Top RPG Companions to Romance This Valentine’s Day

14 Feb at 12:26 Comment Views: 28

For me, the true allure of any role-playing game lies in its cast of romanceable companions. Seeing a “companion approves” notification flash across the screen provides an instant dopamine hit, and I find myself genuinely deflated when a major RPG—I’m looking at you, Obsidian—omits these social mechanics entirely.

Over the years, I have pursued countless digital courtships, but a select few characters have carved out a permanent space in my heart. Their staying power is a testament to exceptional writing and, in many cases, world-class voice acting. These are my five favorite fictional life partners:

5. Krobus (Stardew Valley)

Krobus, a black, ghostly silhouette, faces the screen looking somewhat concerned. Behind him is the Stardew Valley start screen. — I’ve never felt more protective over a collection of pixels in my life.

Krobus is the enigmatic shadow-dweller residing in the sewers of Pelican Town. He certainly isn’t the most conventional choice in ConcernedApe’s farming masterpiece—that honor usually goes to fan favorites like Abigail or Sebastian. In fact, Krobus isn’t even a “romance” option in the traditional sense. You won’t find yourself exchanging vows, sharing kisses, or raising children with him.

However, you can invite him to share your home. Once you’ve built a deep bond (primarily by bribing him with Void Mayonnaise), you can present him with a Void Ghost Pendant—an item that functions as a spiritual equivalent to the Mermaid’s Pendant. While the arrangement is strictly platonic, Krobus offers all the mechanical benefits of a spouse. He moves into a custom room, provides meaningful gifts, offers a Stardrop at maximum affection, and even helps redecorate. He might not be able to father children, but he’s more than happy to help care for any you already have. For asexual or aromantic players, Krobus is a beautiful inclusion, providing domestic bliss without the pressure of traditional romance.

4. Solas (Dragon Age: Inquisition)

Solas — a hairless, pale elf — gazes down and to the left, looking heartbroken. — Solas provides a masterclass in emotional devastation.

No character has ever inflicted as much emotional wreckage upon me as Solas. Intellectual, inquisitive, and seemingly indispensable, he serves as the Inquisitor’s primary counsel. This romance is exclusive to female elven characters and represents one of the most agonizing “slow-burns” in gaming history. Solas is perpetually hesitant to fully commit, and while his reasons are eventually revealed, the journey there is paved with flirtatious banter and the murals he paints to document your shared journey.

The revelation of his true identity as an ancient Elven deity—and his subsequent betrayal—is a narrative gut-punch. Whether you confront him with his lies or plead for his return, he ultimately leaves the Inquisitor physically and emotionally scarred. Removing the magical Anchor might have saved your life, but his cold departure and world-ending ambitions are harder to heal. Despite his arrogance and thirst for power, I find myself drawn to his tragic complexity every time I return to Skyhold.

3. Judy Alvarez (Cyberpunk 2077)

In Cyberunk 2077, Judy and the player sit on the docks, with Judy holding the player's hand. — Authenticity is rare in Night City, but Judy has it in spades.

Beyond her technical genius and striking aesthetic, Judy’s most compelling trait is her fierce loyalty. She is unapologetically herself—a “girl’s girl” who prioritizes her Mox family and only finds romantic common ground with a female V. Unlike many RPG companions who seem to fall in love with the player instantly, Judy is initially guarded. This skepticism makes her eventual trust feel earned and grounded in reality.

Her romance arc is filled with intimate, human moments. She sends clumsy drunk texts, shares breakfast after a sleepover, and even introduces you to her grandmother. These small details make her feel like a living inhabitant of Night City rather than a scripted NPC. And of course, her signature “date”—a hauntingly beautiful scuba dive through the flooded remains of her childhood home—remains one of the most atmospheric sequences in the entire game.

2. Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect)

A close-up of Garrus, an alien from Mass Effect, wearing blue armor and a visor over one eye. — The ultimate ride-or-die companion.

I was a latecomer to the Mass Effect universe, finally diving in with the Legendary Edition. While the shift to cover-based shooting in the second game was a jarring transition, finding Garrus on Omega made the struggle worthwhile. Trapped in a desperate siege of his own making, Garrus returns to Shepard’s side with a renewed sense of purpose and a sardonic wit that lightens the darkest missions.

Garrus is the definition of “ride or die.” His devotion to Shepard is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared history. He isn’t just a romantic interest; he’s your tactical equal and your best friend. He’s nerdy, occasionally awkward, and fiercely protective. Whether he’s “calibrating” the ship’s weapons or engaging in a shooting contest on the Citadel, the bond feels authentic because you’ve survived the vacuum of space together. I try not to think too hard about the biological logistics of the relationship—his personality is more than enough.

1. Astarion (Baldur’s Gate 3)

Astarion — a pale vampire-elf with curly, white hair and red eyes — meets a female player-character for a romp in the woods. — Flamboyant, tragic, and utterly irresistible.

I have attempted multiple Baldur’s Gate 3 playthroughs with the express intent of romancing someone else. Each time, I fail. The moment Astarion attempts to sneak a midnight snack from my character’s neck, my resolve evaporates. In my first run, I actually let him drain me to the point of death, simply because I was too captivated by the performance to tell him to stop. My sense of self-preservation is apparently no match for a charismatic vampire.

Astarion is a masterpiece of character writing, brought to life by Neil Newbon’s incredible performance. Behind the flamboyant insults and hedonistic bravado lies a deeply traumatized soul struggling to reclaim his agency. His journey from a manipulative survivor to a person capable of genuine vulnerability is profoundly moving. I keep promising myself I’ll give Karlach or Shadowheart a fair chance, but as long as Astarion is leaning against a tree with a biting remark and a wicked smirk, I’m powerless to resist.

Source: Polygon