Baldur's Gate 3: Full Romance Walkthrough

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options, enhancing the game's immersive experience. Whether you're seeking a deep, long-term connection or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to a variety of romantic preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for each romance option, ensuring you don't miss out on any potential relationships.

All Romance Options in Baldur's Gate 3

### Romance in BG3 Explained:

In Baldur's Gate 3, romance is inclusive, allowing every romancable character to be pursued regardless of your character's sex. The game offers both short-term and long-term romance options, each tailored to the unique personalities and storylines of the characters. Some characters are open to one-night stands, while others require a more prolonged courtship. Be mindful that certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance paths, especially if you engage in multiple relationships. Most companion NPCs can be romanced, but each relationship will alter your experience with them, making it impossible to explore every romance in a single playthrough. Below, we detail the romance options available with both companions and non-companions.

All Romance Options:

The following companion characters can be romanced in Baldur's Gate 3:

Shadowheart
Gale
Astarion
Karlach
Wyll
Lae'zel
Halsin
Minthara

The following non-companion characters are available for short-term romance:

Mizora
Guardian/Emperor
Drow Twins
Haarlep
Naoise Nallinto

How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3

Shadowheart is often the first companion you'll encounter, making her a prominent romance option from the start. Her journey is deeply intertwined with the game's plot, adding a unique layer to your experience if you choose to romance her. Shadowheart can be romanced both long-term and short-term, with opportunities in every act.

How to Romance Shadowheart:

Keep Shadowheart in your party to build a strong connection.
Boost her approval by showing kindness, avoiding violence, and respecting her privacy. Support her against Lae'zel for a significant early boost.
In Act I, look for the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue or wait for the party after rescuing Halsin. If you've shown interest, you'll see an exclamation mark over her head. Share a bottle with her, choose to spend the evening together, and during your walk, avoid dialogue options that show disinterest. Aim for a kiss to solidify your connection.
In Act II, you can continue your romance regardless of whether you side with Selune or Shar. Support her new look if you choose Selune, or be patient for the nighttime event if you choose Shar.
In Act III, complete her quest and enjoy a final romantic swim, choosing the nicer dialogue options to reach a special scene.

Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:

Shadowheart may end the relationship if you pursue other romances, though this isn't always the case. In Honor Mode, it's best to remain exclusive to avoid complications.

How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3

Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, is open to a relationship and plays a crucial role in the game's narrative. Romancing him can enrich your understanding of the plot.

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.
Join him for a magic lesson in Act I, choosing dialogue options that lead to a romantic outcome. Avoid being mean to keep future options open.
Before transitioning to Act II, support Gale during the Elminster cutscene, showing you care about his fate.
In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak to him before resting, choosing "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" to unlock a romantic scene.

Gale Romance Special Notes:

Gale is not open to an open relationship and will be unhappy if you romance other characters.

How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3

Astarion's charm and wit make him a popular choice for romance. He's also one of the most open-minded partners in the game.

How to Romance Astarion:

Build approval by adding him to your party early and choosing self-serving options. He appreciates sarcasm and generally disapproves of helping others.
Allow Astarion to drink your blood to boost your relationship.
At the party, engage with Astarion, 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" to unlock the first major romance scene. Let him bite you to further increase approval.
After the first scene, show interest in his scars and ask about their Infernal writing.
In Act II, take Raphael's deal to learn more about Astarion's scars. When he 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, choosing whether to let him complete the ritual. Support him to unlock the final romantic scenes, which can lead to you becoming a vampire.

Astarion Romance Special Notes:

Astarion is open to you having other romantic encounters without getting truly angry.

How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3

Karlach's romance is challenging but rewarding, offering one of the game's best storylines. She's sensitive about exclusivity once in a long-term relationship.

