BG3 Astarion Looks Weird in Act 2: An In-Depth Analysis

Baldur's Gate 3's highly anticipated Act 2 update has brought significant changes to the game, including the appearance of Astarion, one of the game's most popular companions. However, many players have noticed that Astarion's appearance in Act 2 seems... off.

#1: Facial Model Inconsistencies

One of the most striking differences between Astarion's appearance in Act 1 and Act 2 is his facial model. In Act 1, Astarion's face is relatively clean-shaven, with a sharp, angular jawline. However, in Act 2, his face is covered in stubble, and his jawline appears more rounded.

#2: Eye Color Changes

Another noticeable change is in Astarion's eye color. In Act 1, his eyes are a deep red, consistent with his vampiric heritage. However, in Act 2, his eyes have become a lighter shade of pink, making him appear less menacing.

#3: Hairline Differences

Astarion's hairline has also undergone a subtle change. In Act 1, his hairline is relatively straight, with a slight widow's peak. However, in Act 2, his hairline is more curved, giving him a slightly more youthful appearance.

Potential Reasons for the Changes

Larian Studios, the developer of Baldur's Gate 3, has not yet provided an official explanation for the changes to Astarion's appearance. However, there are several possible reasons for these alterations:

1. Artistic Evolution: Larian Studios may have simply decided to change Astarion's appearance to better reflect the character's development over the course of the game.

2. Technical Limitations: Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is more graphically intensive than Act 1. The changes to Astarion's appearance may have been necessary to optimize the game's performance.

3. Character Progression: Astarion's appearance may have changed to reflect his experiences in Act 2. The stubble on his face could represent the passage of time, while the lighter eye color could indicate a change in his outlook on life.

Player Reactions

The changes to Astarion's appearance have been met with mixed reactions from players. Some players appreciate the more nuanced and weathered look, while others prefer the more youthful and clean-shaven appearance of Act 1.

#4: Facial Hair Options

In response to player feedback, Larian Studios has announced that they will be adding new facial hair options for Astarion in a future update. This will allow players to customize Astarion's appearance to their liking.

Conclusion

The changes to Astarion's appearance in Baldur's Gate 3's Act 2 are likely due to a combination of artistic evolution, technical limitations, and character progression. While some players may prefer the more youthful appearance of Act 1, others appreciate the more nuanced and weathered look of Act 2. Ultimately, the decision of which appearance to prefer is up to the individual player.