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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, long-term relationship or a fleeting romantic encounter, the game caters to all preferences. This guide will walk you through each romance option, ensuring you don't miss out on any potential connections.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Romance in BG3 Explained:
In Baldur's Gate 3, romance is accessible to all players regardless of their character's sex, making every romance option open to everyone. The game offers two distinct types of romance: short-term and long-term. The nature of your romantic pursuits will vary based on the character you wish to romance and your personal goals. Some characters offer the chance for a one-night stand, while others require a more extended courtship.
Be aware that you can be locked out of multiple romance options if you don't complete certain tasks in a timely manner or if you spread your affections too thinly. Most companions can be romanced, but each relationship alters your experience uniquely, meaning you can't explore every romance in a single playthrough. Below, we'll delve into each romance option.
All Romance Options:
The following companion characters can be romanced in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
For those interested in shorter encounters, the following non-companion characters are available:
- Mizora
- Guardian/Emperor
- Drow Twins
- Haarlep
- Naoise Nallinto
How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3
Shadowheart is likely the first companion you'll encounter, and her romance path is straightforward if you focus on building her approval. Romancing her adds depth to her character and the overall plot.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build a stronger bond.
- Increase her approval by showing kindness, avoiding violence, and respecting her privacy. Support her against Lae'zel early on for a significant boost.
- In Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue or wait for the party after rescuing Halsin. At the party, share a bottle with her and choose to spend the evening with Shadowheart. When you go to bed, take a walk with her, and avoid showing disinterest. The night should end with a kiss. You can then decide if you want a longer relationship.
- In Act II, you can continue your romance by siding with either Selune or Shar. Support her new look if you choose Selune, or wait for the nighttime event if you choose Shar.
- In Act III, complete her quest regardless of her chosen path. A final nighttime event involving a swim will lead to a special scene if you select the supportive dialogue options.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Shadowheart may end the relationship if you pursue other characters, though this isn't always the case. To be safe, especially in Honor Mode, focus solely on her.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, is open to romance and plays a crucial role in the game's plot. Building a relationship with him can enrich your experience.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue Gale from the portal northeast of the crash site.
- Fulfill Gale's requests to consume magical items, which will occur up to three times in Act I.
- Accept his invitation for a magic lesson in Act I, choosing romantic dialogue options.
- Be supportive during the Elminster cutscene before transitioning to Act II, expressing care for Gale's well-being.
- In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Before your next long rest, speak to Gale and choose "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" to unlock a romantic 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 is open-minded and appreciates self-serving actions.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Increase your approval by adding him to your party early and choosing self-serving options. He favors sarcasm and generally disapproves of helping others.
- Allowing Astarion to drink your blood boosts your relationship.
- At the party, speak to Astarion and choose dialogue options like "...saving lives is awful?", "...goblins would have thrown a wilder party", "...what's your idea of a little fun?", and "...let's do it. I'll see you later" to unlock the first romance scene. Let him bite you during the scene for further approval.
- After the first scene, show interest in the scars on Astarion's back and ask about their Infernal origins.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about Astarion's scars. He'll visit you at night; choose dialogue options affirming your affection.
- In Act III, complete Astarion's quest. Support him whether he completes the ritual or not, leading to a special scene. If he completes the ritual, you can become a vampire.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is the most open-minded long-term partner and won't get truly angry if you have romantic encounters with others.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is challenging but rewarding, offering a rich storyline that deepens with a romantic connection.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr and add her to your party immediately to build approval. She values kindness, understanding, and violence in the service of helping others.
- Collect Infernal Iron as soon as possible and bring it to Dammon at the Emerald Grove. This helps cool her Infernal Engine, setting the stage for romance. Express disappointment about not being able to touch her, and she'll ask if you want to. Say yes.
- At the party, express your feelings to Karlach. Later, tell her you want to find a way to kiss her. The next morning, suggest using water to cool her off temporarily and try to kiss her. She'll be open to you seeing others until her heart is fixed.
