In this guide, we will explain the best Astarion Companion Build in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Rogue Thief subclass, and the optimal setup.
This build page has been updated for thePatch 8 versionof Baldur’s Gate 3.
Everything About Astarion Companion Build in BG3
Astarion is Baldur’s Gate 3 charming vampire companion, cursed with an eternal existence and a thirst for blood. Despite his dark nature, he possesses a charm and cunning that make him an asset in the chaotic world of Baldur’s Gate. As a character with a secretive past and uncertain loyalties, Astarion’s journey will be filled with twists and surprises, keeping you on your toes as you unravel the mysteries that surround him.
This build will use the Rogue class and Thief Subclass because it gets an additional bonus action and extra skill proficiency. This allows you to have great damage and utility outside ofcombat. Having a character in your party who can scout ahead, disarm traps and lockpick is essential. The Rogue Thief does it better than any other build in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Companionsin Baldur’s Gate 3 are a group of non-player characters (NPCs) who join the player’s party and accompany them throughout their journey in the game. These companions are essential characters that offer various benefits, such as providing additionalcombatsupport, contributing to the story, and offering different perspectives on the events unfolding in the game world.
Companions can be avoided entirely, die, be romanced, and have their sprawling background. In this build guide for Astarion, we will explore his character and how to make a powerful Rogue build using this original character.
Patch 8 Changes to the Astarion Rogue Build for BG3
Patch 8 marks a significant turning point for Rogue builds in Baldur’s Gate 3, introducing two key additions: theSwashbucklersubclass and the Booming Blade cantrip. These features breathe new life into the assassin archetype, offering distinct playstyles depending on how you want to approach combat. Swashbuckler emphasizes speed, finesse, and mobility, allowing Rogues to fluidly dart in and out of stealth with style and precision. On the other hand, players looking to add magical flair to their arsenal can opt for Arcane Trickster as one way to gain access to Booming Blade.
However, you’re able to also multiclass into the Fighter (Eldritch Knight) as another method to get Booming Blade. This path shifts the Rogue away from a purely stealth-driven role and toward a more aggressive, melee-focused strategy. While ambushing with a sneak attack is still a strong opener, this build truly shines in prolonged, toe-to-toe skirmishes. It invites a more assertive presence on the battlefield, holding the line, punishing movement, and delivering sustained damage. This approach won’t appeal to every Rogue purist, but for those eager to break the mold and embrace a bolder combat style, it’s a powerful and rewarding alternative. We’ll dive into the details of this alternative build below.
Astarion Companion Features & Mechanics
The following list presents all the essential Astarion Companion Class Mechanics and Features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Your companion can be respecced or rerolled early in the game. This means you’re able to change their class, subclass, ability score, and more. The only feature that cannot be adjusted is their race and story. We suggestusing Withers at Campafter he’s unlocked to optimize the build.
Where to find Astarion and How to Recruit Him?
Astarion can be found on Ravaged Beach, to the nothwest of where you land after the Nautiloid ship crash. Approach and he will ask for your help attacking an Intellect Devourer. This is a trick, however, and as a boar runs out of the grass, Astarion will attack. He will attempt to kill you, however, the mind flayer parasites that are connected to both of your brains will prevent him from doing so. This will startle Astarion and he will let you go. During the dialogue, agree and he will join your party. While Astarion will be on your side, he will still be wary of you. It will take time and effort to gain his trust and friendship. However, if you are successful, you will have a powerful ally in your quest to survive in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Recommended Subclass
The Best Subclass for Astarion build is Thief, because it provides additional bonus actions, can pick locks, disarm traps, and has high movement. The Thief subclass can be unlocked at level 3 and is great in combat and outside to provide your team with high damage and great group utility.
Here are all the Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Subclasses:
For the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build, we recommend taking the Thief Subclass at level 3. You gain two features: Fast Hands: Gain an additional bonus action and Second-Story Work: Gain resistance to falling damage.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Rogue Thief Features & Progression
The Rogue Thief subclass unlocks the following features and spells:
Character Creation
Astarion Race
Astarion by default is a High-Elf race. As a High-Elf, you find yourself at the crossroads of human and elven heritage, allowing for a versatile and charismatic character that can excel in various roles. In this guide, we’ll explore how the High-Elf race works in Baldur’s Gate 3 and discuss some effective builds to make the most of your character.
High-Elf in Baldur’s Gate 3 shares the physical traits typical of elves, including tall, slender frames, pointed ears, and graceful movements. They have a natural lifespan of several centuries, granting them a longer perspective on the world compared to shorter-lived races. High Elves are renowned for their keen intellect and quick reflexes, making them well-suited for roles such as wizards, sorcerers, or rogues.
High-Elf Racial Features
High-Elf isn’t the ideal race for a Rogue, but it’s what Astarion comes equipped with. This is one feature you cannot re-roll or change, however it is not a terrible overall race.
Recommended Skills for Astarion Build
Stealth, Insight, Acrobatics, and Persuasion are the best skills for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build because they complement your class abilities and enhance your effectiveness in various situations. In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills represent the abilities and proficiencies of your character that allow them to perform various actions and interact with the game world. Skills are associated with specific attributes and are used to determine the success or effectiveness of certain actions or abilities. They can be edited during character creation or with companions, during respec or reroll screen.
