Romance in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a rich and intricate system, reflecting the depth and complexity of the game itself. Navigating relationships in BG3 requires careful consideration, as you balance affections, uncover secrets, and manage the diverse personalities of your companions. With companions often holding strong, contrasting ideologies, focusing on building deep connections with a select few rather than striving for universal approval is a wise strategy early on.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Baldur’s Gate 3 lives up to its “Mature” rating, featuring strong sexual content. Be mindful of this, particularly when initiating romance scenes in shared spaces. If you prefer a less explicit experience, the game offers an option to toggle “cutscene nudity” off in the settings.
This comprehensive guide will delve into how romance works in BG3, provide a detailed list of all romanceable companions, and offer insights on how to increase approval with each potential partner.
How Romance Works in BG3
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The romance mechanics in Baldur’s Gate 3 are multifaceted, with the initial stages unfolding predominantly in Act 1. The cornerstone of any romantic relationship is your approval rating with the character you wish to woo. Each companion has an approval meter, visible at the bottom left of their character sheet, accessible through their portrait and inventory.
Beyond approval, specific conversations at your camp are pivotal. These dialogues have precise requirements, and incorrect choices can temporarily or permanently close off romantic avenues. While the exact triggers for these conversations are still being fully mapped out, reaching a “green zone” approval seems to be a minimum prerequisite.
Maintaining positive standing leads to another crucial camp conversation after resolving Act 1’s goblin-druid conflict. Successfully navigating this dialogue unlocks the option to invite a companion to your bedroll for the night.
While early access hinted at immediate sexual encounters, the full release presents a more nuanced approach. Some companions, like Lae’zel, may express their sexual interest early in their romance arc, even before significant quest progression. If you aim for a deeper romantic connection, reciprocating this interest is key.
Can You Romance Multiple Companions in BG3?
Surprisingly, Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for multiple romantic relationships simultaneously without immediate negative repercussions, provided your partners are open to it. Approval ratings don’t automatically drop, and companions won’t abruptly leave your camp due to polyamorous inclinations. However, some companions value monogamy and will communicate this preference. Pursuing other romances after this point may lead them to opt for friendship instead.
Conversely, some companions, like Halsin, may express interest even if you’re already romantically involved. They might respectfully request you to discuss the situation with your current partner first, demonstrating a mature approach to potential love triangles. Halsin, notably, is open to polyamory and might even suggest a threesome, showcasing a surprisingly communicative and respectful attitude for someone capable of transforming into a bear.
Ultimately, breakups due to multiple romances aren’t sudden. Companions will initiate a conversation to clarify the relationship dynamics before ending things, giving you a clear choice to either commit or explore polyamory. Remember, like real-world relationships, companions have varying reactions to polyamory.
While initiating new romances is possible beyond Act 1, the game’s focus shifts towards completing companion quests and sustaining approval rather than navigating initial flirtations.
All BG3 Romance Options List
Baldur’s Gate 3 boasts a diverse cast of characters available for romance. Here is a comprehensive list:
- Shadowheart
- Astarion
- Wyll
- Lae’zel
- Gale
- Karlach
- Halsin
- Minthara
- Mizora [non-companion romance]
- The Emperor Mind Flayer [non-companion romance]
- Haarlep [non-companion romance]
Minthara stands out as a unique case, demanding a specific, morally questionable path to romance, which ultimately leads to her departure regardless.
How to Romance Shadowheart in BG3
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The early access method to initiate a romance with Shadowheart remains effective in the full game. Travel to the Blighted Village, accessible via the bridge west of the Emerald Grove. Resolve the goblin situation there, ideally peacefully to avoid extensive combat.
Behind the windmill, where the gnome is tied up, you’ll find a damaged statue. Discuss this statue with Shadowheart. During your next camp rest at night, you can initiate the first romantic conversation.
During this conversation, select these dialogue options:
- “We should get to know each other more.”
- “Tell me more about yourself, besides [spoiler], besides tadpoles.”
- “You’ll have to point out Night Orchids to me if we ever pass some.”
After choosing your bedroll, make these choices:
- “Tieflings?”
- “Are you worried Shar won’t approve?”
- “I’d be glad to.” (If she offers a bottle)
- “I’ll find you after everyone’s turned in for the night.”
Act 2 simplifies things. Locate a Night Orchid in the Shadowlands and present it to Shadowheart. Her feelings remain consistent regardless of her choices during Shar’s trial and Balthazaar’s quest.
In Act 3, complete Shadowheart’s companion quest and address her past at the House of Grief. She’ll seek you out at camp afterward. While the scene varies based on her Shar or Selune alignment, the core remains: choose to deepen your connection and be compassionate.
