Baldur’s Gate 3 Romance Options: The Ultimate Guide to Companions and Approval

Baldur’s Gate 3 adds a certain level of complexity to all your relationships as romance in the game is not easy and straightforward. Rather you will have to manage overlapping relationships and explore the inner thoughts and feelings of your companions without antagonizing them. The reason being that since your companions will usually have opposing beliefs, it is wise to focus first on one or two and keeping the rest of them at bay for the time being.

Another thing to manitain caution is when to go through the game’s romantic scenes in Baldur’s Gate 3 because this game earns the label of “Strong Sexual Content” in its ESRB rating by a wide margin. It is best to keep that in mind, or you can wait until you are in a place where you would not have any objections to the screen content while engaging with romantic scenes. For people who are affected by such nudity, you can switch “cutscene nudity” from the options screen.

The article will focus on how romance can be played in the Baldur’s Gate 3 along with the key characters that can be brought along or romantically involved in the game whilst mentioning the best ways to gain approval with each of the characters.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Romance Options: How Does It Work?

Baldur’s Gate 3 has several moving parts when it comes to Baldur’s Gate 3 Romance Options, some of which start moving in Act 1. In particular, your approval with the love interest in question has a lot to do with how Ramona performs. Each companion of Baldur’s Gate 3 has an approval meter located in the bottom left corner of the character overview screen which can be accessed by clicking on the image of the fellow and opening the inventory screen.

There’s also at least one such meeting at your camp, but it has social and communicational limits. Specifically saying the wrong thing in this meeting prevents you from having a romantic interaction but only for a brief period of time. It’s not entirely clear how this particular dialogue option comes about but it appears that the minimum requirements are an approval rating over a certain level.

If you manage to hold onto the good rating and the metrical measurement till you complete the conflict in Act 1 between the goblins and the druids, another kind of conversation will take place later at camp. If handled correctly, this allows players to engage with bedrolls and ask that NPC to join them at night.

That moment was alluded to as a sexual one during the early access to the game but that is not always the case now. Some characters like Lae’zel for example will solicit you to engage in sexual activity without the preconditions of first starting their romance or companion quests. Of course, if you wish to further your romantic relationship with them then it is advised that you agree.

Is it possible to romance several companions in BG3?

As far as we see there is no downside to having multiple romantic relationships as long as those in the relationship have no issue sharing one partner. There is no downfall to any approval rating, and they won’t run away from your camp. Though some do, and don’t hold back, which is a majority of the characters and most of them will inform you of this. In turn, if you are contemplating other romantic interests, they would prefer to be just friends.

Other characters may take the opposite approach. If you are romancing someone else, but they like you, they would likely express their interests, while requesting that you check in with your existing partner first.

Ignoring the potential marriage, let us talk about its characters, focusing on the heroic bear, Halsin, who appears to be the ideal bear for many. Of course, care must be taken because he is not a one-woman man. In the event he sees you with a partner, he will seek permission to win you over first. With time, he might mention that you and your partner should explore threesomes. Surprisingly, for a man who morphs into a feral creature, he has courtesy and intelligence in abundance.

We assume, since we have never seen anything like that, that a typical companion might divorce a player due to the presence of a multiple relationship. In the case of two or more companions, one of them may always initiate or apply to you for any confirmation regarding the breakup. It is also possible for you to remain a part of the entire group. However, as noted above, assuming that all characters in the story behave as they do in real life, not everyone would be accepting of a polyamorous relationship.

Others are left with no other option than to complete companion quests and ensure that their points do not dip every time they sight of romance. In fact, players can also explore new romances once Act 1 is completed as well.

Every Character that can be Romanced in Buldur’s Gate 3

How Shadowheart Can Be Romanced In BG3

The early access abuse that allowed players to romance Shadowheart first still stands in the final build. Go over to Blighted Village on the southwestern side of the bridge near Emerald Grove and take care of the goblin encampment. If at all possible, avoid using force to settle this dispute.