Here are the bestskillsfor Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Best Astarion Ability Score
Here’s the bestability scorefor the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build:
With ability scores, you generally want to aim for even numbers because that’s when you gain a benefit. Astarion is likely to come with an odd distribution and will require a manual respec with Withers during Act 1. Moreover, you may gainpermanent bonuses, specifically a +1 one to any ability score in Act 1. However, you typically want to use this for my main character, but it’s worth considering if you enjoy Astarion or use him as an origin character.
Best Astarion Level Progression
Alternative Astarion Rogue Build
In this alternative take on Astarion, the elegant vampire spawn trades his typical cloak-and-dagger tactics for a more hands-on approach, becoming a relentless melee combatant who thrives in the chaos of battle. Rather than relying solely on hit-and-run sneak attacks from the shadows, this version of Astarion is built to stay engaged, trading bursts of damage for consistent, up-close pressure.
To achieve this shift, the build dips into Fighter, progressing into the Eldritch Knight subclass. By Level 7, Astarion can wield the Booming Blade cantrip, infusing each melee strike with arcane force and punishing foes who dare to retreat. Combined with powerful Fighter abilities like Action Surge, Extra Attack, and a trio of bonus Feats, this setup turns Astarion into a versatile and dangerous duelist. It’s a departure from the traditional Rogue mold, but one that offers a thrilling and highly effective alternative for players ready to bring Astarion out of the shadows and into the fray.
At level one, your companion will be already equipped with their basic skills, class, etc. Unique to Astarion is the Vampire Bite skill. We suggest speaking with WIthers NPC and respecing the ability score for this companion. He will likely not have optimal numbers, and you’ll need to follow the recommendations in the table above.
Vampire Bite: 2d4 Hit Points 2d4 Piercing You suck the blood from a living creature and regain 2d4 hit points. The target takes 2d4 Piercing damage, unless it is unconscious, or you are Hiding. Biting a creature does not breakstealth. This is very useful early on as a heal and a bonus action ability. Keep in mind, you will need to long rest to use it again, so don’t expend it unless you need it.
Class Feature and Mechanics
Sneak Attack Explained
Sneak Attackis a core class feature of Rogues in Baldur’s Gate 3. It allows Rogues (Astarion build) to deal extra damage to a target if they have Advantage on the attack roll. The easiest way to get Advantage is to start combat in stealth or have a target that is attacking. For this build, you’d send in a melee companion or character to soak up the damage and target that enemy. Spells like True Strike and Guiding Bolt can help grant Advantage and remove some of the issues with gaining it.
At level one, your main goal is to get intostealth, before a fight or during and use a sneak attack. For now, enter the User Interface and either enable “auto sneak attack” our hit the ask button. This means, you’re able to attack with a normal melee or ranged attack, and if Advantage is present, Astarion will deal extra damage passively. Look for high ground, targets who are engaged in melee battle, and stealth constantly to trigger extra damage passively.
At level two, you will unlock the Cunning Action class feature, more health, and one more level until subclass choice.
Rogue Class Features
This gives you the ability to use Dash, Hide, and Disengage as a bonus action. Bonus actions are the theme of the build, using attacks and Cunning Actions to free up your action for Sneak Attack. Dash is useful to create space or close the distance, while disengage allows you to flee a fight without an opportunity attack. Use these to either move in and out of fights and the hide bonus action at the end of the turn to go into stealth.
Gameplay you want to now use your bonus action hide to get in stealth gain an advantage and use sneak attack. That’s essentially the gameplay loop to open up for simple big damage. You also want to do your best to start encounters FROM stealth. You will not be able to dictate the terms of every fight. But even during dialogue, you can select the character to select the screen and move the non-talking party members to your ideal area. Buff up, get in stealth, and get ready to open for a big stealth attack.
At level three, you can pick your subclass and we recommend the Thief which unlocks the below subclass features:
With two bonus actions per turn, Astarion becomes much more powerful. you’re able to now use bonus actions to gain an advantage with sneak, along with applying oils or poison to your weapons. Moreover, you can use Misty Step, or off-hand attacks in conjunction with potions. This is one of the reasons Rogue and Thief is the most common multiclass selection. We will get additional feats that amplify this effect and make it easier for us to do range damage and so forth.
At level four you get an important decision, between afeator ability improvement. We recommend forgoing the ability improvement to select the Sharpshoot feat. TheSharpshooterfeature gives you two bonuses. Your ranged weapon attacks do not receive penalties from High Ground Rules. Ranged weapon attacks with weapons you are Proficient with have a -5 penalty to their Attack Roll but deal an additional 10 damage.
This makes you hit much harder and ignore high-ground rules, so you don’t receive a penalty when not at a height advantage. You will lower your chance to hit, and this can be troubling in the early part of the game with a lower ability score and gear. You can click your passives on the toolbar and toggle this off but still get the high-groud rule. I always left this on and had great luck with a range build on my rogue.
