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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a diverse array of romance options, enriching the game with memorable and immersive experiences. Whether you're looking for a deep, long-term relationship or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to various preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through each romance option in Baldur's Gate 3, ensuring you know how to navigate these relationships and avoid missing out on any potential partners.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Romance in BG3 Explained:
Romance in Baldur's Gate 3 is inclusive, with every romanceable character available regardless of your character's sex. The game offers two primary types of romance: short-term and long-term. The nature of these relationships varies greatly depending on the character you're pursuing and your personal goals. Some characters are open to one-night stands, while others require a more sustained courtship.
Be aware that you can be locked out of certain romance options if you don't complete specific tasks in time or if you pursue multiple relationships simultaneously. Most companion NPCs are romanceable, and once you start a relationship, your interactions will change significantly. This means you won't be able to experience all romance options in one playthrough. We'll detail each relationship in our individual guides linked below.
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 short-term romance, 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 often the first romance option players encounter in Baldur's Gate 3, showing interest early if you manage to boost her approval rating. Romancing Shadowheart adds a rich layer to her narrative, making her a compelling choice.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build rapport.
- Increase her approval by being kind, non-violent, and respecting her privacy. Supporting her against Lae'zel early on can significantly boost her approval.
- In Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue or wait for the party after rescuing Halsin. During the party, accept her offer to share a bottle and choose to spend the evening with her. Ensure you don't choose any dialogue options that show disinterest; aim for a kiss at the end of the night.
- In Act II, you can side with either Selune or Shar and continue your romance. 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. You'll have a final nighttime event involving a swim, where selecting the kinder dialogue options will lead to a special scene.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Shadowheart may end the relationship if you're romantic with other characters, though this doesn't always apply. To be safe, especially in Honor Mode, focus solely on her.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep, is open to romance and plays a significant role in the game's plot. Romancing him can deepen your understanding of the story.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue Gale from the portal northeast of the crash site.
- Comply with his requests to consume magical items, which will occur up to three times in Act I.
- Join Gale for a magic lesson in Act I and choose dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being mean, as it will close off future options.
- Before transitioning to Act II, support Gale during the cutscene with Elminster, showing care for his well-being.
- In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak to him before taking a long rest and choose "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" to trigger 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. His open-mindedness makes him a versatile partner.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Increase his approval by choosing self-serving options and adding him to your party early. He appreciates sarcasm and doesn't favor helping others unnecessarily.
- Allow Astarion to drink your blood to boost your relationship.
- During the party, engage in conversations with him, choosing options that ensure a romantic encounter. Let him bite you during the scene to further increase approval.
- After the first romance scene, show interest in his scars and inquire about their Infernal writing.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about Astarion's scars. When he visits at night, choose dialogue options expressing your affection and support.
- In Act III, complete his quest. You can either allow him to complete the ritual or not, but support him either way to achieve the final romantic scenes.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is the most open-minded long-term partner and won't be truly angry if you have romantic encounters with others.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is challenging to initiate but rewarding due to her compelling storyline. She values loyalty highly once in a committed relationship.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr when you first meet her. Add her to your party early to build approval. She values kindness, understanding, and violence when it helps others.
- Collect Infernal Iron as soon as possible to help Dammon, the blacksmith at the Emerald Grove, tune her Infernal Engine. After the repair, express disappointment about not being able to touch her yet, and affirm your desire to do so.
- At the party, express your feelings to Karlach, leading to a later conversation about kissing her. The next morning, throw water on her to cool her off temporarily and attempt a kiss.
- In Act II, find Dammon at the Last Light Inn and use all available Infernal Iron to further tune her up.
- In Act III, you'll have the option to take Karlach on a date.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is very sensitive to infidelity. If she catches you with others, she may get angry, but you can potentially redeem yourself by being sincere and non-sarcastic.
- 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 storyline, offering a unique perspective on his internal conflicts.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build his approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. Support him with Mizora and his father without killing Karlach.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. If you've built 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. Follow the romantic dialogue prompts to advance the romance.
- In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur to trigger the final romantic encounter.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel's early interest in the player allows for both short-term and long-term romance options.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Increase her approval through decisive action and combat rather than persuasion or deception. She appreciates intimidation.
- Once her approval is high, mention her different look at you in camp, leading to a one-night stand if desired.
- In Act II, she'll visit you at night and ask for a duel. Whether you win or lose, you'll advance the romance.
- In Act III, your relationship's outcome depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. If she sides with Orpheus, you'll be seen as a couple in the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel will end the relationship permanently if you cheat on her after the duel.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance is popular among fans, especially due to his unique character traits and storyline.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Ensure you complete all of Halsin's quests in Act II to avoid being locked out of romance options. Fully lift the Shadow Curse before ending Act II.
- Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion in Act II after helping him find Thaniel.
- Keep Halsin in your party, as he values kindness, nature reverence, and fairness—essentially the opposite of Astarion.
- Regularly check and exhaust all of Halsin's dialogue options, particularly those about former lovers, to increase his approval.
- Once his approval is high enough, he'll visit you at night. Confirm if you're seeing anyone else; Shadowheart and Astarion will be okay with it, while Karlach and Gale will not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, often pursued in evil playthroughs, and significantly alters the game's narrative.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Instead of attacking the Goblin Camp, side with Minthara, betraying your party and the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, express honor in fighting beside her, 'Embrace the change,' and open your mind. She'll then visit your camp.
- At the goblin party, tell Minthara you are hers. Go to bed, and she'll join you. Ensure you pass the persuasion check to avoid her attacking you at the end.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing the evil route drastically changes the game's experience. Your party will be unhappy with your actions against 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 her in the audience chamber at Wyrm's Rock Fortress before Gortash's coronation. Discuss Duke Ravengard, and she'll mention visiting your camp.
- When she visits, rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head. Speak to her and ask what she's suggesting when she mentions "beyond these planes." Smile at her suggestion, and she'll come to you at night for a one-off romance scene.
How to Romance the Guardian:
- Choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor between Acts II and III.
- Evolve into Half-Ilithid (optional but helpful for approval).
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about their past lover.
- When the Emperor visits after you discover their past, choose to hold their hand.
- When they visit again, acknowledge their flirting and respond positively to trigger 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. You can either complete a quest for her or pay directly to access the twins.
- Go to the designated chambers to initiate the scene. If in a relationship with Gale or Karlach, avoid inviting 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 and meet Haarlep, an Incubus. They'll offer a romantic encounter, which can be humorous but may have 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 near the top of the stairs leading to the second floor. Pick the lock or get the key from Mamzell.
- Enter the chamber to find Naoise and Jara. After defeating the Mindflayer that Jara turns into, speak to Naoise and follow the romantic cues to trigger a brief romantic scene and receive the Rapture buff until your next long rest.