How to Earn Approval with Shadowheart
To maintain Shadowheart’s approval, focus on these actions:
- Show kindness to children and the less fortunate.
- Practice mercy, such as preventing the Tieflings from killing Sazza.
- Be compassionate towards animals, seeking non-violent solutions, especially in the Owlbear cave.
- Crush the Ilithid tadpole found outside the Blighted Village.
- Make Novice Crusher kiss your foot.
Apply similar principles throughout the game – prioritize justice and kindness, while also being mindful of self-preservation. Following the initial steps should ensure sufficient approval by Act 2 to withstand occasional disagreements.
How to Romance Astarion in BG3
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Romancing Astarion follows the standard pattern of building approval and making favorable dialogue choices. Unlike Shadowheart, Astarion doesn’t have a strict set of dialogue options for initial romance initiation, at least until after rescuing Halsin and the refugees. Be flirtatious and receptive to his advances without outright rejecting him.
After rescuing the refugees, select these options:
- “Really? Saving lives is awful?”
- “True, the goblins would have thrown a wilder party.”
- “And what’s your idea of ‘a little fun’?”
- “All right, let’s do it. I’ll see you later.”
Upon inviting him to bed, choose:
- “You don’t have me yet”
- “And what do you want?”
- Nod
Astarion’s Act 2 romance is brief. Speak with him at camp after encountering Raphael near the mausoleum, and affirm your feelings:
- “I care about you deeply”
- “You are worth a great deal to me”
Act 3 becomes more complex based on Astarion’s companion quest outcome. Regardless of whether he Ascends, a final scene is available. If he doesn’t ascend, express your desire for “fun” and to stay together. If he ascends, state your desire to become a vampire and claim his body.
How to Earn Approval with Astarion
Astarion, embodying noble and self-serving traits, appreciates actions that reflect these qualities. To gain his approval:
- Lie and deceive.
- Intimidate others.
- Be cruel to animals (e.g., kick the squirrel in Emerald Grove).
- Be unkind to other characters, through mockery or emotional manipulation.
Avoid displays of kindness if you wish to gain Astarion’s favor.
How to Romance Lae’zel in BG3
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Similar to Astarion, Lae’zel disdains kindness but with a less capricious approach to brutality. Her no-nonsense personality translates to a single, brief conversation required to initiate romance, occurring during the refugee celebration.
She will approach you and ask to sniff you (yes, really). Respond with:
- “Are you… asking for sex?”
- “Yes. I will share my bed with you tonight.”
That’s all it takes.
Lae’zel’s feelings remain unchanged after Rosymorn Monastery, even if you side with Kith’rak Voss.
In Act 2, prevent Shadowheart from killing Lae’zel and then spar with Lae’zel at camp when prompted. Victory in this fight is almost impossible unless you’ve deliberately kept Lae’zel under-leveled, but the outcome is inconsequential. Reaffirm your devotion to her.
Be aware that romancing Lae’zel may lock you out of romances with other monogamous companions unless you break your bond with her.
Lae’zel’s Act 3 romance arc is straightforward. After she confronts Vlaakith, speak with her at camp when prompted. This scene may trigger after speaking with Voss at Sharess’ Caress, or after freeing her if Orin kidnaps her.
How to Earn Approval with Lae’zel
Earning Lae’zel’s approval involves mirroring her behavior. You should:
- Choose violence as a solution.
- Express disinterest in helping others.
- Side with those delivering harsh justice (e.g., allow Tieflings to kill Sazza, don’t save the thief child in Emerald Grove).
- Allow her to speak with the githyanki.
- Roar at the delusional elf in Auntie Ethel’s lair.
- During the night sickness event, tell Lae’zel she’s too far gone and you’ll kill her first – but don’t actually attack.
How to Romance Gale in BG3
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Romancing Gale requires more sustained effort. Similar to Shadowheart, he favors kindness and empathy. However, his reluctance to commit to a relationship (due to spoiler reasons) necessitates extra encouragement.
While not definitively confirmed as a romance requirement, providing Gale with magical items to consume to manage his condition likely contributes to his approval.
On the night of the refugee celebration, Gale invites you under a Weave. Respond with:
- “You’re a good teacher.”
- “Hold on to the moment. It’s a good night for intimacy.”
- Picture kissing him.
In your subsequent conversation about the magic lesson, choose:
- “I never thought it was so easy to cast magic.”
- “So what did you think about what I pictured when we were connected by the Weave?”
Take a long rest. The following night at camp, you’ll find him distressed near the campfire. Offer comfort and sympathy, and don’t reject his advances when he expresses a desire for closeness. You should then be able to select Gale when interacting with your bedroll.
