How do I recruit Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3?

To recruit Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a specific sequence of events and make certain choices during the early stages of the game. Astarion is a high elf rogue with a mysterious and somewhat sinister background, and he can be a valuable addition to your party due to his stealth and combat abilities. Here is a detailed guide on how to recruit him, along with important tips and considerations.

First, you need to start the game and progress through the initial tutorial section aboard the Nautiloid ship. After escaping the ship, you will find yourself on the Ravaged Beach. This is where your journey to recruit Astarion begins. From the Ravaged Beach, head north along the path until you reach a rocky area with some cliffs. You will hear a voice calling for help. This is Astarion, and he is being attacked by a mind flayer. Approach the scene carefully, as this is your first encounter with him.

When you approach, Astarion will ask for your help. You have a few dialogue options here, but the key is to agree to help him. If you choose to help, he will join your party temporarily. After the encounter, he will introduce himself and offer to join your party permanently. This is your chance to recruit him. Make sure to accept his offer, as this is the only way to add him to your party at this stage.

Once Astarion is in your party, you can start using his abilities in combat and exploration. As a rogue, Astarion excels in stealth and dealing high damage with sneak attacks. He can pick locks, disarm traps, and scout ahead without being detected. These skills make him an invaluable asset, especially in dungeons and areas with many traps and locked doors.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind when recruiting Astarion. First, make sure to have a balanced party composition. If you already have a rogue or another character with similar skills, you might want to consider whether Astarion is the best fit for your party. However, his unique personality and story make him a compelling choice regardless of your party setup.

Second, pay attention to Astarion's approval rating. Like other companions, Astarion has an approval system that tracks how he feels about your actions and decisions. If you make choices that align with his personality and values, his approval will increase, and he will be more likely to support you in critical moments. Conversely, if you make choices he dislikes, his approval will decrease, and he may even leave your party.

Common mistakes to avoid include ignoring Astarion's approval rating and not utilizing his skills effectively. For example, if you never use him to pick locks or scout ahead, you are missing out on some of his best abilities. Additionally, making choices that consistently lower his approval can lead to negative consequences, such as him refusing to help you in important situations.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Astarion's performance include equipping him with the best gear for a rogue, such as light armor and weapons that enhance his stealth and damage output. You can also multiclass him into another class, such as a fighter or ranger, to give him additional combat abilities. However, this requires careful planning and consideration of your overall party strategy.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, Astarion's abilities are based on the rogue class from the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons. This means he has access to features like sneak attack, cunning action, and expertise. Understanding these rules can help you make the most of his abilities in combat and exploration.

Specific examples and scenarios where Astarion shines include infiltrating enemy camps, sneaking past guards, and dealing with traps and locked doors. For instance, in the Goblin Camp, Astarion can sneak around and pick off enemies one by one, making the encounter much easier. In dungeons, his ability to disarm traps can save your party from taking unnecessary damage.

In conclusion, recruiting Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a straightforward sequence of events, but making the most of his abilities requires careful planning and attention to his approval rating. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that Astarion becomes a valuable and loyal member of your party.