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 choices that are self-serving, cunning, and sometimes cruel, while disapproving of overly altruistic or lawful behavior. To build a strong relationship with him, you need to align your actions and dialogue choices with his 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, which ranges from very low to very high. High approval can unlock unique dialogue, personal quests, and even romance options. For Astarion, gaining his approval requires a mix of strategic choices in dialogue, combat, and story decisions.
To start, focus on dialogue choices that reflect Astarion's personality. He appreciates sarcasm, wit, and a willingness to bend the rules. For example, when encountering the tieflings who have captured Lae'zel early in the game, siding with Astarion's suggestion to let them handle the situation or making a sarcastic remark can earn his approval. Similarly, when dealing with the goblins at the Druid Grove, choosing options that prioritize self-preservation or manipulation over outright heroism will please him. Avoid overly righteous or lawful choices, as these often lead to disapproval.
Combat tactics can also influence Astarion's approval. He respects cunning and efficiency in battle. Using stealth, deception, or underhanded tactics can earn his favor. For instance, if you encounter the goblin leaders at the Goblin Camp, using dialogue to manipulate them into turning on each other rather than engaging in direct combat can impress Astarion. Additionally, allowing him to use his vampiric abilities, such as feeding on enemies or using his bite attack, can also increase his approval.
Story choices play a significant role in building approval with Astarion. His personal quest, which revolves around his vampirism and his former master, Cazador, is a key opportunity to deepen your relationship. Supporting his desire for freedom and power, rather than trying to control or judge him, will earn his trust. For example, when he reveals his vampiric nature to you, choosing to accept him without judgment and allowing him to feed on you (if you're willing) can significantly boost his approval. Later in the game, helping him confront Cazador and making choices that align with his goals will further solidify your bond.
There are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to increase Astarion's approval. One is being too altruistic or lawful in your decisions. Astarion dislikes characters who prioritize the greater good over personal gain, so avoid making choices that seem overly selfless. Another mistake is being too controlling or judgmental. Astarion values his independence and resents attempts to impose morality on him. For example, if you try to stop him from feeding on enemies or criticize his vampiric nature, he will likely disapprove.
Advanced techniques for optimizing approval with Astarion involve leveraging his backstory and personality. Since he is a vampire spawn, he has a deep-seated desire for power and freedom. Choices that reflect a willingness to embrace darkness or manipulate others for personal gain will resonate with him. Additionally, engaging in morally ambiguous actions, such as stealing, lying, or betraying others, can earn his approval. However, be mindful of the consequences these actions may have on other companions or the overall story.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, Astarion's approval system is influenced by his alignment and background. As a vampire spawn, he leans toward chaotic neutral or chaotic evil, meaning he values personal freedom and self-interest over strict moral codes. This aligns with his approval preferences in the game. Understanding these underlying D&D mechanics can help you make more informed decisions when interacting with him.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can increase Astarion's approval include the encounter with the Gur hunter in Act 1. When the Gur confronts Astarion about his vampirism, siding with Astarion and helping him deceive or eliminate the hunter will earn his approval. Another example is the interaction with the hag in the Sunlit Wetlands. Choosing to negotiate with the hag or using deception to gain an advantage will please Astarion, while trying to save the hag's victim without any personal gain may lead to disapproval.
In summary, increasing approval with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a nuanced approach that aligns with his personality and values. Focus on dialogue choices that reflect his cunning and self-serving nature, use strategic and underhanded tactics in combat, and support his personal quest for freedom and power. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful decisions, and be mindful of the consequences of your actions. By understanding his backstory and leveraging advanced techniques, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion and unlock unique story opportunities.
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, which ranges from very low to very high. High approval can unlock unique dialogue, personal quests, and even romance options. For Astarion, gaining his approval requires a mix of strategic choices in dialogue, combat, and story decisions.
To start, focus on dialogue choices that reflect Astarion's personality. He appreciates sarcasm, wit, and a willingness to bend the rules. For example, when encountering the tieflings who have captured Lae'zel early in the game, siding with Astarion's suggestion to let them handle the situation or making a sarcastic remark can earn his approval. Similarly, when dealing with the goblins at the Druid Grove, choosing options that prioritize self-preservation or manipulation over outright heroism will please him. Avoid overly righteous or lawful choices, as these often lead to disapproval.
Combat tactics can also influence Astarion's approval. He respects cunning and efficiency in battle. Using stealth, deception, or underhanded tactics can earn his favor. For instance, if you encounter the goblin leaders at the Goblin Camp, using dialogue to manipulate them into turning on each other rather than engaging in direct combat can impress Astarion. Additionally, allowing him to use his vampiric abilities, such as feeding on enemies or using his bite attack, can also increase his approval.
Story choices play a significant role in building approval with Astarion. His personal quest, which revolves around his vampirism and his former master, Cazador, is a key opportunity to deepen your relationship. Supporting his desire for freedom and power, rather than trying to control or judge him, will earn his trust. For example, when he reveals his vampiric nature to you, choosing to accept him without judgment and allowing him to feed on you (if you're willing) can significantly boost his approval. Later in the game, helping him confront Cazador and making choices that align with his goals will further solidify your bond.
There are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to increase Astarion's approval. One is being too altruistic or lawful in your decisions. Astarion dislikes characters who prioritize the greater good over personal gain, so avoid making choices that seem overly selfless. Another mistake is being too controlling or judgmental. Astarion values his independence and resents attempts to impose morality on him. For example, if you try to stop him from feeding on enemies or criticize his vampiric nature, he will likely disapprove.
Advanced techniques for optimizing approval with Astarion involve leveraging his backstory and personality. Since he is a vampire spawn, he has a deep-seated desire for power and freedom. Choices that reflect a willingness to embrace darkness or manipulate others for personal gain will resonate with him. Additionally, engaging in morally ambiguous actions, such as stealing, lying, or betraying others, can earn his approval. However, be mindful of the consequences these actions may have on other companions or the overall story.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, Astarion's approval system is influenced by his alignment and background. As a vampire spawn, he leans toward chaotic neutral or chaotic evil, meaning he values personal freedom and self-interest over strict moral codes. This aligns with his approval preferences in the game. Understanding these underlying D&D mechanics can help you make more informed decisions when interacting with him.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can increase Astarion's approval include the encounter with the Gur hunter in Act 1. When the Gur confronts Astarion about his vampirism, siding with Astarion and helping him deceive or eliminate the hunter will earn his approval. Another example is the interaction with the hag in the Sunlit Wetlands. Choosing to negotiate with the hag or using deception to gain an advantage will please Astarion, while trying to save the hag's victim without any personal gain may lead to disapproval.
In summary, increasing approval with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a nuanced approach that aligns with his personality and values. Focus on dialogue choices that reflect his cunning and self-serving nature, use strategic and underhanded tactics in combat, and support his personal quest for freedom and power. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful decisions, and be mindful of the consequences of your actions. By understanding his backstory and leveraging advanced techniques, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion and unlock unique story opportunities.