Like many RPGs, Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for characters to be romanced, adding further depth to an already epic tale. These romances can open up new dialogue and create a deeper understanding of the world. However, with so many romance options available, it’s important to know who is worth wooing.
[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Baldur’s Gate 3.]
Baldur’s Gate 3 has some deep and memorable romance options for those inclined to mix love with adventuring as they attempt to save Faerûn. There are even other romantic alternatives available that aren’t as long-term as a full romance, such as the Dream Guardian, Mizora, and a couple of very friendly Drow twins. However, for those wanting the full experience, the party companions are the characters to pursue, with the best opportunity for a deep connection with these ongoing characters.
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Minthara
Drow Paladin Of The Absolute
Minthara’s romance in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complicated one and certainly not for everyone. Firstly, it is necessary to betray the Druid Grove and side with the Absolute to even have her as a companion. This requires killing a lot of innocent characters, and risks losing approval from many other companions.
Choosing to betray the Druid Grove will come at the cost of three other companions, who will be locked out because of the decision.
As a devoted follower of the Absolute, Minthara will obviously agree with decisions that further the cult’s goals and generally be assertive when dealing with others, but she likes it when she is obeyed. She views kindness as a weakness, so she’ll disapprove of many quests to aid others.
If you are playing Baldur’s Gate 3 with the mindset of having an evil run, she has one of the best intimate scenes, although it is only once and there are no dating scenes to go along with it. She can be very supportive, although that support clearly leans into villainy. If you’re the “I can fix her” type of player, keep in mind that Minthara has no redemption arc, no matter how hard you may try.
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Halsin
Wood Elf Druid
Halsin wasn’t originally designed to be a romanceable companion in Baldur’s Gate 3. After being absent for most of Act One, he does not become available for romance until the end of Act Two, when the Shadow Curse is lifted, although he can be flirted with. Asking him about himself and his previous lovers will be enough to trigger the romance dialogue later, so long as his approval is high enough.
Halsin’s romance is much more passive than the Baldur’s Gate 3 Origin characters. This allows for a lot of polyamorous freedom if you would like to also romance other companions like Astarion or Shadowheart. He is a friendly and compassionate character, who is also a huge help in the party, being a strong fighter.
Of course, the most notable and widely discussed reason that many enjoy romancing Halsin is related to his ability to shapeshift into bear form. You can choose to be intimate with him in human form, but quite a lot of players found the idea of being with his bear form to be pretty appealing.
Those looking to win the heart of the Archdruid should remember that he loves nature, kindness, and respects life, while he disapproves of cruelty and unnecessary violence. Unfortunately, this romance does not have a very satisfying ending.
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Mizora
Wyll’s Infernal Patron
Romancing Mizora will not be a long-term relationship but rather a one-time rendezvous with many unhappy consequences. As Wyll’s patron, whether or not there has been any flirtation between the main character and Wyll, he will be very angry. In fact, taking this path will lock players out of any other Wyll-related story developments from a narrative perspective.
This devilish romance does offer some unique dialogue and scenes, but the impact of the interaction isn’t something everyone will enjoy seeing. Many of the companions will also be upset, including Gale, Lae’zel, and Karlach, although others may be more neutral, but none will be happy about the situation.
After the fling has finished, there is no continued relationship with the half-devil character, and no benefits to having had the encounter. If the player character has already finished Astarion’s personal questline and taken it in a darker direction, he’ll be less bothered by the event, but there’s not enough reason to pursue that path unless an evil campaign is the name of the game.
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Haarlep
Incubus
Haarlep is the personal incubus of Raphael, who takes on Raphael’s appearance. Haarlep offers a deal wherein a one-time encounter can be traded for some crucial information. Rejecting the deal will lead to combat with Haarlep and numerous imps, whereas accepting Haarlep’s deal will lead to several rolls to attempt to not be overpowered by the incubus’s powers.
Haarlep can continue to bring the player character a sense of pleasure, and you can find out the location of Raphael’s safe in the process, but Haarlep will be able to take on the protagonist’s appearance whenever they wish afterward. Each time Haarlep uses the character’s form throughout the game, you will need to make a Constitution saving throw.
If the save is failed, the player character will feel everything Haarlep is feeling… which can lead to uncomfortable and awkward situations, plus the disapproval of most of the party. So, players should strongly consider how this will affect the rest of their playthrough before deciding whether to accept the deal.
