Baldur’s Gate 3 romance options ranked – our guide to pursuing them in BG3

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Want to know about Baldur’s Gate 3 romance options? Romance is a big part of most modern RPGs. They usually start off as friendships and getting to know characters better can lead to moments of vulnerable intimacy.

Romance isn’t limited by Baldur’s Gate 3 races and subraces. And while you might not be rewarded for courting one of Baldur’s Gate 3 companions, it’s exciting to watch these relationships build. Over the course of our playthroughs, we’ve discovered a great deal about these companions and their backstories. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to romance characters in the Forgotten Realms.

Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Shadowheart, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Shadowheart, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

How to romance characters in Baldur’s Gate 3?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, characters can be romanced by performing actions they approve of before romancing them at the camp. Remember that each character you meet in the world of Faerun has their own ideologies and approaches to situations. Gaining the approval of one party member might mean annoying another. While you rest at the camp, you can speak to Baldur’s Gate 3 companions for deep conversations. You can track how close they are to you in their individual character screens.

Romances are not restricted by gender or race, granting players free will to explore their desires. Plenty of the options out there are spread across different Baldur’s Gate 3 classes too, so most romances are pretty unique experiences. Once you build enough approval with a character, you’ll gain access to more conversation options that can lead to intimate moments.

Romanceable characters in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 has romance options that cover several races and gender preferences. Here’s a list of all the romanceable characters in Baldur’s Gate 3:

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

While all of the above NPCs are fully fleshed-out romance options, there are also some instances where you can woo certain characters for a potential one-night stand, and like the above romance options, they come in all genders and races. Here is a list of all of the one-off romances in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Guardian
  • Haarlep
  • Mizora
  • Naoise Nallinto
  • Nym and Sorn Orlith
✓ Antony’s annotation

For deeper connections, build romances with the Origin characters

While the one-off romances are nice, they aren’t as elaborate as the companion ones.

All Baldur’s Gate 3 romances ranked

Not all romances are made equal. Many are easier to achieve than others, or deeper and more meaningful. In some cases, they’re just simply more fun. Keep in mind that the following is just our own ranking, but here are our picks for all the romances we’ve seen so far, from worst to best. Here’s our Baldur’s Gate 3 romances ranked list:

  1. Guardian – Since this isn’t a real romance, but just a demonic parasite trying to trick you into lowering your guard, it’s probably safe to say this is the least healthy relationship you can have. Uncovering who the Guardian really is and romancing them, though? That’s a different story. But it’s still a one-off encounter.
  2. Minthara – The experience might be good, but the sheer number of atrocities you need to commit to get here gives this romance a steep asking price.
  3. Lae’zel – Similarly to Minthara, there’s a steep asking price to making it work here. Her stubbornness guarantees you’ll have to sacrifice your standing with others. But as you get closer to her, this sense of otherness fades away and ytou begin to see Lae’zel for who she is, not who she has to be.
  4. Gale – While a charming and handsome man easily worthy of admiration, Gale is difficult to romance. It’s not always clear what direction to go with him. Good thing we wrote him into this guide then.
  5. Wyll – Though he’s been a bit of a polarizing force in the past, his rewrite has definitely done him some good. He’s still not super easy to romance, but the complexity of his character makes it a really interesting time. A dance isn’t something I’d turn down.
  6. Astarion – He might be a bastard, but the synergy of asshole energy and down-bad neediness makes him one of the purest fun romances to experience in the game. His experience with trauma can be gutwrenching, especially as he stands up for others who lose bodily autonomy.
  7. Shadowheart – She’s got it all. A fascinating backstory, a complex arc, and a clear but rewarding path to success. Shadowheart is our pick for the best romance in the game.

Each of them has different likes, dislikes, and requirements if you want to pursue a romance with them. There’s also an argument to be made that some of them are better romance options than others. First, let’s break down how to go about pursuing a romance with any of these would-be suitors.

Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Astarion, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Astarion, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Astarion romance explained

Likes: Siding with monsters, murder, selfish deeds, moves that support his own goals.

Dislikes: Altruistic and selfless actions.

This cunning High Elf Rogue values deception and narcissism over noble deeds. This can cause a rift among your companions so choose wisely. Being mean to people and taking advantage of them builds your approval with Astarion.

