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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options, enhancing the game's immersive experience. Whether you're seeking a deep, lasting connection or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to various preferences. This guide will walk you through each romance path, ensuring you know how to pursue your desired relationships without missing out on any key moments.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Romance in BG3 Explained:
In Baldur's Gate 3, romance transcends gender and race, allowing every player to explore relationships with any romancable character. The game features two main types of romantic engagements: short-term and long-term. The nature of your relationship can vary significantly depending on the character and your in-game choices. Some characters offer the possibility of a one-night stand, while others require a more prolonged courtship.
Be aware that certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance options. Timely completion of specific tasks and maintaining exclusivity can be crucial for some characters. Most companion NPCs are romanceable, each offering a unique journey that alters your gameplay experience. However, due to these unique paths, it's impossible to experience every romance in one playthrough. We'll delve into the specifics of each relationship in the guides below.
All Romance Options:
Companion characters available for romance in Baldur's Gate 3 include:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
Non-companion characters available for short-term romance are:
- 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. Her journey intertwines deeply with the plot, making her a compelling choice for those who wish to explore her story more intimately.
Shadowheart can be romanced for both short-term and long-term relationships, with opportunities available in every act. Starting in Act I, maintaining a relationship with her can enrich your entire playthrough.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to easily boost her approval. She values kindness, non-violence, and privacy. Supporting her against Lae'zel early on significantly increases her approval.
- Once 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. Share a bottle with her, choose to spend the evening with her, and opt for dialogue options that show interest during your nighttime walk. This should culminate in a kiss, setting the stage for further romance.
- In Act II, your choices with Selune or Shar don't necessarily end your romance. Support her choices and engage in the nighttime events that follow.
- In Act III, complete her quest, leading to a final romantic swim scene. Choose supportive dialogue to deepen your bond.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Shadowheart may end the relationship if you pursue other romances, though this isn't always the case. In Honor Mode, it's safest to remain exclusive. Always save before exploring other relationships to ensure you don't lose her.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, offers a romance path that intertwines with the game's overarching plot, providing both emotional and narrative depth.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue Gale from the portal northeast of the crash site before beginning your romance.
- Fulfill Gale's requests to consume magical items, occurring up to three times in Act I.
- Attend Gale's magic lesson in Act I, choosing romantic dialogue options to further your relationship.
- Support Gale during the Elminster cutscene at the end of Act I, showing care for his fate.
- In Act III, ensure Gale remains alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak to him before your next long rest, 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 values exclusivity and will not tolerate romantic involvement with others.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion's charm and wit make him a fan favorite, and his romance path is one of the most open-minded in the game.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Increase Astarion's approval by choosing self-serving options and displaying sarcasm. He generally dislikes altruism.
- Allowing Astarion to drink your blood significantly boosts your relationship.
- During the party, engage with Astarion using dialogue options that highlight your shared disdain for certain activities and express interest in his idea of fun. This leads to the first major romance scene; let him bite you to further increase approval.
- Show interest in Astarion's scars and ask about their infernal script in a subsequent interaction.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about Astarion's scars. During the night visit, choose romantic dialogue options to deepen your bond.
- In Act III, complete Astarion's quest, deciding whether to support his ritual or not. Either way, supportive dialogue will lead to a special romantic scene.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is relatively lenient about other romantic encounters, making him more open to an open relationship.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance path is complex but rewarding, offering one of the most heartfelt storylines in the game.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Side with Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr and add her to your party early to build approval. She values kindness, understanding, and justified violence.
- Collect Infernal Iron and visit Dammon at the Emerald Grove in Act I. Express disappointment about not being able to touch her, which prompts her to ask if you want to. Affirm your desire.
- During the party, express your feelings to Karlach, leading to a later conversation about kissing her. Use water to temporarily cool her down, then attempt the kiss. She'll be understanding if you explore other relationships until her heart is fixed.
- In Act II, continue to gather Infernal Iron for Dammon at the Last Light Inn to further tune up Karlach.
- In Act III, take Karlach on a date to deepen your bond.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is very sensitive about infidelity. If she catches you with others, avoid sarcasm and be sincere to possibly win her back. After her heart is fixed, you can commit to a long-term relationship with unique dialogue.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance enhances his compelling storyline, offering a unique perspective on heroism and personal struggle.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build Wyll's approval through heroic actions and support in his quests, including showing him the truth about Karlach. Assist him with Mizora and his father.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove to trigger a romantic night during the party.
- In Act II, a special romantic encounter occurs after a long rest where you find Wyll dancing. Follow the romantic dialogue prompts.
- 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's romance path offers both short-term and long-term options, appealing to players who value decisive action.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Increase Lae'zel's approval through action-oriented choices, favoring combat over persuasion or deception. Intimidation is also appreciated.
- With high approval, initiate a conversation at camp about her changed demeanor, which can lead to a one-night stand.
- In Act II, Lae'zel will challenge you to a duel at night. Regardless of the outcome, it strengthens your bond.
- In Act III, your relationship's progression depends on whether Lae'zel sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Choosing Orpheus can lead to a public display of your relationship in the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel demands exclusivity; any infidelity after the duel results in a permanent breakup.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance captivates many players, driven by his unique character and connection to nature.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Ensure you complete all of Halsin's quests before the end of Act II to avoid being locked out of romance options. This includes lifting the Shadow Curse.
- Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him a potential companion later.
- Once Halsin joins your party in Act II after locating Thaniel, keep him in your party and choose dialogue options that reflect kindness, reverence for nature, and fairness.
- Regularly exhaust Halsin's dialogue options, particularly those about former lovers, to increase his approval.
- With high approval, Halsin will visit you at night and ask about other relationships. Shadowheart and Astarion are more likely to be okay with this, while Karlach and Gale are not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance appeals to those interested in a darker, more challenging path, especially suited for evil playthroughs.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Avoid attacking the Goblin Camp initially. Instead, approach Minthara without engaging in combat, aligning yourself with her against 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.
- At the goblin party, declare yourself as hers and go to bed. Pass the persuasion check to avoid her attacking you at the end of the encounter.
Recent updates suggest you can knock Minthara out at the Goblin Camp and rescue her from Moonrise Towers in Act II, allowing her to join your party. We will update this information as it becomes confirmed.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing the evil route significantly alters the game's narrative and will alienate other party members. Be prepared for these consequences.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### How to Romance Mizora:
- Ensure Wyll is in your party and avoid siding with Minthara.
- Rescue Mizora from the Mind Flayer Colony below Moonrise Towers in Act II.
- In Act III, speak to Mizora at Wyrm's Rock Fortress before Gortash's coronation. Discuss Duke Ravengard, prompting her to visit your camp.
- When Mizora comes to your camp, rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head. Engage in flirtatious dialogue, leading to a one-off romance scene.
How to Romance the Guardian:
- Choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor between Act II and Act III.
- Evolving into a Half-Ilithid helps increase approval.
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover. When the Emperor visits, hold their hand.
- During a subsequent visit, respond positively to their advances to trigger 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. Either complete a quest for her or pay directly to access the Drow Twins.
- Follow the directions to the chambers for the romantic encounter. 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.
- Engage with Haarlep, the Incubus, who offers a romantic encounter. Be aware that pursuing this can have consequences if you're already in a relationship, especially with Karlach.
How to Romance Naoise Nallinto:
- Visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing and find the locked door marked by a green lantern and ivy.
- Pick the lock or obtain the key from Mamzell downstairs.
- Enter to find Naoise and Jara. After defeating the Mindflayer that Jara turns into, engage in a romantic encounter with Naoise, gaining the Rapture buff until your next long rest.
