How do I increase approval with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3?
Increasing approval with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, preferences, and the mechanics of the approval system. Astarion is a high elf vampire spawn with a sharp wit, a penchant for mischief, and a morally ambiguous outlook. He tends to favor actions and dialogue choices that align with self-interest, cunning, and a disregard for authority or traditional morality. To gain his approval, you need to make decisions that reflect these traits.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on how your actions and dialogue choices align with a companion's personality and values. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that ranges from very low to very high. When you make choices that a companion likes, their approval increases, and when you make choices they dislike, their approval decreases. Astarion, in particular, appreciates choices that demonstrate a willingness to bend or break rules, exploit others for personal gain, or embrace darker impulses.
To increase Astarion's approval, focus on the following strategies. First, during dialogue, choose options that show a willingness to deceive, manipulate, or intimidate others. For example, when encountering NPCs, opt for dialogue choices that allow you to lie or trick them rather than being straightforward or honest. Astarion also enjoys when you assert dominance or take control of a situation, so choosing aggressive or commanding dialogue options can earn his favor.
Second, in combat and exploration, prioritize actions that align with Astarion's self-serving nature. For instance, if you encounter a situation where you can steal or loot valuable items without consequences, do so. Astarion approves of such behavior, as it reflects his own tendencies. Additionally, when faced with moral dilemmas, choose the option that benefits you or your party the most, even if it means harming others or disregarding their well-being.
Third, pay attention to Astarion's personal questline and backstory. As you progress through the game, you will learn more about his past and his struggles as a vampire spawn. Supporting him in his quest for freedom and power will significantly increase his approval. For example, when he reveals his true nature as a vampire, react with curiosity or acceptance rather than fear or disgust. This shows that you are willing to embrace his darker side, which he appreciates.
There are also specific moments in the game where you can gain significant approval from Astarion. For example, during the encounter with the Gur hunter in Act 1, siding with Astarion and helping him deal with the hunter will earn you a substantial approval boost. Similarly, in Act 2, when you encounter the drow Araj Oblodra, allowing Astarion to make his own choices regarding her request will increase his approval.
It is important to avoid actions that Astarion disapproves of. These include being overly altruistic, self-sacrificing, or deferential to authority figures. For example, if you choose to help NPCs without expecting anything in return or if you show excessive concern for the well-being of others, Astarion may disapprove. Additionally, being overly cautious or hesitant in dangerous situations can also lower his approval.
One common mistake players make is trying to gain approval from all companions simultaneously. Since companions have different values and preferences, it is often difficult to please everyone. Focusing on Astarion's approval may require making choices that other companions, such as Wyll or Karlach, might disapprove of. Therefore, it is important to prioritize which companions you want to build relationships with and accept that some may not always agree with your decisions.
Advanced techniques for increasing Astarion's approval include leveraging his rogue abilities in combat and exploration. Astarion excels at stealth, lockpicking, and dealing high damage in combat. Using him to sneak past enemies, pickpocket valuable items, or assassinate key targets can create opportunities for approval gains. Additionally, involving him in conversations where his skills or knowledge are relevant can also earn his favor.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Astarion's approval system reflects his alignment and personality traits. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, individuality, and personal gain over strict adherence to laws or moral codes. Understanding these traits can help you make choices that align with his worldview and increase his approval.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain Astarion's approval include the encounter with the goblins in Act 1. If you choose to side with the goblins or manipulate them for your own benefit, Astarion will approve. Similarly, during the confrontation with Kagha in the Druid Grove, choosing to challenge her authority or undermine her plans will earn his favor.
In summary, increasing Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires making choices that reflect his self-serving, cunning, and morally ambiguous nature. Focus on dialogue options that involve deception, manipulation, and assertiveness, and prioritize actions that benefit you or your party. Avoid being overly altruistic or deferential to authority, and support Astarion in his personal questline. By understanding his personality and leveraging his rogue abilities, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion and unlock unique story outcomes.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on how your actions and dialogue choices align with a companion's personality and values. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that ranges from very low to very high. When you make choices that a companion likes, their approval increases, and when you make choices they dislike, their approval decreases. Astarion, in particular, appreciates choices that demonstrate a willingness to bend or break rules, exploit others for personal gain, or embrace darker impulses.
To increase Astarion's approval, focus on the following strategies. First, during dialogue, choose options that show a willingness to deceive, manipulate, or intimidate others. For example, when encountering NPCs, opt for dialogue choices that allow you to lie or trick them rather than being straightforward or honest. Astarion also enjoys when you assert dominance or take control of a situation, so choosing aggressive or commanding dialogue options can earn his favor.
Second, in combat and exploration, prioritize actions that align with Astarion's self-serving nature. For instance, if you encounter a situation where you can steal or loot valuable items without consequences, do so. Astarion approves of such behavior, as it reflects his own tendencies. Additionally, when faced with moral dilemmas, choose the option that benefits you or your party the most, even if it means harming others or disregarding their well-being.
Third, pay attention to Astarion's personal questline and backstory. As you progress through the game, you will learn more about his past and his struggles as a vampire spawn. Supporting him in his quest for freedom and power will significantly increase his approval. For example, when he reveals his true nature as a vampire, react with curiosity or acceptance rather than fear or disgust. This shows that you are willing to embrace his darker side, which he appreciates.
There are also specific moments in the game where you can gain significant approval from Astarion. For example, during the encounter with the Gur hunter in Act 1, siding with Astarion and helping him deal with the hunter will earn you a substantial approval boost. Similarly, in Act 2, when you encounter the drow Araj Oblodra, allowing Astarion to make his own choices regarding her request will increase his approval.
It is important to avoid actions that Astarion disapproves of. These include being overly altruistic, self-sacrificing, or deferential to authority figures. For example, if you choose to help NPCs without expecting anything in return or if you show excessive concern for the well-being of others, Astarion may disapprove. Additionally, being overly cautious or hesitant in dangerous situations can also lower his approval.
One common mistake players make is trying to gain approval from all companions simultaneously. Since companions have different values and preferences, it is often difficult to please everyone. Focusing on Astarion's approval may require making choices that other companions, such as Wyll or Karlach, might disapprove of. Therefore, it is important to prioritize which companions you want to build relationships with and accept that some may not always agree with your decisions.
Advanced techniques for increasing Astarion's approval include leveraging his rogue abilities in combat and exploration. Astarion excels at stealth, lockpicking, and dealing high damage in combat. Using him to sneak past enemies, pickpocket valuable items, or assassinate key targets can create opportunities for approval gains. Additionally, involving him in conversations where his skills or knowledge are relevant can also earn his favor.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Astarion's approval system reflects his alignment and personality traits. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, individuality, and personal gain over strict adherence to laws or moral codes. Understanding these traits can help you make choices that align with his worldview and increase his approval.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain Astarion's approval include the encounter with the goblins in Act 1. If you choose to side with the goblins or manipulate them for your own benefit, Astarion will approve. Similarly, during the confrontation with Kagha in the Druid Grove, choosing to challenge her authority or undermine her plans will earn his favor.
In summary, increasing Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires making choices that reflect his self-serving, cunning, and morally ambiguous nature. Focus on dialogue options that involve deception, manipulation, and assertiveness, and prioritize actions that benefit you or your party. Avoid being overly altruistic or deferential to authority, and support Astarion in his personal questline. By understanding his personality and leveraging his rogue abilities, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion and unlock unique story outcomes.