Baldur’s Gate 3 players split over whether Ascended Astarion is truly “evil”

Despite the ongoing debate within the Baldur’s Gate 3 community, players remain divided on whether Ascended Astarion can truly be considered an “evil” character, with discussions revolving around his potential fate as the Vampire Ascendant.

Astarion, a High Elf Rogue who comes from a Charlatan background, serves as the muse for the many fanart, fanfiction, and other community creations that are influenced by Baldur’s Gate 3.

In typical role-playing games, the choices made by players have the ability to impact the character progression and potential outcomes for numerous companions.

Despite being one of the most controversial endings for characters in the BG3 community, Astarion’s Asended ending is often discussed and debated as being “evil”. However, does this ending truly portray the character as being evil?

Ascended Astarion is evil byu/Megazupa inBaldursGate3

If Astarion were to become the Vampire Ascendant, he would ultimately betray the player and revert to his manipulative and toxic ways. However, despite this, many players of Baldur’s Gate 3 do not believe him to be truly evil.

The Baldur’s Gate 3 community on Reddit is divided on whether Astarion’s Ascended ending is truly as negative as it was initially perceived.

Despite his ascent, Astarion’s troubled past is still acknowledged by BG3 players, who sympathize with him and recognize that it may have led him down this dark path.

According to one BG3 fan, Astarion served as a honeypot for Cortazar, using seduction and betrayal to acquire victims. He explains that when Astarion mentions “the hand he knows,”this is what he is referring to.

“Despite Cortazar’s orders, he ultimately betrayed all those who had ever loved him. Even his Ascension could not free him from the lasting effects of this trauma; in fact, it only exacerbated them.”

On the other hand, there are some who firmly believe that this portrayal of the character is inherently malicious, with one BG3 player comparing Ascended Astarion to a former romantic partner of theirs.

“I confronted him once, but as soon as he began his slow-talking tactics, I quickly backed away. His manner of speaking brought back memories of an ex.”

Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its beloved secondary characters and companions, sparking frequent debates within the community about who is the most impressive among them.