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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options that enrich the game's narrative and player experience. Whether you're seeking a long-term relationship that evolves throughout the campaign or a fleeting, intense encounter, the game caters to a variety of preferences. In this guide, we'll walk you through every romance option available in Baldur's Gate 3, ensuring you don't miss out on any potential relationships.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Romance in BG3 Explained:
Romance in Baldur's Gate 3 is inclusive, allowing every romancable character to be pursued regardless of your character's sex or race. The game offers two main types of romance: short-term and long-term relationships. The path to romance varies with each character, and some offer one-night stands, while others require a more extended courtship. However, players should be aware that certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance options, and some characters may not appreciate if you pursue multiple relationships. While most companions can be romanced, you won't be able to experience all romance options in a single playthrough due to the unique nature of each relationship.
All Romance Options:
The following companion characters can be romanced in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
The following non-companion characters are available for short-term romance:
- Mizora
- Guardian/Emperor
- Drow Twins
- Haarlep
- Naoise Nallinto
How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3
Shadowheart emerges as a prominent romance option early in the game, often being the first companion you meet post-crash. Romancing her adds depth to her narrative, given her integral role in the plot. You can pursue either a long-term or short-term relationship with her, with opportunities available in each act.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build a strong connection.
- Increase her approval by showing kindness, avoiding violence, and respecting her privacy. Support her against Lae'zel for a significant early boost.
- In Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue. Alternatively, after rescuing Halsin, engage with her during the camp party. When she offers to share a bottle, accept and choose her to spend the evening with. During the subsequent walk, choose dialogue options that show interest, leading to a kiss. Follow up with a conversation to define the relationship's future.
- In Act II, you can continue the romance regardless of whether you side with Selune or Shar. Support her choices and appearance if you side with Selune, or wait for a nighttime event if you choose Shar.
- In Act III, complete her quest and engage in a final nighttime event, which includes a swim. Choose the compassionate dialogue options to deepen your bond and unlock a special scene.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Shadowheart may end the relationship if you pursue other romantic interests, though this isn't always the case. In Honor Mode, it's best to remain faithful to avoid complications.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, is open to romance and plays a pivotal role in the game's storyline. His romance path is rewarding both emotionally and narratively.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue Gale from the portal northeast of the crash site to start your journey.
- Comply with Gale's requests to consume magical items, which will occur up to three times in Act I.
- Attend Gale's magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being mean to keep future options open.
- Before transitioning to Act II, support Gale during the Elminster cutscene to prevent closing off romance paths.
- In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak with Gale before resting, choosing "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" to unlock the final romance scene.
Gale Romance Special Notes:
- Gale is not open to an open relationship and will be unhappy if you romance other characters.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion's charm and wit make him a popular choice for romance. He's also quite open-minded, making him a unique partner.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Boost his approval by choosing self-serving options and embracing sarcasm. Add him to your party as early as possible.
- Allow Astarion to drink your blood to enhance your relationship.
- During the party in Act I, engage with Astarion by discussing the goblins' party and expressing interest in his idea of fun. This will unlock the first major romance scene, where allowing him to bite you will further increase approval.
- After the first scene, show interest in his scars and ask about their Infernal inscriptions.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal for more information about Astarion's scars. When Astarion visits you at night, choose dialogue affirming your affection.
- In Act III, complete Astarion's quest, deciding whether to let him complete the ritual or not. Support him to unlock the final romantic scenes, including the potential to become a vampire yourself.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is the most open-minded long-term partner and won't get truly angry if you have other romantic encounters.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is challenging but deeply rewarding due to her compelling storyline. She is sensitive about fidelity, especially once a long-term relationship is established.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr and add her to your party immediately. She values kindness, understanding, and violence in defense of others.
- Collect Infernal Iron quickly to help Karlach with her heart. Speak to Dammon at the Emerald Grove and express disappointment at not being able to touch her yet, but affirm your desire.
- At the party, express your feelings to Karlach. Later, suggest finding a way to kiss her, leading to a scene where you use water to cool her temporarily. Affirm your commitment to finding a solution.
- In Act II, continue helping Karlach by finding Dammon at the Last Light Inn and using Infernal Iron to tune her up.
