BG3 Astarion Companion Quest Guide: Complete Walkthrough & Best Ending

Act 1: The Pale Elf

1. Recruit Astarion west of the crash site
2. Let him feed on you at camp (he reveals he’s a vampire spawn). Trust him.
3. Meet Gandrel (the Gur monster hunter) in the Sunlit Wetlands. Decide whether to tell him about Astarion or protect Astarion.
4. Let Astarion drink from enemies in combat (he gets the Happy buff: +1 to attack rolls, ability checks, and saves).

Act 2: Raphael’s Deal

At Last Light Inn, Raphael approaches your party. He offers to translate Astarion’s scars — the Infernal script on his back is part of Cazador’s ritual. Raphael wants you to kill Yurgir (an orthorn in the Gauntlet of Shar) in exchange. Kill Yurgir. Raphael reveals the scars are a contract for the Rite of Profane Ascension — a ritual that would sacrifice 7,000 souls to turn Astarion into a true vampire.

Act 3: Cazador’s Palace

Enter Cazador’s Palace in the Lower City. Fight through the ballroom and kennels to reach the ritual chamber. Defeat Cazador. Then the choice:

• Let Astarion Ascend: He completes the ritual, becomes a Vampire Ascendant. Power-hungry, cruel, emotionally hollow. Gains powerful abilities.
• Refuse the Ritual: Convince Astarion he’s enough as he is. He stabs Cazador, crying. The 7,000 spawn are freed. Astarion remains a vampire spawn but keeps his humanity. Best ending.

Epilogue

If Astarion doesn’t ascend: he can’t stand in sunlight anymore and runs away. In the epilogue, he’s found peace as an adventurer/spawn, content with his freedom.