Romance is a signature gameplay feature in Baldur’s Gate 3. This guide lists every romance option available to the player, along with the steps necessary to succeed.
All romanceable characters in BG3 are pansexual, which means the player can have intimacy with them regardless of the gender or race chosen during character creation.
Note: This post contains major story spoilers.
All BG3 Romance Options
Here is every character the player can form a romantic attachment with in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Astarion
- Gale
- Haarlep
- Halsin
- Karlach
- Lae’zel
- Minthara
- Mizora [non-companion romance]
- Shadowheart
- The Emperor Mind Flayer [non-companion romance]
- Wyll
How Romance Works in BG3
Successful romance in Baldur’s Gate 3 requires proper approval ratings, meeting specific requirements for conversations and choosing the right answers, and then finally inviting the companion of interest into your bed roll at night.
Each companion in Baldur’s Gate 3 has an approval rating with the love interest in question. This rating is found at the bottom left of their character overview sheet, which is accessible by clicking their character portrait and opening their inventory.
All Character Romance Guides in BG3
Astarion Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Astarion’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- Supporting his desires
- Being supportive of his nature and condition
- Aligning yourself with creatures of evil nature, such as goblins or devils
- Being ruthless to people he views as weak
- Demonstrating your power over others
- Appreciation for the fine arts
- Being cruel to others
- Letting him bite you
To avoid having a low approval rating with Astarion, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Showing concern to the weak
- Exercising restraint
- Being judgemental towards him and his condition
- General acts of heroism
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Visit Astarion and choose these specific dialogue options to romance him.
- “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.”
Return to a bed roll and interact with it for a choice to sleep with Astarion. This leads to a conversation right before a passionate night shared with the player character. Select these specific dialogue options:
- “You don’t have me yet.”
- “And what do you want?”
- “Nod”
This triggers the romance between the player and Astarion. The option to allow Astarion to bite you or not does not impact the romance but does raise his approval.
Astarion’s romance in Act 2 is brief. Speak with him at camp after encountering Raphael near the mausoleum, and affirm your feelings for him. Tell him:
- “I care about you deeply.”
- “You are worth a great deal to me.”
During Act 3, regardless if he Ascends, the chance for a final scene remains. If he does not complete the ritual, tell him you want some fun and say you wish to stay together. If he does complete it, say you want to be a vampire and you want his body.
Gale Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Gale’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- General acts of heroism
- Acts of kindness where you gain nothing
- Showing kindness towards animals
- Interest in the arcane and arts
- Avoiding violent solutions
- Giving him magical artifacts to consume
To avoid having a low approval rating with Gale, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Unnecessary violence
- Being cruel and unnecessary
- Acts of stupidity
- Showing judgment to his condition
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Visit Gale and choose these specific dialogue options to romance him.
- “I’m sure you’re welcome.”
- “I like the sound of ‘magical’. What do you have planned?”
Once Gale starts to teach how to channel weave, pick these specific dialogue options:
- “You’re a good teacher.”
- “Hold on to the moment. It’s a good night for intimacy.”
- “Picture kissing him.”
The next time you talk about your magic lesson with him, pick these choices:
- “I never thought it was so easy to cast magic.”
- “So what did you think about what I pictured when we were connected by the Weave?”
Spend the night at camp again, and you should be able to choose Gale when you next interact with the bed roll.
In Act 2, speak to Elminister, found at the front of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and invite him to your camp. This will progress Gale’s companion quest. After completing the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2, an astral image of Gale will appear at camp. Interact with it and trigger a scene with Gale where he discusses the dilemma Elminster set before him. Affirm your love for Gale by picking these choices:
- “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.”
Agree to let Gale take you to an illusion of Waterdeep, then choose these specific dialogue options:
- “I think that sounds delightful – but I don’t see a bed.”
- “Show me more. Show me it all.”
Complete Gale’s quest at Sorcerous Sundries in Act 3 to start the final scene in his romance. All you need to do is say that you love him exactly as he is.
Harrlep Romance Guide
During Act 3, in the House of Hope dungeon, agree to be intimate with Harrlep when they ask and pick either the male or female form. During the act, Haarlep will threaten to consume your body and soul. Let them take your body, but say you refuse to give up your mind — otherwise, you end up at the game over screen.
