A Second Bite at the Cherry: Recruiting Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3
Yes, you absolutely can get a second chance to recruit the charming (and bloodthirsty) rogue, Astarion, in Baldur’s Gate 3, under specific circumstances. The key lies in Act 1 and your interactions – or lack thereof – with him. If you initially miss him or choose to ignore him on the Ravaged Beach, he’ll remain there, patiently (or perhaps impatiently) awaiting your reconsideration, even after you’ve progressed to Act 2. However, once you move into Act 3, the window of opportunity slams shut, leading to potentially grim consequences for our pale-skinned friend.
Astarion: Missed Opportunities and Alternative Paths
Many players, especially on their initial playthroughs, may unknowingly skip over Astarion, either through oversight or a conscious decision to explore other areas first. The good news is Larian Studios, the game’s developer, has implemented a mechanic allowing players to backtrack and rectify this decision. Provided you haven’t entered Act 3, Astarion will remain in his initial location on the beach.
The Grymforge Encounter: A Potential “Second Chance” (of Sorts)
There’s also a mention in some sources of a potential Astarion encounter in the Underdark around the Grymforge, but this seems to be conditional and linked to a specific scenario where he’s somehow trying to get closer to the Absolute. If you find him there without having recruited him earlier, you’ll once again have the option to recruit, ignore, or kill him. Be warned that finding him here instead of the Ravaged Beach means you have likely missed the opportunity to resolve the Gandrel encounter and learn more about Astarion’s background organically, but that is not the major issue. This Grymforge encounter is not very common. So you do not need to depend on it.
The Point of No Return
Crucially, once you transition to Act 3 without recruiting Astarion, his fate is sealed. The game world progresses, and Astarion’s story arc takes a decidedly dark turn. The consequences of leaving him behind are significant and irreversible. Essentially, by the time you enter Act 3, the game considers Astarion’s story as resolved–though not by you–making him no longer available for recruitment. This is an important turning point in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Astarion
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Astarion and the consequences of your choices regarding him, designed to deepen your understanding of his character and impact on the game:
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What happens to Astarion if you don’t recruit him and enter Act 3?
As the article indicates, it doesn’t end well. Astarion ends up back in the clutches of his cruel master, Cazador Szarr, with fatal results. The game effectively assumes he’s captured and subjected to Cazador’s torment, and he’s removed from the game world entirely.
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Can you romance Astarion if you miss recruiting him in Act 1?
No. Romancing Astarion requires having him in your party and building a relationship throughout the game. Missing him in Act 1 and entering Act 3 means you lose the opportunity to romance him entirely.
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What are the consequences of letting Astarion complete the Ascension Ritual?
Allowing Astarion to become the Vampire Ascendant grants him immense power but at the cost of thousands of innocent lives. He also becomes increasingly megalomaniacal and difficult to manage, potentially impacting your party’s dynamics and the overall ending of the game.
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Should you let Astarion become a Vampire Lord (Ascendant)?
The decision is a moral one. If you prioritize power above all else and are willing to sacrifice innocent lives, then ascending Astarion might be appealing. However, be prepared for the negative consequences on his personality and your relationship with him, as well as the significant change in your party dynamics.
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Will Astarion break up with you during his questline?
Yes, there are specific dialogue choices during interactions with his siblings that can lead to Astarion breaking up with you, particularly if you appear to be willing to hand him over or express regret about your relationship. These moments are testing your commitment to him.
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Can you still recruit Astarion if you’ve already started the Druid Grove questline?
Yes. The Druid Grove questline doesn’t prevent you from recruiting Astarion. He remains available on the beach until you progress to Act 2, irrespective of your progress in other quests. You should still be able to find him and trigger the initial encounter.
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What happens if you fail to stake Astarion after his first attempt to feed?
Failing the check to stake Astarion results in him fleeing your camp temporarily. However, he returns shortly afterward, allowing you to continue the dialogue and ultimately decide whether to accept him into your party.
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Can you fight Cazador without Astarion in your party?
Absolutely. You can choose to exclude Astarion from the final confrontation with Cazador, either because you disapprove of his potential ascension or prefer a different party composition. It won’t affect your party’s progression through the game.
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Can Astarion turn your player character into a vampire?
Yes, Astarion offers the player character the opportunity to become a vampire by drinking his blood. However, the resulting vampire status is weaker than Astarion’s, offering some benefits but also limitations.
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Can you save Astarion from the effects of sunlight?
The Mind Flayer tadpole protects Astarion from sunlight. This is a crucial aspect of his character within the game’s lore. It also enables him to travel with the party during the day without any ill effects. The tadpole is basically his sunscreen!
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Should you tell Gandrel the vampire hunter about Astarion?
Revealing Astarion’s location to Gandrel will lead to Astarion permanently leaving your party and ending his questline prematurely. Doing so also negatively impacts the approval of other companions who value loyalty and discretion.
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What happens if you choose aggressive dialogue options, like headbutting Astarion, during your first encounter?
Aggressive options initially escalate the encounter, but it ultimately resolves peacefully. You can still invite Astarion to join your party, regardless of your initial hostility. The key is that you express interest in learning more about the situation.
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Is it possible to romance both Astarion and another companion simultaneously?
Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for complex relationships, including polyamorous ones, but it depends on the specific companions and your choices. Romancing both Astarion and Karlach simultaneously may lead to conflicts or require careful navigation of dialogue options.
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What is the “morally good” ending for Astarion?
The “morally good” ending for Astarion involves preventing his ascension and helping him overcome his past trauma. This often results in him being unable to walk in the sun, which brings with it melancholy, but also a newfound freedom from Cazador’s control.
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Why might Astarion refuse to talk to you?
Astarion’s willingness to engage with you depends heavily on his approval rating. If you consistently make choices he disapproves of or have a significantly negative relationship, he’ll become distant and unwilling to confide in you. Earning his trust and approval is key to unlocking his personal story and romance options.
Remember to always consider the long-term consequences of your choices in Baldur’s Gate 3, as they can significantly impact the fates of your companions and the overall narrative. The decisions you make for your group will be with them for the rest of your adventure.
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