To the end of the windmill where a gnome is tied, there is a hatched statue. Discuss with Shadowheart, after that on the subsequent night in camp, the first romantic scene can be triggered.

In your conversations with her try to make those choices:

• We should get to know each other more.
• Tell me more about yourself, besides [spoiler], besides tadpoles.
• You’ll have to point out Night Orchids to me if we ever pass some.

After selecting the bedroll, you’ll need to make these 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.

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Act 2 is a bit more straightforward. In this part, all you have to do is locate the Night Orchid in the Shadowlands and hand it over to Shadowheart. The outcome will not change according to what goes down during Shar’s trial, or how Balthazaar makes a request for her.

Act 3 is about finishing Shadowheart’s companion quest while unlocking her story arc from the House of Grief. She will ask to talk to you again at camp afterwards, which she does in a fully different scene if she plays for Shar or Selune, which does not matter in this case the main points have always been the same: get close to her and be nice.

How to increase Shadowheart’s approval

Continue following the same principles for the rest of the game – play fair, be nice, but do not forget about your own interests. You don’t need to always think the worst about Shadowheart, however. If you did all the said steps, since the beginning of Act 2 your Hope with her should be strong enough to survive a few disappointments.

How to romance Astarion in BG3

Astarion’s romance is simply about gaining approval and picking the right dialogues, but from what we can tell he does not have a distinct dialogue set like Shadowheart at least until Halsin is rescued and refugees are saved (if that is what you do). Just be suggestive all the time and pretend you want Astarion without dismissing his advances.

After saving the refugees, choose these options:

• 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.

After inviting him to bed, you should say:

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

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Astarion’s romance present in Act 2 is not long necessarily. After getting to Raphael close to the mausoleum, talk to Astarion at camp and proclaim your affection to him. Say:

• I care about you deeply
• You are worth a great deal to me

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As for Act 3, it reminds a bit of ‘choose your own adventure’ depending on how you finish off Astarion’s companion quest, but you get at least one last scene no matter what happens with Astarion Ascends. If you don’t do the ritual, tell him you want to have fun and you want to be together. If surrounded by ashes, tell him that you want to growl and you want his body.

How to make it so Astarion approves of your actions

He considered Astarion to be aristocrat “of the 20, who is quite self-centered and would not feel regret from the torment of other people for his own fun.” As a general rule, do not:

How to romance Lae’zel in BG3

Lae’zel is a bit like Astarion in that she does not appreciate kindness, although she is not as fickle when it comes to her love for savagery. Staying true to herself, there is one conversation you need to have before you can start a romance with her, and it takes place during the celebratory scene after the refugees have been freed- and it’s quite short.

She will come to you and ask if she can give you a little sniff (yes, this happens). Say:

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

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And that’s how easy it is.

Lae’zel’s affections for you will be constant and unaffected by what happened at the Rosymorn Monastery, even if you choose Kith’rak Voss as your ally.

In Act 2, stop Shadowheart from killing Lae’zel and then, after the fight, transition to the tent and once in camp, ask to challenge her spars. If for some reason you have some way of doing so, it’s nearly impossible to win this fight unless you’ve confined Lae’zel to level one. No matter. People who love her would touch her, that’s all.

Remember that by doing this, you will forever loose the chance to enjoy a romance with other monogamous characters, unless of course you decide to get rid of your bond with Lae’zel.

Lae’zel’s romance arc in, Act 3 is the easiest of all. Once Vlaakith is done with her, look for an option to talk to Lae’zel while at a campsite. Some time later, I got that option after talking to Voss at Sharess’ Caress, but if Orin gets Lae’zel kidnapped, you probably will not get the moment until you free her.