Romancing Astarion in Act 1

You can romance Astarion after rescuing the Druid Halsin and saving the refugees. After a long rest, you can talk to him at the celebration of the refugees. Follow the following dialogue choices:

  • 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.

Head to a bedroll and interact with it. Choose to go to bed with Astarion. And then pick these dialogue options:

  • You don’t have me yet.
  • And what do you want?
  • Nod.

Completing this dialogue will lead to a passionate night with Astarion. You’ll wake up to see Astarion and his scars. Pick these:

  • “Interesting scars. Where’d you get them?”
  • “Why did he write it in Infernal?”

Romancing Astarion in Act 2

Pick Raphael’s deal and hunt the Orthon to learn about Astarion’s scars. Then rest for the night in Act 2 and Astarion will want to speak with you. These are the options you should pick:

  • “About your undying love for me?” or ” Are you alright?”
  • “So do I. More than anything.” or “So the nights we spent together didn’t mean anything?”
  • “I care about you. Deeply.”
  • “You are worth a great deal to me, no matter what you’re going through.”

This progresses this romance and builds Astarion’s faith in you. You learn more about his troubled past with Cazador. After this conversation, you can romance him in Act 3.

Romancing Astarion in Act 3

Take down Astarion’s former master Cazador to pursue his romance in Act. You get some choices here that can be found in our BG3 Astarion companion guide.

If you stop the ritual, Astarion will be disappointed and will mention something about getting used to the shadows. Then follow him to a graveyard. Make these choices:

  • For a romance scene, pick “Oh? Do you want a little fun?” or “I thought you’d never ask.”
  • For a subdued scene that keeps the romance going, pick “Let’s just… stay here? Together?”

If you want to complete the ritual, allow him to carve his runes on to Cazador’s back. Then kill the Gur as you leave Cazador’s palace. Then pick these options:

  • “I want to be a vampire, like you” or “I want you. I want your body.”
  • “Yes, that’s all I want.”
  • “Please, yes.”
  • Finally, you can choose to kneel and be turned into a vampire. This grants you the vampire bite ability.

That rounds up the romance route of Astarion.

How to win Astarion’s approval in BG3

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Deceive Tieflings and ask Lae’zel to say ‘please’ before freeing her from the cage.
  • Join Lae’zel against the Tieflings if you persuade them to free her.
  • Tell Auntie Ethel about a tadpole in your head in Druid Grove.
  • Try to persuade the goblin guard outside the Blighted Village.
  • Decline the devil’s invitation to remove your tadpole.

And here are some choices that will knock your approval down with Astarion:

  • Agree to help Wyll save the refugees in Druid Grove.
  • Question his attitude toward the controlled fishermen at the Nautiloid wreckage.
  • Say that the druids overreacted when speaking to Marriko and Locke in Druid Grove.
  • Agree to help Zevlor.
  • Smear dung on your face when Sentinel Olak asks you to.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Shadowheart, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Shadowheart, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Shadowheart romance explained

Likes: Kindness to animals, persuasive personalities, deception.

Dislikes: Cruelty, callous actions, siding with the Githyanki.

This High Half-Elf Cleric is a devotee of Shar. Avoid conflicts and violent encounters through cunning to build up a strong bond with Shadowheart. Her style is at odds with Lae’zel so you might not be able to win the approval of both of these characters. Pick your dialogue options and narrative choices accordingly.

Romancing Shadowheart in Act 1

You can romance Shadowheart after rescuing the Druid Halsin and saving the refugees. After a long rest, you can talk to her at the celebration of the refugees. Follow the following dialogue choices:

  • Tieflings?
  • Are you worried Shar won’t approve?
  • I’d be glad to. (If she asks to share a bottle)
  • I’ll find you after everyone’s turned in for the night.

Head to your bedroll and interact with it. Choose to find Shadowheart. By clicking on Shadowheart, players share a moment with her at the cliffside. There will be a moment of talking and the both of you share a kiss.

Romancing Shadowheart in Act 2

In Act 2, you’ll have a major choice with respect to Shadowheart. Here’s our Nightsong in Baldur’s Gate 3 guide to help you with its decisions. Regardless of your decision, the romance scene will play out in Act 2 after a long rest or during the forced rest at the beginning of Act 3.

Romancing Shadowheart in Act 3

In Act 3, you’ll be able to trigger another romance scene with Shadowheart. She will bring you to the beach if you did not pick Shar. Here, pick the following choices:

  • “There’s easier ways to get me naked, you know.”
  • “You first.”