After completing the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2, an astral image of Gale will appear at camp. Interact with it, triggering a scene where Gale discusses Elminster’s dilemma. Reaffirm your love for Gale.
Complete Gale’s quest at Sorcerous Sundries in Act 3 to unlock the final romance scene. It’s emotionally charged, but simply expressing your love for him as he is suffices.
How to Romance Karlach in BG3
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Romancing Karlach is initially more involved, requiring progress in her companion questline – a pattern consistent across all companion romances in Act 2. To begin:
- Prevent Wyll from killing her.
- Stop the Fist of Tyr from killing her.
- Initiate her quest to find an Infernal Engineer.
While the impact of giving Karlach Soul Coins on approval is unclear, respond positively and willingly when the conversation arises.
Once her approval is sufficiently high, a scene will trigger during a long rest at camp, allowing you to kiss Karlach. Rescuing Dammon and completing the first part of Karlach’s Infernal Engine quest seems necessary, though some players report the scene triggers only after finding Dammon again at the Last Light Inn.
Completing the second quest part in the Grymforge further advances the relationship, but you can initiate intimacy sooner. Karlach’s high temperature requires cooling her down before intimacy.
Use water (Create Water spell or throwing water) or Ray of Frost to cool her down, then speak with her again. Choose:
- “I want to talk about your Infernal Engine.”
- “You got your second upgrade. How does it feel?”
- “I’ve never been more excited for anything in my life.”
- “Of course. Nothing would make me happier.”
Choose your bed by the campfire, then say:
- “Go on.”
- “I’m yours.”
- “I thought you’d never ask.”
Alternatively, you can choose to spend the night with Karlach without sex, which doesn’t negatively affect your relationship.
Karlach’s romance continues in Act 3 upon reaching the Lower City. Speak with her at camp when prompted for a date. Later, she’ll invite you to spend the evening with her at camp. Similar to Act 2, you can choose between sexual or purely physical intimacy, both accepted by Karlach.
How to Earn Approval with Karlach
Karlach, sharing Gale’s worldview, values kindness, valor, bravery, and a touch of violence. She strongly disapproves of cruelty, siding with devils or villains, and weakness. Assisting goblins and Minthara will severely displease her.
To gain Karlach’s approval:
- Defend Karlach.
- Choose violence when appropriate.
- Help those in need, especially Tieflings (including Arabella, the bard outside the grove, Silfy, and Mol).
- Save the Druids and refugees in Emerald Grove.
- Upgrade her Infernal Engine.
- See through Auntie Ethel’s disguise.
- Give Mayrina the wand with Connor’s name.
How to Romance Wyll in BG3
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Wyll’s romance is more intricate than in early access, especially if Karlach is in your party. If you have Karlach but not Wyll, Wyll will appear at your camp during the first long rest after recruiting Karlach. Calm him down, defend Karlach, and avoid killing him.
Navigating the conversation with Mizora to avoid Wyll’s transformation remains unclear. Be supportive and kind after his transformation, exhausting all dialogue options. Agree to dance with him when prompted.
Once his approval is high enough and you reach Act 2, you’ll find him dancing alone at camp one night. A specific trigger is unknown, but it should occur before entering the Mind Flayer Colony.
Join his dance and pass an Acrobatics, Strength, or Performance check. Acrobatics is recommended, though the outcomes of Strength or Performance checks are uncertain.
Kiss Wyll after the dance.
Wyll’s Act 2 romance and quest focus on saving his father. Prioritize Wyll and his father’s interests during this quest.
In Act 3, Wyll’s romance progresses after he decides about his pact and learns about Ansur. Speak with him at camp. He’ll lead you into the woods. Accept and enjoy his company. He will then propose to you.
How to Earn Approval with Wyll
Reflecting his folk hero persona, Wyll appreciates action and valor, combined with determination and kindness. Actions that please Shadowheart and Gale generally also please Wyll. Specific choices to maintain his approval include:
- Fight the goblins near the windmill in Blighted Village instead of scaring them away.
- Refuse devil intervention to remove your tadpole.
- Help Zevlor in Emerald Grove.
- Help Karlach during Hunt the Devil.
- Save Halsin.
- Defeat Minthara and the goblins.
- Be kind and supportive if Wyll transforms due to choices made when speaking to Mizora initially.
How to Romance Minthara in BG3
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Minthara, a malevolent drow, desires druid destruction and widespread suffering – an unconventional romance option. Gaining her favor deviates significantly from typical courtship.
Minthara isn’t a party member, so approval is gained through specific actions, not general adventuring choices. You must betray the Druids.
