How do I increase approval with Astarion without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3?
Increasing approval with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing approval from other companions requires a careful balance of dialogue choices, actions, and understanding the personalities of your party members. Astarion is a morally ambiguous character who often approves of selfish, cunning, or chaotic actions, while other companions like Wyll, Gale, or Karlach may disapprove of such behavior. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to navigate this dynamic.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices in dialogue, quests, and combat. Astarion, being a vampire spawn with a penchant for mischief and self-preservation, tends to favor choices that prioritize personal gain, deception, or cruelty. However, many of these choices can clash with the moral compass of companions like Wyll or Gale, who prefer altruistic or lawful decisions.
To increase AstarionÔÇÖs approval without alienating others, focus on neutral or universally acceptable actions. For example, Astarion approves of witty or sarcastic dialogue options, which often donÔÇÖt carry heavy moral implications. In conversations, choose responses that are clever or humorous rather than outright cruel. This allows you to gain AstarionÔÇÖs favor without triggering disapproval from others.
Another strategy is to exploit moments where AstarionÔÇÖs approval gains donÔÇÖt conflict with other companions. For instance, during the early game, when you first meet Astarion, he approves if you let him feed on you during a long rest. This is a personal interaction that doesnÔÇÖt involve other companions, so it wonÔÇÖt affect their approval. Similarly, during his personal questline, supporting his desire for freedom and power will earn his approval without necessarily upsetting others.
In group interactions, avoid making extreme choices that clearly favor AstarionÔÇÖs preferences. For example, if you encounter a situation where you can either help someone in need or exploit them for personal gain, consider a middle ground. Sometimes, choosing to walk away or remain neutral can prevent disapproval from both Astarion and other companions. This requires careful reading of the dialogue options and anticipating how each companion might react.
Combat can also be a source of approval gains. Astarion appreciates tactical and ruthless approaches, such as using stealth or finishing off enemies decisively. However, these actions are generally neutral in terms of companion approval, so they wonÔÇÖt negatively impact others. Focus on using AstarionÔÇÖs rogue abilities effectively in combat, as this aligns with his personality and can subtly increase his approval.
One advanced technique is to manage your party composition strategically. If you know a particular quest or dialogue choice will favor Astarion but upset another companion, consider leaving the disapproving companion at camp. This way, you can make choices that please Astarion without worrying about the consequences for others. For example, if youÔÇÖre about to engage in a morally dubious activity, swap out Wyll or Gale for a companion like LaeÔÇÖzel, who is more likely to tolerate or even approve of such actions.
ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid common mistakes, such as making impulsive decisions without considering the broader implications. For instance, siding with goblins or other antagonistic factions might please Astarion but will almost certainly upset companions like Wyll or Karlach. Always weigh the potential approval gains and losses before committing to a course of action.
Finally, remember that approval is not the only factor in building relationships. Completing AstarionÔÇÖs personal questline and engaging in meaningful conversations will deepen your bond with him, even if you donÔÇÖt always choose the options he prefers. Similarly, maintaining a balanced approach with other companions will ensure that your party remains cohesive and supportive.
In summary, increasing AstarionÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a nuanced approach. Focus on neutral or clever dialogue choices, exploit personal interactions, and manage your party composition strategically. Avoid extreme actions that clearly favor Astarion at the expense of others, and always consider the broader implications of your decisions. By balancing these elements, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion while maintaining harmony within your party.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices in dialogue, quests, and combat. Astarion, being a vampire spawn with a penchant for mischief and self-preservation, tends to favor choices that prioritize personal gain, deception, or cruelty. However, many of these choices can clash with the moral compass of companions like Wyll or Gale, who prefer altruistic or lawful decisions.
To increase AstarionÔÇÖs approval without alienating others, focus on neutral or universally acceptable actions. For example, Astarion approves of witty or sarcastic dialogue options, which often donÔÇÖt carry heavy moral implications. In conversations, choose responses that are clever or humorous rather than outright cruel. This allows you to gain AstarionÔÇÖs favor without triggering disapproval from others.
Another strategy is to exploit moments where AstarionÔÇÖs approval gains donÔÇÖt conflict with other companions. For instance, during the early game, when you first meet Astarion, he approves if you let him feed on you during a long rest. This is a personal interaction that doesnÔÇÖt involve other companions, so it wonÔÇÖt affect their approval. Similarly, during his personal questline, supporting his desire for freedom and power will earn his approval without necessarily upsetting others.
In group interactions, avoid making extreme choices that clearly favor AstarionÔÇÖs preferences. For example, if you encounter a situation where you can either help someone in need or exploit them for personal gain, consider a middle ground. Sometimes, choosing to walk away or remain neutral can prevent disapproval from both Astarion and other companions. This requires careful reading of the dialogue options and anticipating how each companion might react.
Combat can also be a source of approval gains. Astarion appreciates tactical and ruthless approaches, such as using stealth or finishing off enemies decisively. However, these actions are generally neutral in terms of companion approval, so they wonÔÇÖt negatively impact others. Focus on using AstarionÔÇÖs rogue abilities effectively in combat, as this aligns with his personality and can subtly increase his approval.
One advanced technique is to manage your party composition strategically. If you know a particular quest or dialogue choice will favor Astarion but upset another companion, consider leaving the disapproving companion at camp. This way, you can make choices that please Astarion without worrying about the consequences for others. For example, if youÔÇÖre about to engage in a morally dubious activity, swap out Wyll or Gale for a companion like LaeÔÇÖzel, who is more likely to tolerate or even approve of such actions.
ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid common mistakes, such as making impulsive decisions without considering the broader implications. For instance, siding with goblins or other antagonistic factions might please Astarion but will almost certainly upset companions like Wyll or Karlach. Always weigh the potential approval gains and losses before committing to a course of action.
Finally, remember that approval is not the only factor in building relationships. Completing AstarionÔÇÖs personal questline and engaging in meaningful conversations will deepen your bond with him, even if you donÔÇÖt always choose the options he prefers. Similarly, maintaining a balanced approach with other companions will ensure that your party remains cohesive and supportive.
In summary, increasing AstarionÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a nuanced approach. Focus on neutral or clever dialogue choices, exploit personal interactions, and manage your party composition strategically. Avoid extreme actions that clearly favor Astarion at the expense of others, and always consider the broader implications of your decisions. By balancing these elements, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion while maintaining harmony within your party.