They say art imitates art and it’s true with video games. Not just with the settings, armor, and weapons, but also with all kinds of relationships. From taking down enemies to building a crew and having a romance, most games are extremely dynamic and realistic in that sense. So! Here are the Top 10 games with the best diverse and inclusive romance options.
Top 10 Best Video Games With Romance Options
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Apparently the same sentiment of “when in Rome” is also correct for when in Greece, because when you play as Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, you get to pick and choose some very interesting romance options of both genders. Though some of the characters, and therefore fade-to-black relations, are inconsequential, there are actually a few that matter. For example, one where if you romance her you can hire her for your ship, two if you romance the blacksmith it is important to end of a quest, and three if you romance Alkibiades (a character from history) you get to have one of the most fun interactions in the whole game.
Crusader Kings 3
Part of strengthening your rule and continuing your legacy is having an heir to the throne. That’s why romance is a part of this game, but comes in three categories. One: seduce – which is exactly as it sounds and can be done without any thought to the future. Two: romance – which is more traditional “courting”, aka dating, which is publically approved with the intent to marry. Three: elope – where you run off to marry your significant other in secret, usually against parents wishes.
Cyberpunk 2077
Though it seems like there’s almost an infinite number of people to romance and ways to romance them, this game takes it one step further – imitating real life – where certain NPCs are picky and have preferences (mostly based on appearance). Though it is “settling down” and picking one of the main characters, Panam or Kerry or River or Judy, to romance that has a huge effect on the game’s various endings.
Greedfall
This game has a few good romance options that are dependent on key decisions at important moments. In total there are four options – giving male or female De Sardet three options during any playthrough. Kurk for female, Vasco for both, Siora for both, Aphra for male – and you have to complete the three romance quests and sleep with them to achieve a relationship.
Hades
For those who don’t know, the title “Hades” actually refers to the place – the Underworld, not the character you play. The character you play (who is actually the son of the God Hades) is Zagreus, who is trying to figure his way out of the Underworld to Mount Olympus. And part of doing that? Can be romance. There are three characters you can romance, Dusa or Megaera or Thanatos (or a combination without consequence), once you strengthen your relationship with them. To do so you have to give them six bottles of Nectar, complete the quest they give you, and Ambrosia repeatedly (until the romance options show up).
Life Is Strange: True Colors
Though there are two characters you can end up with, doing so is based on key choices spread throughout the game. Steph and Ryan are the two characters, that your character spends a lot of time with across the whole story. The first important choice isn’t until chapter three, but from there you can continue to influence your love life.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
This is my best friend’s favorite game and she has been trying to get me to play it for years. She says she wants to know the choices I would make – that I can make any choice I want, except that I absolutely have to romance Garrus. (Which, to be fair, is the fan favorite.) Aside from Garrus though, there are other male, female, human, and alien options such as: Kaiden, Liara, Ashley, an Asari Consort, Miranda, Tali, Jack, Jacob, [Garrus], Thane, Kelly, Samara, Morinth, Samantha, Javik, James, Steve, and Diana. Some are only in a particular game while others can be carried through the storyline from one game to the next.
Stardew Valley
Another one of my best friend’s absolute favorite games that she wants me to play, she thinks I would romance Sebastian, (because he’s the resident emo kid). Not really sure about that, because I don’t know who would be best for my character, I looked up who else is romance-able and found: Leah, Abigale, Emily, Maru, Harvey, Shane, [Sebastian], Elliot, Sam, Alex, Penny, and Haley as the twelve options. All of them require unique and individual gifts – before and after marriage – to keep happy.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Though there are very well-known mods for Skyrim, here are the romance options in-game without them. Well, not just romance, but marriage as well (which provide in-game benefits like a house where you can get the ‘Lover’s Comfort’ buff, a homecooked meal, 100 gold daily, and your lover becoming a Follower). This all starts though with the required item, Amulet Of Mara, which can be found in the world or from Maramal, and it all ends with them as a fantastic follower, who can help you carry the burden of being a hero.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
Throughout the story of The Witcher, following Geralt Of Rivia, (whether it’s the books, Netflix series, or the video games), you are faced with two major romances: Triss or Yennefer. This is quite as dividing for fans as Team Jacob or Team Edward – though just like for Bella having Edward as her ride or die, Yennefer is Geralt’s one and only. Since you can play this game as many times as you want, though, you can romance whoever (even other NPCs)… but just keep in mind that if you romance multiple at the same time, you will lose the happily ever after in the DLC.
