How to Maximize Astarion’s Approval in Baldur’s Gate 3: Act 3
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’ve reached Act 3 in Baldur’s Gate 3 and you’re finding Astarion a bit…difficult? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This charismatic vampire spawn has his quirks, but with the right approach, you can definitely earn his approval and potentially unlock his personal quest’s most impactful outcomes.
The key to increasing Astarion’s approval in Act 3 boils down to a few core principles: understanding his values, supporting his autonomy, and engaging with his personal quest line. He appreciates displays of cunning, power, and pragmatism. He strongly dislikes displays of excessive altruism or being controlled. Act 3 provides numerous opportunities to align yourself with these values, and successfully navigating his companion quest is critical to securing high approval. Always prioritize options that allow Astarion to make his own choices, particularly regarding his transformation. Remember that Act 3 often presents moral dilemmas that require you to balance your character’s values with Astarion’s.
Understanding Astarion’s Approval System
Astarion, like all companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, has a hidden approval rating that influences his dialogue, reactions, and ultimately, the direction of his personal quest. This approval rating is affected by your choices, actions, and dialogue options throughout the game. You won’t see a numerical value, but you’ll notice changes in his dialogue and attitude. Astarion is complex, so knowing his core characteristics is essential.
Key Traits Influencing Approval
- Self-Preservation: Astarion prioritizes his own survival and freedom. He distrusts displays of blind faith or self-sacrifice.
- Power & Control: He seeks to gain power and control over his own destiny, especially after centuries of servitude to Cazador.
- Pragmatism: He values practicality and efficiency, often favoring the most direct (and sometimes ruthless) solutions to problems.
- Sarcasm & Wit: Astarion appreciates a sharp wit and a cynical outlook. He’s often amused by sarcasm and irreverence.
- Autonomy: Above all else, Astarion values the ability to make his own choices. Any attempt to force him down a path will dramatically reduce his approval.
Act 3 Opportunities: Increasing Astarion’s Approval
Act 3 is rife with scenarios that can significantly impact Astarion’s approval. Keep these situations in mind:
- The Cazador Szarr Questline: This is paramount. How you handle Cazador and Astarion’s transformation at the end of the quest will have the most substantial impact on his approval. Supporting Astarion’s choice, whether he ascends or rejects the ritual, is crucial for maximizing approval and potentially unlocking his best ending.
- Dealing with Raphael: Raphael’s deals and temptations can align with Astarion’s desire for power. Weigh the consequences, but consider Astarion’s perspective when making decisions involving devils and pacts.
- Helping the Gur: The Gur hunters pursuing Astarion present a moral dilemma. While Astarion may not explicitly express it, siding with him or finding a pragmatic solution that benefits him (or at least doesn’t harm him) will generally increase his approval.
- Interacting with Various Factions: The Lower City is full of competing factions. Look for opportunities to use cunning and manipulation to navigate these conflicts, as Astarion appreciates displays of intelligence and resourcefulness.
- Dialogue Choices: Pay close attention to your dialogue options in conversations with Astarion and other characters. Choose options that reflect his values and support his decisions.
- Giving Him the Spotlight: In dialogue with NPCs, let Astarion take the lead when it makes sense. His unique situation as a vampire spawn allows him to say things other characters can’t, which he appreciates.
- Supporting His “Hunger”: Manage Astarion’s bloodlust responsibly. Allowing him to feed (on appropriate targets, of course) will maintain his approval. Don’t try to force him into complete abstinence unless he explicitly chooses it.
Avoiding Approval Loss
Be mindful of actions that will decrease Astarion’s approval:
- Forcing Altruism: Avoid consistently choosing the “good” option when it’s clearly detrimental to Astarion’s interests.
- Displaying Blind Trust: Astarion is inherently distrustful. Showing excessive naivete or blindly trusting others will lower his approval.
- Controlling Him: Resist the urge to control Astarion’s decisions or dictate his actions. He values his freedom above all else.
