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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options, enhancing the game's narrative with deep, personal connections. Whether you're seeking a long-term relationship or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to a variety of romantic preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for each romance option, 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, allowing every romancable character to be pursued regardless of your character's sex. The game offers both short-term and long-term romance options, each tailored to the unique personalities and storylines of the characters. Some characters are open to one-night stands, while others require a more prolonged courtship. Be mindful that certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance paths, and some characters may not appreciate you pursuing multiple relationships simultaneously.
Most companion NPCs can be romanced, altering your interactions with them throughout the game. This means you'll need multiple playthroughs to experience all romance options fully. Below, we detail the romanceable characters and provide links to individual guides.
All Romance Options:
The following companion characters can be romanced in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
The following non-companion characters are available for short-term romance:
- Mizora
- Guardian/Emperor
- Drow Twins
- Haarlep
- Naoise Nallinto
How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3
Shadowheart is often the first companion you'll encounter, making her a prominent romance option from the start. Her journey is deeply intertwined with the game's plot, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your relationship.
Shadowheart can be romanced both long-term and short-term, with opportunities in every act. To begin a romance with her:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build her approval through acts of kindness, non-violence, 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. If you've shown interest, you'll get a chance to share a bottle with her. Choose to spend the evening with Shadowheart, and during your walk, avoid dialogue options that show disinterest. The night should end with a kiss, setting the stage for a potential long-term relationship.
- In Act II, you can continue your romance regardless of whether you side with Selune or Shar. Support her choices and be patient for nighttime events.
- In Act III, complete her quest and engage in the final nighttime event, which involves a swim. Choose the nicer dialogue options to progress to a 'special' scene.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Shadowheart may end the relationship if you pursue other romances, though this isn't always the case. In Honor Mode, it's best to remain exclusive to avoid complications.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, is another character whose romance can significantly impact the game's plot. To romance Gale:
- Rescue him 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 him for a magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being mean to keep future options open.
- Before transitioning to Act II, support Gale during the Elminster cutscene, showing you care about his fate.
- In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak with Gale before taking a long rest, choosing "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's also one of the most open-minded partners in the game. To romance Astarion:
- Build approval by choosing self-serving options and adding him to your party early. He appreciates sarcasm and generally disapproves of helping others.
- Allow Astarion to drink your blood to boost your relationship.
- During the party, ensure you speak with him 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 to further increase approval.
- After the first romance scene, show interest in the scars on his back and ask about their Infernal writing.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about Astarion's scars. When he visits you 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, choosing whether to let him complete the ritual or not. Support him to unlock the final romantic scenes, which can include becoming a vampire yourself.
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 one of the most rewarding in the game, though it requires careful handling. To romance Karlach:
- Support her against the fake Paladins of Tyr and add her to your party early 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. After he helps Karlach, express disappointment about not being able to touch her, and affirm your interest when she asks.
- During the party, tell Karlach how you feel, opening the option to speak with her later. Express your desire to find a way to kiss her, and the next morning, throw water on her to cool her off temporarily. Try to kiss her to progress the romance.
- 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 to deepen your relationship.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is very sensitive about infidelity. If she gets angry, avoid sarcasm and be sincere to potentially redeem yourself. After fixing her heart, you can enter a long-term relationship with unique dialogue options.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance can greatly enhance his storyline, offering a unique perspective on his struggles. To romance Wyll:
- Build approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. Show empathy towards his struggles with Mizora and his father.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. If your approval is high enough, Wyll will be available to spend the night with during the party.
- In Act II, after a Long Rest, you'll find Wyll dancing. Follow the romantic dialogue prompts to progress the romance.
- In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur to unlock the final romantic encounter.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel's romance can be either a one-night stand or a long-term relationship. To romance Lae'zel:
- Raise her approval by taking decisive action and showing warrior-like qualities. She prefers fighting over persuasion or deception but approves of intimidation.
- Once her approval is high, mention her different looks towards you in camp, which can lead to a one-night stand.
- In Act II, she'll visit you at night and ask for a duel. Whether you win or lose, you'll win her heart.
- In Act III, the outcome depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a public relationship during the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel is not open to multiple partners and will end the relationship if you cheat after the duel.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance is popular among fans, especially for his connection to nature. To romance Halsin:
- Ensure you rescue him from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion later.
- 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.
- Once Halsin joins your party in Act II, keep him in your party and build approval through acts of kindness, reverence for nature, and promoting fairness.
- Exhaust all of Halsin's dialogue options daily, especially those about former lovers.
- When 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 associated with an evil playthrough. To romance Minthara:
- Avoid attacking the Goblin Camp and instead side with Minthara, betraying your party and the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, tell Minthara it was an honor to fight 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. Pass the persuasion check to avoid her attacking you at the end of the encounter.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing the evil route will drastically change your game experience, and your party will not be happy about destroying 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 in the audience chamber 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. 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:
- Choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor between Act II and Act III.
- Evolve into Half-Ilithid to boost approval (though not strictly necessary).
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
- When the Emperor visits after you discover his past, choose to hold their hand.
- During the next visit, ask if they are flirting and react positively to their advances 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. Either complete a quest for her or pay directly to access the twins.
- Go to the designated 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 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 at the top of the stairs, marked by a green lantern and ivy. 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. Follow the cues to engage in a brief romantic scene, granting the Rapture buff until your next long rest.
