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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options, enhancing the game with some of its most memorable moments. Whether you're seeking a deep, lasting connection or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to a variety of romantic preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to initiate and maintain every romance option in Baldur's Gate 3, ensuring you don't miss out on any potential relationships.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
Romance in BG3 Explained:
In Baldur's Gate 3, romance is inclusive, with every romanceable character open to relationships regardless of your character's sex. The game offers both short-term and long-term romance options, tailored to the specific character and your desired outcomes. Some characters are open to one-night stands, while others require a more prolonged courtship. Be aware that certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance paths, and some characters may be less forgiving of infidelity. Most companion NPCs can be romanced, but you won't be able to experience every romance in one playthrough due to these unique dynamics.
All Romance Options:
The following companions can be romanced in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
For those interested in 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 a prominent romance option, often the first companion you meet after the crash. Her romance can be pursued both short-term and long-term, with opportunities in every act.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build a stronger connection.
- Boost her approval by showing kindness, non-violence, and respecting her privacy. Supporting her against Lae'zel early on can significantly increase her approval.
- In Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue or wait for the party after rescuing Halsin. If you've shown interest, you'll likely see an exclamation mark over her head. Share a bottle with her, choose to spend the evening together, and during your walk, avoid dialogue options that show disinterest. The night should end with a kiss, and you can then affirm your desire for a longer-term relationship.
- In Act II, you can continue the romance regardless of whether you side with Selune or Shar. Support her new look if you choose Selune, or wait for a nighttime event if you choose Shar.
- In Act III, complete her quest, leading to a final romantic swim scene. Choose the kinder dialogue options to unlock 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. In Honor Mode, it's safest to remain loyal to her.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep, is another character deeply intertwined with the game's plot. His romance offers both emotional depth and significant story impact.
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.
- Join Gale for a magic lesson in Act I and choose romantic dialogue options. Avoid being mean, as it may close off future opportunities.
- Before transitioning to Act II, support Gale during the Elminster cutscene and show concern for his well-being.
- In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Before taking a long rest, speak with Gale and choose the options "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 does not tolerate open relationships 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's one of the more open-minded companions, making him a flexible partner.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Build approval by adding him to your party early and choosing self-serving options. He appreciates sarcasm and generally disapproves of helping others.
- Allow Astarion to drink your blood to boost your relationship.
- At the party, speak with 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 major romance scene. Let him bite you during the scene for further approval.
- After the first romance scene, show interest in his scars and ask about the Infernal script.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about Astarion's scars. When he visits at night, choose "...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. You can either support him in completing the ritual or not, leading to different outcomes. Either way, supportive dialogue will unlock a special scene.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is quite open-minded and generally tolerant of romantic encounters with others.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is challenging but rewarding, with a storyline that deepens when pursued romantically.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr when you first meet her. Add her to your party from the start to build approval quickly. She appreciates kindness, understanding, and violence in service of helping others.
- Collect Infernal Iron early and take it to Dammon at the Emerald Grove. This helps cool her Infernal Engine, setting the stage for your relationship. After Dammon's work, express disappointment about not being able to touch her, and affirm your interest.
- At the party, speak to Karlach and express your feelings. Later, tell her you want to find a way to kiss her. The next morning, throw water on her to cool her off temporarily and attempt to kiss her. She'll mention being 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 tune her up further.
- In Act III, take Karlach on a date to further your romance.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is highly sensitive to infidelity. If she gets angry, avoid sarcasm and be sincere to potentially regain her trust.
- Once her heart is fixed, you can enter into a long-term relationship with unique dialogue options.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance adds depth to his already compelling storyline, enhancing the player's experience.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. Show support 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 a romantic night during the party.
- In Act II, after a Long Rest, you'll find Wyll dancing. Choose romantic dialogue options during this encounter.
- 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 can be either a fleeting encounter or a long-term commitment, depending on your choices.
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.
- Once her approval is high, mention her changed behavior in camp to initiate a one-night stand.
- Maintain her approval into Act II, where she'll ask for a duel. Regardless of the outcome, you'll advance in her heart.
- In Act III, your relationship's outcome depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a public acknowledgment of your relationship during the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel does not tolerate infidelity. Cheating after the duel will end your relationship permanently.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance is popular among fans, offering a unique and engaging experience.
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. Fully lift the Shadow Curse.
- Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion later.
- In Act II, help him locate Thaniel, making him joinable as a companion.
- Keep Halsin in your party and build approval by showing kindness, reverence for nature, and promoting fairness.
- Exhaust his daily dialogue options, focusing on the topic of former lovers.
- Once his approval is high enough, he'll visit you at night and ask about other relationships. 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, typically pursued in an evil playthrough, offering a different perspective on 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, tell Minthara it was an honor to fight beside her, choose to 'Embrace the change,' and open your mind. This will lead to her visiting your camp.
- At the goblin party, tell Minthara you are hers. Go to bed, and she'll join you. If you fail the persuasion check, she'll attack you at the end of the encounter.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing the evil path significantly alters the game's experience. Your party will be unhappy with the destruction of the Emerald Grove, so be prepared for these consequences.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
How to Romance Mizora:
- Keep Wyll 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.
- Rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head and speak to her. When she mentions something "beyond these planes," ask, "Sounds delicious, what are you suggesting?" Then simply, "Smile."
- Mizora will visit you at night, triggering the romance scene. This is a one-off encounter.
How to Romance the Guardian:
- Between Act II and III, choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor.
- Evolving into a Half-Ilithid can help ensure a high approval rating.
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
- After discovering his past, the Emperor will visit you. Choose to hold their hand.
- During their next visit, ask if they are flirting and react positively to 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 a quest for her to earn the twins as a reward or pay directly.
- Follow her directions to the chambers to begin the scene.
- If in a relationship with Gale or Karlach, it's best not to involve 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.
- Encounter Haarlep, an Incubus in Raphael's service, 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 a locked door at the top of the stairs leading to the second floor, marked by a green lantern and ivy-covered wall. Either pick the lock with a roll of 10 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 cues to initiate a brief romantic scene, granting the Rapture buff until your next long rest.