Go to the Shattered Sanctum in the goblin camp and speak with Minthara. Provide information about Emerald Grove and goblin attacks. After the goblins destroy the settlement, speak with Minthara again. Say:
- “It’s been a privilege to fight alongside you.”
- “Embrace the change.”
- “Open your mind.”
During the goblin camp party, speak to her once more and declare you belong to her. Interact with your bedroll and choose to sleep with Minthara.
How to Romance Halsin in BG3
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The Halsin romance is one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s more elaborate relationships. Significant effort is required before Halsin even joins your party as a romance prospect. In summary, you must:
- Rescue Halsin from the goblin camp.
- Save the refugees.
- Complete Halsin’s quest to heal the Shadowlands.
He joins your party after his quest completion. Raising his approval follows the same process as other companions. He’s notably eager and may propose intimacy as soon as you reach Rivington in Act 3.
Once his approval is high, long rest at camp and speak with Halsin. The conversation is more complex if you’re already in a relationship.
Respond positively to his advances and express your interest. Halsin will address your existing relationship. If you’re open to polyamory, tell him:
- “I will speak with [partner’s name].”
Be mindful that not all companions are open to polyamory, potentially requiring a choice between them and Halsin.
To end your other relationship and commit to Halsin, tell him:
- “I want you. Consider things ended between [partner] and I.”
Go to bed for a scene with Halsin. The first four dialogue choices are flexible. The scene diverges after these initial responses.
How to Get the Halsin Bear Romance Scene
For the infamous bear scene, after Halsin transforms accidentally, say:
- “Don’t apologize. I like it.”
Then, say:
- “Yes. Change back again. Let me have the beast… and the beast have me.”
How to Get the Halsin Standard Romance Scene
To remain in Halsin’s elf form, choose any other option after his bear transformation.
How to Gain Approval with Halsin
Halsin shares values with Gale and Karlach, valuing kindness and honesty. Keeping Lae’zel and Astarion at camp while building rapport with Halsin is advisable.
You should:
- Be kind to animals.
- Respect nature.
- Support Halsin’s beliefs.
- Show kindness to others.
Specific Act 3 actions include:
- Being kind to the pig in Rivington.
- Taking Halsin to the Dryad in Rivington and saying: “Comfort doesn’t come naturally.”
- Helping Tiefling refugees upon their reappearance.
How to Romance Mizora in BG3
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Mizora lacks an approval rating as she’s not a companion. Romancing her involves a specific sequence of events starting in Act 1:
- Save Tieflings in Act 1 and maintain Wyll’s approval to keep him in your party.
- Help Mizora find Zariel’s Asset at Moonrise Towers in Act 2 and free her from the Mind Flayer colony before defeating Thorm.
- At Wyrm’s Rock Fortress in Act 3, postpone immediate confrontation with Gortash and speak with Mizora afterward.
- Speak with Mizora at your camp and allow her to stay. A new conversation should become available after one or two long rests.
Mizora will propose an intimate encounter. Respond with “sounds delicious” and long rest again.
Upon waking, choose:
- “Bask in the powerful sensations.”
- “I’m ready.”
After subsequent scenes, choose:
- “Step into Mizora’s outstretched wings.”
The consequences of this relationship are similar to others. Existing partners may express disappointment or end monogamous relationships. Wyll will be displeased. Mizora’s motivation is primarily to hurt Wyll, offering minimal positive benefits to you.
How to Romance Emperor Mind Flayer in BG3
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This romance contains significant spoilers. Proceed with caution if you are not in Act 3.
Shortly after Act 3 begins, side with the Mind Flayer during the Astral Plane conflict and choose to evolve. After a long rest or two, they will reappear in your dreams. Select positive dialogue options that encourage a deeper connection and hold their hand when prompted.
The following dream sequence offers the option for a physical relationship. When prompted, say:
- “I could have done with more coddling.”
- “True.”
Do not reject their advances if you wish to pursue a physical relationship. This scene triggered after exploring the Emperor’s Hideout and interacting with every object there. Allies will be aware of your encounter with the mind flayer, but the Emperor will erase their memories. This relationship carries no negative consequences.
How to Romance Haarlep in BG3
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An intense physical encounter with Haarlep, Raphael’s sex demon, is possible in the House of Hope, and is necessary for quest progression unless you choose to fight Haarlep. Agree to intimacy when offered, selecting your preferred form (male or female). During the act, Haarlep will threaten to consume your body and soul. Allow them to take your body but refuse to surrender your mind to avoid a game over.
The outcome is unsettling. Haarlep states they will use your form to pleasure Raphael and other demons in hell, with you retaining awareness of each instance. If this is undesirable, attack Haarlep before engaging in intimacy. Faucets in the nearby bath can restore health and spell slots.
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