Yes, generally, you should let Astarion bite you in Baldur's Gate 3. It's an easy way to significantly increase his approval of you, and the only direct downside for your character is a temporary debuff that can be cured.
The Benefits of Letting Astarion Bite You
Allowing Astarion to bite your character offers several immediate and long-term advantages, primarily centered around your relationship with him and his well-being.
- Significant Approval Gain: This action is one of the quickest and most straightforward ways to gain a substantial amount of approval with Astarion. Building a positive relationship with him can unlock unique dialogue, quests, and storyline progressions later in the game.
- Astarion's 'Happy' Buff: After feeding, Astarion gains the "Happy" buff, which provides a beneficial +1 to his Attack Rolls, Saving Throws, and most Ability Checks. This makes him a more effective companion in combat and during skill challenges.
- Progression of His Storyline: Permitting Astarion to feed is a crucial step in understanding his vampiric nature and progressing his personal questline. It can open doors to deeper character development and unique narrative opportunities.
The Downside: The 'Bloodless' Debuff
While the benefits are considerable, there is one immediate drawback for your character:
- Gaining the 'Bloodless' Debuff: After Astarion feeds on you, your character will receive the Bloodless debuff. This condition typically imposes a -1 penalty to Attack Rolls, Saving Throws, and most Ability Checks.
However, the Bloodless debuff is not permanent and can be easily managed or cured. It often lasts until your next Long Rest or can be removed by various healing spells or potions. For detailed information on how to remove this debuff, you can consult guides such as the IGN wiki on how to cure Bloodless.
At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Here's a quick summary of the immediate effects:
| Effect on Your Character | Effect on Astarion |
|---|---|
| Gains Bloodless debuff | Gains Happy buff |
| Approval rating increases significantly |
Practical Considerations
- Timing: While the debuff is temporary, consider the timing if you're about to enter a crucial combat encounter. It's often best to let him feed after combat or when you're planning a Long Rest soon.
- Role-Playing: From a role-playing perspective, allowing Astarion to feed can be a selfless act that strengthens your bond and shows trust, even if it comes with a minor personal cost.
Ultimately, the short-term inconvenience of the Bloodless debuff is generally outweighed by the significant benefits to Astarion's approval and storyline progression, making it a recommended choice for most players.
