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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options that enrich the game's narrative and player experience. Whether you're seeking a deep, long-lasting relationship or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to various preferences, ensuring memorable moments throughout your journey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through each romance path, helping you navigate the complexities of love and avoid missing out on any potential connections.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Romance in BG3 Explained:
In Baldur's Gate 3, romance transcends gender, allowing every player to pursue any character regardless of their TAV's characteristics. The game categorizes romance into short-term and long-term relationships, with the specifics varying by character and your objectives. Some characters offer the chance for a one-night stand, while others require a more prolonged courtship.
However, be cautious, as certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance paths. Some romances demand timely completion of specific tasks, and some characters may reject you if you engage with multiple partners. Most companions are available for romance, but you won't be able to experience every romance in one playthrough. Below, we'll delve into the nuances of each potential partner.
All Romance Options:
The following companions 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, showing interest early if you manage to increase her approval rating. Her involvement in the main plot adds depth to her romance, making it a compelling choice.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party to build a strong relationship.
- Boost her approval by showing kindness, avoiding 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 camp party after rescuing Halsin. Choose to share a bottle with her and spend the evening together. During your nighttime walk, avoid dialogue options that show disinterest, leading to a kiss.
- In Act II, you can continue the romance whether you side with Selune or Shar. Support her new look if choosing Selune, or wait for a nighttime event if choosing Shar.
- In Act III, complete her quest and engage in a final nighttime swim event, selecting the more affectionate dialogue options to reach a special scene.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Shadowheart may end the relationship if you romance other characters, though this isn't always the case. In Honor Mode, it's best to remain exclusive to her.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep, is open to romance and plays a crucial role in the game's plot. His romance adds layers to the narrative and can be deeply rewarding.
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.
- Attend Gale's magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being mean to keep future options open.
- Support Gale during the Elminster cutscene before transitioning to Act II, showing care for his wellbeing.
- In Act III, ensure Gale survives, read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries, and speak with him before resting. Choose "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" to unlock a special scene.
Gale Romance Special Notes:
- Gale prefers exclusivity and will not tolerate romance with other characters.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion's charm and wit make him a popular choice for romance. His openness to various experiences makes him a versatile partner.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Increase his approval by choosing self-serving options and using sarcasm. He dislikes going out of your way to help others.
- Allow Astarion to drink your blood to boost your relationship.
- During the party, engage with him by choosing 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." Let him bite you during the scene to further increase approval.
- After the first romance scene, show interest in his scars and ask about their Infernal writing.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about the scars. When Astarion 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. Support him regardless of whether you let him complete the ritual, leading to a special scene. If he completes the ritual, you can become a vampire.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is the most open-minded long-term partner and won't mind if you have romantic encounters with others.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach's romance is both challenging and rewarding, offering one of the most emotionally engaging storylines in the game.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr upon first meeting her. Add her to your party to build approval through acts of kindness, understanding, and violence in service of helping others.
- Collect Infernal Iron as soon as possible. In Act I, have Dammon at the Emerald Grove help her with her overheating heart. Express disappointment that you can't touch her yet, and affirm your desire to do so.
- At the party, express your feelings to Karlach. Later, when she visits, express your wish to find a way to kiss her. The next morning, throw water on her to cool her down temporarily, then attempt to kiss her. She'll allow you to see others until her heart is fixed.
- In Act II, find Dammon at the Last Light Inn and use Infernal Iron to further tune her up.
- In Act III, take Karlach on a date to deepen your bond.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Karlach is highly sensitive to infidelity and may end the relationship if you sleep with others. Apologize sincerely if this happens to potentially mend the relationship.
- Once her heart is fixed, you can commit to a long-term relationship with unique dialogue options.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll's romance enriches his storyline, offering players a chance to delve deeper into his character's struggles and triumphs.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting Wyll in his quests, including showing him the truth about Karlach.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. If your approval is high, spend the night with Wyll during the party.
- In Act II, after a Long Rest, find Wyll dancing and follow the romantic dialogue prompts.
- In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur to unlock a final romantic encounter.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel's romance can be either a fleeting encounter or a longer-term commitment, depending on your actions.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Increase her approval by taking decisive action and favoring combat over diplomacy or deception. She appreciates intimidation.
- Once her approval is high, mention her changed demeanor in camp, potentially leading to a one-night stand.
- In Act II, she'll visit you at night and challenge you to a duel. The outcome doesn't matter; you'll win her heart regardless.
- In Act III, your relationship's fate depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a public acknowledgment of your relationship in the ending sequence.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- Lae'zel demands exclusivity and will end the relationship if you pursue others after the duel.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin's romance appeals to those drawn to his strength and connection to nature, offering a unique and fulfilling experience.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Ensure you lift the Shadow Curse before concluding 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, allowing him to join your party. Keep him in your party and act kindly, showing reverence for nature and promoting fairness.
- Regularly exhaust his dialogue options, particularly those concerning former lovers.
- Once his approval is high, he'll visit you at night. He'll ask about your other relationships; Shadowheart and Astarion are okay with it, but Karlach and Gale are not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is suited for those embracing a darker path, particularly in a Durge or evil playthrough.
How to Romance Minthara:
- Avoid combat in the Goblin Camp and side with Minthara, betraying your party and the Emerald Grove.
- After defeating the grove, honor fighting beside her, 'Embrace the change,' and open your mind to trigger her visit to your camp.
- During the goblin party at camp, affirm your allegiance to her, leading to a nighttime encounter. Pass the persuasion check to avoid her attacking you.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- Choosing this path significantly alters the game's narrative and alienates 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 avoid siding with Minthara.
- Rescue Mizora from the Mind Flayer Colony below Moonrise Towers in Act II.
- In Act III, find her at Wyrm's Rock Fortress before Gortash's coronation. Discuss Duke Ravengard, and she'll visit your camp.
- When she arrives, rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head. Speak to her, and when she mentions something "beyond these planes," ask, "Sounds delicious, what are you suggesting?" Then simply, "Smile." This will trigger a one-off romance scene.
How to Romance the Guardian:
- Choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor between Act II and Act III.
- Evolve into Half-Ilithid to boost approval.
- Visit the Emperor's old hideout and learn about his past lover.
- After discovering his past, choose to hold their hand when the Emperor visits.
- During a subsequent visit, respond positively to their 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 downstairs near the bar. Complete her quest or pay directly to access the twins.
- Go to the designated 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 and 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 and find the locked door marked by a green lantern and ivy.
- Pick the lock or get the key from Mamzell Amira.
- Enter the chamber to interrupt Naoise and Jara, leading to a fight with a Mindflayer.
- After defeating the Mindflayer, engage with Naoise, who will still desire a romantic encounter. Follow the cues to experience a brief romance scene, granting the Rapture buff until your next long rest.
