What are the best ways to gain approval from Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3?
Gaining approval from Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, preferences, and the approval mechanics tied to his character. Astarion is a high elf vampire spawn with a sharp wit, a penchant for mischief, and a morally ambiguous outlook on life. He tends to favor choices that are self-serving, cunning, and often morally questionable, while disapproving of overly altruistic or lawful good decisions. To build a strong relationship with him, you need to align your actions and dialogue choices with his worldview.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on a hidden numerical value that increases or decreases depending on your choices. Each companion has their own approval rating, and AstarionÔÇÖs is influenced by how you handle situations that involve deception, cruelty, or self-preservation. For example, he approves when you lie, manipulate, or prioritize your own survival over others. Conversely, he disapproves when you act selflessly, follow the rules, or show excessive kindness to strangers. Understanding this dynamic is key to gaining his favor.
One of the most effective ways to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval is through dialogue choices. During conversations, you should lean toward options that reflect a pragmatic or selfish mindset. For instance, when dealing with NPCs, choosing to deceive or intimidate them often earns his approval. In the early game, when you encounter the tieflings holding LaeÔÇÖzel in a cage, siding with AstarionÔÇÖs suggestion to leave her or mock her situation will earn his approval. Similarly, when you meet the goblins at the Goblin Camp, agreeing with their violent or chaotic behavior can also boost his approval.
Combat situations also provide opportunities to gain AstarionÔÇÖs favor. He appreciates when you use underhanded tactics or show a lack of concern for collateral damage. For example, using stealth to ambush enemies or exploiting environmental hazards to your advantage aligns with his preferences. Additionally, letting Astarion take the lead in combat, especially when it involves sneaky or brutal methods, can further increase his approval. If you allow him to use his vampiric abilities, such as biting enemies or drinking blood, he will also appreciate your support.
Another important aspect of gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval is through his personal questline. As you progress through the game, you will uncover more about his backstory and his desire to break free from his master, Cazador. Supporting his goals and encouraging his independence will earn his approval. For example, when he reveals his vampiric nature to you, choosing to accept him and not judge him harshly will significantly boost his approval. Similarly, when you encounter situations that allow him to assert his freedom or take revenge, siding with him will strengthen your bond.
ItÔÇÖs also worth noting that Astarion disapproves of overly altruistic or lawful good actions. For example, helping the tieflings in the Druid Grove or showing excessive concern for their well-being will often result in his disapproval. While itÔÇÖs possible to balance these choices with other actions that he approves of, focusing too much on altruism can make it difficult to gain his favor. Therefore, itÔÇÖs important to weigh your decisions carefully and prioritize actions that align with his preferences.
One common mistake players make is assuming that Astarion will approve of all chaotic or evil actions. While he does favor selfish and cunning behavior, he also has moments where he appreciates subtlety and wit. For example, he may disapprove of outright cruelty if it lacks finesse or purpose. Therefore, itÔÇÖs important to consider the context of your actions and choose options that reflect a clever or strategic mindset rather than mindless violence.
Advanced techniques for gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval involve leveraging his vampiric abilities and integrating them into your gameplay. For instance, allowing him to feed on enemies or even on you during certain moments can earn his approval. Additionally, using his rogue abilities to sneak, pickpocket, or disarm traps in a way that benefits the party can also increase his approval. These actions not only align with his character but also enhance your overall gameplay experience.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, AstarionÔÇÖs approval mechanics are tied to his alignment and personality traits. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, self-interest, and cleverness. This is reflected in the gameÔÇÖs approval system, where actions that align with these traits earn his favor. Understanding these underlying mechanics can help you make more informed decisions and build a stronger relationship with him.
Specific examples of gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval include siding with him during the confrontation with the Gur hunter in Act 1, where he reveals his vampiric nature. Choosing to defend him and not turn him over to the hunter will earn his approval. Another example is during the encounter with the hag Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands. If you choose to deceive her or exploit her for personal gain, Astarion will approve of your cunning and resourcefulness.
In conclusion, gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a careful balance of selfishness, cunning, and support for his personal goals. By aligning your actions with his preferences and understanding the underlying mechanics of the approval system, you can build a strong relationship with him. Avoiding overly altruistic choices, leveraging his vampiric abilities, and supporting his quest for freedom are key strategies for earning his favor. With these tips and considerations, you can successfully navigate the complexities of AstarionÔÇÖs character and deepen your bond with him throughout the game.
