Harness the Power of Love: Ultimate Romance Guide for Baldur's Gate 3

This article contains spoilers for the end-game of Baldur's Gate 3. The rise of romanceable companions occurred in the early 2000s as CRPGs gained popularity, particularly with BioWare games. Baldur's Gate 3 offers a diverse range of romance options with six origin characters and additional smaller additions to the cast. The best romances in Baldur's Gate 3 are those that are intricately woven into the main story, well-written, and offer multiple outcomes based on the player's decisions.

In Baldur's Gate 3, player choices and their consequences greatly affect the romanced companions. These companions have established boundaries, and if those boundaries are crossed, the relationship will come to an end. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of these romances considers the entire journey of each companion, including their various endings. The presence of stated boundaries adds depth to the relationship, enhancing the narrative and overall gaming experience.

S Tier

Astarion's character arc in his romance showcases the hidden depths of his personality. Initially starting as a purely physical relationship, it gradually evolves into something more profound and significant. As Astarion confronts his intense emotions, experiences of sexual coercion, and the lasting effects of his past trauma, the true complexity of his character is unveiled.

To initiate Astarion's romance, the player character must have a high enough approval and allow him to drink from them. Although he initially proposes a sexual encounter, he later admits that this was a tactic he resorted to in order to ensure his safety. Astarion even confesses his uncertainty about wanting others to perceive him in this way. If pressured into sex, Astarion will end the relationship. Additionally, his apparent disassociation during other sexual encounters implies a detachment from the experience.

Despite initial discouragement, survivors of sexual assault have praised the resonant nature of Astarion's romance arc in relation to their own experiences of recovery and navigating new relationships. By providing Astarion the opportunity to heal and develop a healthy bond with a new partner, an exceptional level of depth and growth is achieved in their romantic relationship, surpassing what is typically portrayed in media. Astarion's romance takes on varying paths depending on whether he ascends or remains as a vampire spawn. If he ascends and the player chooses to continue the relationship, casting Detect Thoughts on him reveals a loss of respect towards the player, perceiving their actions as degrading. This is further reflected in his behavior as an Ascended Vampire, where he refers to the player in a romanced relationship as a pet. On the contrary, if Astarion remains as a vampire spawn, his perspective shifts entirely, viewing his partner as an equal.

Shadowheart - God's Favorite Princess possesses the advantage of her storyline closely intertwining with the main plot. In Act 2, the choices she makes directly impact the state of the world and the future of many non-playable characters. This particularly relates to Shadowheart's involvement in the theft of the Astral Prism, her connection to Shar, the Shadow Curse, and the Nightsong. Opting to pursue a romance with her grants the player a greater chance of convincing her to spare the Nightsong, subsequently breaking the Shadow Curse and ensuring the safety of those seeking refuge in the Last Light Inn.

Engaging in a romantic relationship with Shadowheart adds a deeper level of poignancy to aiding her with her family and the Shar cloister. Unlike other companions, Shadowheart is consistently encouraged to join the party and plays a more significant role in the main storyline. As the narrative progresses, she gradually becomes more open and undergoes personal growth. Given that the player's actions greatly influence Shadowheart's loyalties, those desiring a romantic connection with her should exercise caution in leading her down a dark path. If pushed to choose between Shar and the player, she will ultimately prioritize her loyalty to Shar.

A Tier

Karlach is a beloved companion appreciated for her optimism and humor. Although her story is not the happiest, it is captivating and focused on her character rather than external events, unlike some other romances. In one path, her partner has the opportunity to provide support as she receives a terminal diagnosis and can accompany her back to Avernus to ensure her survival.

In Karlach's other romance paths, tragedy awaits. She may succumb to the infernal engine in her chest or be transformed into a mind flayer, placing the player in the shoes of the companions in the other romance arcs. The player can either choose to end the romance or continue it with Karlach as a mind flayer.

Lae'zel - Initially prickly and aggressive, Lae'zel may not seem like the ideal partner in the first hours of Baldur's Gate 3. However, her journey as a warrior finding her own path and confronting the lies she's been told is truly captivating. This depth is also reflected in her romance, which is tender and heartfelt. Lae'zel proves to be loyal and deeply caring towards her partner.