- Opposing His Choices in the Cazador Quest: Directly opposing Astarion’s decisions during his personal questline, especially regarding the ritual, will lead to significant approval loss.
- Constantly Judging Him: While you don’t have to agree with everything Astarion does, avoid constantly criticizing him or making him feel ashamed of his nature.
Remember, Astarion is a complex character with a traumatic past. Understanding his motivations and respecting his autonomy are key to earning his approval and unlocking the most fulfilling outcome for his personal quest. Games are often complex simulations of life, and that is reflected here. To learn more about the psychology of games and learning, you can visit Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the fastest way to increase Astarion’s approval in Act 3?
Focus on his personal quest, The Pale Elf. Supporting his choices during the Cazador fight and the subsequent ritual decision is the most significant factor. Choose dialogue options that favor autonomy and strategic thinking in other situations.
2. Does letting Astarion bite people increase his approval?
Yes, allowing Astarion to bite people does increase his approval, but choose your targets carefully. Attacking innocent civilians will likely decrease the approval of other companions. Find morally ambiguous or evil characters for him to feed on.
3. Should I encourage Astarion to become a Vampire Ascendant?
This is a complex choice. Supporting his decision, whatever it may be, is crucial for maximizing approval. If you think he’s ready, give him space to become a Vampire Ascendant. Conversely, preventing the ritual is okay as long as he is the one who makes the decision.
4. What happens if Astarion’s approval is very low?
If Astarion’s approval is extremely low, he may become hostile and leave your party. This can also lead to a negative outcome in his personal quest.
5. Can I romance Astarion with low approval?
It’s unlikely. A successful romance with Astarion requires a high approval rating. He needs to trust and respect you before he’ll open up.
6. How do I know if I’m gaining or losing Astarion’s approval?
You won’t see a numerical value, but pay attention to his dialogue and reactions. He’ll be more agreeable and friendly when his approval is high, and more sarcastic and dismissive when it’s low. Look for dialogue cues indicating approval increases or decreases.
7. Does Astarion approve of helping the refugees?
Not necessarily. While he might not explicitly disapprove of helping refugees in general, he’s unlikely to actively support altruistic endeavors unless there’s a clear benefit for himself or the party.
8. Is Astarion evil?
That’s a matter of perspective. He’s certainly pragmatic and willing to use morally questionable methods to achieve his goals. However, he’s not inherently malicious. He’s a survivor, and his actions are often driven by a desire for freedom and self-preservation.
9. How does Astarion feel about Shadowheart?
Their relationship is complex and depends on your choices. They can bond over their shared cynicism, but they can also clash due to their conflicting ideologies.
10. Can Astarion become a full vampire?
Yes, Astarion can become a full vampire through the Vampire Ascendant ritual. This significantly alters his powers and personality.
11. What are the consequences of Astarion becoming a Vampire Ascendant?
Ascending grants Astarion immense power, but it also comes at a cost. He becomes more ruthless and detached, potentially sacrificing his humanity for power.
12. Does Astarion approve of siding with the Absolute?
No. Siding with the Absolute is generally a terrible idea if you’re trying to keep Astarion on your side. He craves freedom and hates being controlled, which are the antithesis of the Absolute’s goals.
13. What’s the best ending for Astarion?
This is subjective and depends on your interpretation of his character. Some players prefer the Ascendant ending, believing it gives him the power he craves. Others believe the best ending is rejecting the ritual, allowing him to finally be free from Cazador’s influence without sacrificing his soul.
14. Can I respec Astarion to a different class without affecting his approval?
Respeccing Astarion to a different class does not directly affect his approval. However, if the class you choose clashes with his personality or playstyle, it might indirectly lead to disapproval in combat situations.
15. How do I get Astarion to open up about his past?
Building trust and high approval are essential. Engage in conversations with him, show empathy (without being overly sentimental), and support his choices. As his approval increases, he’ll gradually reveal more about his traumatic experiences.