8 Best RPGs Where Romance Is A Core Game Mechanic

Key Takeaways

• RPGs offer versatile settings and romance mechanics in games like Starfield, Fallout 4, and Fable 2.
• Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 feature varying romance options based on player choices.
• Games like Mass Effect 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 provide diverse romantic interests, some with complex relationship systems.

If most players were asked what their favorite genre is, the likelihood of the majority of them saying RPGs is rather high, as the genre is very flexible and pairs well with a wide variety of different concepts. When it comes to their setting, RPGs are also quite versatile, as they can accommodate Fantasy, Sci-Fi, something in between, and practically anything else players can think of.

While some RPGs take on darker tones and allow party members to be killed, others prefer to focus on the brighter side of human connection—relationships and romance. When RPGs implement game mechanics that allow players to make a party member fall in love with them through their actions and decisions, a new layer of complexity is added into the mix. Here are some of the best RPG s where romance is a core game mechanic.

8 Starfield

An Interstellar Adventure With A Few Potential Lovers

• Four different romance options
• Multiple approaches to romancing possible partners

Starfield is undeniably a title that has divided players since it was first released. While some absolutely adore the experience it provides and the worlds it opens up for players to explore, others claim the game mechanics are very similar to those in other Bethesda titles, being critical of them. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure—the options available in the game are vast and interesting.

During their playthrough, players can romance four different characters: Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja. Each character requires a different approach, so players might want to refer to a guide or something of the sort to ensure they’re not making any mistakes that could potentially ruin their chances.

7 Cyberpunk 2077

Even In A Dystopian Future, Love Finds A Way

• Several romancing options
• Some romancing options will be locked or unlocked by players choosing either male or female V

Few games can portray the story of a misfit of society trying to make their mark in a dystopian future world like Cyberpunk 2077. When the game was first released, it unfortunately had a lot of issues, and many players complained that it felt unpolished and egregiously buggy. Luckily, about a year after this title initially came out, most of the issues were ironed out and players even congratulated developer CD Projekt Red for its efforts to fix the game.

Depending on players’ choices, they will unlock or block certain romance options, as some NPCs are only attracted to male V, whereas others prefer female V. The choices players make throughout the story and how they respond to certain queues will determine whether they end up with the person of their dreams or not.

6 Fallout 4

Radiation And Nuclear Wastelands Seem To Pair Well With Romance

• Players have many romance options throughout the game
• Whether players choose a male or a female character doesn’t affect romancing options

A post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland doesn’t seem to be the perfect setting for a love story, but somehow, Fallout 4 proves that it’s possible for romance to blossom, even in such a dire scenario. As players explore the Bostom Commonwealth looking for allies and any indication as to where their son, Shaun, might be, they’ll come across various NPCs that they can choose as adventure companions and, eventually, as romantic partners.

Unlike other games on this list, Fallout 4 doesn’t really lock or unlock different romance options if players choose to play as either male or female, which gives players a lot more freedom in terms of character creation and not having to guide themselves based on that.

5 Fable 2

Albion Is A Great Place To Raise A Family

• Players can marry someone they like and purchase a home with them
• After a while, it’s possible to have children and interact with them as well

When it comes to presenting players with fantasy worlds full of areas to explore, enemies to defeat, and people to interact with, few games do it as well as Fable 2. Despite this title being more than 15 years old, it still holds up pretty well in various mechanics, and one of them is romance.

Romancing a potential partner is rather simple, but will require dedication and a bit of patience. The nice part about romance in Fable 2, is that, unlike other games on this list, this game mechanic doesn’t stop with the player character meeting their significant other. After marrying their spouse, players can also have children whom they can visit and play with between their adventures. This takes romance to another level and introduces a family mechanic that is very wholesome. Being able to get married and form a family is definitely one of the features the upcoming Fable 4 needs to bring back.

4 The Witcher 3

Geralt Of Rivia, Witcher By Day, Womanizer By Night

• Geralt has two primary romantic interests: Triss and Yen
• Secondary romances are also available, but they don’t impact the story as much as primary ones do

Judging by its name, people who’ve never played any other games in The Witcher series or have never read any of the books would assume that this title’s plot is all about hunting monsters, doing various sidequests, and swordfighting. And while this is partially true, there’s also a lot of romance to uncover as players progress through The Witcher 3. Although Geralt can have a few secondary romance options, like Shani and Keira Metz, his two primary love interests are Triss and Yennefer.

Players can choose to romance either one as they progress through the story, and depending on their choices, the sorceresses will react differently to Geralt, either responding to his advances, or turning them down in one way or another. It’s possible to try to romance them both, but it doesn’t end very well.

3 Mass Effect 2

Both Male And Female Shepard Have Tons Of Options

• Various romancing options
• Choosing either a male or female Shepard will lock certain romance options

Mass Effect 2 is considered by many players to be the strongest installment of the main trilogy, and one of the reasons for this likely has something to do with the romancing options available. While other RPGs typically restrict players to romancing other humans, Mass Effect 2 tosses that rule out the window and gives players the freedom to romance almost any species they want.

That said, there are a few restrictions revolving around players’ choices, as choosing a female or male Shepard will lock certain potential companions. However, each one has several options, so players will likely never feel like they’re missing out on something.

Exploring Tombs And Killing Dragons Is Fun, But Not Without Someone To Share The Tales With

• Players can choose from a wide variety of Skyrim men or women to marry
• Besides companionship, marriage offers various perks, including home-cooked meals, and an income

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is one of the greatest RPGs to ever exist, and arguably the best in its franchise. With its complex game mechanics, large variety of spells, weapons, armor and NPCs, it almost never leaves anything to be desired and presents players with several options. One of the greatest aspects to this title is that it allows players to romance various partners throughout Skyrim to eventually make them their wives or husbands.

Along with a feeling of companionship that is often needed after exploring Draugr-ridden tombs and fending off all sorts of mythical creatures, being married also provides players with an income and home-cooked meals that can restore some of their attributes.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

Arguably One Of The Most Complex Romance Systems In A Game To Date

• Up to a certain point in the game, players can sometimes romance an NPC and change their mind to romance another
• Some NPCs allow for polyamorous relationships

Not only did Baldur’s Gate 3 win Game of the Year in 2023 for its amazing game mechanics, story, and overall design, but probably also thanks to its romancing options. It’s likely safe to say that, out of all the games on this list, this title shines the most in regard to the possible romance alternatives, the love triangles that can be formed, and the intricate decisions that must be made to end up with the right person.

Baldur’s Gate 3 gives players a ton of freedom in relation to who they want to date, how they want to approach the relationship, and whether they dare to make the first move or respond with an audacious advance.