Love is in the air, and we’re all here for it, folks, for today’s list concerns the greatest video games with romance. This isn’t a regular list by any means because today’s assortment transcends the petty squabbles of console wars and exclusives. After all, romance doesn’t need to be bound rather, we gotta spread the love.
So, with a mammoth assortment of 19 spots, let’s turn to the games with the best romance. It’s of little consequence if a game’s on past-gen consoles or the latest ones. We’re actively seeking games that dedicate moments to a lead character’s bonding experience with a significant other. With that outta the way, let’s not waste any more time and start this party. Here we go!
19. Baldur’s Gate 3
We’re kicking off the party with a recent release, Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is primarily one of the best RPGS in the past decade, and rightfully so. It was a long time coming. However, there was a subject of controversy due to the graphical depiction of intimacy with an animal form of the druid class.
But hey, who are we to judge? If that floats your boat, knock yourself out. Baldur’s Gate 3 has incredible visuals and highly strategic combat that fans of classic JRPGS will love. Players can play solo with the rest of the party in A.I.’s control. Or, if you prefer, you can play it in multiplayer or local co-op with split-screen.
When you add romance on top of a well-crafted story, addictive gameplay, with fun DnD vibes, it’s hard to question why Baldur’s Gate 3 is of the most acclaimed games of 2023.
18. Cyberpunk 2077
Next up on our games with romance list is Cyberpunk 2077. This is a textbook case of too much hype not doing the game any favors. However, CD Projekt Red, the devs behind the Witcher series and Cyberpunk have worked hard to have us come around to Cyberpunk 2077. With several NPCS and companions, Cyberpunk 2077 feels like a living, breathing city.
The game is built up as this sprawling sci-fi RPG where every decision matters, but the truth is it’s more linear than we would have liked. The lack of a third-person perspective, even in the majority of the cutscenes, is also a deal breaker.
So, then, why are we still playing Cyberpunk 2077? Why, because it’s one of those games with excellently written characters that you can pursue for romance. Seriously, the characters make this game, everything from their physical features to their personality and what makes them tick, you’ll fall in love with them.
17. Fallout 4
Moving on, we’re entering post-apocalyptic territory with Fallout 4. Nothing like games with the end of the world scenarios to spark that romance, eh? In Fallout 4, there are quite a few choices of potential suitors for the main character. Each one significantly adds flavor to the overarching narrative.
However, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. We’re saying that because open-world RPGS like Fallout 4 have this delicious idea of choice-and-consequences mechanic. Meaning you gotta go the extra mile to not upset the romantic partner NPC by attacking or going against their views or their associated circle.
Also, in Fallout 4, players must spend time and do personal quests for their intended romantic interest to build up trust and relations. You also gotta make sure not to fumble by picking the wrong dialogue that could jeopardize the romance. Fallout 4 is one of the better games with romance.
16. Alpha Protocol
For our next choice of fantastic romance games, we have Alpha Protocol. Alright, admittedly, its romance isn’t that fleshed out. but hear us out! This game’s got seriously cool characters, and the RPG-style conversation wheels, with a timer during conversations, are an absolute highlight. You gotta be careful with your choice of tone for answers or risk sabotaging the main mission.
You can’t be overly obnoxious and insensitive by playing the suave card when an NPC is distressed. It doesn’t make sense in real life, and likewise in Alpha Protocol. Aside from the romance, Alpha Protocol is one of the best games with in-depth combat.
Alright, the romance is tame, with a fade-to-black scenario, but hey, it’s the effort you put into it that counts, and the story and writing are pretty stellar. Alpha Protocol is one of the best games with romance that’s ripe for a comeback, that is, if Sega greenlights it.
15. Fable 3
So this next pick for the best games with romance was a toss-up between any of the mainline Fable entries. After a close contest, Fable 3 edged out the others. This game is an absolutely delightful experience, with a world brimming with NPCs, and you can romance anyone.
