The 10 Best RPGs With Dating Sim & Romance Features

Many video games, especially games in the RPG genre, give players the chance to build a life in a fictional world. Sometimes, this even includes romance. Dating sim and romance features have grown more popular in recent years, but they’ve been a part of gaming for decades, with one of the earliest examples being 1990’s Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom, which let players marry and start a family.

Romance and dating in games can add huge layers of depth to characters and plots, and often help players feel more immersed and in control of their character’s actions. While romance is a part of many RPGs, some titles handle it better than others. Here are some of the best RPGs with romanceable characters.

10

Fallout 4 Has Many Options For Romance

The Sole Survivor of Fallout 4 Doesn’t Have To Walk Alone

Bethesda games are known for having companions join the protagonist on their journey, and Fallout 4 is no different. This entry gives the player character more backstory than ever before, starting on the day the bombs drop, with a spouse and a son, before being frozen in a nearby vault as the world falls apart. The character then witnesses their spouse’s death at the hands of mysterious forces before falling back into stasis, but they have the chance to find love again when they reawaken.

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Fallout 4 has a fantastic selection of companions, some of whom can also be romanced. Reaching high affinity levels with a Fallout 4 companion grants unique perks and unlocks personal quests. For the Irish fighter Cait, this means helping her overcome her chem addiction, while the French medical Mr. Handy, Curie, asks for her personality to be transferred into a synthetic body.

Systems

Released

November 10, 2015

ESRB

M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS

9

Grand Theft Auto IV Includes Internet Dating

The Romance Features In GTA IV Give Players a Chance to Roleplay

Romance and dating—or RPGs—may not be the first things that come to mind when thinking about the Grand Theft Auto series. However, Grand Theft Auto IV gave players a chance to roleplay when it introduced romantic interests essential to the plot, along with an in-game option for internet dating. GTA IV’s in-game dating site, Lovemeet, includes a love interest who will write about the player on her blog and another who quickly becomes possessive.

While the internet dating mechanics make for fun side conquests, the game’s love interests, Michelle and Kate, play crucial roles in GTA IV‘s story and serve as catalysts for some of its most important moments. Depending on a key choice players make toward the end of the game, either Kate or Roman is killed at Roman’s wedding. These relationships are fleshed out and add depth to one of the series’ more serious stories and protagonists.

Grand Theft Auto 4

Systems

Released

April 29, 2008

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

8

Stardew Valley Is a Total Life Sim

In Stardew Valley, Players Can Romance and Befriend the Locals

The beloved farming and life simulation game Stardew Valley is filled with unique and likable characters, some of whom the player can romance. Building relationships is simple; players just need to give characters their favorite gifts twice a week, chat with them regularly, and complete their events. Once a relationship is strong enough, players can buy a mermaid pendant from the Old Mariner on the beach, which acts as an engagement ring. This leads to a cozy wedding in the town center, after which the spouse moves onto the farm.

When a spouse moves in, they get a uniquely designed room attached to the house and occasionally help out on the farm by watering crops or mending fences. Stardew Valley also allows players to expand their family by having up to two children. There are a range of love interests to choose from, and if players are unhappy with their final choice, they can always get divorced.

Systems

Released

February 26, 2016

ESRB

E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)

7

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Creates Deep Connections Through Romance

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s Romance Options Have Compelling Backstories

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is one of the franchise’s stronger recent entries. Players follow the life of Eivor Wolf-Kissed, from childhood to becoming a chieftain. Most of the game takes place in Britain, where Eivor and their clan complete tasks across multiple boroughs, forging alliances and sometimes acting as kingmaker. These missions add more depth to the characters and world than the series has seen in years, and romance options are available regardless of whether Eivor is male or female.

Eivor’s home settlement alone offers multiple romance options. Petra, one of the clan’s chief hunters, asks for help finding her friend Wallace, leading to archery contests and hunting dates that make her one of the game’s best romance choices. Tarben, a baker who joins the clan, hides a violent past as a bloodthirsty warrior. Then there is Randvi, one of the most important characters in the game and the chief advisor to the clan, who also happens to be Eivor’s brother Sigurd’s wife. Depending on certain choices, Sigurd may even give his blessing for a relationship between Eivor and Randvi.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Systems

Released

November 10, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

6

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Builds On An Iconic Relationship

The Witcher 3 Players Will Always Remember The Unicorn

The Witcher series is packed with every essential element of great storytelling, from engaging plots and unexpected twists, to complex enemies and romance. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt follows Geralt of Rivia as he travels the land in search of his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is on the run from the otherworldly Wild Hunt. Along the way, Geralt also seeks out his longtime love interest, Yennefer, for help in his quest. However, she isn’t the only choice. Triss Merigold is another major love interest who grows close to Geralt during The Witcher 2 after he loses his memory.

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Yennefer and Triss serve as the primary romance options in The Witcher 3, and the choice between them influences the game’s ending. There is also a third possibility: if Geralt attempts to romance both, Triss and Yennefer propose an enticing arrangement, only to handcuff him to the bed and leave him humiliated. Beyond these main choices, there are other romantic encounters that don’t impact the ending or Geralt’s relationships with Triss and Yennefer. These include sorceress Keira Metz, warrior Jutta “The Iron Maiden,” Gwent player Sasha, and additional options introduced in the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.

Systems

Released

May 19, 2015

ESRB

M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content

5

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Is a Classic RPG for a Reason

In KOTOR, Love Can Be Found In a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a legendary RPG and one of the best games set in the Star Wars universe. It takes place during a galaxy-wide war between the Jedi-led Republic and the Sith Empire, when both factions were at the height of their power. Players take on the role of Revan, a former Jedi Knight turned Sith Lord whose memory has been wiped by the Jedi Council. Now, they find themselves caught in the conflict once again. Whether they remain on the path of the light or embrace the dark side is up to the player, just as is their choice of companions.