Doing so triggers a romantic evening with Shadowheart on the beach, completing her romance. If you side with Shar, the conversation will be more serious as she thinks of the next battle. Here, pick these choices:

  • “Why me?”
  • “As you wish.”

Then head to your bedroll for the next scene. You’ll head to an Idol of Selûne with her. Here, pick the following:

  • “What’s that? More wine?”
  • “Not at all. So now we feast?”
  • Kiss her.

How to win Shadowheart’s approval in BG3

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Tell her that finding the healer is your top priority.
  • Show Guex in the Druid Grove your sword fighting technique.
  • Persuade Arka that killing Sazza means she’ll take everything to the grave.
  • In the conversation with her after speaking with Sazza and learning about Gut, ‘You’re right. We have to investigate all leads, no matter how unsavoury.’
  • After saving Nadira from the Bugbear Assassin in the Grove, use Deception to convince her to give you the soul coin.

And here are some choices that will knock your approval down with Shadowheart:

  • Violence unless unavoidable, be it in a dialogue or in combat.
  • Siding with Lae’zel’s violent tendencies.
  • Diving into conflict instead of sidestepping it.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Gale, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Gale, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Gale romance explained

Likes: Kindness, intelligence, proficient magic use.

Dislikes: Cruelty, unnecessary violence, stupidity.

With a magic ticking time bomb in his chest, Gale is one of the more kind-hearted companions you’ll meet across your D&D campaign. Helping the owlbear cub and Scratch the dog are good ways of getting close to this Human Wizard. Showing intelligence and having an interest in magical knowledge and poetry help too.

Romancing Gale in Act 1

You can romance Gale as he practices an incantation at the refugee celebration camp. Show an interest in magic and then pick these dialogue options:

  • You’re a good teacher.
  • Hold on to the moment. It’s a good night for intimacy.
  • Picture kissing him.

Keep talking about your previous magic lesson with him. Follow these conversation choices:

  • I never thought it was so easy to cast magic.
  • So did you think about what I pictured when we were connected by the Weave?

Rest for a night and meet him struggling near the campfire. Comfort him. Upon completing that conversation, head to your bedroll and interact with it and choose Gale to spend a night with him.

Romancing Gale in Act 2

In Act 2, you’ll come across Elminster who is an important part of Gale’s personal quest. Later on in the act, you’ll finish the Gauntlet of Shar in Baldur’s Gate 3. Head over to your camp and you’ll find a Mirror Image of Gale inviting you to another location. You’ll find him at a meadow. Here, pick these:

  • “I’m not going anywhere, Gale. I’ll be by your side, whatever dawn brings.”
  • “Lean in for a kiss” or “I’m in love with you too.”

This will lead to a passionate scene and then Gale will take you to an illusion of Waterdeep. Use these choices:

  • “I think that sounds delightful – but I don’t see a bed.”
  • “Show me more. Show me it all.”

Romancing Gale in Act 3

The final scene in Act 3 can be hard to get. Speak to Gale after reading “The Annals of Karsus” before resting and before heading to the Tabernacle. The book is found in the vault of the Sorcerous Sundries. This will trigger a conversation, where you can use the following choices to pursue your romance:

  • Close your eyes.
  • “I feel the same. Whatever you need of me, consider it done.”
  • Kiss him.

Instead, you can calm him down and prevent a reckless action with the following:

  • “This sounds dangerous.”
  • “I can’t, Gale. This is best forgotten. I love you as you are.”
  • “You’re already everything I need you to be.”

That neatly ties up the romance with Gale.

How to win Gale’s approval in BG3

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Convince Rolan to stay in Druid Grove.
  • Agree to help Wyll save the refugees in Druid Grove.
  • Show Guex in the Druid Grove your sword fighting technique.
  • Say that the druids overreacted when speaking to Marriko and Locke in Druid Grove.
  • Crush the tadpole outside of Druid Grove.

And here are some choices that will knock your approval down with Gale:

  • Join Lae’zel against the Tieflings if you persuade them to free her.
  • Smear dung on your face when Sentinel Olak asks you to.
  • Read the Necromancer Tome from Search the Cellar.
  • Agree to open the gate for the goblin raiders.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Lae'zel, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Lae’zel, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Lae’zel romance explained

Likes: Siding with the Githyanki, shows of strength, violent actions.

