Baldur's Gate 3: Astarion gets prequel novel and more

Baldur's Gate 3 has made a huge impact since its launch in 2023, with more than 15 million players enjoying the game. To meet fan demand for more stories from this magical universe, Larian Studios and Wizards of the Coast announced a new line of books centered on the world of Baldur's Gate 3 on April 24, 2026. The most notable is the prequel novel "Baldur's Gate 3: Astarion," which is scheduled for release on September 29, 2026.

The novel, written by T. Kingfisher, dives into the past of the popular character Astarion and explores his time as a servant to the vampire lord Cazador Szarr. Neil Newbon, the voice actor who plays Astarion in the game, will narrate the audiobook version of the book. This title is just one of four books planned for 2026, all part of a broader collaboration between Larian Studios, Wizards of the Coast, and Random House Worlds.

Details about the prequel novel

"Baldur's Gate 3: Astarion" promises a deeper look into Astarion's backstory and his relationship with the sinister Cazador Szarr. Stephen Rooney, a senior writer on Baldur's Gate 3, was involved to help ensure the story stays authentic. The novel offers not only a narrative experience, but also a chance for fans to learn more about one of the game's most intriguing characters.

Other books in the lineup

Alongside the Astarion novel, several other books will also arrive in 2026:

• Baldur's Gate 3: The Necromancy of Thay - This release, due on July 21, 2026, is a physical version of the in-game book. It includes blank grid paper and features an ominous design, including foil stamping and a skull on the cover.

• The Official Baldur's Gate 3 Coloring Book - This coloring book includes 40 illustrations of characters and locations from the game and will be released on August 11, 2026.

• A Feast for a Tenday: The Official Baldur's Gate 3 Cookbook - This cookbook, arriving on November 3, 2026, contains 65 recipes inspired by the world of Baldur's Gate 3 and organizes them by course and camp. Specially marked dishes are meant for "Romanceable" moments.

Future developments

The collaboration between Larian Studios and the publisher will continue into 2027, with more details to be revealed later this year. While Larian is currently no longer working on the Baldur's Gate IP and is focused on new projects within its Divinity franchise, the stories surrounding Baldur's Gate 3 continue to draw interest.

An HBO television series is also in development, set after the events of the game. That project has received mixed reactions, especially given the different endings and outcomes for characters in the game. Fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming books and the new series, while still hoping for more adventures in the world of Baldur's Gate.

With these new releases, Baldur's Gate 3 fans can look forward to an expanded wealth of lore and storytelling that made the game so compelling. More news on future releases is expected later this year.