Baldur's Gate 3, a multiple award-winning title and 2023's Game of the Year, developed by Larian Studios, left a hole in the hearts of many. Only because it was so good, almost nothing has scratched that itch. Sadly, the turn-based role-playing video game based on Dungeons & Dragons is never getting DLC content. A sequel is likely, but it won't be made by Larian. The Belgian studio is returning to their own IP, starting with a Divinity successor, which was announced at 2025's Game Awards.
But just today, an exclusive release by Polygon announced that the world of Baldur's Gate 3 is deepening its roots with prequel novels. In a collaboration with Random House Worlds, they plan to publish four titles taking place in the world of Faerûn. They are starting with the High-Elf turned vampire, Astarion, who's getting his own standalone novel. It's been written by bestselling fantasy author, T. Kingfisher, who's known for Swordheart, The Saint of Steel, Sworn Soldier, and a number of other novels, including this year's Southern Gothic horror tale Wolf Worm.
Astarion is a fantastic choice for a prequel novel, not only because he's a fan favorite, but also because he's lived for centuries. There are endless stories to tell of heartbreak, betrayal, and transformation. Astarion, before joining your party in BG3's campaign (if you wanted him to), was shackled to the cultic vampire family led by the abusive Cazador Szarr. As the player, you can decide the fate of Cazador and influence the destiny of Astarion, but the Elven vampire has a pre-written history waiting to be explored. Who knows, it might change your perspective about him on your next playthrough.
As T. Kingfisher is the author, Stephen Rooney, a Baldur's Gate 3 senior writer, serves as the lore master to make sure the book is consistent with Astarion's character and how he impacts the world. Not only this, but Neil Newbon, who won Best Performance at The Game Awards for his role as Astarion, will narrate the novel. This alone makes me more excited to read it.
Earlier this year, HBO announced a Baldur's Gate 3 television sequel series with Craig Mazin as the showrunner. Although they have a Wizards of the Coast consultant on board, no one from Larian Studios is guiding the writing or world-building, which has fans worried. Combine that with choosing a canon ending, out of thousands that players have experienced, and you have a difficult crowd to please.
In contrast, releasing a novel is a good move. You get closer to the character than before, and it builds on the narrator-using-prose style the video game was known for. In a way, it may still feel like you're playing the game, only through your imagination. Honestly, that's just as good, if not better, than any DLC I could've asked for.
Baldur's Gate: Astarion hits bookstores on September 29, 2026. It is currently available for pre-order.
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