Dislikes: Siding against the Githyanki, shows of weakness, mercy.

This Githyanki Fighter prefers aggressive decisions and dialogue. She doesn’t shy away from combat and her approval depends on picking fights whenever you can. She prefers slicing her problems instead of sidestepping them. Remember that Shadowheart is at odds with Lae’zel’s ideals so gaining the favour of one will mean letting the other down. Lae’zel doesn’t compromise for anyone else and you’ll have to factor that in when you court her.

Romancing Lae’zel in Act 1

To romance Lae’zel, build up approval before you approach her during the refugee celebration. Follow these choices:

  • Are you… asking for sex?
  • Yes. I will share my bed with you tonight.

Return to your bedroll and interact with it and choose Lae’Zel. Choosing this option will let you spend the night with her.

Romancing Lae’zel in Act 2

While the Act 2 romance just requires you to have enough approval, head to the Githyanki Creche and side with Voss to unlock Lae’zel romance in Act 3.

In Act 2, you’ll have a long conversation with Lae’zel one night. She’ll then challenge you to a duel. You don’t have to win but beating her will give you some unique dialogue. Just pick choices outside of going to sleep and then pick one of the following options:

  • Pull her close. Press her lips against hers or “I am yours.”
  • “This is the mighty Lae’zel? What an embarrassment. You’ve gone soft.” and then take her.

Romancing Lae’zel in Act 3

In Act 3, you need to get the Orphic Hammer from Raphael. Either accept his deal or steal it. And try not to get Lae’zel kidnapped by Orin. Once you get this legendary item, Vlaakith will visit you once you reach the Lower City in your camp. Lae’zel will gewt the chance to ascend. Pick this option to stand with her:

  • “Stand your ground. Don’t fall for Vlaakith’s lies.”

Once he leaves, speak with Lae’zel at the camp and pick this:

  • “I prefer heat. Ravage me, show me no mercy” or “Yes. I’ve longed for a tender touch.”

Once she wakes you up in the morning, pick the following option:

  • “Of course. I could never resist you” or “All right, this better be good.”

You’ll then watch the sunrise with Lae’zel. Here, pick this:

  • “I’ve been waiting so long to hear those words. I will stay with you, come what may.”

You’ll then hold Lae’zel’s hand and have a tender moment as you watch the sunrise, completing the romance.

How to win Lae’zel’s approval in BG3

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Lae’zel in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Show Guex in the Druid Grove your sword fighting technique (Athletics check).
  • Choose to attack Taman and Gimblelock in dialogue outside the Crypt.
  • When talking to Zevlor for the first time inside the Druid Grove, tell him you’re sorry but you have no time to help him.
  • During dialogue with Lae’zel, after she describes ceremorphosis, tell her you will find a cure.
  • If Kagha’s snake kills Arabella, tell her “She was just protecting her own.” in dialogue afterwards.

And here are some choices that will knock your approval down with Lae’zel:

  • Convince the Owlbear not to kill you in its cave.
  • Try to persuade the goblin guard outside the Goblin Camp.
  • Smear dung on your face when Sentinel Olak asks you to.
  • Sympathetic behaviours.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Wyll, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Wyll, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Wyll romance explained

Likes: Shows of strength, courage, kind actions.

Dislikes: Cruelty, cowardly actions, siding with Devils or Goblins.

A noble Warlock, Wyll has a rather dark past. He is noble and admires your choices when players lend a helping hand. Going against selfishness, entitled behaviour, and never siding with monsters such as Devils, and Goblins is also a good way to get close to him.

Romancing Wyll in Act 1

Players will need to speak to ask Wyll about the Goblins and the Tieflings. He then opens up about why he dislikes Goblins. He doesn’t talk about his glass eye when asked. During the celebration after saving the refugees of Druid’s Grove, he’ll speak to you in a somber tone. When he mentions that he used to dance, pick this dialogue option:

  • “I want to dance with you” or “Can’t you tell why I really followed you out here?”

This will let you make a Persuasion check. Succeed and you will share a kiss with Wyll. Either way, your romance will progress into Act 2.

Romancing Wyll in Act 2

In Act 2, you’ll find Wyll dancing in camp. Approach him and pick these options:

  • “Nice form. Where’d you learn to dance like that?” or stay quiet, and watch Wyll dance.
  • “A new partner? And who might that be” or “Trust me. I don’t think you could fail anyone if you tried.”
  • Smile and bow.

