Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Story & Character Discussion Astarion romance question

I’m not that deep into the main storyline but I have already found out how hard it is to get Astarion’s approval. Unfortunate because he’s the one I want to romance. It seems I have already missed on a fair bunch of approval opportunities as I don’t normally go the evil route but hopefully there’s still some left that don’t require me to do outright evil stuff. I had Astarion in my party all the time since I got him and now I keep checking every “mean” dialog option but so far not much luck. His approval is currently ‘fair’, which, I assume, is not enough to trigger the romance? I had the stargazing scene, the bite scene, other companions confronting us and some general background dialog with him right after. I picked all the supportive dialog options, I have no other romance currently going on, and he’s calling me “my friend” and “my favourite travelling companion”. Not sure if this is a positive sign for romance or not. Or did he “friendzone” me for some reason? I haven’t really completed any major quests, except exploring the ruins and rescuing Arabella, and haven’t been to the goblin camp yet or to other major quest areas. Is there hope or did something go wrong somewhere? Maybe you aren’t supposed to trigger the stargazing or bite scenes without high enough approval?

Dont worry so much an just enjoy the ride. You also dont have to be evil with Astarion. He is more "we bullshit our way through Faerun, also I like naughty and hilarious stuff, and murdering someone on occasion" (lets face it Faerun has quite a lot of people who need some murdering.
He doesnt like promising to help people sure, but usually has not much problem with a "I look what I can do!". My first PT was a goody two shoes elf who helpled everyone and was nice to kids and I had no problem getting his romance and max approval at the end no problem.
Just allow yourself to be a bit chaotic at times.
At some point after doing some main quests there is a sure chance to start his romance, you will know it when you see it. And if you already have fair approval you should be safe to get that I think.

"Fair" is good enough to start the romance at the tiefling party later on, if you make the right choices at the party itself. You can earn even more approval in Act I by killing a certain hunter and giving him a certain book. More approval bumps will be available in Act II.