What happens if I let Astarion turn me into a vampire in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, allowing Astarion to turn you into a vampire is a significant story choice that can have lasting consequences on your character and your relationship with him. This event is tied to Astarion's personal questline and requires specific conditions to be met. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, steps, and considerations involved in this process.

To begin, you must first recruit Astarion as a companion. He can be found early in Act 1, near the crashed Nautiloid ship. After recruiting him, you will need to build a strong relationship with him by making choices that align with his personality and goals. Astarion is a rogue with a chaotic and self-serving nature, so he tends to approve of actions that are cunning, ruthless, or self-preserving. Gaining his approval is crucial for progressing his personal questline and unlocking the option to become a vampire.

As you progress through the game, Astarion will eventually reveal his true nature as a vampire spawn. This revelation occurs during a long rest event where he attempts to bite you. You have the option to let him bite you, which will increase his approval and strengthen your bond. However, this is not the same as becoming a vampire yourself. To achieve that, you must continue to support Astarion and help him with his personal quest, which involves confronting his former master, Cazador.

In Act 3, you will encounter Cazador in Baldur's Gate. This is a pivotal moment in Astarion's questline. During the confrontation, you will have the opportunity to support Astarion in his desire to break free from Cazador's control and potentially ascend to full vampire status. If you choose to support Astarion in this endeavor, he will offer to turn you into a vampire as well. This is a major decision that will permanently alter your character and your relationship with Astarion.

If you agree to let Astarion turn you into a vampire, your character will undergo a transformation. This transformation grants you several benefits, including increased strength, enhanced senses, and the ability to regenerate health. However, it also comes with significant drawbacks, such as vulnerability to sunlight and a need to feed on blood to sustain yourself. These changes will affect your gameplay and interactions with other characters, as some NPCs may react negatively to your new vampiric nature.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, make sure to build a strong relationship with Astarion early on by making choices that align with his values. This will increase his approval and make him more likely to offer to turn you into a vampire. Second, be prepared for the consequences of becoming a vampire, as it will affect your interactions with other characters and your overall gameplay experience. Finally, consider the impact this decision will have on your party composition and combat tactics, as your new abilities and vulnerabilities may require adjustments to your strategy.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to build a strong relationship with Astarion, which can prevent you from unlocking the option to become a vampire. Additionally, failing to consider the long-term consequences of this decision can lead to unexpected challenges in the later stages of the game. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before making this choice.

Advanced techniques and optimizations for this path include leveraging your new vampiric abilities in combat. For example, your increased strength and regeneration can make you a formidable melee fighter, while your enhanced senses can give you an edge in stealth and perception checks. Additionally, you can use your need to feed on blood as a strategic advantage by targeting weaker enemies to sustain yourself during battles.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, becoming a vampire in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on the vampire spawn template from the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition ruleset. This template grants abilities such as darkvision, regeneration, and a bite attack, but also imposes vulnerabilities to sunlight and radiant damage. The game adapts these rules to fit its narrative and gameplay mechanics, providing a unique experience for players who choose this path.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Cazador in Act 3, where your choices will determine the outcome of Astarion's questline and your own transformation. If you support Astarion in his desire to ascend, he will offer to turn you into a vampire, leading to a dramatic and impactful moment in the story. This decision will shape your character's journey and your relationship with Astarion, making it a memorable and significant part of your playthrough.

In conclusion, allowing Astarion to turn you into a vampire in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and consequential choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By building a strong relationship with Astarion, supporting his personal quest, and understanding the implications of this transformation, you can unlock a unique and powerful path for your character. This choice will have lasting effects on your gameplay experience, making it a compelling option for players seeking a deeper connection with their companions and a more immersive story.