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Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you wondering who Astarion is in Baldur’s Gate 3? In this article, not only will we explore his backstory and character traits, but we’ll also dive into some of the best builds and choices for leveling him up. So, if you’re looking to make the most out of your time with this charming High Elf rogue, keep reading!
Who Is Astarion?
Astarion is one of the many companions available in Baldur’s Gate 3, each of whom has its own backstory and unique set of characteristics. As a High Elf Rogue with a Noble background, Astarion exudes a certain charm and finesse that is hard to ignore. However, there’s also something a little bit “off” about him, as players will soon come to discover.
Astarion’s backstory is shrouded in darkness and intrigue. For centuries, he prowled the night as a vampire spawn, serving a sadistic master until he was snatched away. Now, he has the chance at a new life, free from the shackles of his past. But can he leave his wicked history behind for good, or will it catch up with him?
When it comes to building Astarion, there are two main philosophies that players can choose from, both of which hinge on his subclass options, which become available at level three. These decisions will greatly affect how Astarion plays and what role he fulfills within the party. So, it’s important to consider all of the available options carefully.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion’s Skills and Abilities
Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3 has a set of skills and abilities that make him a formidable rogue. With a high Dexterity score of 17, he is an expert in stealth, acrobatics, and sleight of hand, making him an ideal candidate for thievery and sneaking around undetected. His Perception skill is also noteworthy, thanks to his decent Wisdom score of 13, making him an excellent scout for the party.
In addition to his stealth and thievery skills, Astarion also has proficiency in History, Deception, and Persuasion. However, due to his low scores in these areas, it is recommended to leave conversations to other party members. Astarion’s primary focus should be on staying hidden, picking locks, and disarming traps.
At level 3, players must decide whether to make Astarion a Thief or an Arcane Trickster. While Astarion’s high Dexterity makes him a better fit for the Thief subclass, players can still use the Arcane Trickster subclass effectively in Early Access. This is due to the fact that Astarion can select Wizard Spells that don’t require Intelligence and can wear the Warped Headband of Intellect to increase his Intelligence to 18 and use Intelligence-based spells effectively.
To further enhance Astarion’s abilities, it is recommended to increase his Dexterity to 18 with the Ability Improvement Feat at level 4 and boost his Constitution to 14 for added HP, skill checks, and damage output. Overall, Astarion is a skilled and versatile party member that can excel in stealth, thievery, and combat.
Where to Find Astarion?
Astarion can be first met by the player during Chapter One of Baldur’s Gate 3 in the beach area. Specifically, he can be found near the destroyed Nautiloid wreck and up a hill, where he will be calling for help.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Thief Build
Astarion is an excellent choice for a Thief build in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to his high Dexterity and proficiency in skills like Acrobatics, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand. At level two, he gains access to Cunning Actions, allowing him to use his bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide. At level three, players should choose the Thief subclass to take advantage of Fast Hands and Second-Story Work. Fast Hands provides an extra bonus action per round, while Second-Story Work reduces fall damage.
At level four, players should take the Dual Wielder feat, allowing Astarion to wield two finesse weapons such as daggers, rapiers, or shortswords. It’s important to make sure that both weapons have the Light trait before taking the feat. This build comes online at level four, turning Astarion into a fantastic dual wielder, able to pump out a ton of attacks per turn, especially with Fast Hands by his side.
At level five, Thieves get Uncanny Dodge, allowing Astarion to take only half damage when struck by a normal attack. This ability further enhances Astarion’s survivability in combat.
As players progress through the game and gain access to spells like Fly, Astarion becomes an even more versatile character. With the ability to fly, Astarion can move around the map with ease, surpassing even Misty Step, which he would be able to use if he took the Arcane Trickster subclass instead.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Arcane Trickster Build
To build Astarion as an Arcane Trickster in Baldur’s Gate 3, players should focus on increasing his Intelligence stat to 13, which will give him access to a range of spells. This build will give him more magical options in combat and is a great choice for parties lacking in magic. At level two, Astarion will automatically get access to Cunning Actions.
