When you take on the role of Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, you are can romance some of your companions and advisors. In committing to a romantic relationship, you will unlock the “Beloved and Precious” trophy/achievement. One of your options for romance is Cullen Rutherford, the commander of the Inquisition’s army and the military advisor.
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For everything you need to know about getting Commander Cullen to commit to a romantic relationship with you, here’s what you need to do.
Cullen can only be romanced by female Inquisitors who are human or elven. If you satisfy these requirements, the only way to lock yourself out of Cullen’s romance is by forcing him to take Lyrium.
Updated January 29, 2025, by Andrew Scariati: If Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s simplistic romances didn’t quite hit the mark for you, then turning back the clock for some flirting and heart-to-hearts as you romance Cullen in Dragon Age: Inquisition should offer more depth to appreciate. Our Cullen romance guide will keep you on the right path and ensure you don’t accidentally lock yourself out of a shot at love with Cullen.
Progressing Your Relationship with Cullen
Cullen is one of the easiest romances to achieve, as he is an advisor and not a companion, so he doesn’t have an approval rating that works the same way as your party members.
You will need to speak with Cullen often to increase your friendship with him to access his sidequests, which are required to enter a proper relationship with him.
You can begin flirting with Cullen from your first conversation with him at Haven.
Make sure you speak to him often, exhausting all dialog options he will respond well to and always choosing any flirtatious options that appear (marked with a heart).
Speak with Cullen after every major story event or any quest that involves/affects him directly, as this is often when new dialog options appear.
You must listen to Cullen discuss his troubles with Lyrium and agree to play chess with him to progress your romance, as this is required to unlock his first inner circle quest.
If you side with the Mages at the beginning of the game, Cullen will be involved in the Nemesis Quest “Before the Dawn”, but this does not affect the romance.
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Cullen’s Inner Circle Quests
Perseverance
Cullen’s first sidequest will be available after the completion of the main story quest “Here Lies the Abyss” or “Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts”, provided that you have spoken with Cullen about Lyrium and played chess with him.
Head to Cullen’s office to find that an Inquisition Scout is there, but that the Commander is missing. The Scout will explain that Cullen has gone to speak with Cassandra, beginning the “Perseverance” sidequest.
Head towards the blacksmith and a cutscene will begin showing Cassandra and Cullen arguing.
Afterward, head to Cullen’s office to speak with him, where he will confide in you about his struggles with Lyrium.
Your dialog options here are important. If you force Cullen to continue taking Lyrium, he will end the romance with you.
Be sure to choose the romance option “I care about what you want.” Follow it up with “Don’t give up.” to continue your romantic relationship and agree to Cullen not taking Lyrium.
After completing this sidequest, regardless of your choice, Cullen will want some time alone and will not converse with you further for a short time.
Happier Times
Cullen’s final sidequest, “Happier Times”, will unlock some time after the completion of “Perseverance” provided that you are still in a romantic relationship with Cullen (meaning that you did not force him to start taking Lyrium again).
Speak with Cullen when he is ready to begin this sidequest, and he will ask you to accompany him to Ferelden. Agreeing to go with him triggers a cutscene near a lake, in which Cullen will tell the Inquisitor about his past and present them with a small token.
You can accept or decline Cullen’s Lucky Coin; however, regardless of your choice, the cutscene will end with a kiss and your romance will reach its final stage.
How To Romance Cullen At A Glance
Pursuing a relationship with Cullen is straightforward, so keep the following key points in mind, and you’ll find love with this character.
- You must be female and either a human or elf.
- Choose the flirtatious dialogue choices (marked with a heart) in every possible conversation.
- Never encourage Cullen to take Lyrium; it’s bad.
- Progress the story or leave Skyhold to ensure the next segment of Cullen’s romance triggers properly.
If you remember these keys to Cullen’s heart, you’ll romance Cullen without issue.
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