After a skill check, pick one of these options depending on whether you cleared it:

  • Take a bow or Smile nervously.
  • “You’re a beautiful dancer. I’m sure you’ll teach me in no time” or Smile in embarrassment.

This leads to a more intimate dance where you can make some choices:

  • Press your lips against Wyll’s or invite him closer with a knowing look – it’s what you both want.
  • “I was hoping we might spend the night… together” or move in for another kiss.

Try not to be too forward as he’ll turn you down. Wyll is a traditional romantic, meaning that he’s waiting for a bigger occasion. This moves you right into Act 3.

Romancing Wyll in Act 3

In the final Act, you’ll be tasked with rescuing Duke Ravengard and will learn of the Tale of Ansur who lives beneath Baldur’s Gate. After learning of this, speak to Wyll to learn more. Then pick the following option:

  • Smile and take Wyll’s hand or “All right. But this better be worth it.”

You’ll then be taken to the Wilden Oak. Here, you’ll hear more about Wyll’s past. You should choose this:

  • Enjoy the view. Enjoy Wyll’s quiet company.

This triggers a romantic proposal where Wyll proposes with an acorn from the WIlden Oak. He believes it has wishing powers. To pursue Wyll’s romance, pick these:

  • “Yes, yes yes!” or Take the acorn and nod.
  • Join Wyll in the grass. Give yourself to him completely or “It’s about time. Let’s see what the Blade can do with his weapon.”

That wraps up the romance with Wyll in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Wyll in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Show Guex in the Druid Grove your sword fighting technique.
  • Crush the Tadpole outside of the Druid Grove.
  • Tell Scratch (dog) that he can come to your Camp if his friend doesn’t wake up.
  • Try to persuade the goblin guard outside the Goblin Camp.
  • Agree to fight Fezzerk in the Blighted Village.

And here are some choices that will knock your approval down with Wyll:

  • Smear dung on your face when Sentinel Olak asks you to.
  • If you choose to walk in on the two trolls having sex in the Blighted Village.
  • Cruel Behaviors.
  • Agree to open the gate for goblin raiders.
  • He will leave you if you side with the goblins.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Karlach, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Karlach, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Karlach romance explained

Likes: Displays of strength, kindness, doing the right thing

Dislikes: Selfish decisions, injustice, denying aid

Players can find Karlach at The Risen Road in the side quest Hunt the Devil. You’ll have to convince Wyll that she isn’t a threat. And then you need to help her beat some shady paladins led by Anders.

Romancing Karlach in Act 1

After saving the refugees, find Karlach at camp and speak to her. If you have a decent approval rating you’ll be able to pick this choice:

  • “I think I’ve drummed up the courage to tell you how much I like you.”

You can then head to your bedroll. Karlach will visit you and have a conversation with you about her Infernal Engine. Just don’t dismiss her concerns and you should be okay. While you can choose to kiss her, you’ll pull away because of the heat emanating from her Engine.

Romancing Karlach in Act 2

While you can go on a date and eventually romance Karlach, you’ll need to help her with her tendency to erupt in flames. Using Infernal Iron to repair the engine in her chest at the Last Light Inn with Dammon in BG3 will help you progress in her companion quest. Once that’s done you’ll get a prompt to speak with her during a Long Rest. She’ll ask you if she can see you once everyone is asleep. Head to your bedroll and Karlach will approach you. Pick these choices:

  • “Let’s take things slowly” or “Believe me, I can handle myself. And you.”
  • “Go on” or “What did you have in mind?”
  • “I’m yours, Karlach” or “Ah-ah, you first.”
  • “I thought you’d never ask.”

This leads to a passionate scene with Karlach. You can also choose to keep things from getting heated but still pursue the romance with the following choices:

  • “I like you, Karlach, but I don’t think I want to sleep together with you.”
  • “I want to be close to you, but I’m not ready to go all the way.”
  • “That sounds perfect.”

Regardless of how you approach it, you’ll need to make some dialogue choices come morning. Here are the options you should pick:

  • “Of course, I do. Never doubt it” or “I much more than ‘like’ you.”
  • “If our record is anything to go by, there are plenty of disasters in our future. But we’ll face them together.”
  • “I adore you too” or “I… love you.”