Haarlep says they’ll use your physical form to satisfy Raphael and other demons in the hells and that you’ll know every time it happens. If that’s uncomfortable for you, just attack the incubus before going to bed with them. You can restore your health and spell slots using the faucets in the large bath nearby.
This concludes the romance for Haarlep.
Halsin Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Halsin’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- Respecting nature
- Showing kindness to animals
- Supporting his druidic beliefs
- General acts of kindness and heroism
To avoid having a low approval rating with Halsin, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Harming animals
- Unnecessary acts of cruelty
- Undermining his druidic beliefs
During Act 1, you must side with the Druids and protect the grove. If you assault the grove with the Goblins, you will automatically be locked out of the romance.
After completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Invite Halsin to your camp and get to know him, especially inquiring about his past lovers.
During Act 2, progress the quest Lift the Shadow Curse up until the point that Halsin can be recruited. Then, the quest must be completed. In order to do so, you’ll need to unite Thaniel’s two halves and then proceed to kill Ketheric Thorm.
In Act 3, Halsin will finally become romanceable. Visit Wyrm Crossing, rest at camp, and speak to Halsin. Choose any of these dialogue choices after the first one:
- “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.”
Respond positively to his overtures, and express your interest in him. Go to bed, and a scene with Halsin will play next. You can pick any of the first four choices the next two times you’re asked to say something. The scene goes one of two ways after that.
To get the standard Halsin romance scene, choose the following dialogue option:
- “I’m flattered I have that effect on you. Now come here.”
To get the bear Halsin romance scene, choose the following dialogue options:
- “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.”
This completes the romance for Halsin.
Karlach Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Karlach’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- General acts of heroism
- Kindness towards children
- Compassion towards Tieflings
- Violent-oriented solutions, as long as they’re not mindless or villainous
- Standing up against bullying of the weak
To avoid having a low approval rating with Karlach, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Being cruel and unnecessary
- Being a coward
- Siding with the goblins
- Anti-Tiefling Sentiment
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Visit Karlach and choose this specific dialogue option to romance her.
- “I think I’ve drummed up the courage to tell you how much I like you”
And Karlach will respond positively, which will result in her visiting you after you rest at your bedroll.
In Act 2, Sometime after cooling off Karlach, you’ll get a prompt from her in camp during one of your long rests.
Approach her, and she’ll ask you if she can see you later after everyone’s asleep. Any of the first three options here are okay; just make sure you don’t pick any options where you’re asking her to back off completely or telling her that you’re not ready or you want to break things off. After you accept her invitation, sleep at your bedroll to pass the time along.
When Karlach approaches you, you can choose any of the options for the first prompt to move things along positively. Then select the following options:
- “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 will lead to a sex scene with Karlach. Alternatively, if you’re unsure about your relationship with Karlach or are unready to go all the way, you can also select:
- “I like you, Karlach, but I don’t think I want to sleep together with you.”
This will lead you down another path that is much more subdued. Afterward, select:
- “I want to be close to you, but I’m not ready to go all the way.”
- “That sounds perfect.”
This scene is perfectly fine as well with continuing your romance with Karlach, even if it’s not as direct.
Speak to Karlach the next morning. After selecting any option for the first and second prompts, choose these specific dialogue options:
- “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.”
In Act 3, after reaching the Lower City, and with a high enough approval rating with Karlach, you will get the option to speak to her in camp. She invites you out on a date in the city. Accept and head to the date spot. When you sit down with Karlach, select the following options:
- “Thank you – so do you.” or “Don’t I know it.”
After picking any food and beverage option, then asking Karlach about herself, wait until she asks you to come upstairs, then choose this specific dialogue option:
- “After you.”
This will lead to another sex scene with Karlach where you two will spend the night together at the inn. You’ll come back to camp when you’re done with it still being night, so you can choose to continue doing anything at camp if you need.
Alternatively, you can select the following option:
- “I’ll happily head upstairs with you, but I want to make sure I’m clear about not wanting to sleep together.”
This will lead to a more subdued scene where you two will share a bed and a kiss but after that, things will fade to black and you’ll be back in camp.
Once you’re done, you can speak to Karlach about your future plans together in somewhat of a bittersweet scene where she accepts how her future might not be long.
