Games that have a good romance sideplot are great. They highlight the need to build authentic bonds, since companions react to the player’s actions. While it can seem hollow, many games feel like romance sims when they do it right.
10
Fallout 4 Had the Best Romance System in the Series
Fallout 4 had a well-developed system for romance since there were many companions you could pursue romantic relationships with. What made the relationship system feel deep was that you had to spend time building trust and connection with characters over time. It’s definitely a game you should play again.
The way romance works in the game relies on charisma checks during conversations. Players could use the ‘Flirt’ option when talking to companions, which will sometimes unlock new interactions. If you succeed in romancing a companion, it would open up new dialogue choices and could even give you permanent special perks as a reward for your effort.
9
Divinity: Original Sin 2 Was a Precursor to Baldur’s Gate 3
Divinity: Original Sin 2 featured a well-designed romance system that likely played a big part in why the game received so much praise. Players had the chance to build relationships with various companions, and almost all of them could eventually become romantic partners.
To start a romance, players needed to talk frequently with their chosen companion and pick dialogue options that came across as flirtatious. While not every character offered a full-fledged romance, the companions had their own unique requirements and personal quests that needed to be completed before they would develop a strong enough bond with the player to consider romance.
8
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Had Romance in the Storyline
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic included a romance system that, while not as visually detailed as some newer games, was still very engaging and romantic. What made it special was the way the companions played an important role in the main plot. Players can build romantic relationships with characters like Bastila Shan, Carth Onasi, and Juhani. Talking to characters regularly, particularly after completing major missions, and bringing them along on adventures across the galaxy would build that relationship.
The game gave each companion their own unique story, which helped players form deeper connections with them. These stories often included personal quests and dialogue options that could change how the companion felt about the player. The best ending for KOTOR was with a romance for the protagonist.
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7
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Had a Difficult Romantic Choice
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a romance system that is so well done that it could easily work as its own dating game. Players get plenty of chances to form close relationships, from short flings to serious romances. The two main love interests, Triss Merigold and Yennefer of Vengerberg, each have their own detailed storylines, and players must pick the right actions and dialogue options to win them over.
Outside of these main romances, Geralt can have shorter flings with characters like Keira Metz, Madame Sasha, and Shani, adding more variety to his love life. The game makes sure that romantic choices aren’t just minor details but are woven into the story and character growth, making it one of the game’s best features.
6
Cyberpunk 2077 Gave Players a Lot of Choice for Romance
Cyberpunk 2077‘s romance system lets players build close relationships with certain characters in Night City. These characters prefer a particular body type and voice for V. The lifepath V chooses and their anatomy do not influence romance options. This kind of game is much better on PC than on console because you can add mods for even more romance.
A male V can romance both Panam and Kerry, while a female V can romance both River and Judy. At any point before or right after a romantic encounter, V can choose to reject starting a romance with a character. It’s a lot more detailed than other open-world games like Fallout 4.
5
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Had Multi-Game Romance Paths
The romance system in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a major highlight that plays a big role in why the game has received so much praise. The amount of detail put into these relationships takes the game beyond just being an action RPG, almost making it feel like a dating simulator at times. The game includes multiple romance options, each with its own distinct personalities, backstories, and preferences, giving players many different paths to explore.
These romances are not just shallow side activities but are woven into the main story, affecting how characters grow. The romance system is all about player choice and interaction. Characters remember past conversations and decisions, making the relationships more realistic.
4
In Dragon Age: Origins, Romance Had a Ripple Effect
Dragon Age: Origins has one of the strongest and most interesting romance systems in the series. The game has several possible romantic partners, each with unique personalities, backgrounds, and beliefs, letting players build relationships that feel important and change based on the Warden’s decisions.
Each companion’s personal quest acts as a big moment in the relationship, pushing players to explore the character’s history and helping them face their struggles, which makes the connection even stronger. What makes the system deep is how it handles morality. Agreeing with a character’s beliefs is key, but sometimes those beliefs go against the Warden’s own, forcing players to make tough decisions that could hurt the relationship.
3
Stardew Valley Makes Romance Part of Life
Stardew Valley has twelve different characters available for romance, each with their own unique personalities and preferences. To successfully win over a villager, players need to learn what they like and dislike, give them suitable gifts, and complete their quests. It’s fun to see that the lives are so much deeper than they seem initially, and their storylines are fun to watch.
Players can also get married in the game, which comes with perks. It’s a great neighborvania with a real relationship dynamic attached.
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2
Persona 4 Golden Is Like Dating in School Again
Persona 4 Golden’s romance system plays a major role in the game’s high praise from critics. It gives a genuine story regardless of who the player picks to romance. It honestly feels almost like a dating simulator built into a larger RPG. The game includes eight possible romance options, each with its own distinct personalities, personal histories, and social link storylines.
The main character’s decisions during these interactions shape how the social link develops and decide whether a romantic relationship becomes possible. Every romanceable character has their own individual story arc, which makes each romance feel special and personal. The romance options are not just an afterthought; they are carefully integrated into the game’s overall story and character growth.
1
Baldur’s Gate 3 Has the Best Romance System I’ve Ever Seen
Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its detailed and immersive romance system, which lets players develop meaningful connections with their companions. Every character has a distinct background and personality, and their arcs feel like smaller games in themselves. Companions respond in dynamic ways to the player’s decisions and behavior, which affects how much they like the player and whether a romance can develop.
The game recognizes when players commit to certain characters, and some companions prefer monogamy, adding realistic challenges and consequences in relationships. Romance is not just about surface-level interactions and personal stories; quests tied to each companion play a crucial role in strengthening the relationship.
Games that go out of their way to have good romances are great. Hopefully, more games in the future give as much attention to their romance as these games do.
