When it comes to dangerous charm, tragic backstories, and unforgettable intimacy, no companion in Baldur’s Gate 3 rivals Astarion.
Astarion, the charming vampire spawn rogue, offers one of the game’s most captivating and layered romance arcs. Underneath his seductive grin lies centuries of torment, a thirst for freedom, and a yearning to rediscover humanity—or fully embrace power.
This guide covers everything you need to know from raising his approval to navigating key romance scenes across all three acts.
Who Is Astarion?
Astarion Ancunin is a high-elf rogue and vampire spawn, enslaved for over 200 years by the sadistic vampire lord Cazador. He hides his trauma with wit, flirtation, and bravado—but slowly opens up as your relationship grows. Your choices shape whether he remains a tortured soul, finds peace, or becomes something even darker.
What Astarion Likes
- Supporting his vampirism: Let him bite you (early game) and defend his autonomy.
- Evil-aligned choices: Side with goblins, devils, or morally dubious factions.
- Ruthlessness: Mock the weak, betray NPCs, and prioritize personal gain.
- Deception & manipulation: Lie, cheat, and avoid altruistic heroics.
- Power displays: Intimidate others, demand rewards, and embrace dominance.
What Astarion Dislikes
- Selfless heroism: Saving strangers without reward.
- Judging his vampirism: Criticizing his condition or past.
- Mercy & restraint: Sparing enemies or showing compassion.
Pro Tip for Good-Aligned Players: Leave Astarion at camp during morally good decisions (e.g., saving the Grove) to avoid disapproval.
ACT 1 – Attraction & Bloodlust
Recruit Astarion Early
Find Astarion soon after the Nautiloid crash, near the riverbank. Recruiting him early ensures access to key dialogue and approval events.
Build Approval
Astarion Approves When You:
- Allow him to feed (especially during early rest scenes)
- Choose power or self-interest over compassion
- Kill Gandrel (Gur hunter)
- Show confidence, cruelty, or dark wit
- Use flirty or seductive language
Astarion Disapproves When You:
- Act overly heroic or merciful
- Judge or shame him for his vampirism
- Reject his need to feed
- Prevent him from making choices for himself
Bonus Approval Triggers (from deep lore):
- Letting Auntie Ethel live
- Joking about Mayrina’s undead husband
- Flirting with danger (e.g. talking to Abdirak)
The Bite Scene
During a long rest, Astarion will attempt to feed on you.
Best Choice:
- Allow him to bite you, but you can express concern or set limits.
- Refusing doesn’t lock you out of romance—but slightly lowers approval.
The Grove Celebration: First Romance Night
After resolving the Grove-Goblin conflict (any outcome), a party is held at camp.
To trigger the romance scene:
Flirt at the celebration:
- “And what’s your idea of a little fun?”
- “All right, let’s do it. I’ll see you later.”
At your bedroll:
- “You don’t have me yet.”
- “And what do you want?”
- Nod
This unlocks the first physical intimacy scene with Astarion.
ACT 2 – Confessions & Emotional Bonding
In the Shadow-Cursed Lands, Astarion begins opening up about his past—and questioning what your bond truly means.
Araj Oblodra Scene
Araj, a drow alchemist, offers Astarion money to bite her.
- Respect his decision (whether he accepts or not) = approval boost
- Forcing him to comply = disapproval and romance setback
Yurgir & Raphael’s Revelation
During the “Kill Raphael’s Old Enemy” quest, help Astarion confront Yurgir. Later, Raphael reveals that Astarion’s scars are part of a dark ritual: the Rite of Profane Ascension.
This scene triggers one of Astarion’s most vulnerable confessions.
Best dialogue responses:
- “So do I. More than anything.”
- “I care about you. Deeply.”
- “You are worth a great deal to me.”
Becoming Official Partners
Astarion will later ask what your connection means. This is where your relationship transitions into full commitment—emotionally and narratively.
ACT 3 – Ascension or Redemption
The final act delivers the emotional climax of Astarion’s journey—either as a redeemer of his past or as a godlike vampire lord.
Cazador’s Ritual & Ultimate Choice
You’ll confront Cazador and face a pivotal decision:
OPTION 1: Let Astarion Ascend
- Astarion kills Cazador and absorbs the power of the ritual
- Becomes a Vampire Ascendant with immense power
- Treats you as a consort or spawn (offers to turn you)
- Final romance scene is seductive but colder and more controlling
Example lines:
- “I want you. I want your body.”
- “Yes, that’s all I want.”
Post-epilogue:
- Hosts lavish, bloody parties
- Reigns over the city, boasts of owning you
OPTION 2: Persuade Him to Reject the Ritual
- Requires high persuasion or approval
- Astarion rejects power and gains emotional peace
- Takes you to his grave for a heartfelt love scene
Key line:
“Let’s just stay here? Together?”
Post-epilogue:
- Grateful for your love
- Seeks sunlight, freedom, and a real future
Polyamory & Special Cases
- Halsin Route: Astarion can agree to share you with Halsin if approval is high
- Dark Urge: Romance is possible if you avoid harming him or your party
- Karlach Conflict: Cannot fully romance both due to spawn limitations
Astarion may become jealous or sarcastic but typically won’t break up unless approval drops drastically.
Breaking Up With Astarion
- You can reject the Ascension offer and still remain lovers
- If you refuse his request to become his spawn, he may feel hurt but won’t always break up
- Choosing another partner late-game may cause disapproval but doesn’t force a breakup if managed carefully
Quick Summary Table
| Act | Key Moment | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Act 1 | Vampire bite + camp celebration | Romance initiation |
| Act 2 | Araj choice + scars discussion | Emotional bonding |
| Act 3 | Cazador ritual | Ascension (lust) or Redemption (love) |
| Epilogue | Partnered ending | Eternal consort or heartfelt freedom |
Final Thoughts
Romancing Astarion is a dark, emotional journey that rewards players who embrace his complexity. Whether you help him ascend or guide him toward redemption, his story remains one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s most compelling arcs.
Looking for more romance guides? Check out our Shadowheart Approval Guide and Gale Romance Tips .