At level three, players should take the Arcane Trickster subclass, which will give Astarion cantrips and spells to learn, with some spells requiring either the Illusion or Enchantment schools. For cantrips, players should take Poison Spray and Ray of Frost. For spells, players should take Tasha’s Hideous Laughter and Sleep as their Illusion/Enchantment spells, and either Magic Missile or Grease as their free spell.
At level four, players should take Charm Person as their spell choice, and increase Astarion’s Dexterity and Wisdom by 1 point each, bringing both stats to the next breakpoint. This will give Astarion a great edge whether using his thievery or ranged attacks, and also increasing his Perception.
At level five, Astarion will gain Uncanny Dodge, which will allow him to take only half damage when being struck by a normal attack. This build gives Astarion a lot more to do in the midst of battle than just fish for Sneak Attacks. Ray of Frost is useful for interacting with elemental surfaces, while Poison Spray is a spell that relies on a Constitution save, making it effective against frail enemies.
Once Astarion hits level five and acquires Uncanny Dodge, players can more safely send him into the fray, but they should still rely on his ranged spell options as they are fantastic, and Astarion’s flexibility flounders a little if he’s thrust into too much danger. Overall, this build makes Astarion a versatile combatant with a range of magical options to supplement his thievery skills.
What Is the Best Equipment for Astarion Thief Build?
Here are some of the top picks for Astarion’s equipment:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Spurred Band | Gives Astarion momentum when below 50% health, allowing him to easily escape dangerous situations, especially when paired with a Cunning Disengage. |
| Amulet of Misty Step | Dropped by Minthara, this amulet lets Astarion use the Misty Step spell to get into stealthier positions. |
| Ritual Dagger | Found in the Shattered Sanctum, this dagger provides Astarion with an attack roll bonus whenever he strikes with it. |
Of course, there are plenty of other equipment options available in the game, but these are some of the best for Astarion’s Thief Build. So, grab these items and get ready to take on any challenge with Astarion by your side!
What Is the Best Equipment for Astarion Arcane Trickster?
As an Arcane Trickster, Astarion can benefit from equipment that enhances his magical abilities. Here are some of the best options:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Warped Headband of Intellect | Boosts Astarion’s Intelligence to 17, improving his spellcasting abilities. Dropped by Lump the Enlightened in the Blighted Village, but only if you kill him. |
| Sapphire Spark | Increases the damage dealt by Astarion’s Magic Missile spell. Sold by a merchant in the Underdark. |
| Smuggler’s Ring | Boosts Astarion’s Stealth and Sleight of Hand, making him more effective in thievery. Found under a bridge in the Risen Road area. |
By equipping Astarion with these items, players can enhance his abilities and make him a valuable member of any Arcane Trickster-focused party.
Is There a Way To Romance Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3?
If you’re interested in romancing Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, there are certain things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make progress in the game and make choices that align with his approval. Second, you’ll have an opportunity to romance him during a celebration at the campsite after rescuing the Druid Halsin and completing the side quest, Save the Refugees. Here are the steps you need to follow to romance Astarion:
- Choose the dialogue options during the celebration with the refugees.
- Return to a bedroll and interact with it.
- Choose to go to bed with Astarion.
- Follow the dialogue choices to have a conversation and stay with him.
In summary, Astarion is a compelling companion in Baldur’s Gate 3 with a range of skills and abilities that make him versatile in combat and exploration. As a Rogue, he excels in dealing significant damage and sneaking around enemies to get Sneak Attacks. Astarion can also be built as an Arcane Trickster, giving him magical abilities that increase his flexibility in combat. Overall, Astarion is a fantastic companion to have in Baldur’s Gate 3, and players can choose between building him as a Thief or an Arcane Trickster to suit their playstyle.