There is humor in Fable 3 and emotional moments for the protagonist. There’s also a well-crafted plot-twist-laden narrative with supernatural elements, similar to fantasy games like Hogwarts Legacy. During downtime, players can go out of the way to give gifts, flirt and chat with the NPC of their choice, marry them if the relationship is high enough, and move into a house together.
If you’re heartless, you can even go the evil route and murder the spouse, then go after another NPC to replace them. Overall, Fable 3 is one of the must-play fantasy games with romance, one that you’ll play for days.
14. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Our next choice for the best games with romance is from a Nintendo-exclusive franchise, the Fire Emblem series. We’re specifically talking about Fire Emblem: Three Houses; it’s part of our line-up of the best Fire Emblem games ever.
Depending on which house the players choose to ally their character with, the story plays out differently. The game’s NPCs become available or closed out for that route, so think carefully before making a decision. Also, time is limited, so make your goals to pursue a romance clear from the start.
The romance in Fire Emblem: Three Houses are wholesomely sublime, and players can even have a child with their spouse. We should warn you that romance is a bit of a grind, much like in real life, so patience is gonna be a freaking virtue here. On the plus side, if you do stick it out, the wait is definitely worth it.
13. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age Inquisition is a bit of a hit-and-miss with the fandom. For us, it’s decent enough but definitely not the best in the series. However, its romance element with companions definitely ranks among the best games ever.
You gotta understand bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. While Dragon Age Inquisition is definitely bigger than its predecessors, it’s mostly filler and empty spaces. The saving grace is the companions, which are not only diverse but give depth to the story. They also have preferences, so you can’t woo them all in one playthrough, so prepare to make different choices in subsequent runs.
Unlike traditional PS4 JRPGS, companions have their own reasons for joining the Inquisitor, the game’s protagonist. Some have ulterior motives as well that unravel with mindblowing revelations. There’s nothing like thoughtful and tender moments after slaying enemies side-by-side with your chosen romantic partner in Dragon Age Inquisition.
12. Hades
Alright, so Hades, while primarily one of the best hack-and-slash games, also happens to be one with loads of romance. The characters’ pairings and diversity on offer are astounding, and for that reason alone, Hades is well worth checking out.
The bulk of the gameplay of Hades involves combat-heavy scenarios and exploration. The dialogues and character interactions add spice and flavor to the game that goes well with the romantic side of things. Players can seek out different pairings to see what benefits they unlock. Yep, you woo the Greek Pantheon; you’re gonna get blessings. Make sure no one tells Kratos that, though; oh wait…
Seriously, though, the writing and animations, as well as the character’s expressions during conversations, are stellar. You can even influence the gameplay, making things easier or harder depending on the outcome of your relationships. Hades is one of the most amazing games ever, with some of the classiest romances out there.
11. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Uncharted is a flagship Sony franchise that elevated the PlayStation 3’s sales, right beside the best PS3 games ever. In the games, There was a clear relationship spark between adventurer extraordinaire Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher. The relationship feels real, which is a rarity in games.
The romance grew naturally over the course of the Uncharted games trilogy with its ups and downs moments, culminating spectacularly in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. The game serves as Nathan Drake’s swansong, and it’s fitting that he settles down with the one that was always waiting for him but also supported him during his lowest points.
The chemistry between the two leads is what every couple should strive for. Well, minus the globe-trotting adventures, perhaps, as not everyone can afford that, but you get the idea. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End shows blissful days ahead of Nathan with Elena by his side.
10. Catherine: Full Body
Oh boy, this next entry is downright bonkers and is one of the most bizarre games with romance out there. Catherine: Full Body is unapologetically bold in its depiction of mature content and doesn’t shy away at all. Its gameplay divide is equally as mindboggling as its premise, starring aimless protagonist, Vincent Brooks.
The guy just cannot catch a break, like during the day time, he’s surrounded by a harem of beautiful seductresses, Catherine and Katherine and Qatherine. Yeah, it gets weirder. One of them is his girlfriend, the other is an affair, and one is an acquaintance that will also get romantically involved with Vincent.
