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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options, adding depth and memorable experiences to your journey. Whether you're seeking a long-term relationship or a fleeting romantic encounter, the game caters to various preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every romance option in Baldur's Gate 3, ensuring you don't miss out on any desired relationships.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Romance in BG3 Explained:
In Baldur's Gate 3, romance is accessible regardless of your character's sex, offering inclusivity for all players. The game features two main types of romantic engagements: short-term and long-term relationships. The nature of these relationships varies significantly depending on the character you're romancing and your in-game goals. Some characters are open to casual encounters, 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 is crucial, and some characters may not appreciate you spreading your affections too thinly.
Most companion NPCs can be romanced, leading to unique experiences that change the dynamics of your interactions with them. Since you can't explore every romance option in one playthrough, we'll provide detailed guides for each character below.
All Romance Options:
Companion characters you can 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 stands out as one of the most accessible romance options, often being the first companion you encounter post-crash. Her interest can be sparked early on by boosting her approval rating. Whether to pursue a romance with Shadowheart is entirely up to you, but doing so adds a fascinating layer to her narrative.
Shadowheart can be romanced both long-term and short-term, with opportunities in every act. Initiating the process in Act I allows for a sustained relationship throughout the game.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build a connection more easily.
- Increase her approval by showing kindness, avoiding violence, and respecting her privacy. Supporting her against Lae'zel early on will significantly boost her approval.
- In Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue. Alternatively, after rescuing Halsin and during the camp party, engage with her when she offers to share a bottle. Choose to spend the evening with her, and when you go to bed, opt for a walk. Avoid dialogue options that show disinterest, aiming for a kiss to end the night. You can then decide on the nature of your ongoing relationship.
- In Act II, you can side with either Selune or Shar. Support her choices and new look if you choose Selune, or be patient for the nighttime event if you choose Shar.
- In Act III, complete her quest, regardless of her path. A final nighttime event involving a swim will offer clear dialogue options leading to 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. For a safer approach, especially in Honor Mode, focus exclusively on her.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, is open to a romantic relationship with your character. His importance to the overall plot makes him a compelling choice for romance.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue Gale from the portal northeast of the crash site.
- Comply with his requests to consume magical items, which can occur up to three times in Act I.
- Accept his invitation for a magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being mean, as it can close off future opportunities.
- Support Gale during the Elminster cutscene before transitioning to Act II, showing care for his well-being.
- In Act III, ensure Gale survives and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Before taking a long rest, speak with Gale and choose "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" for a romantic scene.
Gale Romance Special Notes:
- Gale is not open to an open relationship and will react negatively to you romancing other characters.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion's charm and wit make him a popular choice for romance. His open-minded nature makes him an intriguing partner.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Build approval by adding him to your party early and choosing self-serving options. He appreciates sarcasm and generally dislikes helping others unnecessarily.
- Allow Astarion to drink your blood for a significant approval boost.
- During the party, engage with him by choosing "...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.
- Show interest in his scars and ask about their Infernal script during a subsequent interaction.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal for more information about Astarion's scars. After completing this task, engage in a nighttime conversation, choosing "...about your undying love for me?", "So do I. More than anything.", "I care about you. Deeply.", and "You mean a great deal to me. No matter what you are going through."
- In Act III, complete Astarion's quest. Support him, whether he completes the ritual or not, to unlock the final romantic scenes. Completing the ritual can lead to your character becoming a vampire.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is highly open-minded and generally won't be upset by you pursuing other romantic interests.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is challenging but rewarding, given her sensitivity to infidelity once in a committed relationship. Her storyline is one of the game's highlights.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr upon first meeting her. Add her to your party early to build approval. She values kindness, understanding, and justified violence.
- Collect Infernal Iron quickly and take it to Dammon at the Emerald Grove. After he helps with her heart, express disappointment at not being able to touch her yet, affirming your desire to do so.
- During the party, express your feelings to her, leading to a later conversation where you suggest finding a way to kiss her. Use water to cool her off temporarily, then attempt the kiss. She'll be understanding about seeing other people 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 for the final romantic encounter.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is highly sensitive to infidelity. If she catches you with another character, she may get angry, though she can be won back with sincere apologies.
- Once her heart is fixed, you can commit to a long-term relationship with unique dialogue throughout the game.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance can enhance his already compelling storyline, offering a deeper connection to his struggles.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Boost Wyll's approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. Helping him understand the situation with Karlach will be appreciated.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. With high approval, Wyll will 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 to continue the romance.
- In Act III, complete his tasks with his father and the dragon Ansur to unlock the 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 acting decisively and aggressively. She appreciates warriors who don't shy away from combat.
- Once her approval is high enough, mention her changed demeanor towards you at camp, potentially leading to a one-night stand.
- Maintain her approval into Act II, where she'll visit you at night for a duel. The outcome doesn't matter; you'll still win her heart.
- In Act III, the ending depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Supporting Orpheus can lead to a visible couple's ending.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel will end the relationship if you pursue other romantic interests after the duel.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance is popular among fans, particularly due to his unique character traits.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Ensure you fully lift the Shadow Curse before completing Act II to keep romance options open.
- Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion later.
- In Act II, help him locate Thaniel to make him a companion.
- Keep Halsin in your party and increase his approval by showing kindness, respect for nature, and fairness.
- Regularly engage in dialogue with him, focusing on his past lovers.
- Once his approval is high enough, he'll visit you at night. He'll ask about other relationships; Shadowheart and Astarion will be okay with it, but Karlach and Gale will not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, often aligning with an evil playthrough. It involves betraying your party and siding with her.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Avoid combat at the Goblin Camp and side with Minthara, betraying the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, express honor in fighting beside her, embrace the change, and open your mind. She'll visit your camp.
- At the goblin party, tell Minthara you are hers. Go to bed, and she'll join you. Passing a 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 in Act II at Moonrise Towers, allowing her to join your party. We'll update this guide with more information as it becomes available.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing this path significantly alters the game's narrative and will alienate other party members due to the destruction of the Emerald Grove.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### How to Romance Mizora:
- Keep Wyll in your party and don't 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 visit your camp.
- When she appears at camp, rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head. Engage her and choose "Sounds delicious, what are you suggesting?" followed by "Smile" for a one-off romantic scene.
How to Romance the Guardian:
- Between Acts II and III, choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor.
- Evolving into a Half-Ilithid can help with approval.
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
- When the Emperor visits after this discovery, choose to hold their hand.
- During their next visit, acknowledge their flirtation and respond positively to trigger the romance scene.
How to Romance the Drow Twins:
- In Act III, visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing.
- Speak to Mamzell Amira near the bar. Either complete her quest or pay directly for access to the twins.
- Follow her directions to their 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, Raphael's home.
- Cross the 'Mystic Force Curtain' to enter the Boudoir.
- Engage with Haarlep, an Incubus, for a humorous yet consequential romantic encounter. Be cautious 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. Unlock it or get the key from Mamzell.
- Inside, you'll find Naoise and Jara. After defeating the Mindflayer that Jara turns into, speak to Naoise and follow the romantic cues for a brief encounter and the Rapture buff until your next long rest.
