Baldur’s Gate 3: Ultimate Romance Guide for Players

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romantic opportunities, adding to its immersive storytelling. While romance isn’t essential for advancement, the emotional connections forged through these interactions enhance gameplay significantly. Players can choose to engage in enduring relationships or indulge in brief encounters—there truly is a romance thread for every type of adventurer. This guide aims to navigate you through every romance option available in Baldur’s Gate 3 and provide strategies to explore all desired relationships without missing out.

Comprehensive Romance Options in Baldur’s Gate 3

Understanding Romance in BG3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, every romancable character is accessible to players, regardless of their character’s gender. The diversity in romance options caters to a variety of player preferences and play styles.

Romantic engagements can be categorized as short-term or long-term relationships. Depending on the character and your actions, you may find pathways leading to either type of romance. Some characters favor fleeting encounters, while others require patience and deeper interactions.

Players must be aware that pursuing one romance could limit options with others. Certain characters will only engage if specific conditions are met, including timely quests and relationship management. Engaging with multiple characters simultaneously may provoke jealousy, which can lock players out of particular relationships.

Available Romance Options

The following companions are available for romance in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Shadowheart
Gale
Astarion
Karlach
Wild
Laezel
I’m a nerd.
Minthara

Additionally, the following one-time romance options can be explored:

Mizora
Guardian/Emperor
Drow Twins
Hairpin
Holy Name of Nallinto

Guide to Romancing Shadowheart

Shadowheart is often considered the most straightforward romance option. As one of the first companions encountered post-crash, she exhibits interest relatively early—provided you nurture her approval rating. Whether players choose to pursue Shadowheart reflects their personal gaming style and the dynamic her character introduces into the overarching narrative.

This romance can blossom into both short-term and long-term engagements throughout the campaign. Initiating romance during Act I allows for progression into deeper connections as the game advances.

Steps to Romance Shadowheart:

Keep Shadowheart in your party to enhance approval chances.
Boost her approval by demonstrating kindness, non-violence, and respecting her privacy. Supporting her against Lae’zel is beneficial.
Look for dialog opportunities indicating missed connections as your approval rises. Attend the camp party and choose to spend the evening with her to unlock critical interactions.
In Act II, your choices between Selune or Shar will still allow you to develop your romance. Ensure you support her regardless of the path chosen.
Act III culminates with a significant nighttime event leading to an intimate encounter based on your previous dialogue choices.

Special Considerations for Shadowheart’s Romance:

Engaging with other characters romantically may cause Shadowheart to withdraw; hence, proceed with caution to maintain her interest.

Guide to Romancing Gale

Gale hails from Waterdeep and is receptive to developing a relationship with the player. His character influences overarching plot events, making a romance interesting and strategic for players.

Steps to Romance Gale:

Initially, rescue him from the portal northeast of the crash site.
Frequently comply with Gale’s requests for magical item consumption throughout Act I.
Join Gale for his magic lessons and select supportive dialogue options to enhance your relationship.
Support him through his perilous quest discussed with Elminster before transitioning to Act II.
Maintain his survival through Act III and read “The Annals of Karsus” to unlock the final romantic scene.

Special Considerations for Gale’s Romance:

Gale prefers exclusive relationships and will request loyalty, disfavoring romantic dalliances with others.

Guide to Romancing Astarion

Astarion’s charming persona and captivating dialogue make him a fan favorite among players. His adventurous spirit allows for an engaging romance option.

Steps to Romance Astarion:

Add Astarion to your party and engage in self-serving conversation choices to increase rapport.
Let him drink your blood as a means to strengthen the bond.
Interact with him at the party; opt for flirtatious conversations to unlock significant romantic scenes.
Investigate his past to deepen the relationship through meaningful dialogue offered post-interaction.
In Act III, support Astarion’s endeavor during his quest to unlock final romantic moments.

Special Considerations for Astarion’s Romance:

Astarion is open-minded regarding multiple partners and his temperament is less likely to react negatively compared to other characters.

Guide to Romancing Karlach

Karlach stands out with her deeply immersive storyline, though her romance path may present some challenges. Once committed, she is sensitive to outside relationships, adding complexity to interactions.

