As Valentine’s Day approaches, there is no better time to celebrate the digital sparks that fly in our favorite virtual worlds. While many titles focus on high-stakes combat, the most beloved RPGs often prioritize the heart, allowing players to court, charm, and connect with their party members. Whether it is the unbridled passion found in Baldur’s Gate 3 or more nuanced character studies, gaming offers some of the most compelling romantic narratives in modern media.
With love in the air, we are spotlighting a few titles that define romance in gaming. Our selection features a legendary sci-fi trilogy, a modern fantasy epic, and a co-op masterpiece that tests the strength of real-world bonds.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
While the Mass Effect trilogy is nominally a desperate struggle against a galactic apocalypse, its true soul lies in the quiet moments shared aboard the Normandy. Player-character Shepard must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, choosing which crewmate to trust with their heart. Options range from Liara T’Soni—whose groundbreaking romance once sparked mainstream media controversy—to the soulful and tragic connection with the assassin Thane Krios. Then there is Garrus Vakarian, the turian specialist whose transition from loyal soldier to charming paramour made him a fan icon. Mass Effect proves that while you might start the journey for the tactical combat and branching choices, you’ll stay for the unforgettable, cross-species bonds that resonate long after the credits roll. —Austin Manchester
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
BioWare’s inclusion twice on this list is a testament to their mastery of the “companion simulator.” Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the latest entry in this storied franchise, upholds the studio’s legacy of intricate romance. Players can pursue seven distinct companions, each with their own rich backstories—including a charismatic spellblade, a sophisticated necromancer, and an elven warden with a penchant for griffons. A particularly refreshing touch is that love persists even without the player’s involvement; companions you choose not to court may eventually find happiness with one another, making the world feel vibrant, organic, and beautifully indifferent to being the center of the universe. —Ari Notis
It Takes Two
The “romance” at the core of It Takes Two is unconventional, to say the least. Hazelight’s award-winning adventure follows Cody and May, a couple on the precipice of divorce who are magically transformed into wooden and clay dolls. To regain their humanity, they are forced to navigate a series of surreal challenges that require absolute cooperation. While the narrative explores the messier, more painful aspects of a failing marriage, the game’s brilliance is meta-contextual. It serves as a litmus test for real-life partners, demanding communication, patience, and synchronized effort. It is a subversive love story that uses platforming puzzles to prompt genuine discussions about boundaries, teamwork, and what it truly takes to sustain a partnership. —Giovanni Colantonio
Source: Polygon
