Summary
While the popularity ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s cast of companions has played a pivotal role in the game’s landmark success, Astarion has risen to what some would consider the status of mascot. As a charismatic and entertaining vampire who often advocates for the more selfish and evil side decisions available to the player, he is a great representative of the ambiguous morality that characterizes much of the game’s tone. With one of the most transformative arcs of the game’s companions, there is potential for Astarion to support a continuation of the franchise even if it isn’t a direct sequel toBaldur’s Gate 3.
The recent confirmation from Larian Studios’ Swen Vincke that there will be no DLC or sequels toBaldur’s Gate 3has been disappointing news for fans who hoped for new content, but those associated with the game’s production have a positive attitude about the situation. While several of the voice actors have expressed understanding towards Larian’s decision to step away from theDnDlicense,Neil Newbon stated he’s not done with Astarion. There is an inherent risk associated with future projects followingBG3under a new studio, but featuring the fan favorite companion again in a greater capacity could ensure that some of the same magic is recaptured.
Ascended Astarion is Worthy of Villain Status in a Baldur’s Gate Sequel
What Hasbro’s Follow-Up Without Larian Could Mean for Astarion
With the undeniable financial success of the title, it comes as no surprise thatHasbro’sBaldur’s Gate 3sequelis reportedly already on the way. A replacement for Larian hasn’t even been announced yet, but it’s safe to predict that at least some of the previous game’s companions are likely to have some kind of important role. Returning as party members once again is a trend that other characters have established, but canonizing one of Astarion’s routes inBG3could set the stage for his return in an even bigger way.
Vampire Ascendant Astarion Could Be Far Worse Than Cazador
Taking over Cazador’s role duringAstarion’s The Pale Elf questseems to corrupt him on a deep level, leading to his attitude and dialogue becoming even more ominously aggressive and condescending than usual. If he becomes the new Vampire lord of Baldur’s Gate, it’s not hard to imagine him rising to a level of power that allows him to serve as the next game’s villain. It may be more common for the “good” routes of companion questlines to become official as they typically feature more character development, but the changes Astarion can go through have the chance to set him up to be an incredibly fleshed-out RPG antagonist.
An Astarion Game Doesn’t Need to Be the Next Baldur’s Gate
Why a Spin-Off Might Be Better Than a Direct BG3 Sequel
Astarion is pretty much limited to either being an Origin character/companion or enemy if he isn’t just a normal NPC in the nextBaldur’s Gate, but many players are likely to agree that Astarion has enough depth to warrant a title crafted around him in particular. Larian being gone ultimately means that the next game won’t be the same even with returning characters, but there could be unexpected potential in spin-offs that break away from the samemodern CRPG formulawhile staying within the Forgotten Realms.
Astarion’s Origin Playthrough and Vampire Games
Many players might not have experienced the unique content found by playing through Astarion’s Origin route due to the fact that this results in missing out on all of his companion dialogue, but it offers a novel experience in terms of simulating being a vampire. Decisions about revealing vampire status, feeding on companions and eventually enemies, and handling the fate of fellow spawn can sometimes evoke the themes of titles like those in theVampire: the MasqueradeandLegacy of Kainseries. If he ever gets the chance to be featured in a greater capacity than just an Origin inBaldur’s Gate 3, Astarion could one day carve out his own niche in theDungeons and Dragonsgaming library.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