Steps to Romance Karlach:

Align yourself with Karlach against her adversaries at your first encounter to build approval from the onset.
Quickly obtain some Infernal Iron to help her escape discomfort caused by her Infernal Engine.
During the party, approach her even without any prompts and initiate feelings discussion.
Your interaction in Act II should focus on improving her engine with Dammon to foster closeness.
In Act III, you can propose a date to deepen your relationship.

Special Considerations for Karlach’s Romance:

Karlach disapproves of infidelity; rebuilding trust may require tactful dialogue following any crosses.
Should her heart be “fixed,” you can then engage in a lasting romantic dialogue looping for the rest of the game.

Guide to Romancing Wild

Wyll is a character layered with complexity; pursuing a relationship with him can uncover unique parts of his story.

Steps to Romance Wyll:

Enhance your approval rating by showcasing heroic actions and support during quests.
Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings to advance his character arc and propose a romantic evening during the camp party.
Follow Wyll’s special nighttime dance event in Act II for substantial relationship development.
Conclude Wyll’s storyline in Act III to unlock significant romance scenes.

Guide to Romancing Lae’zel

Lae’zel exhibits immediate interest in players and can either be pursued for a casual encounter or a committed partnership.

Steps to Romancing Lae’zel:

Expedite her approval by engaging in direct action rather than negotiation.
After earning her interest, approach her in camp for potential fleeting moments.
She will initiate discussions requiring a duel in Act II, though the outcome should ignite further interactions.
Act III’s trajectory will depend on her allegiance to either Vlaakith or Orpheus, influencing your ending together.

Special Considerations for Lae’zel’s Romance:

She expects loyalty; infidelity will prompt an irreversible breakup.

Guide to Romancing Halsin

Halsin has garnered a dedicated following due to his rugged charm and nature-driven ethos.

Steps to Romancing Halsin:

Unlock his character by rescuing him from the Goblin Camp.
Complete his quests, especially pertaining to Thaniel, by the end of Act II for romance eligibility.
Engage him in conversations reflecting on former lovers to gradually raise approval.
Ensure he is present in your party, prioritizing kindness and fairness to nurture the relationship.
Nightly interactions will open up romantic possibilities; keep his approval in mind for effectiveness.

Guide to Romancing Minthara

Minthara surfaces as a unique romance option due to her complicated nature as an adversary in many campaign paths.

Steps to Romance Minthara:

Steer clear from combat when approaching the Goblin Camp; opt to aid Minthara directly.
Post-encounter, express admiration for her strength after your battle victories.
During your camp festivities, ensure you profess your allegiance to her before attempting to get closer.
Utilize persuasion skills to secure a positive romance outcome.

Special Considerations for Minthara’s Romance:

Pursuing a dark route can heavily impact gameplay and party dynamics; prepare to navigate complex interactions.

All One-Time Romance Options

Steps to Romance Mizora:

Engagement with Wyll is necessary; don’t align with Minthara.
Rescue Mizora from the Mind Flayer Colony in Act II.
In Act III, locate Mizora in Wyrm’s Rock Fortress prior to Gortash’s coronation.
Converse with her about Duke Ravengard’s fate; she will indicate future camp visits.
Communicate with Mizora at camp until she initiates interaction.
Accept her proposition involving desires from beyond the plane to trigger the romance event.

Steps to Romance the Guardian:

During the transition from Act II to Act III, opt to safeguard the Guardian/Emperor.
Transform into Half-Ilithid for increased approval chances.
Visit the Emperor’s old lair to unveil his romantic history.
Grasp his hand when the opportunity presents itself.
Handle the next encounter with flirtation to unlock the primary romance scene.

Steps to Romance the Drow Twins:

In Act III, venture to Sharess’ Caress in Wyrm’s Crossing.
Engage Mamzell Amira and possibly fulfill her quest or pay for passage.
Proceed to the chambers for the romantic encounter.
If engaged with Gale or Karlach, refrain from sharing them during this moment.

Steps to Romance Haarlep in the House of Hope:

Arrive at the House of Hope and cross the ‘Mystic Force Curtain’ to find Haarlep.
Enter their space for a unique, comedic encounter but proceed with caution due to potential fallout.

Steps to Romance Naoise Nallinto:

Visit Sharess’ Caress in Wyrm’s Crossing.
Unlock the chamber by rolling to pick the lock or seeking Mamzell’s help.
After defeating the Mindflayer, engage with Naoise for potential romance.
Express willingness for a romantic encounter to gain the Rapture buff until the next long rest.