Ways to earn more approval from Lae’zel

Getting the approval of Lae’Zel is almost entirely about impersonation. You ought to:

Getting Lae’Zel to like you basically means acting like her. You should:

• Choose violence.
• Tell people you don’t have the time or willingness to help them.
• Side with those carrying out rough justice (e.g. let the Tieflings kill Sazza and don’t save the thief child in Emerald Grove).
• Let her speak with the githyanki.
• Roar at the delusional elf in Auntie Ethel’s lair.
• During the night when you’re sick, tell Lae’zel she’s far gone and that you’ll kill her first — but don’t actually kill her.

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How to make Gale fall in love with you in BG3

A bit more effort goes into wooing Gale and getting them to fall in love with you a bit later on. Much like Shadowheart, kindness and sympathy are preferable to him. Well, he has some valid though spoilerish reasons not to start the relationship and does need encouragement to take that step.

And, do not know whether you are required to like give him magical creatures as a part of a romance sub plot, but I suppose handing them over is a quick way of making him pleased with you.

Lets assume that it is the night when the celebration to mark the successful rescue of the refugees is set, and Gale is the one who takes you underneath a Weave. You are advised to respond by saying the following:   

• 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 though it was so easy to cast magic.
• So what did you think about what I pictured when we were connected by the Weave?

You must rest for a long time, and when you go back to camp the next time, look for him around the campfire as he seems to be in a distressed state. Approach him and assure him of your empathy, and when he suggests being close to you, do not repulse him. Next time when you go near the bed roll, you should be able to select Gale.   

Once you have completed the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2, you’ll notice bone scrolls of Gale at the beginning of the clip in the old picture. Click the photo and you’ll watch the galleys arguing around looking for them as he was loved by them both. Reassure them that you love Gale.   

Start the last romance scene by Gayel at Sorcerous Sundries in act 3. It is a heart-rending scene, for all one has to say is that I love you just the way you are.

How to romance Karlach in BG3

For Karlach, the romance process is a little more involved at the beginning stages and requires you to complete her companion questline, which you will have to do with all the other characters when you reach Act 2. To begin with, however, you need to:

• Keep Wyll from killing her.
• Keep the Fist of Tyr from killing her.
• Start her quest to find an Infernal Engineer.

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Whether giving Karlach Soul Coins helps incrase her approval rating is unclear, but it is advisable to say something nice and agreeables during the first occasion the topic comes up.

Once her approval is high enough, for example, during a long rest at a camp, Karlach will kiss you. From what we understand, Karlach’s Infernal Engine quest’s first part must have been completed along with the rescuing of Dammon, even though some claim it’s only triggered once Dammon is located at Last Light Inn.

Completing the second part of the quest in the Grymforge pushes the relationship even further, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get at least get started on the steamy stuff before then. literally. Karlach’s heat is so potent that you literally have to douse her before you can even think about having sex with her.

Cool her off by throwing some salt or sympathy, use the Create Water spell or Ray of Frost, and then have a conversation with her again. Tell her to:

• I want to talk about your Infernal Engine.
• You got your second upgrade. How does it feel?
• I’ve never been more excited for anything in my life.
• Of course. Nothing would make me happier.

Choose your bed by the campfire, and then say:

• Go on.
• I’m yours.
• I thought you’d never ask.

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Furthermore, you may opt to spend an entire night with Karlach but not have sex and this will not affect your relationship Status.

Karlach’s romance picks once again when you have reached levels Lower City during act 3 for the date seek her out at camp when the scene changes and then Wen you go inside the tent, you and Karlach will go on a date after which she’d do it with you. Later on, during the night, she’ll giggle with you at the camp and suggest you sleep over. Like in the second act, you will be given the option to engage in sexual or merely physical intimacy, and it will be up to her to decide whether or not to care.

How to complete Karlach’s approval

Karlach and Gale live along similar world lines, so she cherishes cheer, chel, courage, and even anger and a little bit of a mess. To be complacent with wickedness, be it devils and villains, or weakness, however, is not her style, so if you choose to assist the gobs and Minthara, she cannot help but be very disappointed with you.

