Should you let Astarion ascend in Baldur’s Gate 3? Answered

By the end of Astarion’s questline in Baldur’s Gate 3, he has a difficult choice to make. Either he becomes a Vampire Ascendant and gains incredible power, or ends the vicious cycle once and for all by not ascending. Ascending would sacrifice 7,000 vampire spawn. Not ascending would mean Astarion must rely on the tadpole to walk in the sun. If you’re wondering whether or not you should let Astarion ascend in Baldur’s Gate 3, we’ve answered that question below.

Should Astarion become a Vampire Ascendant in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Once you finally enter Cazador’s Palace, unlock the Sinister Door, and defeat Cazador, Astarion must make a huge decision. Either way, Cazador dies, but Astarion’s fate changes significantly forever. The answer to if you should let Astarion ascend in Baldur’s Gate 3 is personally a no, and we’ll explain why below.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Astarion ascends in Baldur’s Gate 3

If you decide to sacrifice the 7,000 vampire spawn so Astarion can ascend, a lot will change. Astarion’s personality becomes more sinister and possessive, while he gains some powerful abilities. Although you may be okay with this personality, if you’re romancing Astarion, this may be a shocking change. He can now walk out in the sun if he’s free of the tadpole, and he can perform some Ascendant abilities.

• Ascendant Bite: 6d6 Necrotic damage + 6d6 Healing.
• Misty Escape: Turn into a mist cloud as a Bonus Action. You cannot attack, talk or cast spells in this form.
• 1-10 bonus Necrotic damage to weapon and unarmed Attack rolls.

What’s also interesting about you romancing ascended Astarion is the fact that he can turn you into a vampire yourself. You’re obviously not as powerful as Astarion, but you can now bite people. If you want to live your vampire dreams, choose this option.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Convince Astarion not to ascend in Baldur’s Gate 3

If you choose to persuade Astarion not to go through with the ritual, you need to pass a pretty high skill check DC. Succeed, and he’ll murder Cazador in a violent yet cathartic experience. After he calms down, you now have to decide what to do with the 7,000 vampire spawn. If you’re romancing Astarion, you unlock a very sincere romance scene with him later on. He’ll thank you for pushing him in the right direction, and that now the cycle of violence is over.

In my opinion, this is the much better ending for Astarion. Sure, you unlock some wicked abilities if he ascends, but I don’t like the personality switch once ascended. His arc completes better if you break the cycle, although he won’t be able to walk in the sun without the tadpole. If you don’t care about how different he becomes, and just want a powerful vampire at your side, ascend him. But personally, the ‘good’ ending is definitely this one.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Other Astarion endings in Baldur’s Gate 3

Despite those two options being the main decisions, there are some other options you can go for which aren’t as appealing. You can tell Astarion you’ll help him with the vampire ritual, but then decide to kill Cazador before it finished. If that happens, Astarion will be furious, and immediately attacks the party. This ends in Astarion’s death.

Also, you can decide to just refuse to help with the ascension, and say ‘I’m not doing this’. In this scenario, Astarion ends up killing Cazador, but is not happy with you leaving it in his hands. This ends with the vampire leaving your party permenantly.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.