This completes the romance for Karlach.
Lae’zel Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Lae’zel’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- Agreeing with her
- Showing pro-Gith sentiment
- Demonstrating your power over others
- Being aggressive and ruthless
To avoid having a low approval rating with Lae’zel, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Siding with the weak
- Using non-violent tactics
- Being anti-Gith
- Disagreeing with her
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Visit Lae’zel and choose these specific dialogue options to romance her.
- “Are you… asking for sex?”
- “Yes. I will share my bed with you tonight.”
Return to a bedroll and interact to receive a decision about whether to sleep with Lae’zel. This will trigger the start of a sex scene with her. Depending on how you react to her demands, you will witness one of two different versions of the scene. But do not pick the option where you leave.
You can also receive this scene earlier than the celebration if you raise your approval with Lae’zel and then speak to her and select the option:
- “Is it me, or have you been looking at me differently?”
Once you do, select options that show her you’re interested in sharing your bed with her tonight, and then Lae’zel will appear after you take a rest which will trigger the same scene as above.
In Act 2, the romance with Lae’zel will automatically trigger overnight after having already gone to sleep. Lae’zel wakes you and says that you never leave her mind. Pick any of the options that aren’t you telling her you’re trying to sleep or for her to leave. She’ll then challenge you to a duel. Accept it.
You don’t have to win this fight. In fact, the fight may prove quite difficult depending on your character’s class, so just do the best you can. You’ll get some different dialogue whether you win or lose, but the outcome will remain the same.
After the duel, Lae’zel will tell you that she’s yours, and then you can respond with one of the following options:
- Pull her close. Press her lips against hers. or “I am yours.”
This will lead to an intimate kiss between the two. Alternatively, you can also select the following option.
- “This is the mighty Lae’zel? What an embarrassment. You’ve gone soft.”
- Take her.
This option will lead to a more passionate kiss between the two of you, leading you down the same route.
In Act 3, once you receive the Orphic Hammer, you will be visited by Vlaakith during the night after reaching the Lower City. She will offer Lae’zel the chance to ascend. You must refuse the offer by choosing this specific dialogue option:
- “Stand your ground. Don’t fall for Vlaakith’s lies.”
Afterwards, Vlaakith will leave. Go speak to Lae’zel in camp and select the following options:
- “I prefer heat. Ravage me, show me no mercy.” or “Yes. I’ve longed for a tender touch.”
It’s good to reaffirm your feelings for Lae’zel. Later on, after a long rest, Lae’zel will wake you in the morning. You can select any of the first options, then select:
- “Of course. I could never resist you.” or “All right, this better be good.”
Afterwards, Lae’zel will take you to watch the sunrise. You can select any of the options for the first prompt, then select the following:
- “I’ve been waiting so long to hear those words. I will stay with you, come what may.”
You’ll take Lae’zel’s hand and share an intimate moment watching the sunrise.
This completes the romance for Lae’zel.
Minthara Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Minthara’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- Unquestioning loyalty to the Absolute
- Prioritizing her goals and ideals over your own
- Decisiveness when resolving conflict
- Siding with the Goblins
To avoid having a low approval rating with Minthara, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Denying the Absolute
- Trying to exert dominance over her will
- Siding with the Tieflings
- Being a coward
- Indecisiveness when resolving conflict or choosing sides.
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Raid the Emerald Grove, there will be a party with the goblins and Minthara. Speak to her and choose the following dialogue options:
- “It’s been a privilege to fight alongside you.”
- “Embrace the change.”
- “Open your mind.”
Minthara will then tell you that she’ll come to the campsite to celebrate your victory. Find her near the center of the camp and begin a conversation where she’ll immediately ask if you’re ready. Upon telling her that you are hers, she’ll offer to join you when you go to bed.
Interact with a bedroll and you’ll have a choice of going to bed alone or with Minthara. There’s a persuasion check beforehand that just plays a role in how the scene goes.
This completes the romance for Minthara.
Mizora Romance Guide
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, ensure Wyll is in your party.
Once you reach Act 2, rest in the camp, and Mizora appears before you, telling Wyll has a new mission to rescue one of Zariel’s assets from Moonrise Towers.
After battling Ketheric on the roof and pursuing him into the Mind Flayer colony, you can find the asset in the back of the Tadpoling Centre. The asset is Mizora.
