Baldur’s Gate 3 Is Getting an Official Prequel

It’s honestly a dream come true. The reports are in, and it’s official: Baldur’s Gate 3 is getting an official prequel. If that news wasn’t enough to get you going, then brace yourself for this last bit of information: The prequel for Baldur’s Gate 3 is going to be all about Astarion, and if you like things a bit freaky, then the vampire’s voice actor can take you through the entire thing. If that isn’t enough to make you blush, then nothing in Baldur’s Gate 3 will do the trick.

After all, reports have confirmed Wizards of the Coast and Larian are now working with Random House Worlds to expand the Baldur’s Gate universe (via Polygon). The collaboration will begin with a much-anticipated prequel focused on Astarion, everyone’s favorite thieving vampire. This new deal will bring a total of four books to the Baldur’s Gate 3 franchise, and it’ll get off to a good start with a look into Astarion’s past prior to his servitude under Cazador Szarr.

Random House World

As for when this official prequel will be released, Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion will hit shelves on September 29, and it is all thanks to the bestselling fantasy author T. Kingfisher. Few specific details have been shared about the prequel novel, but Larian did confirm some basic info. For one, the novel will be set before the events of Baldur’s Gate 3 as fans follow Astarion during his time as a magistrate. The elf’s life will then shift dramatically when he is turned into a vampire by Cazador, the ruthless vampire lord who subjugates Astarion as his spawn. There is little doubt this prequel will be filled with delicious angst and high-stakes drama, which suits Astarion just fine. And if you’d rather listen to the book, Neil Newbon has good news for you.

The voice actor for Astarion has been brought on to narrate the prequel’s audiobook. Penguin Random House Audio will oversee the release, and of course, fans are eager for Newbon to revisit his impeccable role. The voice actor won Best Performance for his work as Astarion during The Game Awards three years ago, so it is only right Newbon reprises the vampire for this upcoming prequel.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Will Expand Far Beyond Its New Prequel

With an official prequel in the works, Baldur’s Gate 3 is not stopping with this upcoming release. As part of this publishing deal, the game is getting a real-life replica of The Necromancy of Thay if you’re brave enough to buy it. A coloring book and recipe book are also in the works, giving Baldur’s Gate fans even more to look forward to. But of course, audiences are most excited about the game’s upcoming television series on HBO.

In early 2026, HBO confirmed it is developing a television series based on Baldur’s Gate 3 with Craig Mazin, the co-creator of The Last of Us. The project is still early in development, leaving fans equal parts nervous and excited to see what HBO will cook up for the best-selling video game. In the meantime, Astarion will soon distract fans as they wait for more updates. The vampire’s origin story cannot go live soon enough, so Baldur’s Gate 3 fans should go ahead and make their calendars ASAP.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

Engine

Divinity 4.0