Baldur’s Gate 3: Why Astarion Deserves His Own Game

While the popularity of Baldur’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 to Baldur’s Gate 3.

The recent confirmation from Larian Studios’ Swen Vincke that there will be no DLC or sequels to Baldur’s Gate 3 has 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 the DnD license, Neil Newbon stated he’s not done with Astarion. There is an inherent risk associated with future projects following BG3 under a new studio, but featuring the fan favorite companion again in a greater capacity could ensure that some of the same magic is recaptured.

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How Baldur’s Gate 3’s Karlach Evolved Over Time

Karlach might be one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s most popular companions, but she went through several key updates that built her up to this level.

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 that Hasbro’s Baldur’s Gate 3 sequel is 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 in BG3 could 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 during Astarion’s The Pale Elf quest seems 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 next Baldur’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 same modern CRPG formula while staying within the Forgotten Realms.

games“> 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 the games/”>Vampire: the Masquerade and Legacy of Kain series. If he ever gets the chance to be featured in a greater capacity than just an Origin in Baldur’s Gate 3, Astarion could one day carve out his own niche in the Dungeons and Dragons gaming library.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Dungeons and Dragons inspired RPG developed and published by Larian Studios. Featuring both a single player and cooperative element, players create their character by selecting a starting class, take on quests, level up, and engage in turn-based combat using the D&D 5th edition rule set.

Franchise

Baldur’s Gate

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

30 Hours

Metascore

96

Split Screen Orientation

Vertical Only

Number of Players

1-4

PS Plus Availability

N/A

Local Co-Op Support

1-2 Players