Detailed Romance Guides
Astarion Romance
High Elf Rogue | Available to all genders | Approval: Medium+
Astarion's romance is complex and emotionally intense. He begins as a manipulative predator but gradually reveals vulnerability and trauma. His romance arc deals heavily with consent, power dynamics, and healing from abuse.
- Act 1: Flirt during camp conversations. The romance triggers at the tiefling celebration where he invites you to a private spot.
- Act 2: Progress his personal quest regarding Cazador. Support his independence rather than controlling him.
- Act 3: Help him decide whether to ascend as a full vampire or remain a spawn. Both choices have romantic outcomes but different implications.
- Key Choices: Let him bite you. Support his revenge against Cazador. Do not judge his vampiric nature.
Tip: Astarion appreciates being treated as an equal rather than a victim. Show interest in his past without pitying him.
Shadowheart Romance
Half-Elf Cleric | Available to all genders | Approval: High
Shadowheart's romance is widely considered one of the best in the game. It unfolds slowly, building from mutual respect to deep emotional intimacy. Her journey from a closed-off Sharran agent to someone capable of love is beautifully written.
- Act 1: Be kind to animals (especially her rat). Support her secrets without prying too hard. The celebration scene triggers if approval is high enough.
- Act 2: The iconic beach scene occurs in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Bring her to the pool of water near the Last Light Inn. This is the emotional climax of her romance.
- Act 3: Help her reconcile her identity as a Selunite. The romance culminates in a deeply emotional scene about acceptance and belonging.
- Key Choices: Save the tieflings. Be patient with her memory loss. Choose the "swimming" dialogue option at the beach.
Warning: Siding with the goblins and destroying the grove makes Shadowheart's romance extremely difficult. She may leave permanently.
Gale Romance
Human Wizard | Available to all genders | Approval: High
Gale's romance is intellectual, sweet, and slightly awkward in the most endearing way. He courts you with poetry, magical gifts, and grand romantic gestures. His romance also ties directly into his life-or-death personal quest.
- Act 1: Show interest in his magical knowledge. Accept his offer to teach you the "weave." The celebration scene involves stargazing and his first kiss.
- Act 2: Continue feeding him magic items (despite the mechanical downside). His romance deepens as he trusts you with his darkest secret.
- Act 3: Help him confront Mystra. The romance culminates in a scene where he must choose between godhood and mortality, with you at his side.
- Key Choices: Encourage his magical pursuits. Do not mock his romantic gestures. Support him during his orb crisis.
Tip: Gale is jealous. Flirting with other companions in front of him lowers his approval significantly.
Karlach Romance
Tiefling Barbarian | Available to all genders | Approval: High
Karlach's romance is beloved for its warmth, humor, and emotional depth. Because her infernal engine makes physical contact dangerous, her romance focuses on emotional connection, creative problem-solving, and genuine partnership.
- Act 1: Karlach is not available for romance until Act 2. Focus on raising her approval by being kind and heroic.
- Act 2: The romance triggers after finding infernal iron for her engine. The scene where you hold hands through a bucket of water is the starting point.
- Act 3: Help her deal with Gortash and control her engine. The romance culminates in finding a way to be intimate safely.
- Key Choices: Help her stay cool. Support her against Gortash. Do not treat her as dangerous or broken.
Tip: Karlach's romance is the most "wholesome" in the game. She appreciates honesty, kindness, and bad jokes.
Lae'zel Romance
Githyanki Fighter | Available to all genders | Approval: High
Lae'zel's romance is physically intense and emotionally challenging. As a githyanki, she views romance through the lens of strength and combat prowess. Her romance requires proving yourself as her equal.
- Act 1: Spar with her at camp. Show physical strength and combat skill. The celebration scene is aggressive and passionate.
- Act 2: Support her through the githyanki creche revelations. She must choose between Vlaakith and freedom.
- Act 3: Help her become a kith'rak or forge her own path. The romance solidifies through mutual respect and shared strength.
- Key Choices: Win or draw in sparring matches. Support githyanki traditions while encouraging independence. Do not show weakness.
Warning: Lae'zel will end the romance if you submit to the mind flayers or show cowardice in major battles.
Wyll Romance
Human Warlock | Available to all genders | Approval: High
Wyll's romance is straightforward and heroic. As the "Blade of Frontiers," he values honor, protection of the weak, and keeping one's word. His romance is ideal for players who want a traditional heroic love story.
- Act 1: Help him defend the grove and rescue the refugees. Flirt during camp conversations. The celebration scene is tender and romantic.
- Act 2: Support him through his father's kidnapping and Mizora's demands. His romance deepens as he trusts you with his fears.
- Act 3: Help him save his father and break or maintain his pact. The romance culminates in a scene about building a future together.
- Key Choices: Keep your promises. Protect innocents. Support his heroism without enabling his self-sacrifice.
Halsin Romance
Wood Elf Druid | Available to all genders | Approval: Medium+ | Polyamorous
Halsin is unique among romance options because he is polyamorous and can be romanced alongside most other companions. His romance emphasizes emotional connection, nature, and acceptance in all forms.
- Act 1: Halsin is not fully romanceable until Act 2. In Act 1, rescue him from the goblin prison and support the druids.
- Act 2: Complete his quest to protect the spirit of nature. He will express interest if your approval is sufficient.
- Act 3: His romance includes the infamous "bear scene" where he transforms during intimacy. This is entirely consensual and played for genuine emotional connection.
- Key Choices: Respect nature. Be open-minded. Accept his polyamory without jealousy.
Tip: Halsin can be romanced while also romancing Shadowheart, Karlach, or Astarion (with some restrictions). Talk to him about boundaries.
Minthara Romance
Drow Paladin | Available to all genders | Approval: Medium+
Minthara's romance is dark, dominant, and morally complex. As a paladin of the Absolute, she expects total loyalty and submission. Her romance is not for the faint of heart.
- Act 1: Side with the goblins and raid the grove. Spare Minthara and she will join you in Act 2.
- Act 2: Support her devotion to the Absolute while gradually revealing the truth. Her romance involves power exchange and dark themes.
- Act 3: Help her find a new purpose after the Absolute's betrayal. The romance can become surprisingly tender if you guide her toward redemption.
- Key Choices: Show absolute loyalty. Submit to her dominance. Support her ruthlessness or gently guide her toward compassion.
Warning: Recruiting Minthara requires betraying the grove, which locks out Wyll and Karlach romances unless you later persuade them to stay.