Romancing Karlach in Act 3

Karlach’s romance continues in Act 3. She’ll invite you out to a date in the city. Accept and head to the spot. Here, pick these options:

  • “Thank you – so do you” or “Don’t I know it.”

After ordering the food and beverages, you’ll have a long conversation with her. You’ll share more about yourself while learning about Karlach too. Afterwards, Karlach will ask you to come upstairs. Then pick this option:

  • “After you.”

This leads to you spending a night with Karlach at the inn. The romance culminates in a final scene where Karlach speaks of her mortality.

How to win Karlach’s approval in BG3

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Arguing to Wyll that she is not a devil when he confronts her at your camp.
  • Using Speak with Dead to ask the Abducted Nobleman in the crashed Nautiloid if there are any last rites he would like performed.
  • Persuading Zevlor not to take a swing at Aradin.
  • Promising Zevlor to talk to Kagha about giving the tieflings more time in the grove.
  • Telling Silfy you won’t get angry when she fails to rob you.

And here’s how to knock your approval down with Karlach:

  • Persuade the adventurers outside the Dank Crypt to leave.
  • Tell Kagha that sometimes cruelty is required.
  • Attacking the owlbear.
  • Booing Volo in the goblin camp.
  • Accepting the poison from Nettie.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Minthara, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Minthara, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Minthara romance explained

Likes: Cruelty, violence, actions that benefit her goals.

Dislikes: Kindness, siding with Druids, shows of weakness.

This Drow Paladin is one of the leaders of the Goblins. Players must do the following to trigger the romance scene with Minthara. However, doing so will cause Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers, to permanently leave the party.

Romancing Minthara in Act 1

Here’s how to romance Minthara in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Head over to the Goblin Camp.
  • Go to the Shattered Sanctum.
  • Tell Minthara about the Grove and aid the Goblin Raid.
  • Speak with her and say ‘It’s been a privilege to fight alongside you.’ ‘Embrace the change.’ and ‘Open your mind.’
  • A Goblin celebration will be held at the campsite. This is after defeating the Tiefling refugees.
  • Speak with Minthara and tell her you are hers.
  • Interact with your bedroll and choose to go to bed with Minthara.

How to win Minthara’s approval in BG3

Here are some approval choices to build approval with Minthara in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  • Upon entering the Shattered Sanctum without initiating combat (friendly terms with the Goblins), you can choose to speak to Minthara and agree to join her hunt (Attack Druid Grove).
  • Back at the Druids Grove gain Minthara’s trust by betraying the Tieflings (Betray Zavlor) during the ensuing confrontation. Opening the gate for Minthara’s hunting party (Blow the warhorn – Betray Zavlor) will lead to a battle with the grove’s inhabitants. After slaying every Tiefling and wiping out the druids, return to Minthara.

And here are some choices that will knock your approval down with Minthara:

  • Searching for her desires and then failing the Persuasion/Intimidate check will initiate combat.
  • Siding against the goblins makes her an enemy.
Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of Halsin, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of Halsin, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Halsin romance explained

Likes: Respecting nature, kindness to animals, heroic deeds

Dislikes: Harming animals, cruelty

You’ll find him as a prisoner at the Worg Pens. This is within the Shattered Sanctum. While you can eventually romance Halsin, this isn’t available right away. There’s been a lot of talk around that Baldur’s Gate 3 bear scene but this doesn’t let you recruit him.

You can only recruit Halsin in Act 2 of BG3. Once you reach the Last Light Inn, Halsin will try to find a child named Thaniel. Help him through the Lift the Shadow Curse quest and build your approval rating. This lets you pursue a romance with him in Act 3.

Romancing Halsin in Act 3

In Act 3, you’ll finally be in a position to romance Halsin. Head through Wyrm Crossing in Baldur’s Gate. Later, head to your camp for a Long Rest. You’ll notice that Halsin has something to say. Start a conversation and then pick the following choices:

  • “What are you saying exactly?” or “Many lovers? Perhaps your heart stirs more easily than you think” or “I thought you were bound to nature.”
  • If you’re single at this point in the game, pick the affirmative choice. Else pick “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested – but I’m already in a relationship.”

Halsin believes in polygamy so he has no issues with sharing you. But this triggers a scene where you’ll have to speak to your lover about Halsin. You don’t necessary have to end things with them.