Overall, one should:

• Defend Karlach.
• Choose violence.
• Help those in need, especially Tieflings (including Arabella, the bard outside the grove, Silfy, and Mol).
• Save the Druids and refugees in Emerald Grove.
• Upgrade her Infernal Engine.
• Don’t fall for Auntie Ethel’s disguise.
• Give Mayrina the wand with Connor inscribed on it.

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Romancing Wyll in BG3

Wyll’s romance is a little bit more complicated than it was in early access, at least when there is Karlach in the party. Now, if there is Karlach, but no Wyll, then Wyll ambushes the camp after the first long rest right after recruiting Karlach. Calm down, defend Karlach, and of course, don’t kill him.

Missing that he doesn’t transmute, we haven’t yet found a way of approaching this conversation with Mizora where Wyll does not change. He is still a willing ally but the most important thing is to be friendly and encouraging to him after he has transformed and speak to him about everything. When he asks you to come to dance, say yes.

Once his approval crosses the threshold and you are in Act 2, one night at the camp, he will be found dancing alone. Although we haven’t found a precise trigger for this, it should be prior to the entering the Mind Flayer Colony.

Once he has gained a high level of approval, he will be found camping and dancing by himself. You should get up to dance and you’ll need to make an Acrobatics, Strength, or Performance check. We opted for acrobatics, so although we aren’t sure if the other two turn out positively, it’s probably best to stay with that one.

After the dance, kiss Wyll.

Wyll’s storyline and romance in Act 2 involves finding his father, so do remember to pursue that saat the quest making sure to put the interests of Wyll and his father in the quest.

In Act 3, wyll’s romance is reignited when he makes a choice about his pact and hears about anya. Wyll can be met at camp and will guide the players into the woods. Accept going with him, and during the interaction, he asks the player to marry him.

How to earn approval with Wyll

As befits a man of folklore, Wyll is action-oriented and brave but tempered with a level of compassion and determination. Most of the time, actions that Wyll would approve of from Shadowheart and Gale ought to be standard, however, there are particular circumstances whereby certain actions should be done to correspond with Wyll to have him pleased. Say:

• Fight the goblins near the windmill in Blighted Village instead of scaring them off.
• Don’t let the devil remove your tadpole.
• Help Zevlor in Emerald Grove.
• Help Karlach during Hunt the Devil.
• Save Halsin.
• Defeat Minthara and the goblins.
• Be kind and supportive if Wyll undergoes a transformation because of choices made when you speak to Mizora the first time.

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How to romance Minthara in BG3

Minthara is a cruel drow bent on the extermination of druids and the infliction of woe and despair on the cosmos — not exactly cut out to be a romantic interest in the first place. For Minthara to be interested in you, you don’t have to do what normal courtship involves.

Minthara is not a member of the player’s party so the players do not need to perform any specific actions during their adventures to gain her approval. What you will have to do is betray the Druids, however.

Go to the Shattered Sanctum located in the goblin camp and approach Minthara. Provide her with details regarding Emerald Grove and the goblin-initiated events there and when the goblins capture the village go to Minthara again. Say:

• It’s been a privilege to fight alongside you.
• Embrace the change.
• Open your mind.

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When at the goblin camp, during the party, after telling her who you are, approach her again and say that you are hers. Use your bed roll and click on the option of sleeping with Minthara.

How to romance Halsin in BG3

Of all the romantic interests in Baldur’s Gate 3 , Halsin’s romance is probably one of the most complex ones, and it is not until a lot of hard work is put in until he is even considered as a potential love interest in the players’ party. In our Halsin quest helper, we explained this whole system, but this is the short answer to the question:

• Rescue Halsin from the goblin camp.
• Save the refugees.
• Complete Halsin’s quest and heal the Shadowlands.