- In Act II, find Dammon at the Last Light Inn and use all available Infernal Iron to further tune her up.
- In Act III, take Karlach on a date.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is very sensitive about infidelity. If she gets angry, avoid sarcasm and be sincere to potentially win her back.
- Once her heart is fixed, you can enter a long-term relationship with unique dialogue options.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance enhances his compelling storyline, making it a worthwhile pursuit.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting Wyll in his quests. Show empathy in his struggles with Mizora and his father.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. If your approval is high, Wyll will be available for romance during the party.
- In Act II, after a long rest, you'll find Wyll dancing. Choose romantic dialogue options to further your relationship.
- In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur, leading to a final romantic encounter.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel's interest in the player is evident early on, offering both short-term and long-term romance options.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Raise her approval by taking decisive action and showing warrior-like qualities. She prefers fighting over persuasion or deception but appreciates intimidation.
- In camp, mention her changed demeanor toward you to initiate a one-night stand.
- Maintain her approval to trigger a nighttime visit in Act II. She'll challenge you to a duel; the outcome doesn't matter for romance.
- In Act III, your relationship's progression depends on whether Lae'zel sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a couple's appearance in the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel does not tolerate infidelity. Cheating after the duel will end the relationship permanently.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance is popular among players, particularly for his unique character traits and storyline.
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. Lift the Shadow Curse before concluding Act II.
- Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion later.
- Halsin becomes a companion in Act II after helping him locate Thaniel. Keep him in your party and build approval through kindness, reverence for nature, and fairness.
- Regularly exhaust all of Halsin's dialogue options, focusing on his past relationships.
- Once his approval is high enough, Halsin will visit you at night. He'll ask about other relationships; Shadowheart and Astarion are okay with it, but Karlach and Gale are not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, fitting well into an evil or Durge playthrough.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Avoid attacking the Goblin Camp and reach Minthara without initiating combat. Side with her against the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, express honor in fighting beside her, 'Embrace the change,' and open your mind. This leads to her visiting your camp.
- At the goblin party, tell Minthara you are hers. Go to bed, and she'll join you. Passing the persuasion check is crucial to avoid her attacking you.
Recent updates suggest you might be able to knock Minthara out at the Goblin Camp and rescue her later at Moonrise Towers in Act II, allowing her to join your party. We will update this guide once we confirm this.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing the evil route significantly alters your game experience. Be prepared for your party's disapproval if you destroy the Emerald Grove.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### How to Romance Mizora:
- Ensure Wyll is in your party and do not side 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 before Gortash's coronation. Discuss Duke Ravengard, and she'll mention visiting your camp.
- When she arrives, rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head. Speak to her and ask about her suggestion "beyond these planes," then choose "Sounds delicious, what are you suggesting?" and "Smile."
- Mizora will visit you at night, triggering 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 significantly boosts approval.
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
- The Emperor will visit you after discovering his past; choose to hold their hand.
- During their next visit, acknowledge their flirtation and respond positively to their advances, triggering the romance scene.
How to Romance the Drow Twins:
- Visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing in Act III.
- Speak to Mamzell Amira near the bar. Either complete her quest or pay directly to access the twins.
- Follow her instructions to the chambers, where the scene will begin.
- If in a relationship with Gale or Karlach, avoid asking them to join.
How to Romance Haarlep in the House of Hope:
- Reach the House of Hope, Raphael's home.
- Cross the 'Mystic Force Curtain' to enter the Boudoir.
- Encounter Haarlep, an Incubus, who offers 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.
- Find the locked door marked by a green lantern and ivy at the top of the stairs. Pick the lock or obtain the key from Mamzell.
- Enter the chamber to find Naoise and Jara. After defeating the Mindflayer that Jara becomes, speak to Naoise, who will still desire a romantic encounter.
- Accept her advances for a brief romantic scene, granting the Rapture buff until your next long rest.