- In Act III, take Karlach on a date to further your relationship.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is very sensitive about infidelity. If she becomes angry, avoid sarcasm and mean responses to potentially reconcile.
- After fixing her heart, you can enter into a long-term relationship that lasts the game, with unique dialogue options.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance enhances his storyline, making it a rewarding choice for those who appreciate his heroic nature.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Increase Wyll's approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. This includes helping him understand the situation with Karlach without killing her.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. If you've built up his approval, he'll be available to spend the night with during the party.
- In Act II, after a Long Rest, you'll encounter Wyll dancing. Choose romantic dialogue options during this encounter.
- In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur to unlock the final romantic scene.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel shows early interest in the player, offering both a one-night stand and the possibility of a longer-term relationship.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Raise her approval by acting decisively and aggressively. She values action over persuasion or deception but appreciates intimidation.
- Once her approval is high, initiate a conversation about her different look towards you, potentially leading to a one-night stand.
- In Act II, she'll challenge you to a duel. Whether you win or lose, you'll advance in her heart.
- In Act III, your relationship's outcome depends on whether Lae'zel sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a public acknowledgment of your relationship in the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel is not open to multiple partners. Cheating on her after the duel will result in a permanent breakup.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance appeals to many due to his nature-centric personality and strong character.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Ensure you fully lift the Shadow Curse before the end of Act II to keep romance options open.
- Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion.
- In Act II, help Halsin locate Thaniel to make him a permanent party member.
- Keep Halsin in your party and engage in dialogue that reflects kindness, a reverence for nature, and fairness.
- Check and exhaust his dialogue options daily, especially those about former lovers.
- Once his approval is high, he'll visit you at night. Confirm your relationship status, noting that Shadowheart and Astarion are okay with it, while Karlach and Gale are not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, fitting well into an evil playthrough or a true Durge run.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Instead of attacking the Goblin Camp, reach Minthara without initiating combat. Side with her, betraying your party and the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, express honor in fighting beside her, embrace the change, and open your mind, leading to her visiting your camp.
- During the goblin party at camp, affirm your commitment to her. Go to bed, and she'll join you. Passing a persuasion check is crucial to avoid an attack at the end of the encounter.
Since the official release of Baldur's Gate 3, there's a claim that you can knock Minthara out at the Goblin Camp and then rescue her in Act II at Moonrise Towers, allowing her to join your party. We have not verified this yet, but will update as soon as we have more information.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing the evil path significantly alters the game's experience. Be prepared for repercussions from your party members if you destroy the Emerald Grove.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### How to Romance Mizora:
- Keep Wyll in your party and avoid siding with Minthara.
- Rescue Mizora from the Mind Flayer Colony below Moonrise Towers in Act II.
- In Act III, find Mizora at Wyrm's Rock Fortress and discuss Duke Ravengard before Gortash's coronation.
- Rest until she visits your camp, then engage in conversation. When she mentions something beyond these planes, ask her what she's suggesting and smile.
- Mizora will visit you at night, triggering a one-off romance scene.
How to Romance the Guardian:
- Between Act II and III, choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor.
- Evolve into a Half-Ilithid to boost approval (though not strictly necessary).
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
- When the Emperor visits after you discover his past, choose to hold their hand.
- When the Emperor is more forward in their next visit, ask if they're flirting and react positively to their advances, triggering the romance scene.
How to Romance the Drow Twins:
- Visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing during Act III.
- Speak to Mamzell Amira near the bar and either complete a quest for her or pay directly for the twins.
- Go to the directed chambers to initiate the scene. Avoid involving Gale or Karlach if you're in a relationship with them.
How to Romance Haarlep in the House of Hope:
- Reach the House of Hope and cross the Mystic Force Curtain to enter the Boudoir.
- Encounter Haarlep, an Incubus in Raphael's service, who will offer a romantic encounter. Be aware of potential consequences if you're in a relationship, especially with Karlach.
How to Romance Naoise Nallinto:
- Visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing and locate the locked door marked by a green lantern and ivy-covered wall.
- Either pick the lock with a roll of 10 or get the key from Mamzell downstairs.
- Enter the chamber to find Naoise and Jara in an intimate moment. After defeating the Mindflayer that Jara turns into, engage with Naoise and follow the cues leading to a brief romantic scene, granting the Rapture buff until your next long rest.