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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a diverse array of romance options, enriching the gameplay experience significantly. These relationships, whether fleeting encounters or enduring bonds, create some of the game's most memorable moments. This guide provides a walkthrough for each romance option, advising how to avoid inadvertently locking yourself out of a desired relationship.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Understanding Romance in BG3:
It's crucial to understand that your character's gender doesn't restrict your romantic choices. Every romance option is available regardless of your Tav's characteristics.
BG3 features two types of romances: long-term relationships developed throughout the campaign, and shorter, more intense encounters. The approach, however, varies greatly depending on the character you pursue. Some offer casual encounters, while others require a more sustained courtship.
Furthermore, be aware that pursuing multiple romances simultaneously can lock you out of certain relationships. Timing is critical for some characters, and some simply won't tolerate infidelity.
Most companion NPCs are romancable. Entering a relationship significantly alters your experience with that companion, meaning you can't fully experience every romance in a single playthrough. Detailed guides for each relationship are linked below.
All Romance Options:
The following companions can be romanced:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
The following non-companion characters offer short-term romances:
- Mizora
- Guardian/Emperor
- Drow Twins
- Haarlep
- Naoise Nallinto
How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3
Shadowheart, often encountered early, presents a readily available romance path. Building her approval rating through kindness, non-violence, and respecting her privacy will significantly increase your chances. Her romance adds an intriguing layer to her already significant role in the main plot.
Shadowheart offers both long-term and short-term romance options, with opportunities available in each act. Beginning in Act I allows for a sustained relationship throughout the game.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party (though not strictly required, it helps).
- Prioritize boosting her approval early. Support her against Lae'zel for a significant early boost.
- When your approval is high in Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue, or wait until the camp party after rescuing Halsin. If you've shown interest, an exclamation mark will appear over her head. Accept her invitation to share a drink, choose her as your evening companion, and be attentive during your walk and subsequent intimate moment.
- In Act II, your choice to side with Selune or Shar doesn't necessarily derail the romance. Support her new look if you choose Selune; a nighttime event will occur if you choose Shar (it may take several nights).
- In Act III, complete Shadowheart's quest. This unlocks a final intimate scene, regardless of your choice in Act II.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Under certain circumstances, romancing other characters may end your relationship with Shadowheart. The exact rules are unclear, so if playing on Honor Mode, stick with her. Otherwise, save often before exploring other romantic options.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep, is receptive to a relationship with the Tav. His importance to the plot makes romancing him a particularly rewarding experience.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue him from the portal northeast of the crash site.
- Comply with his requests to consume magical items (up to three instances in Act I).
- Accept his invitation for a magic lesson in Act I; choose dialogue options that lead towards romance. Avoid being unkind, as this can close off future options.
- Support him during the cutscene with Elminster in Act I, before the transition to Act II.
- In Act III, keep him alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak with him before resting, and choose the romantic dialogue options.
Gale Romance Special Notes:
- Gale is not open to polyamory and will end the relationship if you pursue other romances.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion, with his sharp wit and devil-may-care attitude, is a popular romance choice. He's also one of the most open-minded partners.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Build his approval by keeping him in your party and choosing self-serving options. He appreciates sarcasm and generally disapproves of selfless acts.
- Allowing him to drink your blood significantly boosts your relationship.
- During the camp party, choose romantic dialogue options to unlock the first major romance scene; let him bite you.
- Show interest in his scars in a later interaction.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about his scars. A nighttime encounter follows. Choose supportive dialogue options.
- In Act III, complete Astarion's quest for the final romantic scenes. Supporting him throughout yields a special scene, regardless of the quest's outcome.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is the most tolerant of multiple partners among the long-term romance options.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is arguably the most challenging to initiate, and she's highly sensitive to infidelity once a relationship is established. However, her storyline is rewarding when pursued romantically.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support her against the fake Paladins of Tyr. Adding her to your party early builds approval. She values kindness, understanding, and open-mindedness, but also supports violence when necessary.
- Obtain Infernal Iron quickly. Dammon, the blacksmith, can help. This sets the stage for the romance.
- During the camp party, express your feelings; this unlocks a later evening conversation. Express your desire to kiss her, and follow through.
- In Act II, find Dammon at the Last Light Inn and use Infernal Iron to improve her condition.
- In Act III, take her on a date.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- She reacts strongly to infidelity, though redemption is possible with sincere apologies and avoiding sarcasm. Once her heart is repaired, a long-term relationship is possible.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance enhances his already compelling storyline.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build his approval by acting heroically and siding with him in his quests. Support him in his struggles with Mizora and his father.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings in the Emerald Grove. This makes him available for a nighttime encounter during the camp party.
- In Act II, a special encounter occurs after a long rest. Choose romantic dialogue options.
- In Act III, help him save his father and complete his quest with Ansur.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel shows early interest; a casual encounter or a long-term relationship is possible.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Raise her approval through decisive action. She appreciates warriors who act quickly and directly. Intimidation is also effective.
- Once her approval is high, initiate a conversation in camp; this can lead to a one-night stand.
- Maintain her approval; she'll initiate a nighttime encounter in Act II. The outcome of the duel doesn't affect the romance.
- In Act III, the outcome depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus leads to a romantic ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- She's not open to polyamory and will end the relationship if you cheat.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin is a popular romance option.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Rescue him from the Goblin Camp. He's not a companion until Act II, after helping him locate Thaniel.
- Keep him in your party. He approves of kindness, respect for nature, and fairness.
- Regularly exhaust his dialogue options; pay attention to conversations about past lovers.
- Once his approval is high, he'll initiate a nighttime encounter. He'll ask about other relationships; Shadowheart and Astarion are acceptable, but Karlach and Gale are not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, as she's initially an enemy.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Side with her against the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, express your admiration and willingness to embrace her cause. This leads to a nighttime encounter at camp.
- At the goblin party, declare your allegiance and accept her advances. Failure to pass a persuasion check results in an attack.
Reports suggest it's possible to knock her out at the Goblin Camp and rescue her later, allowing her to join your party. This has not been verified.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- This path significantly alters the overall game experience, and your other companions will react negatively.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
These sections detail the process for each of the one-off romance options, providing clear steps to initiate each encounter. The potential consequences of pursuing these options while already in a relationship are also noted.
