Quick Links
Baldur's Gate 3 offers a diverse range of romance options, enriching the gameplay experience significantly. These relationships, whether long-term commitments or fleeting encounters, create some of the game's most memorable moments. This guide provides a walkthrough for each romance option, helping you navigate the complexities of courtship and avoid relationship lockouts.
All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
### Understanding BG3 Romance:
It's crucial to understand that your character's gender doesn't restrict your romance options. Every romance is available regardless of your Tav's characteristics.
BG3 features two types of romances: long-term relationships developed throughout the campaign, and shorter, one-off encounters. The approach varies greatly depending on the character; some offer casual encounters, while others require a more involved courtship. Furthermore, choices can lock you out of certain romances. Some require timely actions, and pursuing multiple romances simultaneously may hinder your progress with specific characters.
Most companion NPCs are romanceable, and entering a relationship significantly alters your interactions with them. This means experiencing every romance requires multiple playthroughs. Detailed guides for each relationship are linked below.
All Romance Options:
These companion characters are romanceable in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Shadowheart
- Gale
- Astarion
- Karlach
- Wyll
- Lae'zel
- Halsin
- Minthara
These non-companion characters offer short-term romance options:
- Mizora
- Guardian/Emperor
- Drow Twins
- Haarlep
- Naoise Nallinto
How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3
Shadowheart is a prominent romance option, often encountered early in the game. Building her approval rating opens romantic possibilities. Romancing her adds an interesting layer to her storyline.
Shadowheart offers both long-term and short-term romance options, with opportunities in each act. Starting in Act I allows for a sustained relationship throughout the game.
How to Romance Shadowheart:
- Keep Shadowheart in your party (though not strictly required, it helps).
- Prioritize boosting her approval early. Kindness, non-violence, and respecting her privacy are key. Supporting her against Lae'zel provides a significant early boost.
- Once approval is high in Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue, or wait until the camp party after rescuing Halsin. If you've shown interest, an exclamation mark will appear above her head. Speak to her, accept her offer to share a drink, choose her as your evening companion, and respond positively during the ensuing events.
- In Act II, support either Selune or Shar while maintaining the romance. Support her new look if you choose Selune; a nighttime event will trigger if you choose Shar (may take several nights).
- In Act III, complete Shadowheart's quest regardless of your choice in Act II. This unlocks a final romantic event.
Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:
- Under certain circumstances, romancing other characters may end the relationship with Shadowheart. The exact rules are unclear; in Honor Mode, sticking with her is recommended. Otherwise, save before pursuing other romantic options.
How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3
Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep, is receptive to a relationship. His importance to the plot makes romancing him particularly compelling.
How to Romance Gale:
- Rescue him from the portal northeast of the crash site.
- Comply with his requests to consume magical items (up to three times in Act I).
- Participate in his magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being unkind, as this closes off future options.
- In Act I/II transition, support him during the cutscene with Elminster.
- In Act III, keep him alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak to him before resting, choosing specific dialogue options to trigger the final romantic scene.
Gale Romance Special Notes:
- Gale is not open to an "open relationship." Romancing other characters will likely end the relationship.
How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
Astarion's witty personality and devil-may-care attitude make him a popular romance choice. He's also one of the most open-minded romance partners.
How to Romance Astarion:
- Build his approval by adding him to your party and choosing self-serving options. He appreciates sarcasm and generally disapproves of selfless acts.
- Letting him drink your blood boosts your relationship.
- During the party, choose specific dialogue options to unlock the first major romance scene, and let him bite you.
- Show interest in his scars in a later interaction.
- In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about his scars. This unlocks a nighttime encounter.
- In Act III, complete his quest for the final romantic scenes.
Astarion Romance Special Notes:
- Astarion is the most open-minded long-term partner; he's less likely to be upset by romantic encounters with other characters.
How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
Karlach is a fan favorite, but initiating her romance can be challenging. She's very sensitive about infidelity once in a long-term relationship. Her storyline is rewarding to experience within a romantic context.
How to Romance Karlach:
- Support her against the fake Paladins of Tyr. Adding her to your party early helps build approval. She appreciates kindness, understanding, and open-mindedness, but also supports violence when necessary.
- Obtain Infernal Iron as quickly as possible. Dammon, the blacksmith, can help her in Act I. This sets the stage for your relationship. Express your desire to touch her after Dammon's work.
- During the party, express your feelings and choose options leading to a kiss.
- In Act II, find Dammon at the Last Light Inn and use Infernal Iron to improve her condition.
- In Act III, take her on a date.
Karlach Romance Special Notes:
- Sleeping with other characters will anger her. You might be able to redeem yourself, depending on the situation. Avoid sarcasm or meanness if she gets angry.
- After fixing her heart, a long-term relationship is possible.
How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll is a complex character whose romance enhances his storyline.
How to Romance Wyll:
- Build his approval by acting heroically, helping others, and siding with him in his quests. Support him in his struggles with Mizora and his father.
- Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings. He'll be available during the party if your approval is high enough.
- In Act II, a special encounter occurs after a long rest.
- In Act III, help him save his father and complete his task with Ansur for the final romantic encounter.
How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3
Lae'zel shows early interest in the player. A casual encounter or a long-term relationship is possible.
How to Romance Lae'zel:
- Raise her approval by acting decisively and aggressively. She appreciates warriors who act quickly and don't hesitate. Intimidation is also effective.
- With high approval, mention her changed behavior to initiate a one-night stand.
- Maintain her approval for a nighttime encounter in Act II, involving a duel.
- In Act III, her actions depend on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus leads to a romantic ending.
Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:
- She's not open to multiple partners. Cheating ends the relationship permanently.
How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
Halsin is a popular romance option.
How to Romance Halsin:
- Rescue him from the Goblin Camp. He's not a companion until Act II after helping him find Thaniel.
- Keep him in your party. He approves of kindness, respect for nature, and fairness.
- Regularly exhaust his dialogue options, paying attention to discussions about past lovers.
- With high approval, he'll visit you at night and ask about other romantic interests. Shadowheart and Astarion are acceptable; Karlach and Gale are not.
How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3
Minthara's romance is unique, as she's initially an enemy.
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, express your allegiance to her. This leads to a nighttime encounter at camp.
Reports suggest it's now possible to knock her out and rescue her later, allowing her to join your party. This remains unverified.
Minthara Romance Special Notes:
- This path drastically alters the game experience. Your party will be unhappy with your actions.
All One-Off Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3
The following sections detail how to romance Mizora, the Guardian/Emperor, the Drow Twins, Haarlep, and Naoise Nallinto. (Detailed instructions for each are provided in the original text and are too extensive to rewrite here).
