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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a diverse array of romance options, enriching the gameplay experience significantly. These relationships, whether long-term commitments or fleeting encounters, create some of the game's most memorable moments. This guide provides a walkthrough for each romance option, helping you navigate the complexities of courtship and avoid inadvertently locking yourself out of a desired relationship.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Understanding BG3 Romance:
It's crucial to understand that your character's gender doesn't limit your romance options. Every romance is available regardless of your Tav's characteristics.
BG3 presents two types of romances: long-term and short-term. The path you take heavily depends on the character and your goals. Some characters offer one-night stands, while others require a more protracted courtship. Be aware that pursuing multiple romances simultaneously can lock you out of certain relationships. Timing is crucial; some romances require completing specific tasks within a certain timeframe.
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 romance 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 met early in the game, presents a readily available romance option. Building her approval rating early on is key. Her romance adds an intriguing layer to her storyline.
Shadowheart offers both long-term and short-term romance possibilities throughout all acts. Starting in Act I allows for a sustained relationship.
Romancing Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party (though not strictly required).
- Boost her approval by showing kindness, avoiding violence, and respecting her privacy. Supporting her against Lae'zel significantly boosts approval early on.
- With high Act I approval, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue, or wait for the camp party after rescuing Halsin. A conversation with Shadowheart, accepting her offer to share a bottle, and choosing her as your companion for the evening will initiate the romance. Choose positive dialogue options during the ensuing events.
- In Act II, support her choices regarding Selune or Shar. In Act III, complete her quest for a final romantic encounter.
Shadowheart Romance Notes:
- Under certain circumstances, romancing other characters might end your relationship with Shadowheart. If playing in Honor Mode, sticking with her is advisable. Save often if exploring other romantic options.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep, is receptive to a relationship. His romance intertwines with the main plot, adding depth to his character arc.
Romancing Gale:
- Rescue Gale from the portal.
- Comply with his requests to consume magical items (up to three instances in Act I).
- Participate in his magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being unkind.
- Support Gale during the Act I/II transition cutscene with Elminster.
- In Act III, keep him alive, read "The Annals of Karsus," and speak with him before resting. Choose the romantic dialogue options.
Gale Romance Notes:
- Gale is not open to an open relationship.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion's sharp wit and devil-may-care attitude make him a popular romance choice. He's also one of the most open-minded romantic partners.
Romancing Astarion:
- Build approval by keeping him in your party and choosing self-serving options.
- Allowing him to drink your blood boosts your relationship.
- During the party, choose dialogue options leading to a romantic encounter and let him bite you.
- Show interest in his scars in Act I.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn about his scars.
- In Act III, complete his quest for final romantic scenes.
Astarion Romance Notes:
- Astarion is the most open-minded long-term partner; he's less likely to be upset by other romantic encounters.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is arguably the most challenging to initiate. She's extremely sensitive to infidelity once a long-term relationship is established. Her storyline is rewarding to experience romantically.
Romancing Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr.
- Collect Infernal Iron and have Dammon repair her infernal engine in Act I.
- During the party, express your feelings and initiate a kiss.
- In Act II, use Infernal Iron to further repair her engine.
- In Act III, take her on a date.
Karlach Romance Notes:
- Karlach reacts strongly to romantic encounters with other characters. Apologizing sincerely might help reconcile. After her heart is repaired, a long-term relationship is possible.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance enhances his complex character arc.
Romancing Wyll:
- Build his approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings.
- Choose romantic dialogue options during the party and subsequent encounters.
- 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 romantic interest. You can pursue a one-night stand or a long-term relationship.
Romancing Lae'zel:
- Raise her approval by acting decisively and aggressively.
- Initiate a conversation in camp, leading to a potential one-night stand.
- Maintain her approval for further romantic encounters in Act II and III. Her allegiance to Vlaakith or Orpheus affects the outcome.
Lae'zel Romance Notes:
- Lae'zel is not open to multiple partners.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin is a popular romance choice.
Romancing Halsin:
- Rescue him from the Goblin Camp.
- Complete his quests in Act II.
- Keep him in your party in Act II and III, showing kindness and respect for nature.
- Exhaust his dialogue options daily to trigger a romantic encounter.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, requiring you to side with the goblins.
Romancing Minthara:
- Side with Minthara against the Emerald Grove.
- Express your allegiance to her after defeating the grove.
- Participate in the goblin party and initiate a romantic encounter.
Minthara Romance Notes:
- This path significantly alters the game's narrative and relationships with other characters.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
This section details the one-off romance options, providing specific instructions for each encounter. (Details for Mizora, the Guardian, the Drow Twins, Haarlep, and Naoise Nallinto follow, mirroring the original text's structure and detail.)
