Unlocking Astarion’s Affection: A Comprehensive Guide to His Approval Decisions in Baldur’s Gate 3

Astarion, the alluring and enigmatic High Elf vampire spawn, is arguably one of the most popular companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. Winning his approval can be tricky, however, as he possesses a distinct worldview shaped by centuries of manipulation and survival. Astarion primarily approves of decisions that prioritize self-preservation, power, and freedom from oppression. He generally favors solutions that involve cunning, manipulation, and a disregard for traditional morality. Acts of kindness and self-sacrifice are often met with skepticism, while displays of dominance and self-interest are more likely to earn his favor. This guide delves into the specific choices that will win you Astarion’s approval, helping you navigate his complex personality and build a meaningful, albeit unconventional, relationship.

Understanding Astarion’s Core Values

To truly understand Astarion’s approval decisions, it’s crucial to grasp his core values. He’s lived a life of servitude and torment, shaping his cynical outlook. He values:

• Self-Preservation: Astarion is first and foremost concerned with his own survival. Choices that endanger him or put him at a disadvantage are highly likely to earn his disapproval.
• Power and Control: After centuries of being controlled, Astarion craves power and autonomy. He respects those who seize control of their own destiny and exert influence over others.
• Freedom from Oppression: Astarion despises being controlled or manipulated. He is sympathetic to others who are suffering under oppressive regimes or powerful figures.
• Cunning and Deception: Astarion believes that honesty is often a liability. He appreciates clever schemes and deceptive tactics that allow him to achieve his goals without resorting to brute force.

Key Decision Areas that Affect Astarion’s Approval

Several key decision areas throughout the game significantly impact Astarion’s approval. These include:

Helping Those in Need vs. Prioritizing Self-Interest

This is perhaps the biggest sticking point in gaining Astarion’s approval. While he isn’t completely devoid of compassion, he’s far more likely to approve of decisions that prioritize the party’s safety and well-being over altruistic acts. Rescuing refugees or offering aid to the downtrodden may be seen as naive or wasteful in his eyes. However, remember that outright cruelty or unnecessary violence will often result in disapproval, even from Astarion.

Dealing with Authority Figures

Astarion generally distrusts authority figures, especially those who wield power unjustly. Challenging corrupt officials, defying oppressive rules, or undermining powerful organizations will usually earn his approval. However, blindly defying authority without a clear plan or benefit to the party may be seen as reckless.

Confronting Cazador Szarr

The Cazador Szarr storyline is incredibly personal for Astarion. Decisions related to Cazador, and Astarion’s ascension, will have major implications on the relationship. Astarion appreciates help dealing with Cazador.

Resolving Conflicts

Astarion typically prefers solutions that involve manipulation, deception, or intimidation over direct confrontation. He values clever thinking and resourcefulness in resolving conflicts. He is also far less worried about causing harm to others if it benefits the party.

Romantic Choices

Your romantic choices will naturally impact your relationship with Astarion. He appreciates honesty and respect for his boundaries, even if those boundaries are unconventional. Trying to force him into a traditional relationship or pressuring him to change his nature will likely lead to disapproval.

Specific Examples of Approval Decisions

Here are some specific examples of decisions that will likely earn Astarion’s approval:

• Taking advantage of vulnerable individuals (within reason – excessive cruelty will still garner disapproval).
• Negotiating for better rewards or exploiting loopholes in contracts.
• Choosing dialogue options that are sarcastic, witty, or manipulative.
• Prioritizing the party’s safety over helping others in dangerous situations.
• Using deception or intimidation to resolve conflicts.
• Supporting his desire for power and freedom from Cazador.
• Showing respect for his boundaries and allowing him to be himself.

Conversely, these decisions will likely lead to disapproval:

• Making selfless sacrifices without considering the consequences.
• Trusting authority figures blindly.
• Acting naively or foolishly.
• Being overly sentimental or emotional.
• Condemning his vampire nature.
• Attempting to “cure” him of his vampirism against his will.
• Consistently choosing the “good” option without considering alternative solutions.

The Importance of Nuance

It’s important to remember that Astarion’s approval isn’t a simple binary. There’s a significant amount of nuance involved. He may disapprove of a seemingly altruistic act, but he might also respect the conviction behind it. He might approve of a manipulative tactic, but he could also find it distasteful.

Paying attention to his dialogue and reactions is key to understanding his motivations and predicting his responses. Experiment with different choices and see how he reacts. The best way to build a strong relationship with Astarion is to understand his perspective and respect his choices, even if you don’t always agree with them. The Games Learning Society explores complex character motivations and player agency in interactive narratives like Baldur’s Gate 3, showcasing how these elements contribute to engaging and meaningful gameplay.

FAQs: Mastering the Art of Astarion’s Approval

1. Does Astarion approve of helping the Tieflings in the Emerald Grove?

It’s a mixed bag. He might disapprove of overly altruistic actions towards them, but he’ll also disapprove of outright cruelty. Find a balance. Saving them because it benefits you or allows you to gain power will be better received than simply doing it out of the goodness of your heart.

2. How does Astarion react to killing goblins?

He generally approves, as he sees them as a threat. Slaughtering them indiscriminately might earn a slight disapproval if it’s unnecessarily brutal, but eliminating them strategically to weaken their forces will likely earn his favor.

3. Does Astarion approve of using Illithid powers?

Yes, generally. He sees the potential power in them and is less squeamish about using them than some other companions.

4. How does Astarion react to romance?

He’s open to romance, but it’s important to respect his boundaries and understand his past trauma. A slow burn, focused on mutual respect and understanding, is more likely to be successful than a rushed or forceful approach.

5. What happens if Astarion’s approval is very low?

He may leave the party, become hostile, or simply remain distant and unhelpful. Maintaining at least a neutral relationship is crucial for keeping him around.

6. Does Astarion approve of siding with the Absolute?

No, definitely not. He values his freedom too much to submit to anyone’s control, even the Absolute’s.

7. What are some easy ways to gain Astarion’s approval early in the game?

Choose dialogue options that are sarcastic or self-serving, and prioritize the party’s survival over helping others in the early encounters.

8. How important is Astarion’s approval for his personal quest?

It’s crucial. A higher approval rating will unlock more dialogue options and influence the outcome of his personal quest related to Cazador.

9. Can Astarion’s approval be improved after making a mistake?

Yes, you can recover from mistakes by making choices that align with his values in the future. Dialogue options and specific actions can help repair the relationship.

10. Does Astarion approve of letting Lae’zel stay in the party?

He’s generally indifferent, but he might disapprove of her overly aggressive or xenophobic behavior if it puts the party at risk.

11. What are some gifts that Astarion might appreciate?

He doesn’t have specific gift preferences like some companions. Focus on actions and dialogue choices that resonate with his values.

12. How does Astarion react to the player character being a vampire spawn?

He’s intrigued and empathetic. This can form a strong bond between you, as you both understand the struggles of being a vampire spawn.

13. Can Astarion’s approval be used to influence other characters?

Indirectly, yes. By gaining Astarion’s trust, you can unlock new dialogue options and strategies that may influence other characters in the game.

14. How do Astarion’s views change throughout the game?

As Astarion confronts his past and experiences new relationships, his views may evolve. Paying attention to his dialogue will reveal subtle shifts in his perspective.

15. What’s the biggest mistake players make when trying to gain Astarion’s approval?

Trying to force him to be “good” or to conform to traditional morality. He’s a complex character with a unique perspective, and respecting that is key to earning his trust and affection. You can find more on game design and player interaction at GamesLearningSociety.org.