**Introduction: Astarion, The Vampire with Plans of His Own**
So, you’re playing *Baldur’s Gate 3* and things are going pretty smoothly—until Astarion, your favorite (or most annoying) vampire rogue, decides that he wants to ascend. If you’re like many players, you probably don’t want him to leave your party. I mean, who wouldn’t want a bloodthirsty rogue who’s got a great sense of humor and is surprisingly charming? But the problem is, Astarion’s ascension might just tear him away from you forever, leaving a hole in your party and, let’s be honest, your heart. So, let’s talk about how to stop him from going all the way without making him abandon you.
**The Problem: What Does Ascending Mean for Astarion?**
Now, let’s dive into the issue. In *Baldur’s Gate 3*, Astarion has a moment in the game where he can ascend. If you’re playing carefully, you might notice that his character arc leads to this intense decision. Ascension, for Astarion, involves him trying to take full control over his vampire nature and, in some ways, break free from his torment. Sounds pretty emotional, right? It is, and it’s a key part of his storyline. However, if you let him ascend, he might leave your party, and that’s not something many players are ready for.
But it’s not just about what happens in the game. The emotional impact on you as a player can be pretty strong—after all, Astarion has become a companion, a friend, and maybe even a lover (depending on how you’re playing). So the idea of him leaving could be a major setback in your adventure.
**How to Prevent Astarion’s Ascension Without Losing Him**
So, the big question: how can you stop Astarion from ascending without him storming out of your party? The good news is, it’s possible! But the solution is a bit tricky, and it involves navigating the decisions you make as you progress through his story.
1. **Don’t Push Too Hard on His Vampiric Nature:** Astarion’s internal struggle is all about control, power, and freedom. If you push him too much into making decisions that revolve around his vampire curse or the desire to break free, it might encourage his ascension. So, if you want him to stay with you, try to avoid going too deep into discussions that fuel his desire for this power.
2. **Show Him Compassion (Without Enabling His Dark Side):** Astarion is a complicated character. On one hand, he’s a victim of his past, but on the other, he is not exactly a saint. Offering understanding while not giving in to his darker urges can help keep him from making drastic decisions. Balance is key. Try to be kind, but not so much that it enables his worst behavior.
3. **Make the Right Choices in Dialogues:** Dialogue choices are critical in *Baldur’s Gate 3*. If you want to stop Astarion from ascending, you’ll need to pay close attention to what you say to him. Some choices can push him toward ascension, while others can convince him to stay grounded. It’s all about finding the balance in your responses—showing him that there’s a better way forward without him leaving your side.
4. **Plan Ahead in His Storyline:** There are certain story moments where Astarion’s decisions will trigger his ascension. Try to make sure you are aware of these moments and prepare accordingly. Keep an eye on his conversations and where the story is headed. Sometimes, avoiding a major conflict or providing him with an alternative path can be enough to prevent him from making a life-changing decision.
**What Are Other Players Saying About This?**
It’s always helpful to hear what others think. On various gaming forums, players have shared their frustration about Astarion leaving. Some mention that they felt genuinely attached to the character and were devastated when he ascended. Others share their joy when they managed to keep him in the party, noting how satisfying it felt to avoid losing such a charismatic companion.
One player on Reddit shared, “I tried everything, even looked up a guide, and managed to stop him from ascending without him leaving. It was tough, but it felt worth it to keep him around. He’s just too fun to let go!” Another commenter added, “Honestly, I was so ready for Astarion to leave because I felt like he had outgrown his arc, but then I realized he’s such an integral part of the team. Glad I figured out how to keep him!”
**Your Turn: Have You Managed to Keep Astarion Around?**
Now, we’d love to hear from you. Have you encountered this problem with Astarion’s ascension? How did you manage to stop him from leaving? Did you even want to stop him, or were you relieved to see him go? Share your experiences with us in the comments below. Let’s see how many different ways players have tackled this tricky situation!
**Conclusion: Astarion, Always Full of Surprises**
In the end, Astarion is one of the most complex characters in *Baldur’s Gate 3*, and his storyline offers a lot of emotional depth. Whether you’re trying to stop him from ascending or just navigating his personal struggles, it’s clear that your decisions have a major impact. So, take your time, make those important choices wisely, and remember—Astarion might just surprise you in ways you didn’t expect.
If you’re struggling, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Keep your wits sharp, and keep Astarion close (or at least, try to).
