Astarion's Ultimate Fate Decides the Fate of Baldur's Gate 3

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 offers many outcomes for its story and character arcs, including Astarion, the vampire high-elf heartthrob.

Astarion's best ending entails successfully accomplishing his personal quest and acquiring a newfound determination, albeit at the cost of his ability to tolerate sunlight. However, by relinquishing this privilege, Astarion's emotionally gratifying conclusion grants him the opportunity to cherish a life free from his tormentor and surrounded by individuals who genuinely care for him.

Baldur's Gate 3, being a vast RPG that heavily relies on player choices to shape the storyline, offers multiple outcomes for both the main story and subplots. This includes a range of potential outcomes for the diverse group of characters that join the player's party throughout the game, resulting in varying possibilities for the vast community of players.

One of the most popular choices among party members is Astarion, an enchanting vampire high-elf whose morally ambiguous perspectives are balanced by his cleverness and flirtatious personality. His personal story intertwines with the main quest and can lead to multiple conclusions, with one particularly intriguing outcome that presents both immense benefits and significant drawbacks.

Astarion's Best Ending Means No More Basking in the Sun

Astarion, a vampire character resembling popular depictions, used to be vulnerable to sunlight. However, the Mind Flayer tadpole in his body has changed that, allowing him to safely accompany the party during the day.

Although Astarion mentions his surprise at venturing out during daylight in the story, it becomes apparent when players catch him trying to see his reflection in a mirror. This brief moment indicates that Astarion is curious about the lingering effects of his vampirism after the tadpole was inserted in his head. It serves as a solemn reminder of how contemplative he is about the things he lost when he was turned. The tension dissipates quickly due to further flirtation, but the significance of something as ordinary as enjoying the sun is not lost on Astarion.

In order to achieve what is arguably the most emotionally satisfying conclusion for Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, players must accomplish his personal quest of pursuing and defeating his former master, Cazador. The game effectively portrays the emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon Astarion during his time serving as a thrall under Cazador for centuries. These experiences severely impacted his well-being, with every encounter resulting in physical or emotional abuse.

The aftermath of Cazador's defeat determines Astarion's ultimate fate. The main path allows Astarion to undertake a ritual, acquiring the power that Cazador would have obtained otherwise. Alternatively, players can try to dissuade Astarion from carrying out this plan. Although convincing him to halt the ritual still leads to Cazador's demise, Astarion emerges with a newfound determination, realizing that he is surrounded by individuals who genuinely care for him. This impactful moment occurs as the game approaches its climax and further solidifies Astarion's relationship as one of the standout characters in Baldur's Gate 3.

In the game's final scene, if players choose to destroy the Netherbrain, Astarion faces a double-edged sword. Regardless of the chosen method, the cast gathers on a dock as the sun sets, aware that they have saved the world. As the power of the tadpole diminishes, the protections it provided also fade away, affecting Astarion as well. Regrettably, this means he can no longer withstand sunlight, concluding his story with him scurrying to seek shade before his body is harmed.

Ironically, his emotionally satisfying ending involves sacrificing the ability to see the sun again and forever being a weaker vampire than he could have become. However, Astarion finds solace in knowing that there are people who genuinely care for him and can move on, liberated from the torment he endured for so long.

Baldur's Gate 3 is out now on PC and will release September 6 on PS5. A version for Xbox Series X/S is in development.