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The Emperor
Mind Flayer
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Custom Image by Jessica Mills-Cox -
The Emperor is another one-time fling that can happen in Baldur’s Gate 3, which certainly takes the fantasy genre to new levels of romance. The mind flayer will give a very straightforward proposition for one night of passion in the Astral Plane. This is a rather bizarre experience, but it does unlock the “Mind Blown” achievement.
The only real downside here is that all the party members will be forced to quite awkwardly know about the romp through their dream. Thankfully, none will mention it, although there is certainly some judgment happening. After the night, things will not have any lasting effects.
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Naoise Nallinto
Wood Elf Courtesan
Yet another one-night encounter that’s perhaps the easiest to completely miss is Naoise Nallinto, a Wood Elf Courtesan at Sharess’ Caress. Given that this encounter happens in the middle of Act 3 in Baldur’s Gate 3, it could be easy to pass it by, as the party is likely to be busy with a plethora of other things at this point. That said, it’s still worth the encounter for those who have the time.
Regardless of who the player character is romancing and whether they are thrilled by the idea of their beau mingling with others, this encounter will not trigger any negative recourse.
After heading up to the Nymphs Grotto and interrupting Naoise with Jara, a Flaming Fist, the party will ultimately have to kill Jara who will transform into a Mind Flayer. Rather than being upset by this, Naoise goes on to share that she found the Mind Flayer beautiful and remains interested in a romantic encounter. This one is a bit unique as it will happen entirely in your head, so there’s no traditional “romance scene”, but that is partly what makes it one of the most interesting.
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Sorn Orlith & Nym
The Drow Twins
Sorn Orlith and his twin sister Nym Orlith are available for no-strings-attached one-time romantic encounters for gold at Sharess’ Caress. The Drow Twins are 500 gold for one, or the main character can spend 1,000 gold to hire both at once.
Depending on the romancing status with Shadowheart, players could have her join in, and Astarion and Halsin would also consider it if group fun is an intriguing prospect. Keep in mind, however, that not every romance companion will be thrilled about this, namely Lae’zel. Wyll, Minthara, and Jaheira will also strongly disapprove, so consider your ultimate goals before accepting the offer.
There are no real benefits other than some creative scenes, and some interesting dialogue options that reveal backstory details with characters like Halsin and Astarion.
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Karlach
Tiefling Barbarian
Like Halsin, Karlach was not originally designed to be a Baldur’s Gate 3 romance option; however, Karlach’s romancing story is still well crafted, despite feeling a bit rushed at times. That said, those who choose to pursue this fiery Tiefling will find a tender and adorable, if bittersweet, relationship waiting for them by showing Karlach kindness.
It’s important to know that any Karlach romance will end with some level of tragedy due to her circumstances and personal quest line.
Karlach is a good person and appreciates and approves of those who help the weak and are honest. She will disapprove of hurting others, lies, and siding with Zariel or Mizora. She has a strong sense of justice and ultimately values those who show compassion, despite her also having a fiery temper.
Due to her backstory of having her heart replaced by a broken Infernal Engine, she has never been able to pursue love before but is desperately wanting to have true love in her life.
Unfortunately, not all party members approve of dating a tiefling, and Wyll is, of course, sworn to kill Karlach, which can understandably create some problems.
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Wyll
Human Warlock
Wyll’s romance in Baldur’s Gate 3 is an odd one. On the one hand, it is very sweet, with Wyll being quite chivalrous. On the other hand, it is possible to get the romance scene to trigger despite having never flirted with him, leading some to find themselves accidentally in a committed relationship with the Blade of Frontiers. One of the most obvious ways to woo Wyll is to help him with his pact and support him through Mizora’s shenanigans. As the hero of the Sword Coast, Wyll approves of helping those in need, being brave, and generally being kind.
Patch 7 added an extra romance option to the epilogue for those in a relationship with Wyll, and an Act 3 romance scene is now unskippable to avoid the possibility of accidentally locking off the ending to his romance arc. A fix to one of his greetings ended up causing another problem, however, so anyone who finds his greetings a bit cold in the game can brush it off as a bug.
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Lae’zel
Githyanki Fighter
Romance with Lae’zel is initiated by her and, to start with, is purely physical. Sticking by her side, though, will reveal a softer and wonderfully thoughtful romance. Lae’zel appreciates bluntness, showing power over others, and generally being pro-gith and supporting her.
She won’t like non-violent tactics and will often grumble when the party goes out of its way to help the weak; however, that doesn’t mean an evil Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough is the only way to win this Githyanki’s heart, as talking to her can allow her to open up more, resulting in very sweet moments.