The journey across the galaxy is shared with a diverse and memorable group, including a Grey Jedi, a hunter-killer droid, a Mandalorian mercenary, and a Wookiee. Among them, only three can be romanced, but each one has personal quests and extensive dialogue. The primary and canonical romance option in KOTOR is Bastila Shan, a young Jedi who led the attack that resulted in Revan’s capture. Carth Onasi, a skilled Republic pilot and one of the game’s most well-developed characters, is another option. Lastly, there’s Juhani, who joins the party after being redeemed on the planet Dantooine and brought back to the light side of the Force.

Systems

Released

July 15, 2003

ESRB

T for Teen: Violence

4

Bioware Knocked It Out the Park With the Mass Effect Series

Mass Effect’s Relationships Carry Across Multiple Games

Mass Effect is one of BioWare’s standout franchises and ranks among the most influential game series of the 2010s. As Commander Shepard, players embark on a high-stakes mission to save the galaxy, shaping their path as either a noble hero or a ruthless enforcer. One of the game’s most defining features is its deep character interactions that allow players to form strong connections with their crew, building friendships and even romantic relationships that evolve based on choices made throughout the series.

Whether players opt to woo the tough and guarded Jack, the ever-loyal Garrus, or the brilliant but mysterious Liara (through additional content), each romance is more than just a subplot. Mass Effect‘s romances are an emotional journey that adds depth to the narrative. The series explores relationships beyond surface-level attraction and delves into trust, personal growth, and love in the midst of war.

Mass Effect

Created by

Casey Hudson

First Film

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost

Video Game(s)

Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, Mass Effect: Andromeda

3

Bioware Showed How Good Video Game Romances Could Be With the Dragon Age Series

Dragon Age Made Romance an Essential Part of the Game

Spanning across four interconnected games, the Dragon Age franchise takes place over 22 years in the 9th century, known as the Dragon Age. The first game follows a new recruit in the Grey Wardens as they prepare to fight the darkspawn in an event called the Blight. Dragon Age II begins during this time as well, introducing the threat of Corypheus, an ancient darkspawn-linked entity. Dragon Age: Inquisition sees players forming the Inquisition to stop another crisis orchestrated by Corypheus, using the Fade to manipulate the world. The most recent game, The Veilguard, follows Solas, a former ally who betrays the Inquisition in his quest to reshape reality using the Fade.

Related

Every Dragon Age: The Veilguard Romance, Ranked

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Every game in the Dragon Age franchise includes multiple romance options. Dragon Age: Origins features a relationship system based on gift-giving and dialogue choices that align with each character’s personality, while Dragon Age II offers a less linear RPG experience that allows for more flexibility in relationships. Dragon Age: Inquisition expands on romance mechanics with more detailed character interactions and noticeable changes in personalities based on relationship progression. The Veilguard simplifies some aspects of the system but still explores meaningful themes, including one romance option that deals with gender identity.

Dragon Age

Systems

Released

November 3, 2009

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content

2

Cyberpunk 2077 Adds True Realism to Its Dating Mechanics

Cyberpunk 2077 Has Limited Romance Options But Makes Every Choice Count

Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky launch, but with patience and effort, it has evolved into the game it was always meant to be. Players step into the role of V, who, regardless of their chosen backstory, rises through the mercenary ranks of Night City before receiving a death sentence, both from a malfunctioning implant in their head and a gunshot. Despite the grim circumstances, V chooses to make the most of their remaining time while searching for a cure. One way to do this is by pursuing a romance with one of four potential partners.

For a female V, romance options include Judy Alvarez, a Mox member and braindance editor who plays a key role in the main story, helping V infiltrate the Clouds and decode implanted memories. Her romance culminates in a scuba diving date through a flooded city she once called home. The other option is River Ward, an NCPD detective who grows close to V while working together on a series of intense cases. Male V can romance Kerry Eurodyne, the former guitarist of Johnny Silverhand’s band Samurai, or Panam Palmer, a tough, no-nonsense nomad whose romance features a unique moment where she and V control a tank together, linked as one.

Cyberpunk 2077

Systems

Released

December 10, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

1

Baldur’s Gate 3 Blew Gamers Away

Everything About Baldur’s Gate 3, Including the Companions, Is Incredible

2023 saw the release of many incredible games, but none stood out quite like Baldur’s Gate 3. Unlike traditional RPGs with linear narratives, Baldur’s Gate 3 thrives on player choice. In true Dungeons & Dragons fashion, every dialogue option and action shapes the world, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever the same. Romance is a major part of these interactions and a standout feature of the game.

Related

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Romances, Ranked

Baldur’s Gate 3 has taken over the gaming world since its release, thanks in large part to its lovable cast of romanceable characters.

The romance options in Baldur’s Gate 3 are some of the most detailed in gaming history, with each choice written so well that any of them could be considered the best. Players can work to break down Shadowheart’s emotional walls or stay on the morally good path with Gale or Wyll. Love can also be found through cruelty with the Gith warrior Lae’zel or through battle and violence with Karlach. Other options include embracing nature with Halsin, indulging in desire with Minthara, living virtuously with Jaheira, or showing loyalty to Minsc. However, the most well-known romance option in Baldur’s Gate 3 may be Astarion, the smooth-talking vampire rogue who falls for the player if they respect his condition and embrace his nature.

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence