BG3 Romance Guide: All Companions & Approval Tips

Baldur's Gate 3 offers one of the most sophisticated and deeply rewarding romance systems in modern RPG gaming. The game features eight unique companions you can pursue relationships with, regardless of your character's gender or race.

From the cunning vampire spawn Astarion to the fierce Githyanki warrior Lae'zel, each companion brings their own personality, preferences, and complex romance mechanics to the table. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every romanceable companion, their approval systems, key dialogue choices, and essential tips for building meaningful relationships throughout all three acts of the game.

Whether you're looking to woo the passionate Tiefling barbarian Karlach or uncover the mysteries behind Shadowheart's devotion to Shar, we've got you covered with detailed walkthroughs and insider knowledge to help you navigate the intricate web of love in Faerûn.

Quick Reference: All Romanceable Companions

Companion	Race/Class	Romance Complexity	Key Requirement
Shadowheart	Half-Elf Cleric	Medium	Respect her faith initially
Lae'zel	Githyanki Fighter	High	Embrace warrior mentality
Wyll	Human Warlock	Medium	Support his heroic identity
Gale	Human Wizard	Medium	Appreciate his ambition
Astarion	High-Elf Rogue	Very High	Align with cunning/power
Karlach	Tiefling Barbarian	Medium	Show compassion and acceptance
Minthara	Drow Paladin	Very High	Side with Absolute
Halsin	Wood Elf Druid	Low	Polyamorous relationship

All Romanceable Companions in BG3

Baldur's Gate 3 offers players the chance to pursue romantic relationships with eight main companions, regardless of your character's gender or race. These romanceable characters include:

• Shadowheart (Half-Elf Cleric) - Devoted follower of Shar with hidden depths
• Lae'zel (Githyanki Fighter) - Fierce warrior with strong cultural beliefs
• Wyll (Human Warlock) - Charismatic hero bound by his pact
• Gale (Human Wizard) - Ambitious mage with magical complications
• Astarion (High-Elf Rogue) - Cunning vampire spawn with trust issues
• Karlach (Tiefling Barbarian) - Passionate warrior with a damaged heart
• Minthara (Drow Paladin) - Evil paladin with complex motivations
• Halsin (Wood Elf Druid) - Wise nature lover open to polyamory

Important Notes:

• You can flirt with multiple companions simultaneously
• Companions can become jealous if they witness you flirting with others
• Minthara's romance path requires betraying the Druid Grove
• Minsc and Jaheira are not romanceable options

How Romance Works

The romance system operates on an approval-based mechanic, where relationships develop based on how companions react to your actions and dialogue choices. Players can check these approval ratings in their character sheet's Detailed View section.

Unlike traditional RPG romance systems, Larian Studios has moved away from gift-giving, instead focusing on meaningful interactions and story progression. Major romance opportunities typically occur during specific quest milestones, with a significant event happening during the celebration after the "Rescue the Druid Halsin" questline.

Key Mechanics:

• Every companion maintains a hidden approval score toward the player character
• Approval or disapproval is gained through player choices in dialogue, quests, and interactions
• Each companion has character-specific approval thresholds
• The system is more nuanced and realistic than universal romance requirements

Astarion Romance Path & Tips

Romancing Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 is a journey through one of the game's most complex relationships, requiring players to navigate his tricky approval system and personal questline.

Approval Tips

• Embrace your inner rogue and make cunning, power-aligned choices
• Support his independence and acknowledge his vampire nature
• Avoid excessive altruism or naive behavior
• Choose witty, sassy responses that match his demeanor
• Never miss opportunities for power-focused dialogue

Key Romance Scenes

Act 1: Focus on early approval building through camp interactions

Camp Celebration: A pivotal scene for relationship progression

Act 2: A confession scene where choosing "I care about you" unlocks significant development

Act 3: The climax presents a difficult choice regarding the Cazador Szarr palace ritual, with both paths—stopping or completing it—leading to distinct romantic outcomes

Best Dialogue Choices

• Prioritize camp interactions after major story beats
• Save before critical dialogues
• Consistently support his independence
• Make choices that align with his cynical, power-seeking personality
• Be prepared for major relationship developments in Act 2

Shadowheart Love Story Guide

Romancing Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3 requires navigating her unique personality and personal quest. Success hinges on understanding her complex relationship with faith, loss, and identity.

Approval Tips

She Approves Of:

• Kindness toward children and animals
• Using persuasion to avoid violence
• Showing distrust toward the Githyanki
• Respecting her privacy and boundaries
• Demonstrating compassion for the innocent

She Disapproves Of:

• Disrespecting her privacy
• Unnecessary cruelty or violence
• Siding with tyrannical forces
• Mocking her faith in Shar
• Betraying those who trust you

Key Romance Scenes

Act 1: Build approval through compassionate choices and respectful interactions

Act 2 - The Nightsong: The most pivotal moment in her romance arc. Your choices leading up to and during this scene are critical and will determine whether she spares or kills the Nightsong, profoundly impacting her character development and the romance's future

Act 3: Her storyline continues to develop based on your previous choices, with opportunities for deeper intimacy and character growth

Best Dialogue Choices

• Balance her devotion to Shar with her softer side
• Monitor her approval closely throughout all acts
• Save before major decisions involving her questline
• Show genuine interest in her past and beliefs
• Be patient with her trust issues and emotional barriers

Karlach Love Interest Guide

Romancing Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3 is a deeply rewarding journey centered on acceptance and overcoming extraordinary challenges. As a Tiefling with an infernal engine for a heart, her romance is uniquely heartfelt and emotionally complex.

