situations. For example, in D&D terms, Astarion would approve of actions that align with the "chaotic" and "neutral" aspects of his alignment, such as breaking rules for personal gain or avoiding unnecessary risks.
Specific examples of gaining Astarion's approval include siding with him during the confrontation with the Gur hunter, supporting his desire to drink your blood during the camp scene, and encouraging him to embrace his vampiric powers. Conversely, examples of actions that lead to disapproval include refusing to let him drink your blood, criticizing his vampiric nature, or making decisions that prioritize the greater good over personal gain.
In summary, gaining Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deep understanding of his personality and preferences. By making choices that align with his chaotic and self-serving nature, supporting his personal quest, and leveraging his rogue abilities, you can build a strong relationship with him. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful decisions, and embrace the morally ambiguous aspects of the game to keep Astarion on your side. With careful planning and strategic choices, you can unlock his full potential as a companion and even pursue a romantic relationship with him.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on a hidden numerical value that increases or decreases based on your decisions and interactions. Each companion has their own approval rating, and Astarion's is influenced by how you handle situations that involve deception, cruelty, or self-preservation. High approval with Astarion unlocks deeper dialogue, personal quests, and even romantic opportunities, while low approval can lead to tension or even his departure from the party.
To gain Astarion's approval, focus on making choices that reflect his chaotic and self-serving nature. For example, during the early game, when you encounter the dying mind flayer on the Nautiloid ship, Astarion approves if you choose to ignore the creature and prioritize your own survival. Similarly, when you meet the tieflings who have captured Lae'zel, siding with the tieflings will earn disapproval from Astarion, while mocking or threatening them will earn his approval. These early interactions set the tone for your relationship with him.
Another key moment is during the encounter with the goblins at the Druid Grove. Astarion approves if you choose to deceive or manipulate the goblins rather than fighting them outright. For instance, if you pretend to be a True Soul and use intimidation or persuasion to avoid combat, Astarion will appreciate your cunning. He also approves of decisions that involve cruelty or indifference, such as allowing the goblins to harm the tieflings or refusing to help those in need.
Astarion's personal quest, "The Pale Elf," is a major opportunity to gain his approval. This quest involves uncovering his past and dealing with his former master, Cazador. Throughout this questline, Astarion will appreciate choices that prioritize his freedom and autonomy. For example, when you encounter the Gur hunter who is searching for Astarion, siding with Astarion and helping him evade capture will earn his approval. Similarly, when you confront Cazador, supporting Astarion's desire for revenge and power will strengthen your bond with him.
In combat, Astarion thrives in situations where he can use his rogue abilities to their fullest. Positioning him for sneak attacks, using his vampiric bite ability strategically, and allowing him to finish off enemies will make him feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, giving him items that enhance his dexterity or stealth, such as the Gloves of Thievery or the Cloak of Protection, will improve his effectiveness in combat and indirectly boost his approval.
One common mistake to avoid is making overly altruistic or lawful decisions in Astarion's presence. For example, donating gold to beggars, helping strangers without expecting anything in return, or showing excessive concern for others will often result in his disapproval. Similarly, being overly critical of his vampiric nature or trying to control his actions will strain your relationship. Instead, embrace his chaotic tendencies and support his desire for freedom and power.
Advanced techniques for gaining Astarion's approval include leveraging his rogue skills in dialogue and exploration. For instance, using his stealth and lockpicking abilities to bypass obstacles or steal valuable items can lead to situations where you can make choices that align with his preferences. Additionally, engaging in morally ambiguous activities, such as pickpocketing or lying to NPCs, will often earn his approval.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Astarion's approval mechanics are tied to his alignment and personality traits. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, individuality, and self-interest. Understanding these traits can help you predict his reactions to various situations. For example, in D&D terms, Astarion would approve of actions that align with the "chaotic" and "neutral" aspects of his alignment, such as breaking rules for personal gain or avoiding unnecessary risks.
Specific examples of gaining Astarion's approval include siding with him during the confrontation with the Gur hunter, supporting his desire to drink your blood during the camp scene, and encouraging him to embrace his vampiric powers. Conversely, examples of actions that lead to disapproval include refusing to let him drink your blood, criticizing his vampiric nature, or making decisions that prioritize the greater good over personal gain.
In summary, gaining Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deep understanding of his personality and preferences. By making choices that align with his chaotic and self-serving nature, supporting his personal quest, and leveraging his rogue abilities, you can build a strong relationship with him. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful decisions, and embrace the morally ambiguous aspects of the game to keep Astarion on your side. With careful planning and strategic choices, you can unlock his full potential as a companion and even pursue a romantic relationship with him.