Once that’s sorted, pick this option:

  • For a tame experience, pick “I’m flattered I have that effect on you. Now come here.”
  • To see the infamous beast Halsin, pick “Don’t apologise, I like it.”
  • “Yes. Change back again. Let me have the beast… and the beast have me.”
  • “Large is what I’m here for” or “Just imagine we’re back in the woods… and I’m your prey.”

We don’t yet know of any approval choices or disapproval choices to build or lower approval with Halsin in Baldur’s Gate 3 yet. We’ll update this part of the guide once we’ve had that chance.

Baldur's Gate 3 romance: An image of the Guardian, one of the romance options in the game.
An image of the Guardian, one of the romance options in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.

One-off romances in BG3 without an approval rating

The following romance options aren’t ones that blossom into full-blown relationships. Either way, they lend more context to the world of Faerun and its many tastes. Here are the one-off romances in Baldur’s Gate 3 and how to get them.

Guardian romance explained

As it turns out, the Guardian who keeps appearing in your dreams can be romanced just like the other NPCs. If you’re early on in the game, hold your horses as you won’t be able to do this until act three of the game, unfortunately. A key part of making this romance happen is to keep the parasite in your head, as the Guardian asks. This may negatively impact your abilities and other relationships over time, but will provide you with a unique skill tree.

Later, the Guardian is revealed to be the Emperor, a Mind Flayer who isn’t bend on controlling you. Speak to the Emperor in their room and you should receive a visit from them. Pick these options:

  • “You don’t really sound like a mind flayer” or “You led an exciting life. Why did you conceal it from me?”
  • “True” or “You’re trying to flirt with me now?”
  • “I’m not stopping you” or “Perhaps.”

To trigger the romance, pick between his original form and his Guardian form:

  • “Please do”
  • “I prefer this one. Just… show me what to do”

Haarlep romance explained

If you were disappointed at not being able to romance Raphael, then you’re in luck as his demonic lookalike, Haarlep, can be romanced. While you’re in Raphael’s domain as part of the Free Orpheus and Deal With the Devil quests, you can enter the boudoir where you’ll find Haarlep waiting for you. Be aware that if you try and reject Haarlep at any time, it will lead to a battle against him and some imps. You can also ask him to change into a female form if that’s what you would prefer.

Mizora romance explained

If romancing Wyll wasn’t enough, you can also romance the devil who is holding his soul captive. You’ll be forced to make a significant decision relating to Wyll’s soul during act three, but afterwards, Mizora will stay in your camp, and proposition you fairly soon after that. If you’re wanting to romance Wyll, we wouldn’t recommend romancing Mizora too, though, for what we hope are obvious reasons.

Naoise Nallinto romance explained

Naoise is one of the Dryads at Sharess’ Caress. When you first find her, she’ll be with another woman, Fist Jara. Break into Naoise’s room on the upper floor and Fist Jara will turn into a Mind Flayer and attack you. Kill her and Noaise will ‘reward’ you, and you’ll receive a blessing that lasts until your next long rest.

Nym and Sorn Orlith romance explained

Nym and Sorn Orlith are Drow siblings who you’ll probably have met on your first visit to Sharess’ Caress. Once you’ve met them, you can hire them individually for 500 gold, or alternatively if you already have a partner you’re romancing, you can hire both of them for 100 gold.

That covers all the romance options in Baldur’s Gate 3. Jaheira and Minsc cannot be romanced in the game. Gain the approval of your companions and work your way towards meaningful relationships. You can pursue a romantic relationship with different characters as your hero across playthroughs.

You can learn more about the game in our exhaustive Baldur’s Gate 3 review. We imagine Baldur’s Gate 3 mods will eventually alter your romance options, too. Consider Baldur’s Gate 3 cheats if you want to spice up your playthrough.

Is romance gender-locked in Baldur’s Gate 3?

There are male and female options regardless of the protagonist’s gender.

Can you romance multiple characters in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes, you can romance multiple characters in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Can you romance everyone in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You can romance most companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, it has been confirmed.

About the Author

Antony Terence

Antony Terence is a Guides Writer for VideoGamer. While he is particularly fond of city-builders, shooters, and strategy titles, he won’t turn down a good JRPG or a turn-based roguelike.

Baldur’s Gate 3

  • Platform(s): macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Adventure, RPG, Strategy
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