Players navigate a social simulator during the daytime, with choices and dialogues impacting the outcome of the story. While at night, Catherine: Full Body is nightmare central. You’re gonna want to be quick and pile up blocks and polish your precision like in the best PS2 platforming games to succeed.
9. Heavy Rain
Alright, listen up; the next entry on our list is Heavy Rain. It’s an amalgamation of the best mystery games with a healthy serving of romance on the side. Seriously the intrigue and suspense are masterful, and you’ll find yourself unable to turn away until you get to the bottom of things.
It helps that the main lead characters both get separate chapters and time to showcase their grit, quick-thinking, selfless, and compassionate side. The plot revolves around the Origami killer, a serial murderer who has a habit of kidnapping his victims and leaving clues behind for tracking them.
The drama and character-driven approach creates a tense and brooding atmosphere for everyone. Heavy Rain throws a bit of hope in the midst of all the despair, and a relationship starts to bloom, provided players make the right choices. It’s honestly one of the more mature and realistic approaches to relationships in all of gaming.
8. Life Is Strange
Oh, this is a great one; Life Is Strange is one of the most emotional games with romance that you’ll ever play. Players get involved in a time-travel story and loads of mysteries with the supporting cast, and at the heart of it all, there’s a sweet blossoming romance.
Life Is Strange has a timeless appeal. It’s a testament to the developer’s creative vision to create one of the most genuinely heartfelt romances and still compress it within the game. Everything hinges on the player’s final choice, and it’s a heart-wrenching moral dilemma that will leave players in tatters.
Life Is Strange involves a lot of exploration and backtracking whenever possible to connect the dots. The outcomes won’t become clear right away, so stick by your decision and then replay everything a second time to see what’s different. Check out some other games like Life Is Strange for similarly enchanting stories.
7. Haven
For the next entry on our list of exceptional games with romance, we have Haven. While other games have romance as a side-piece, the romance in Haven is actually plot-driven and the overall central theme. Haven is such a breath of fresh air that you can’t help but gush over its lead characters, which by the way, you can pick and swap out genders in any type of pairing.
Players will take control of both characters, Yu and Kay, as they escape their home planet in a bid to free themselves from its dictator. They end up becoming stranded on an uncharted planet, with their space vessel out of commission. During the course of the game, they must explore said planet and look for components to repair their spaceship and grow their bond deeper.
We highly recommend Haven, especially if you’re in a relationship, as it’s one of the most perfect video games for couples. Haven is an absolute delight.
6. Persona 5 Royal
With the sheer number of romantic options you have in Persona 5 Royal, it’s no doubt we were gonna have it on our list of games with romance. Joker, the lead character of Persona 5 Royal, has plenty of ways to pass the time during the day. One of them is spending time with one of Joker’s teammates, the Phantom Thieves.
At night, players enter the realm of humanity’s subconsciousness, the Metaverse. Here, the gang solves puzzles, fights shadows, and uncovers the sinister elements of the narrative. Persona 5 Royal is part of the excellent line-up of PS3 JRPGS. Each of the members of the Phantom Thieves is unique not only stylistically, but their personalities are full of quirkiness and likable traits.
If you love games with romance, you owe it to yourself to fully submerse yourself within the fandom’s passion for Persona 5 Royal. You’ll lose hours, days even, when going for a completionist route.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
For ushering us into the top 5 of our list of games with romance, we have The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Talk about games for adults with depictions of intimacy when it wasn’t as commonplace, and you’ll find The Witcher games up there. The series protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, is a mutant who’s adept at slaying abominable hostile creatures.
Geralt, aside from mastery of swordsmanship, alchemy, and spellcraft, he’s also quite the smooth operator with the ladies. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there’s a genuine connection there between whomever you decide to pursue, and our hero.
The game’s a high fantasy title with a brilliant display of morality draped within shades of gray. Sometimes, you do not want to get too attached, as there’s a chance, the lady might be the one playing Geralt. Either way, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best games with romance you’ll ever play.
