BG3 Romance Guide for Beginners: How to Romance Every Companion

How Romance Works in BG3

Romance is driven by companion approval and specific story moments:

1. Build approval through dialogue choices, quest decisions, and camp interactions
2. At the tiefling party (end of Grove questline), companions express interest if approval is high
3. Continue building the relationship through personal quests in Acts 2 and 3
4. Each romance culminates in a unique final scene before the endgame

Companion-Specific Romance Guides

Shadowheart

Approval triggers: Respect her privacy, be kind to animals, avoid prying about her past, oppose Sharran cruelty. Key moment: Tiefling party — share a bottle of wine at the cliffside. Romance style: Slow-burn, emotional. Most content is in Acts 2-3 as her personal quest unfolds.

Astarion

Approval triggers: Support his desire for freedom, be playful/sarcastic, don’t judge his vampire nature. Key moment: Tiefling party — he’ll proposition you directly if approval is high enough. Romance style: Starts transactional, becomes deeply emotional. His Act 2 confession scene is one of the best-written moments in the game.

Gale

Approval triggers: Show interest in magic, give him magic items (3 total needed for his condition), be intellectually curious. Key moment: Learning a spell together at camp (Weave scene). Choose romantic options during the magic lesson. Romance style: Romantic, poetic, slightly dramatic. Elminster’s visit in Act 2 is a major turning point.

Lae’zel

Approval triggers: Be direct and aggressive, respect githyanki culture, show strength. Key moment: She’ll challenge you to a duel at camp. Beat her (or lose intentionally for a different outcome). Romance style: Physical first, emotional later. Her character growth through the romance arc is significant.

Karlach

Approval triggers: Be kind, enthusiastic, and protective of the innocent. Give her infernal iron (Dammon upgrades). Key moment: After Dammon’s first upgrade (Act 1), you can attempt physical contact. Requires a cooling method. Romance style: Sweet, passionate, heartbreaking. Karlach’s romance is widely considered one of the best in gaming.

Wyll

Approval triggers: Be heroic, protect the innocent, honor deals and contracts. Key moment: Tiefling party — dance with him. Romance style: Chivalrous, slow-burn, deeply romantic.