Baldur's Gate 3: Ultimate Romance Guide

Author: Isaac May 19,2025

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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of romance options that enhance the game's narrative and player experience. Whether you're seeking a long-term relationship or a fleeting encounter, the game caters to various preferences, making each playthrough unique. This guide will walk you through every romance option available in Baldur's Gate 3, 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 or race. The game offers two types of romance: short-term and long-term, each tailored to the specific character and your in-game goals. Some characters are open to one-night stands, while others require a more prolonged courtship. Be mindful, as certain actions can lock you out of multiple romance paths. Not all companions can be romanced simultaneously in one playthrough, as each relationship alters your interactions uniquely. Below, we detail each romanceable character and provide links to individual guides.

All Romance Options:

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

  • Shadowheart
  • Gale
  • Astarion
  • Karlach
  • Wyll
  • Lae'zel
  • Halsin
  • Minthara

For those interested in short-term romance, the following non-companion characters are available:

  • Mizora
  • Guardian/Emperor
  • Drow Twins
  • Haarlep
  • Naoise Nallinto

How to Romance Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3

Shadowheart is often the first romance option players encounter due to her early introduction and interest if you manage her approval well. Romancing her adds depth to her storyline, making it a compelling choice.

How to Romance Shadowheart:

  • Keep Shadowheart in your party to increase her approval through acts of kindness, non-violence, and respecting her privacy. Early on, siding with her against Lae'zel can boost her approval significantly.
  • Reach a high approval level in Act I to unlock the "...missed a chance to connect" dialogue. Alternatively, wait for the camp party after rescuing Halsin. If interested, you'll see an exclamation mark over Shadowheart's head. Share a bottle with her and choose to spend the evening together. A night walk will lead to a kiss if you select the right dialogue options.
  • In Act II, continue your romance regardless of whether you side with Selune or Shar. Support her choices and engage in nighttime events that may take several nights to trigger.
  • In Act III, complete Shadowheart's quest to unlock a final romantic scene involving a swim. Choose the supportive dialogue options to culminate in a special scene.

Shadowheart Romance Special Notes:

  • Shadowheart may end the relationship if you pursue other romances, though exceptions exist. For a secure romance, especially in Honor Mode, focus solely on her.

How to Romance Gale in Baldur's Gate 3

Gale, the wizard from Waterdeep, offers a meaningful romance that intertwines with the game's plot, making him an intriguing choice for players.

How to Romance Gale:

  • Rescue Gale from the portal northeast of the crash site to begin.
  • Fulfill Gale's requests to consume magical items, occurring up to three times in Act I.
  • Attend a magic lesson with Gale in Act I, choosing romantic dialogue options. Avoid being mean to keep future options open.
  • Support Gale during the Elminster cutscene before transitioning to Act II, showing care for his fate.
  • In Act III, keep Gale alive and read "The Annals of Karsus" in Sorcerous Sundries. Speak to Gale before a long rest, selecting "Close your eyes," "Kiss Him," and "You're already everything I need you to be" to unlock a final romantic scene.

Gale Romance Special Notes:

  • Gale does not tolerate an open relationship and will be unhappy with other romantic pursuits.

How to Romance Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3

Astarion's charm and wit make him a popular choice for romance, offering a unique and open-minded relationship.

How to Romance Astarion:

  • Build approval by adding Astarion to your party early and choosing self-serving and sarcastic options. He disapproves of unnecessary altruism.
  • Allow Astarion to drink your blood to boost your relationship.
  • At the party after rescuing Halsin, engage Astarion with specific dialogue to unlock the first major romance scene. Let him bite you to further increase approval.
  • Show interest in Astarion's scars and inquire about the Infernal markings.
  • In Act II, take Raphael's deal for more information on Astarion's scars. Choose supportive dialogue during Astarion's nighttime visit.
  • In Act III, complete Astarion's quest, deciding whether to let him complete the ritual. Support him to unlock the final romantic scenes, which may include becoming a vampire yourself.

Astarion Romance Special Notes:

  • Astarion is open to an open relationship, showing less concern about other romantic encounters.

How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3

Karlach's romance is rewarding but requires careful attention, especially regarding exclusivity.

How to Romance Karlach:

  • Side with Karlach against the fake Paladins of Tyr and add her to your party early to build approval. She appreciates kindness, understanding, and justified violence.
  • Collect Infernal Iron to help Dammon repair Karlach's heart in Act I. Express disappointment about not being able to touch her, leading to her asking if you want to.
  • During the camp party, express your feelings to Karlach, leading to a later evening conversation. Use water to cool her temporarily and attempt a kiss.
  • In Act II, continue to help Dammon at the Last Light Inn with more Infernal Iron.
  • In Act III, take Karlach on a date to progress the romance.

Karlach Romance Special Notes:

  • Karlach is highly sensitive to infidelity. If she gets angry, be sincere and apologetic to mend the relationship.
  • Once her heart is fixed, you can commit to a long-term relationship, unlocking unique dialogue.

How to Romance Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3

Wyll's romance enhances his complex narrative, offering a deeply rewarding experience.

How to Romance Wyll:

  • Build Wyll's approval through heroism, helping others, and supporting him in his quests. Helping him understand Karlach's situation is beneficial.
  • Rescue Halsin and the Tieflings at the Emerald Grove to unlock a romantic night at the party.
  • In Act II, engage in a special encounter after a Long Rest where Wyll dances. Follow romantic dialogue prompts.
  • In Act III, help Wyll save his father and complete his task with the dragon Ansur to unlock the final romantic scene.

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

Lae'zel's romance can be either a fleeting encounter or a deeper relationship, depending on your choices.

How to Romance Lae'zel:

  • Increase Lae'zel's approval through decisive action and combat. She values strength and intimidation over persuasion or deception.
  • Once approval is high, mention her different gaze at camp, leading to a potential one-night stand.
  • Maintain approval for a nighttime visit in Act II where she challenges you to a duel. Whether you win or lose, you'll win her heart.
  • In Act III, your relationship's outcome depends on whether Lae'zel sides with Vlaakith or Orpheus. Siding with Orpheus can lead to a public acknowledgment of your relationship.

Lae'zel Romance Special Notes:

  • Lae'zel is strictly monogamous. Any infidelity post-duel will end the relationship permanently.

How to Romance Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3

Halsin's romance appeals to many due to his unique character and storyline.

How to Romance Halsin:

  • Complete all of Halsin's quests before finishing Act II to avoid being locked out of romance options. Ensure you lift the Shadow Curse.
  • Rescue Halsin from the Goblin Camp to make him available as a companion later.
  • Keep Halsin in your party after he joins in Act II. He values kindness, reverence for nature, and fairness.
  • Exhaust all of Halsin's dialogue options daily, focusing on his past relationships.
  • Once his approval is high enough, Halsin will visit at night. He'll ask about other relationships; Shadowheart and Astarion are okay with it, while Karlach and Gale are not.

How to Romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3

Minthara's romance is tied to an evil playthrough, offering a unique and intense experience.

How to Romance Minthara:

  • Avoid attacking the Goblin Camp and side with Minthara, betraying your party and the Emerald Grove.
  • After defeating the grove, express honor in fighting beside her, 'Embrace the change,' and open your mind to her visit at camp.
  • At the camp party with the goblins, declare yourself hers and go to bed. Pass the persuasion check to avoid conflict.

Note: Post-release, some players claim you can knock out Minthara and rescue her in Act II, allowing her to join your party. This method remains untested and will be updated with further information.

Minthara Romance Special Notes:

  • Choosing the evil path significantly alters your game experience. Be prepared for party discontent if you destroy the Emerald Grove.

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, prompting her to visit your camp.
  • When Mizora appears at camp, rest until you see an exclamation mark over her head. Engage her and choose "Sounds delicious, what are you suggesting?" followed by "Smile" to trigger the romance scene.

How to Romance the Guardian:

  • Choose to protect the Guardian/Emperor between Act II and III.
  • Evolve into a Half-Ilithid to boost approval, though not mandatory.
  • Visit the Emperor's old hideout to learn about his past lover.
  • During the Emperor's subsequent visit, hold their hand. When they return and flirt, respond positively to trigger the romance scene.

How to Romance the Drow Twins:

  • Visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing during Act III.
  • Speak to Mamzell Amira near the bar. Complete a quest or pay directly to access the twins.
  • Follow directions to the chambers to initiate the scene. Avoid involving Gale or Karlach if you're in a relationship with them.

How to Romance Haarlep in the House of Hope:

  • Reach the House of Hope, Raphael's home.
  • Cross the 'Mystic Force Curtain' to enter the Boudoir and meet Haarlep, an Incubus. Accept their offer for a romantic encounter, but be aware of potential consequences if in a relationship, especially with Karlach.

How to Romance Naoise Nallinto:

  • Visit Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing.
  • Find the locked door marked by a green lantern at the top of the stairs. Unlock it with a 10 roll or get the key from Mamzell.
  • Enter to find Naoise and Jara. After defeating a Mindflayer that emerges, speak to Naoise, who will still be interested in a romantic encounter. Accept to experience a brief romantic scene and gain the Rapture buff until your next long rest.