In Baldur’s Gate 3, Astarion is one of the earliest possible companions players can add to their party. He is a rogue character with low-maintenance builds that make him an easy addition to any journey.
Players can monitor their progress with Astarion via “The Pale Elf” questline. The skills of this Charlatan High Elf Rogue are relatively standard, making it clear what to prioritize as a player.
However, choosing the right feats and subclasses for him as he levels up will greatly influence your combat sequences. This guide will provide you with the best build options for Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Understanding all of Astarion’s class features
Astarion, a rogue you encounter early in the game, likely won’t have a subclass when you first meet him. He can be located at the Ravaged Beach, following the Nautiloid crash. He usually appears around the same time as other companions like Shadowheart, Gale, and Lae’zel.
Also read: Baldur’s Gate 3: Top companions in BG3
Astarion’s main skill is Dexterity, starting at 17, and he comes with a 14 in Constitution, 13 in Intelligence, 13 in Wisdom, 10 in Charisma, and 8 in Strength. He may have an average Charisma score, but he’s proficient in Deception, Performance, and Persuasion.
With expertise in Sleight of Hand and Stealth, Astarion is a great choice to send for an unaccompanied investigation of enemies and their bases. He is also ideal for opening any locked chests encountered during your adventure.
Is it wise to let Astarion drink your blood in Baldur’s Gate 3?
We’ve created a guide that discusses the intricacies of Astarion’s blood-drinking habits. In essence, this decision is ultimately up to you. Allowing him to bite you can enhance your reputation, but it also entails a cost.
Astarion tells the truth when he promises it will empower him but debuff your character. It even has the potential to cause your character’s death. From a build perspective, the buffs he receives don’t outweigh the debuffs imposed on your character, making this a less beneficial choice.
The best subclass for Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3
If Astarion is part of your team, it is recommended to have him as a Thief. This subclass grants him an extra bonus action from level three with the Fast Hands feature.
This gives you the flexibility to use any combination of Disengage, Hide, or a healing potion during a turn. Often, attacking enemies sneakily and then retreating into invisibility works well. This strategy, when applied correctly, can be highly successful.
Must read: Baldur’s Gate 3: Rogue Subclasses in Ranking Order
It is possible to dispose of a room filled with 10 or more goblins single-handedly as an independent rogue by taking advantage of high ground and effective hiding capabilities. This tactic is extremely potent, with Astarion capable of taking on large groups of enemies single-handedly while your other heroes rest in a secure location.
The best feats for Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3
All characters can acquire a feat at levels four, eight, and 12. While there are many options, it boils down to one simple decision: You need to enhance your Ability Score. Starting with Ability Improvement is the most effective route to get Astarion’s Dexterity to 20. After that, other options can be entertained. The Sharpshooter feat is recommended as it enables powerful ranged attacks as you blend in and out of stealth during battles.
The Mobile feat is also beneficial as it deters opportunity attacks. This saves you from using a bonus action to run out of sight and regain stealth during battle. It is especially useful for an Assassin build, but it can also be advantageous for a Thief build.
- Level four – Ability Improvement: Add both points to Dexterity.
- Level eight – Ability Improvement: Ensure Dexterity is at 20 and allocate points to Constitution or Intelligence.
- Level 12 – Either Sharpshooter or Mobile