Can You Start a Romance with Astarion in Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3?
In most cases, the short answer is no. Initiating a brand new romance with Astarion in Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3 is highly unlikely. Astarion, like other companions, has a romance arc that primarily unfolds during the earlier acts of the game, specifically Act 1 and Act 2. While Act 3 can deepen an existing romance, it is usually too late to start from scratch. This is because the foundations of your relationship with him, built on approval, shared experiences, and key dialogue choices, would ideally be solidified well before reaching Baldur’s Gate.
Why is Starting an Astarion Romance in Act 3 So Difficult?
The romance mechanics in Baldur’s Gate 3 are intricately tied to approval ratings and key story moments. Astarion’s approval is influenced by your actions, dialogue choices, and overall alignment. He favors characters who are ruthless, appreciate finer things, and support his own ambitions, even if those ambitions are morally questionable. If you’ve consistently acted against his preferences throughout the first two acts, his approval will likely be too low to trigger the necessary romance flags in Act 3.
Furthermore, crucial romance events and dialogue options that solidify the relationship typically occur earlier in the game. Missing these key moments significantly reduces your chances of initiating a romance in Act 3. By the time you reach Baldur’s Gate, Astarion’s character arc is well underway, and he is less receptive to new romantic interests if he hasn’t shown interest earlier on.
Can You Deepen an Existing Romance with Astarion in Act 3?
Absolutely! Act 3 is where established romances are tested and developed further. If you’ve successfully romanced Astarion in the previous acts, you’ll find new dialogue options, cutscenes, and narrative developments that will enrich your relationship.
One of the most important aspects of Astarion’s Act 3 content revolves around his personal quest involving Cazador. Completing this quest, and making specific choices during its resolution, will heavily influence the future of your relationship with Astarion. Depending on your choices, you can experience a “good” or “bad” ending with him, further solidifying the importance of choices made along the way.
The Cazador Quest and its Impact
The Cazador Szarr quest is crucial. It’s not just about defeating a powerful vampire lord; it’s about helping Astarion confront his past, his trauma, and his potential future.
- If you support Astarion’s desire to ascend: This might seem like an appealing option for those playing a more ruthless character. However, ascending Astarion has significant consequences. While he gains power, his personality shifts, and the dynamic of your relationship changes drastically.
- If you dissuade Astarion from ascending: This path allows Astarion to break free from Cazador’s influence and begin to heal. It’s generally considered the “good” ending for his character arc.
Your choices during the Cazador quest will determine the tone and direction of your romance with Astarion in Act 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Romancing Astarion
1. What is the minimum approval rating needed to romance Astarion?
A “Fair” approval rating is generally considered the minimum to kickstart his romance in Act 1, especially during the Tiefling party. However, aiming for “High” or “Very High” ensures a smoother romance progression.
2. What actions boost Astarion’s approval rating?
Astarion generally approves of:
- Displays of ruthlessness and power.
- Supporting him in his quest to deal with his vampirism.
- Appreciating fine things and opulence.
- Aligning with morally questionable characters like goblins and devils.
3. What actions decrease Astarion’s approval rating?
Astarion generally disapproves of:
- Acts of altruism and selflessness.
- Showing sympathy for his victims.
- Taking the high road in morally ambiguous situations.
- Being overly trusting or naive.
4. Do I have to let Astarion bite me to romance him?
No, it’s not mandatory. While allowing Astarion to bite you early on can boost his approval, refusing him doesn’t lock you out of a romance. It simply requires you to work harder to gain his approval through other means.
5. Can Astarion be romanced in a “good” playthrough?
Yes, it is possible to achieve a good ending with Astarion, particularly by dissuading him from ascending during the Cazador quest. This path allows him to confront his past and begin to heal, leading to a more fulfilling relationship.
6. Is Astarion polyamorous?
Astarion is generally open to polyamorous relationships. He may be willing to share a partner with other companions like Halsin, Minthara, or Mizora.
7. Will other companions get jealous if I romance Astarion?
Some companions, like Shadowheart and Lae’zel, can get jealous if you pursue multiple romantic interests simultaneously. Be mindful of their preferences and manage your relationships accordingly.
8. Can I romance Astarion and Karlach simultaneously?
Karlach is open to the player having other intimate relationships. This makes her a compatible choice for a polyamorous relationship with Astarion.
9. What happens if Astarion drinks my blood?
Allowing Astarion to drink your blood grants him a temporary buff, but it also inflicts the Bloodless debuff on your character, reducing your ability checks until the next long rest.
10. Can I revive Astarion if he dies during the bite scene?
While there is a small risk of death during the bite scene, you can typically revive Astarion using spells like Revivify or scrolls of resurrection.
11. What happens if I support Astarion’s ascension?
Supporting Astarion’s ascension transforms him into a powerful vampire ascendant. He is a changed being which affects the nature of your relationship.
12. How does the ending with Astarion change based on whether he ascends or not?
If Astarion ascends, the ending will be darker, reflecting his newfound power and ruthless nature. If he rejects ascension, the ending will be more hopeful, focusing on his healing and potential for a better future.
13. Can I romance Astarion if I initially reject him at the Tiefling party?
Yes, you can still romance Astarion even if you initially reject him at the Tiefling party. Continue to build his approval and pursue romance options in later acts.
14. Is Astarion’s romance different for different player character races or classes?
Astarion’s core romance arc remains the same regardless of your character’s race or class. However, certain dialogue options and events may have slight variations depending on your choices and character build.
15. Where can I find more information and strategies for romancing Astarion?
You can find more information and strategies on dedicated gaming wikis, forums, and online guides. Remember, experimentation and role-playing are part of the fun! You can also learn about games and how we learn from games at Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org today!
Act 3 is about seeing the consequences of your choices. The seeds of romance were planted long before, and Act 3 is the harvest. While starting fresh might be a challenge, building upon what you have already is definitely worthwhile.