The involvement of various githyanki factions, their roles in the story, and the revelations about Vlaakith's deceit, as well as the potential liberation of Orpheus, all play significant parts in the main plot. This thematic and narrative relevance makes Lae'zel's romance even more compelling. Due to the githyanki's history with the illithids, Lae'zel ends the relationship if the player becomes one. However, she does express the utmost respect for their choice and sacrifice. Githyanki players who romance Lae'zel have the opportunity to accompany her when she departs with Orpheus and his forces.

B Tier

Gale, known as The Wizard of Waterdeep, has long been plagued by loneliness caused by the mysterious orb in his chest. Some players may hesitate to pursue a romance with Gale due to his intimidating ex-partner and concerns that he may still have feelings for her. However, he is eager to move forward and find love with someone new. Despite a persistent bug causing him to make romantic advances towards almost every friendly player, Gale's romantic storyline is charming and heartwarming. He is the only companion who remains unfazed by the player's decision to become an illithid, and he even expresses the desire to marry them in the presence of his entire family.

Gale's romantic path is closely tied to his personal quest involving the Crown of Karsus and his reflections on his own identity. He struggles with the decision of whether to use the crown to achieve godlike powers. However, unlike other romances in higher tiers, Gale's romantic story does not offer significant branching paths. Nevertheless, his unwavering love for his partner, regardless of their appearance, is incredibly endearing, making him a valuable and admirable choice for players.

Wyll - This character embodies a classic fairytale romance, possessing a noble background and strong moral virtues that guide his actions. The player has the opportunity to assist Wyll in reconciling with his father and plays a significant role in determining the outcome of his pact with Mizora, which shapes his future. Among the romance options in Baldur's Gate 3, Wyll stands out by proposing marriage to the player and offering heartfelt and tender moments. However, it is important for those pursuing a romance with Wyll to be cautious about decisions that could potentially harm his reputation as the Blade of Frontiers.

Although Wyll highly values loyalty, his transformation into a mind flayer leads him to suggest finding a secluded place to continue their relationship in secret, which may not be desirable for everyone. Nevertheless, regardless of this aspect, remaining loyal to Wyll and embracing his ideals of romance leads to the same conclusion.

C Tier

Halsin - Embracing progressive ideals on romance, Halsin willingly engages in an open relationship with the player character, irrespective of their existing relationship status. This portrayal of polyamory, scarcely represented in media and games, marks a significant advancement. Halsin's involvement, which necessitates obtaining the explicit consent of the player character's partner, serves as a groundbreaking development. Although Halsin assumes an active companion role only in Act 2, his romantic path can only be pursued in Act 3. Compared to other romances higher on the list, Halsin offers comparatively less content and is best experienced as part of a polyamorous relationship involving Shadowheart or Astarion, both of whom are open to such dynamics.

Minthara - As the sole recruitable drow, Minthara offers a distinctive perspective on various situations throughout Baldur's Gate 3. Unfortunately, enlisting her services requires destroying the Emerald Grove, resulting in the loss of several companions, merchants, and quest lines throughout the game. Consequently, many players opt to forgo recruiting her and engaging in her romantic storyline. Though her romance technically commences in Act 1, it truly develops much later in the game.

The player character discovers that the Dream Visitor in their mind is actually an illithid called the Emperor, who was once a renowned adventurer named Balduran, the founder of Baldur's Gate. Despite being manipulative, the Emperor offers a romantic encounter within a dream to those who show curiosity and open-mindedness. This interaction has no impact on ongoing romances, but the rest of the party, who are infected with illithid tadpoles, witness the entire event.

In Act 3, Mizora, the demon overseeing Wyll's pact, decides to make the player's camp their base of operations. Eventually, Mizora propositions the player character. While this encounter is limited to a single scene, accepting Mizora's offer has serious consequences for the romances of Wyll, Lae'zel, and Gale, abruptly ending their relationships. Karlach also reacts negatively to this situation.