Save Mizora by examining the device on the right or by destroying the pod with a Strength check. After saving Mizora, she’ll thank you for doing so and promise to break Wyll’s contract in 6 months.
In Act 3, with Mizora and Wyll alive, visit Wyrm’s Rock Fortress, you will see Mizora below the Audience Chamber where Gortash is.
Speak to Mizora after viewing the coronation, and she will mention that Duke Ravengard is being relocated to his death. Ask if she knows something, and she will stop by your camp to speak to Wyll about it. The next time you go to rest, Mizora will show up and amend Wyll’s contract.
She’ll offer to break Wyll’s contract in exchange for his father’s life or give his soul to Zariel to save Ravengard. Either option is fine here, and after, Mizora will stay in your camp from here on out. After another long rest or two, eventually, Mizora will want to talk to you in the morning.
Speak to her and select the following options:
- “Sounds delicious. What are you suggesting?”
- Smile.
Afterward, Mizora will tell you she’ll meet you tonight. You can go and go back into a long rest right now, or you can just wait until your next one. Regardless, Mizora will visit you at night. Choose the following options:
- Bask in the powerful sensations rising from the circle.
- “I’m ready. Bring me the pleasures of the Hells” or Sigh and brace yourself
- Gorge on the River of Blood. Relish it’s flavour or Take a tentative sip.
Afterwards, choose any of the options that aren’t you backing out or rejecting Mizora. Finally, pick the final option:
- Step into Mizora’s outstretched wings
This choice has consequences. The next morning, Wyll will be upset with your actions. It also completes the romance for Mizora.
Shadowheart Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Shadowheart’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- Kindness towards children
- Kindness towards animals
- Avoiding unnecessary violence where possible with persuasion or manipulation
- Showing distrust towards the Gith
- Fighting against oppression
- Allowing her to be faithful to Shar where possible
To avoid having a low approval rating with Shadowheart, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Not respecting her boundaries
- Getting involved in things that aren’t your problem
- Humiliating others
- Choosing unnecessary violence
- Siding with oppressors
- Showing trust towards the Gith
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Visit Shadowheart and choose these specific dialogue options to romance her.
- “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.”
Use the bedroll near the campfire to speed up time, then witness a scene with Shadowheart by the cliff.
In order to keep Shadowheart entertained, just be sure not to select any of the options at the bottom, which show you’re disinterested or in a hurry to leave. Otherwise, just let the scene play out, where you’ll get a chance to share a kiss with Shadowheart at the end.
The next time you speak to Shadowheart in camp, make sure to reaffirm your relationship with her in order to continue pursuing her as a romantic partner.
During Act 2, you will see one of two different scenes depending on your decision regarding the Nightsong. This locks you into the scene you will get with her in Act 3.
- Aligning with Selûne – If you spared the Nightsong, make sure you invite Isobel and Dame Aylin to your camp after defeating Ketheric in battle. Talk to her and have them reveal Shadowheart’s past to her, then speak to Shadowheart about it and pick any of the options while talking to her and it will end with her needing to do something. The next time you long rest after this conversation, you’ll notice Shadowheart change her hair color. She’ll mention how she wanted to try something new in Selûne’s honor.
- Aligning with Shar – If you killed the Nightsong, Shadowheart will have a prompt one of the next times you’re in camp. You can pick any of the options while talking to her and it will end with her needing to do something. The next time you long rest after this conversation, you’ll notice Shadowheart change her hairstyle. Tell her she looks nice and she’ll tell you it’s closer to Lady Shar’s.
During Act 3, you will see one of two different scenes depending on your decision regarding the Nightsong.
- Aligning with Selûne – If you spared the Nightsong, then following the completion of Shadowheart’s Companion Quest, meet up with her in camp when she has an exclamation point over her head. She’ll talk about how she still feel Shar’s presence washing over her. You can select any option for the first prompt, then agree to go along with Shadowheart. Head over to your bedroll to advance to the next scene when you’re ready. Shadowheart brings you to the bench and asks you to strip. Pick the following options: “There’s easier ways to get me naked, you know” > “You first.” > “Hard not to. You’re beautiful.”