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After finishing his mission, he will be able to join the player’s party, and the player can earn his approval in the same way one would with any companion. That said, he is a bit more eager than most and is likely to invite you to spend the night with him after you arrive in Rivington in act 3.

After a certain level of his approval rating is attained, the player may go through the normal cycle of long rest in the camp and then go and talk with Halsin. His approval conversations are slightly different in nature than normal if one is already in a relationship with a different character.

Reciprocate his advances and let him know that you like him. After that, Halsin will refer to your other link. He’s happy to be in a polyamourous relationship, which if you are as well, you should tell him:

• I will speak with [partner’s name].

Bear in mind that not every companion is keen on polyamory, so you might have to choose between them and Halsin.

To end your other relationship and only be with Halsin, tell the druid:

• I want you. Consider things ended between [partner] and I.

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Head to bed and Halsin will follow up as the next character in this segment. The next two occasions that you will be given a chance to speak, feel free to select any of the first four options. That will follow a confrontation which the scene can go either way after that.

How to get the Halsin Bear romance scene

If you want the infamous bear scene, tell Halsin after he accidentally transforms:

• “Don’t apologize. I like it.”

Then, say:

• “Yes. Change back again. Let me have the beast… and the beast have me.”

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How to get the Halsin standard romance scene

If you would like to be safer and avoid fricking a bear, you could just wait for Halsin to revert back to his elven form, and pick any of the options presented to you subsequently at that point.

How to gain approval with Halsin

Halsin like Gale and Karlach is also good and honest, so when engaging with the druid it is preferable to leave Lae’zel and Astarion in camp.

What you should do is:

• Be kind to animals.
• Respect nature.
• Support Halsin’s beliefs.
• Show kindness to others.

Some specific actions you can take in Act 3 are:

• Being kind to the pig in Rivington.
• Taking Halsin to the Dryad in Rivington and saying: “Comfort doesn’t come naturally.”
• Helping the Tiefling refugees when you meet them again.

How to romance Mizora in BG3

Mizora is annoying as she doesn’t have anything like an approval rating since she’s not a companion. Instead, you have to follow a very specific series of actions if you want to make her your partner, starting in act 1.

So you should:

• Save the Tieflings in Act 1 and keep Wyll’s approval high enough that he remains in your party.
• Help Mizora find Zariel’s Asset at Moonrise Towers in Act 2, and free Mizora from the Mind Flayer colony before taking down Thorm.
• At Wyrm’s Rock Fortress in Act 3, avoid fighting Gortash immediately, and speak with Mizora afterward.
• Speak with Mizora at your camp, and let her stay. A new conversation should be available after the next long rest or two.

Mizora will propose an intimate encounter. Say “sounds delicious,” and take a long rest again.

When you wake up, choose:

• Bask in the powerful sensations.
• I’m ready.

After the next scenes unfold, choose:

• Step into Mizora’s outstretched wings.

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In our case, this was never true and the outcomes of this union were pretty much the same as those other infusions. Any part of the pursuits that you have now will not take kindly to your disloyalty and if their practices permit more than one partner, cease to be in touch with you. Wyll would not be particularly delighted as well. Wyll’s injury was the only aim of Mizora and so taking this path offers no benefits of a positive order.

How can Emperor Mind Flayer be romanced in BG3?

This is a huge spoiler of a relationship, so for this section it won’t be as detailed as the others, but then again you may want to stay away unless you are starting Act 3.

After making a choice regarding how to go about the fight in the Astral Plane, it is advised to pick the Mind Flayer and select to evolve shortly after the events of Act 3. After one or two long rests later, and you will begin to dream of them at night. When talking to them, focus on the dialogues that let you express your feelings towards them and when it is appropriate to do so, take their hand.

The next dream is when the player can advance to level 2 in their relationship which is physical intimacy. When this occurs, say:

• I could have done with more coddling.
• True.