4. The Sims 4
Finally! A game that’s all about making your characters, and then proceed to ship them! The Sims 4 epitomizes the fun part of games with romance. There are no high-stakes or depressing themes; it’s just you, having fun with your creations in The Sims 4. Seriously, we need more games like the Sims 4 in our lives.
You’ve got your imagination and the tools to make your Sims do whatever you want. The Sims 4 has loads of playable templates to work with, including supernatural and sci-fi creatures. You can ensure romance and woohoo between them without much fuss.
Just make sure the Sim’s personalities are compatible, though. Otherwise, it’s gonna be an uphill task to woo the reluctant Sim. Still, The Sims 4 is a game that you’ll easily lose days or even weeks to tweak and adjust their lifestyles and get them to become a couple. Long story short, The Sims 4 is awesome.
3. Potionomics
We’re in the top-tier category of games with romance. Potionomics is an indie gem that’s beyond perfect for the number 3 spot. We’re genuinely thrilled to talk about it because it blends crafting, business management, deck-building, and time trial with a lovely helping of romance. You gotta be craft or risk ruining everything, it is the tense time-crunch that can be a turn-off.
Potionamics stars will make you laugh just like the funniest PC games ever with humorous dialogue. The back-and-forth banter between NPCS and the lead character Sylvia is both charming and endearing. When you form a romance with one of the characters, it’s full of wholesomeness and will leave you wanting more. The animations and character expressions, in particular, are quite amusing.
The competition between other vendors and Syliva is stiff cause she’s inherited her uncle’s debt and potion brewery/shop. It’s all about haggling and saving up for high-tier materials, and winning local appraisal competitions. Sylvia also wins the hearts of the quirky NPCs and turns rivals into friends and perhaps one into a lover.
2. Dragon Age: Origin
Dragon Age: Origins is the most epic high fantasy story in all of gaming. It’s one of Bioware’s top games to date in the medieval-themed category, with an astonishing level of detail to romance. Everything from the ambiance to the game’s tactical combat, and the best of all, the companions with their subplots, all are top-tier.
In Dragon Age: Origins, the player character, a newly recruited Grey Warden becomes the defacto leader thanks to a critical moment in the plot. It’s up to them to lead the charge against the darkspawn blight plaguing the lands. Each character that joins the protagonist has their rich backstory that make them such compelling and memorable companion.
When it comes to romance, Dragon Age: Origins conveys it beautifully. Whether it’s the willing sorceress Morrigan, the sweet and clever-tongued Leliana, the silly yet sweet jestering Alister, or the smooth-talking Elven assassin Zevran, you’re in for some profound character development and tasteful romance.
1. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Our top contender for the list of amazing games with romance. It comes in a bundle with Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. If you’re wondering why the Mass Effect Trilogy is so highly regarded, well, it’s because an epic sci-fi saga and sits atop the greatest space games ever.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition shows an uphill battle of humanity competing against other alien races initially. However, along the way, the protagonist Commander Shepard, has to work together with a rag tag bunch, each one more quirkier than the last. It’s these very same companions that make Mass Effect: Legedary Edition an absolute pleasure to sit through and play repeatedly.
The romance angle, although, a sub-plot, is superb. The missions are dangerous, and there’s a danger of losing your favorite companion, so the romance, in spite of such turmoil, is all the more sweeter. Take it from us, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is the best game with romance yet.
Final Thoughts About the Games With the Best Romance
Wow, that was a sugar rush; these games with romance are gonna give us diabetes from how sweet they are. So, what do you think of our list? Think we did okay? Or (obviously) we’re missing out on obvious, no-duh choices? Fire away in the comments below, and let us know which are your favorite romantic games.
If you’re still got the itch for more romantic ventures, not to worry, we’re always ready to help out. Check out our personal favorite top 6 dating simulator games like Summertime Saga. Each of the picks has deep, meaningful, and, best of all, constantly updated love interests that are anything but cookie-cutter. Well, that’s all we got for you today, so we’ll see you in the next one. Happy gaming!