The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on a hidden numerical value that increases or decreases depending on your choices. Each companion has their own approval rating, and AstarionÔÇÖs is influenced by how you handle situations that involve deception, cruelty, or self-preservation. For example, he approves when you lie, manipulate, or prioritize your own survival over others. Conversely, he disapproves when you act selflessly, follow the rules, or show excessive kindness to strangers. Understanding this dynamic is key to gaining his favor.
One of the most effective ways to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval is through dialogue choices. During conversations, you should lean toward options that reflect a pragmatic or selfish mindset. For instance, when dealing with NPCs, choosing to deceive or intimidate them often earns his approval. In the early game, when you encounter the tieflings holding LaeÔÇÖzel in a cage, siding with AstarionÔÇÖs suggestion to leave her or mock her situation will earn his approval. Similarly, when you meet the goblins at the Goblin Camp, agreeing with their violent or chaotic behavior can also boost his approval.
Combat situations also provide opportunities to gain AstarionÔÇÖs favor. He appreciates when you use underhanded tactics or show a lack of concern for collateral damage. For example, using stealth to ambush enemies or exploiting environmental hazards to your advantage aligns with his preferences. Additionally, letting Astarion take the lead in combat, especially when it involves sneaky or brutal methods, can further increase his approval. If you allow him to use his vampiric abilities, such as biting enemies or drinking blood, he will also appreciate your support.
Another important aspect of gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval is through his personal questline. As you progress through the game, you will uncover more about his backstory and his desire to break free from his master, Cazador. Supporting his goals and encouraging his independence will earn his approval. For example, when he reveals his vampiric nature to you, choosing to accept him and not judge him harshly will significantly boost his approval. Similarly, when you encounter situations that allow him to assert his freedom or take revenge, siding with him will strengthen your bond.
ItÔÇÖs also worth noting that Astarion disapproves of overly altruistic or lawful good actions. For example, helping the tieflings in the Druid Grove or showing excessive concern for their well-being will often result in his disapproval. While itÔÇÖs possible to balance these choices with other actions that he approves of, focusing too much on altruism can make it difficult to gain his favor. Therefore, itÔÇÖs important to weigh your decisions carefully and prioritize actions that align with his preferences.
One common mistake players make is assuming that Astarion will approve of all chaotic or evil actions. While he does favor selfish and cunning behavior, he also has moments where he appreciates subtlety and wit. For example, he may disapprove of outright cruelty if it lacks finesse or purpose. Therefore, itÔÇÖs important to consider the context of your actions and choose options that reflect a clever or strategic mindset rather than mindless violence.
Advanced techniques for gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval involve leveraging his vampiric abilities and integrating them into your gameplay. For instance, allowing him to feed on enemies or even on you during certain moments can earn his approval. Additionally, using his rogue abilities to sneak, pickpocket, or disarm traps in a way that benefits the party can also increase his approval. These actions not only align with his character but also enhance your overall gameplay experience.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, AstarionÔÇÖs approval mechanics are tied to his alignment and personality traits. As a chaotic neutral character, he values freedom, self-interest, and cleverness. This is reflected in the gameÔÇÖs approval system, where actions that align with these traits earn his favor. Understanding these underlying mechanics can help you make more informed decisions and build a stronger relationship with him.
Specific examples of gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval include siding with him during the confrontation with the Gur hunter in Act 1, where he reveals his vampiric nature. Choosing to defend him and not turn him over to the hunter will earn his approval. Another example is during the encounter with the hag Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands. If you choose to deceive her or exploit her for personal gain, Astarion will approve of your cunning and resourcefulness.
In conclusion, gaining AstarionÔÇÖs approval in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a careful balance of selfishness, cunning, and support for his personal goals. By aligning your actions with his preferences and understanding the underlying mechanics of the approval system, you can build a strong relationship with him. Avoiding overly altruistic choices, leveraging his vampiric abilities, and supporting his quest for freedom are key strategies for earning his favor. With these tips and considerations, you can successfully navigate the complexities of AstarionÔÇÖs character and deepen your bond with him throughout the game.