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At least for now, if you prefer to have a physical bond with them, try to avoid being offended by their flirtations. For us, this event was only activated once we visited the Emperor’s Hideout and examined every object in the location. Your friends will be aware that you were with a mind flayer, but it’s all right as the Emperor erases this information from sight. There are no adverse effects following this relationship.

A guide on romancing Haarlep in BG3

In case there’s no biological urge to take part in this, there is a fierce sexual experience with Haarlep, the personal demon of sex to Raphael inside the house of hope and this according to the game design can’t be avoided if one wants to complete a number of quests without actually fighting Haarlep. When they ask, if you’re going to get busy with Haarlep, just accept it and choose to be either male or female. Haarlep will verbally abuse and threaten to eat your body and soul during the action. Allow them to possess your physical body, promising only to keep your mind — otherwise glance at the game over screen.

Unfortunately, the final result is much more degrading, and disturbing than I expected it to be. The most disturbing thing to confess is that, according to Haarlep, your corporeal body will be consumed by Raphael and other demons from hell and you will be aware of that. That should give you pause as to why you should simply assault the incubus prior to sleeping with them. You are allowed to use the large bath nearby to heal yourself and regain uses of your spell slots.

Here are five “Did You Know?” facts about each romanceable character in Baldur’s Gate 3

1. Astarion: The Brooding Vampire Spawn

• Astarion’s vampiric nature allows him to regenerate health by feeding on enemies, making him both deadly and self-sufficient in battle.
• He served a cruel vampire master for over two centuries, which has shaped his rebellious and dark personality.
• His complex relationship with sunlight makes him vulnerable during daytime encounters.
• Astarion’s romance route delves into his struggle for freedom and personal identity, offering an emotional and intense experience.
• Flirtation with a touch of darkness quickly builds his approval; he appreciates playful, edgy dialogue.

2. Shadowheart: The Mysterious Cleric of Shar

• Shadowheart’s faith in Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, grants her unique abilities as a Trickery Domain cleric.
• She carries an artifact connected to Shar, which holds mysterious significance and is central to her story.
• Actions that are overly charitable don’t sit well with her; she prefers pragmatic choices that align with her cautious nature.
• Her romance arc reveals layers of vulnerability, especially as she begins to question her faith and loyalties.
• Subtle, respectful dialogue that respects her secrecy and boundaries earns her approval.

3. Lae’zel: The Fierce Githyanki Warrior

• Lae’zel is a Githyanki trained to hunt mind flayers, with a quest for strength and honor driving her interactions.
• As a Githyanki, her existence in the Astral Plane affects her perspectives on mortality and time.
• Respecting strength and bravery, she quickly disapproves of hesitation or kindness toward enemies.
• Lae’zel’s romance scenes are intense and direct, mirroring her warrior nature and preference for action over words.
• She often challenges you in combat and dialogue, expecting a partner who can match her strength and conviction.

4. Gale: The Scholarly Wizard

• Gale harbors a powerful magical artifact that grants him incredible strength but comes with a deadly curse.
• A former lover of Mystra, the goddess of magic, Gale’s life and magical abilities are profoundly shaped by this relationship.
• A passionate intellectual, Gale enjoys thoughtful dialogue, so curiosity and knowledge earn his favor.
• His romance involves heartfelt discussions and philosophical musings, making it one of the more emotionally intimate paths.
• Respect for the arcane arts and compassionate choices appeal most to him.

5. Karlach: The Fiery Tiefling Barbarian

• Karlach’s infernal engine powers her body, giving her strength and resilience, with a literal “heart of fire.”
• Her tragic past, involving a contract with a devil, fuels her quest for both redemption and vengeance.
• Compassionate and courageous acts, especially protecting the vulnerable, resonate deeply with her.
• Passionate and heartfelt, her romance emphasizes loyalty, bravery, and a strong moral compass.
• Karlach loves directness and sincerity, responding well to bold, genuine gestures of friendship or romance.