Astarion returns in first taster of exciting Baldur's Gate 3 prequel

Baldur’s Gate 3 remains as popular and beloved today as it was during the height of its reign in 2023, when it dominated awards season.

Unfortunately, the hit CRPG isn’t set to be followed up by a sequel, at least from Larian Studios anyway.

Larian has moved on to working on Divinity, somewhat of a relaunch of its existing franchise of the same name.

It’s believed that Hasbro is shopping the Baldur’s Gate IP around, but it’s yet to be taken up.

There are several other opportunities, though, to reunite with the characters you know and love; it’s believed that HBO’s Baldur’s Gate TV show could bring in several cast members from the game.

There’s also a prequel on the way in the form of the novel Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion.

Random House Worlds

Neil Newbon will return as everybody’s favourite vampire in a fully voiced audiobook version of the novel, which is being penned by T. Kingfisher and published by Random House Worlds.

Baldur’s Gate 3 writer Stephen Rooney consulted on the project for continuity purposes - and you only need to wait until September 29 to get your hands on the book.

Ahead of its release, an exclusive excerpt read by Newbon has been released by IGN.

Prefacing the excerpt, author Kingfisher told the site, “This was the one of the very first scenes I wrote, part of getting the geography of the city set firmly into my mind. That was over a year ago and it's hard to believe that the book is so close to coming out.

“You live with these things in your own head for so long, and I'm delighted that other people will finally get to see it!"

You can watch the exclusive excerpt on IGN's site.

READ MORE: 9 amazing RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 to try next

What is the prequel Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion about?

“You’re too pretty to die,” the synopsis begins. “Astarion Ancunin was supposed to be a magistrate, not a vampire spawn. He was supposed to serve the law, not the vicious vampire lord Cazador Szarr. And he was supposed to drink fine wine, not rat blood. Alas—the city of Baldur’s Gate cares little for what’s supposed to happen.”

It continues, “Though he has been powerless to resist his master’s bidding, haunting the nighttime streets to fetch warm blood, Astarion has never surrendered his hope. One day, this nightmare must end. He just has to find out how.

“When the vampire lord announces a twisted competition for his favor, an opportunity presents itself in the form of a rare prize...and an unlikely alliance. The blood of a dead god is buried deep beneath Baldur’s Gate, and, to get it, Astarion will need the help of a handsome Aasimar paladin named Hahn den Suriel.

“There are just a few problems. Astarion is not supposed to trust his fellow spawn. He’s not supposed to go out into the city for his own ends rather than the vampire lord’s. And he’s certainly not supposed to strike a deal with a stranger whose golden eyes can snare even a blackened, undead heart. But the city of Baldur’s Gate cares little for what’s supposed to happen.”

Fans can pre-order the book for $30 from a wide array of booksellers. Penguin Random House lists it as being 288 pages long and classifies the prequel as a “dark fantasy adventure."