Approval Tips

High Approval Actions:

• Defending her from those who hunt her
• Protecting the Tiefling refugees
• Complimenting her appearance and strength
• Showing compassion to the downtrodden
• Making heroic, selfless choices

Major Disapproval Triggers:

• Siding with the goblins against refugees
• Acting cruelly toward innocents
• Ignoring her struggles with the infernal engine
• Making selfish or cowardly choices

Key Romance Scenes

Act 1: The camp celebration scene after the "Save the Refugees" quest is a critical initiation point. Dialogue options that express genuine interest will progress the romance, though her physical limitations will present an initial obstacle

Act 2: As you help her with her infernal engine, her storyline becomes more intimate, with opportunities for deeper emotional connection

Act 3: Her storyline culminates in a nighttime confession and a first romance scene that beautifully demonstrates the challenges and rewards of loving her despite her condition

Best Dialogue Choices

• Build high approval through compassionate and heroic choices
• Express genuine interest in her struggles and dreams
• Be patient with her physical limitations
• Show acceptance of her Tiefling heritage and infernal engine
• Support her quest to find a cure for her condition

Lae'zel Relationship Guide

Lae'zel, the fierce Githyanki warrior, requires a specific approach to romance in Baldur's Gate 3. Characterized as loud, direct, bloodthirsty, and mission-oriented, she responds best to players who embrace her warrior mentality and cultural pride.

Approval Tips

She Responds To:

• Demonstrations of strength and directness
• Supporting Githyanki values and culture
• Making decisive, action-oriented choices
• Showing respect for her warrior background
• Embracing conflict rather than avoiding it

She Disapproves Of:

• Diplomatic or overly cautious approaches
• Showing weakness or indecision
• Disrespecting Githyanki culture
• Choosing peaceful solutions when violence is possible
• Rejecting her advances or warrior values

Act-by-Act Romance Progression

Act I: Build approval by aligning with her pro-Gith values during combat and conversations. When Lae'zel makes her first romantic advance at camp, respond positively—she won't ask again if rejected

Act II: Features a pivotal duel challenge during a long rest; both winning and losing can lead to intimate scenes, but your approach to the challenge matters greatly

Act III: Your relationship culminates in a rooftop confession where Lae'zel reflects on how you've changed her worldview and asks you to stay with her after the adventure

Best Dialogue Choices

• Consistently demonstrate strength and directness
• Support her mission and cultural values
• Accept her first romantic advance to avoid missing the opportunity
• Be prepared for her to end the relationship if you pursue other romances
• Make choices regarding the Githyanki rebellion that align with her values

Jaheira Romance Status

If you've been hoping to pursue a romantic relationship with the legendary Harper Jaheira in Baldur's Gate 3, she is not a romanceable option. This has been confirmed by the game's director, Swen Vincke.

Official Confirmation

The clarification came in September 2024 when narrator Amelia Tyler tweeted, "Please GOD give Jaheira a romance." Vincke replied with a simple, final, "God says no," putting an end to speculation. This direct response makes it clear that there are no plans to make the iconic companion romanceable.

Development Background

Initial confusion among players was understandable, as some outlets had created "romance guides" for her. However, it was later revealed by Larian that while a romance was considered, they "ran out of time" to implement it. The decision preserves Jaheira's established character arc, which many players have found deeply meaningful as a powerful friendship.

How Romance Mechanics Work in BG3

Baldur's Gate 3's romance system is built entirely on a dynamic approval rating system where every companion maintains a hidden approval score toward the player character. This approval or disapproval is gained through player choices made in dialogue, quests, and other interactions throughout the game.

Three-Act Romance Structure

Act 1: You can explore multiple relationships simultaneously, though essential romance scenes must be triggered during this phase to proceed to later acts

Act 2: Generally requires commitment to a single romantic partner, as companions will ask you to choose between them and may become jealous of other relationships

Act 3: Your established relationship will continue to develop based on major story decisions, with unique scenes and outcomes for each companion

Special Romance Notes

A notable exception is Halsin, who is polyamorous and can be romanced in Act 3 without requiring you to break up with your existing partner, provided they agree to the arrangement. This makes him unique among the romanceable companions and offers players more flexibility in their relationship choices.

The romance system encourages multiple playthroughs, as each companion offers a completely different experience with unique storylines, dialogue, and character development that can span all three acts of the game.

Conclusion

Baldur's Gate 3's romance system stands as one of the most comprehensive and emotionally engaging in modern RPG design. With eight unique companions, each offering distinct personality types, approval mechanics, and storylines, players have countless opportunities to explore meaningful relationships that feel authentic to their character's journey.

Whether you prefer the complex psychological journey of romancing Astarion, the faith-testing path with Shadowheart, or the acceptance-centered story of Karlach, each relationship offers unique rewards and challenges. The approval-based system ensures that your choices throughout the game matter, creating a truly personalized romantic experience that reflects your character's values and decisions.

Remember that romance in BG3 is about more than just triggering scenes—it's about building genuine connections through meaningful choices that shape both your character and your companion's development. Take your time, pay attention to approval ratings, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of love in the Forgotten Realms.