What are the best dialogue choices to romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3?

Romancing Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, preferences, and the approval system that governs your relationship with him. Astarion is a high elf vampire spawn with a sharp wit, a penchant for sarcasm, and a morally ambiguous outlook on life. To successfully romance him, you need to align your choices with his values and gain his approval through dialogue and actions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Astarion approves of choices that reflect self-interest, cunning, and a willingness to embrace darker or more chaotic actions. He dislikes overly altruistic or lawful behavior, so avoid making decisions that prioritize the greater good over personal gain. For example, siding with morally questionable characters or choosing dialogue options that show a lack of concern for others will often earn his approval. Conversely, being overly kind or self-sacrificing will likely lower his approval.

To start building a relationship with Astarion, you need to recruit him early in the game. He can be found near the crashed Nautiloid ship in the Wilderness area. Once he joins your party, focus on engaging him in conversations at camp and during exploration. Pay attention to his reactions to your choices, as these will give you clues about what he likes and dislikes. For example, if you encounter a situation where you can deceive or manipulate someone, choosing those options will likely earn his approval.

One key moment in romancing Astarion occurs during the party at camp after resolving the goblin situation. If you have gained enough approval, you can choose to spend the night with him. This is a crucial step in the romance path, so make sure to have high approval by this point. To increase your chances, prioritize choices that align with his personality, such as siding with the goblins or making deals with shady characters.

Another important aspect of romancing Astarion is his personal questline, which revolves around his past as a vampire spawn and his desire for freedom. As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll encounter opportunities to help him confront his former master, Cazador. Supporting Astarion in these moments and encouraging him to embrace his darker nature will strengthen your bond. For example, when he reveals his vampiric nature, choosing to accept him and not judge him harshly will earn his approval.

ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your progress. One mistake is being too lawful or good-aligned in your choices. Astarion is not a fan of selfless heroism, so avoid making decisions that prioritize others over yourself or your party. Another mistake is neglecting to engage with him in camp. Regularly talking to him and choosing dialogue options that show interest in his past and personality will help build your relationship.

Advanced techniques for romancing Astarion include leveraging the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to maximize approval. For example, using the Persuasion skill to manipulate situations in your favor can earn his approval, as it aligns with his cunning nature. Additionally, choosing to explore darker paths in the main story, such as siding with the Absolute or making deals with morally ambiguous characters, can also boost his approval.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system is influenced by his alignment and background. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, self-interest, and cleverness. Understanding these traits can help you make choices that align with his preferences. Additionally, his vampiric nature plays a role in his personal questline, so being supportive and understanding of his condition is crucial.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval include siding with the goblins in the Goblin Camp, choosing to deceive or manipulate NPCs, and making morally ambiguous decisions in quests. For instance, in the quest involving the hag Ethel, choosing to make a deal with her rather than killing her outright will earn his approval. Similarly, in the quest involving the tieflings and the druids, siding with the more self-serving or chaotic options will align with his values.

In conclusion, romancing Astarion in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a careful balance of aligning with his morally ambiguous nature, gaining his approval through dialogue and actions, and supporting him in his personal questline. By understanding his preferences and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully build a romantic relationship with this complex and intriguing character.