How to Romance Karlach:

Support Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr and add her to your party early to build approval. She values kindness, understanding, and violence in the service of helping others.
Collect Infernal Iron quickly and bring it to Dammon at the Emerald Grove. After he helps Karlach, express disappointment about not being able to touch her, and affirm your desire to do so.
At the party, express your feelings to Karlach, opening the option to speak later. Suggest throwing water on her to cool her off temporarily, then try to kiss her. She'll be open to you seeing others until her heart is fixed.
In Act II, find Dammon at the Last Light Inn and use all available Infernal Iron to tune her up.
In Act III, take Karlach on a date to further your relationship.

Karlach Romance Special Notes:

Karlach will get very angry if you sleep with other characters, though it's possible to redeem yourself with the right approach. After fixing her heart, you can enter a long-term relationship with unique dialogue options.

How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3

Wyll's romance can greatly enhance his storyline, offering a deeper connection to his character.

How to Romance Wyll:

Build approval by acting heroically, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. Show empathy in his struggles with Mizora and his father.
Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. If your approval is high, Wyll will be available to spend the night with during the party.
In Act II, after a Long Rest, you'll find Wyll dancing. Follow the romantic dialogue prompts to deepen your relationship.
In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur to unlock the final romantic encounter.

How to Romance Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3

Lae'zel's interest in the player is evident early on, offering both short-term and long-term romance options.

How to Romance Lae'zel:

Raise her approval by acting decisively and aggressively. She values action over persuasion or deception but approves of intimidation.
Once her approval is high, mention her different look at you in camp, which can lead to a one-night stand.
In Act II, she'll visit at night and challenge you to a duel. Whether you win or lose, you'll win her heart.
In Act III, your relationship's outcome depends on whether she sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a public couple appearance in the ending sequence.

Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:

Lae'zel will end the relationship permanently if you cheat on her after the duel.

How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3

Halsin's romance is popular among fans, especially for his connection to nature and his compelling storyline.

How to Romance Halsin:

Ensure you complete all of Halsin's quests before the end of Act II to avoid being locked out of romance options. Lift the Shadow Curse before concluding Act II.
Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion later.
In Act II, help him locate Thaniel to make him a companion.
Keep Halsin in your party and build approval through kindness, reverence for nature, and fairness.
Exhaust his dialogue options daily, focusing on discussions about former lovers.
Once his approval is high enough, he'll visit at night. He'll ask about other relationships; Shadowheart and Astarion will be okay with it, while Karlach and Gale will not.

How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3

Minthara's romance is unique, often seen as an enemy, making her a compelling choice for evil playthroughs.

How to Romance Minthara:

Avoid attacking the Goblin Camp and side with Minthara, betraying your party and the Emerald Grove.
After defeating the grove, tell Minthara it was an honor to fight beside her, 'Embrace the change,' and open your mind. She'll visit your camp.
At the goblin party, tell Minthara you are hers. Go to bed, and she'll join you. Pass the persuasion check to avoid her attacking you at the end.

Since the official release, some players claim you can knock Minthara out at the Goblin Camp and rescue her from Moonrise Towers in Act II, allowing her to join your party. We will update this guide once we have confirmed this information.

Minthara Romance Special Notes:

Choosing the evil route will significantly alter your game experience, causing tension with other party members.

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 Mizora 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 ask about something "beyond these planes," then choose "Sounds delicious, what are you suggesting?" and "Smile."
Mizora will visit at night, triggering 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 (though not strictly necessary).
Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
When the Emperor visits after you discover his past, choose to hold their hand.
During their next visit, ask if they are flirting and react 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 near the bar. Complete her quest or pay directly to access the twins.
Follow her directions to the chambers to begin the scene. Avoid asking Gale or Karlach to join 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.
Find the locked door at the top of the stairs, marked by a green lantern and ivy. Pick the lock or get the key from Mamzell.
Enter the chamber to find Naoise and Jara. After defeating the Mindflayer that Jara becomes, speak to Naoise and follow her cues for a brief romantic scene, granting the Rapture buff until your next long rest.