Alternatively, you can use Dual Wielder feat here and play a double Rapier dual-wield build. I played that until level 8, but found my damage was the same as a range build, and my survivability was significantly diminished. The premise behind the dual-wield build is using your off-hand attack with a bonus action for multiple attacks. And yes, in theory, this works. But in reality, your bonus action often goes for hiding to get a sneak attack, which you can do at range. It’s MUCH easier to hide behind a bush, bonus action hides, and snipe with a sneak attack at range than playing melee and trying to time it all. Your choice, but I saw drastic improvements in my survivability using a bow at range.
Multiclass Astarion Options
From this point forward, the pure Rogue build has few desirable combat improvements outside of 3 more feats. The common meta-strategy is to multiclass this build to the Ranger for Extra Attack. With Extra Attack, you gain two attacks per action, radically increasing your combat performance. However, you will lose out on some of the extra proficiency bonuses.
If you intend to play this buildsoloor onHonour Mode difficulty, then Multiclassing the build is a must. Follow this buildtemplate herein the leveling progression if so. For those that want to simplify and skill proficiency (easier dialogue and exploration) continue below. Additionally, the below gear sections will feature relatively the same sets and items if you wish to respec and try the build later on.
At level five, you gain access to Gain Uncanny Dodge when an attack hits you, you only take half the usual damage. This will help with your survival and sneak attack damage will be increased to 3d6. The gameplay remains unchanged at this point. Look for gear, potions, arrows, and poison to amplify damage.
Level 6 you get to add expertise into two skills.DeceptionandAcrobaticsare good choices. This simply helps you in overland, dialogue, and exploration rather than combat generally. Soon, we will get another feat that will help with damage.
At level 7 the Rogue gains access toEvasion: Your agility lets you dodge out of the way of certain spells. When a spell or effect would deal half damage on a successful Dexterity Saving Throw, it deals no damage if you succeed, and only half damage if you fail. This class feature helps with avoiding damage but gameplay remains unchanged.
At level 8, you get access to another feat. This time you’ll want to take the Ability Improvement, and put +2 into Dexterity. This should get you to 18, allowing for huge damage with sneak attacks at range. Eventually, we will get a couple more feats and Lucky along with another Ability Improvement which will give us even more damage and control over Advantage.
At level 9, the Rogue Thief gets a new subclass feature,Supreme Sneak. Blend into the environment so completely that you become Invisible. This essentially gives you the ability to become invisible which can be used every short rest. The downside is it costs an action, so it’s not as useful in combat considering you want to attack with your action. But, out of combat, it’s a great way to sneak around and avoid detection and punishment.
The Astarion build gameplay remains unchanged at this level. You now have on-demand Invisibility after you disengage and run away from attackers and heal up with bonus action.
At level 10 we get to choose an ability improvement or a feat. We will choose the Lucky feat.
You will need to long rest to replenish your Luck points, but use them in critical situations where you need an extra d20, which will take the higher of the two.
At level 11, not much happens with the Rogue Thief build. We are one level from another feat which is helpful. You gain access to another non-combat related skillReliable Talent. When you make an Ability Check with a Skill you are Proficient with it, the lowest result you may roll on the die is 10.
And now you can reach level 20 in your primary ability Dexterity with another +2 via Ability Improvement. This build excels at simple ranged combat and is amazing outside-of-combat utility.
Recommended Weapons and Armor
Beginner: Act 1
Here’s the best beginner gear for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build:
Read More-Baldur’s Gate 3: Top 10 Builds for Patch 8
Titanstring Bow
RegardingTitanstring Bow, you’re able to use Elixir of Hill Giant Strength to add +5 damage for every attack! Consider using these until long rest Elixir if you acquire the bow because it makes the weapon radically more powerful early in BG3.
Advanced: Acts 2 & 3
Here’s the best-advanced gear for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build:
Best Consumable Items
Consumablesare items that can be used once and then destroyed. They are typically used to restore health or other resources. Some common types of consumables include potions, scrolls, food, drinks, and arrows.
The following list represents the best individual use consumable items that will aid in our Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build:
The strongest Ammunition for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build is listed below:
Astarion Combat, Gameplay Tips, and Tricks
Here are 10 gameplay tips and tricks for playing the Best Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Companion Build:
Remember, this build guide serves as a foundation, and you’re able to always adapt it to suit your preferences and the needs of your campaign. Enjoy playing as a formidable The BestAstarion Companion Build!
Astarion Changes in Patch 7 for BG3
Astarion received minor bug fixes and dialogue additions in Patch 7 of BG3. Overall, Astaraion’s Rogue build, combat, and gameplay elements remained untouched. Therefore, if you are familiar with the the companion Astarion’s playstyle, almost all remain the same.
Larian Studios’ main focus in this patch ismods. The game now features amodding toolkitand anin-game mod manager, allowing players to create and install mods directly within the game. This update is intended to hand over creative control to the community, enabling players to produce unique content and continue the story in new ways. This best Astarion Build Guide remains unchanged, mainly in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 7.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Astarion Companion Build Summary Guide
If you followed the guide, this is how your Baldur’s Gate 3Astarionwith all Build components should look:
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