- Aligning with Shar – If you killed the Nightsong, then following the completion of Shadowheart’s Companion Quest, meet up with her in camp when she has an exclamation point over her head. She’ll talk about the upcoming battle and how you may not get another night with her like this. You can pick any of the options for the first prompt, then choose the following options: “Why me?” > “As you wish.” Head to your bedroll to trigger the next scene, then pick the following options: “What’s that? More wine?” > “Not at all. So now we feast?” > Kiss her
This completes the romance for Shadowheart.
The Emperor Mind Flayer Romance Guide
During Act 3, find the Emperor’s room in either the Lower City Sewers or in the back of the Elfsong Tavern’s kitchen. The Emperor will be talking to you the entire time, leading you to the room.
Once you get to the Emperor’s Room, examine everything and listen to them talk to you about their past. Once that’s done, you should receive a visit from the Emperor at night. Talk to them and be receptive and understanding to them in your choices.
You should receive another visit from the Emperor some time later after a long rest, where this time, they look like they were waiting for you. Choose these specific dialogue 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.”
From here, choose options that invite the Emperor in rather than reject or shun them. Finally, choose one of the following options when asked if you prefer the other form:
- “Please do.” – this will lead to a romance scene with you and your dream guardian you had designed in the beginning of the game
- “I prefer this one. Just… show me what to do.” – this will lead to a romance scene with you and the Emperor in their mind flayer form
Whatever your choice is, you’ll wake up to the Emperor after a rather strange night. Even worse, they mention how they didn’t close their mind off to your companions, who look at you, rather revolted.
This concludes the romance with The Emperor Mind Flayer.
Wyll Romance Guide
As the story progresses, Wyll’s approval rating needs to be high enough to trigger romantic dialogue options. These include:
- General acts of heroism
- Helping those in need
- Fighting against oppressors
- Reinforcing his beliefs
- Showing ruthlessness towards goblins and devils
To avoid having a low approval rating with Wyll, be sure to watch out for the following choices:
- Lying to him
- Being self-indulgent and entitled
- Showing pro-goblin and devil sentiment
- Unnecessary acts of cruelty
- Siding with Mizora
In Act 1, after completing the quest, Rescuing the Druid Halsin, and the Side Quest, Save the Refugees, choose to take a long rest. Next, there will be a celebration with the refugees at your campsite. Visit Wyll and choose either of these specific dialogue options to romance him.
- “I want to dance with you.” or “Can’t you tell why I really followed you out here?”
Both of these will lead to a persuasion check where you can ask Wyll for a kiss. If you succeed, Wyll will resign himself and share a kiss with you. But don’t worry if you fail, because he’ll still end the dialogue with “There will be another time for us”. Which will put you on the right track for your romance.
During Act 2, after a rest, you will find Wyll dancing in camp. Choose these specific dialogue options after watching him dance:
- “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
Next, you’ll be asked to make a skill check. Pick whichever one you’re most comfortable with, or whichever one you’d think you’d like to see. The outcome of the check doesn’t matter, so long as you don’t select the option where you stand still.
If you succeed, select:
- Take a bow or Smile nervously
If you fail, select:
- “You’re a beautiful dancer. I’m sure you’ll teach me in no time” or Smile in embarrassment
Wyll will then invite you to a more intimate dance. When you’re given the option, select the following options:
- 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
If you invite him for the night, he’ll turn you down, telling you he still believes in the traditional way, hinting that he’s waiting for a bigger occasion to spend with you before the time is right, which will let you move into your Act 3 romance with Wyll.
Upon reaching Act 3 and learn of the Tale of Ansur who lives beneath Baldur’s Gate.
Once you learn of this tale, Wyll will have an exclamation over his head in camp the next time you rest. Speak to him and choose any of the following options:
- Smile and take Wyll’s hand or “All right. But this better be worth it.”
Wyll will then take you away to the Wilden Oak, and tell you a story about himself. Select the following options:
- Enjoy the view. Enjoy Wyll’s quiet company.
Wyll will then get on one knee and propose to you- using an acorn from the Wilden Oak, which is believed to have wishing powers. Select the following options:
- “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”
Finally, you two will share a much-earned night together, following Wyll’s romantic proposal.
This concludes the romance with Wyll.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing game developed by Larion Studios and released in 2023 for PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.