In the enchanting yet perilous world of Baldur’s Gate 3, Astarion, the charming vampire spawn, faces a unique vulnerability: water. While players may revel in his cunning and charisma, they must navigate the treacherous waters that threaten to expose his vampiric weaknesses. This guide delves into the mechanics behind Astarion’s hydrophobia, exploring how water not only serves as a barrier but also as a potential source of harm, complicating the gameplay for those who dare to accompany him on their adventures. Discover why this seemingly innocuous element can spell disaster for a rogue who thrives in shadows and stealth.
The following description, explaining the problem, contains minor spoilers about Astarion. Some pieces of information are not known from the start, although you can discover the reason by yourself before it is explained by the game.
For the record, Astarion is one of the potential team members. You can recruit him soon after beginning of the first act begins. The circumstances of finding and adding Astarion to your team have been described on the page Playable Characters List from the “Party” chapter.
While traveling with the Elf, you will notice Astarion receives Acid damage upon contact with water. Short contact usually means a loss of 1 health point, but a longer stay in the water can increase the rate of HP loss and ultimately lead to Astarion’s rather rapid death.
The explanation for this is that Astarion is a vampire. According to the official D&D handbook, whose rules were replicated in Baldur’s Gate 3, vampires receive Acid damage upon contact with running water. This is especially true for various kinds of rivers and ponds. This does not apply to rain, for example, and you don’t have to hide anywhere if weather conditions deteriorate. Astarion also does not need to be afraid of, for example, traveling across the swamps. Contact with muddy ground will not result in HP loss.
You can deal with Astarion’s “weakness” in several ways.:
- Try to personally control Astarion while traveling through locations with plenty of water. Artificial intelligence may try to look for other pathways that don’t involve entering the water, but it’s better to always take care of it yourself.
- Jump option to avoid smaller streams, while making sure not to enter the water in preparation for the jump.
- Look for alternative routes to your destination, which are ones that don’t involve water contact.
- Change the members of the active party while exploring areas with rivers and water reservoirs.
- Make sure to save the game often. If Astarion accidentally enters the water and loses too many health points, load the previous game state.
- In locations with opponents you can try to provoke them into getting closer to the team. This may allow you to avoid having to cross water.
What other weaknesses does Astarion have besides water
Astarion, the charming vampire spawn from Baldur’s Gate 3, possesses several weaknesses that impact gameplay beyond his vulnerability to water. Here are key aspects of his character that present challenges:
- Sunlight Vulnerability: While the tadpole grants him some protection from sunlight, traditionally, vampires are harmed by direct exposure. This aspect may have been adjusted in gameplay, but it remains a thematic weakness rooted in vampire lore.
- Forbiddance: Astarion cannot enter a residence without an invitation from one of its occupants. This restriction can complicate exploration and interactions within the game, as players must navigate around this limitation.
- Manipulative Nature: Astarion’s backstory as a vampire spawn under Cazador’s control has left him with a complex personality that includes manipulative tendencies. His self-centeredness and distrust can lead to conflicts within the party, affecting team dynamics and decision-making.
- Low Self-Worth and Fear Motivation: Initially characterized by low self-esteem and fear, Astarion’s motivations can sometimes hinder his effectiveness as a companion, requiring players to manage his emotional state alongside tactical gameplay.
These weaknesses not only enhance Astarion’s depth as a character but also provide unique challenges for players who choose to include him in their party.
Does Astarion have any weaknesses related to sunlight
Yes, Astarion has significant weaknesses related to sunlight, which are inherent to his nature as a vampire spawn. Normally, sunlight is lethal for both vampires and their spawns, meaning that Astarion should not be able to withstand exposure to daylight without suffering severe consequences. However, due to the effects of the Illithid tadpole he was infected with, he can temporarily navigate in sunlight without immediate harm.
Despite this temporary reprieve, Astarion’s vulnerability to sunlight remains a core aspect of his character. If the effects of the tadpole wane or if he chooses a path that leads to his original vampiric state being restored, he would again face the lethal consequences of sunlight exposure. This adds an intriguing layer to his character arc and gameplay mechanics, as players must carefully manage his interactions with light.
