No matter where you go, love is always in the air—and in these games, it’s everywhere else, too. Whether you’re chasing down the perfect digital date or just adding a little heat to your virtual adventures, getting down and dirty with NPCs is the goal of these RPGs.
Some games only offer their players a handful of romance options, but why would you stop there?
All of the titles on this list cater to those who want a little more variety when it comes to RPG romances, whether you're into guys, gals, nonbinary pals, or anything else in between!
10 I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
Falling in Love on an Alien Planet
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
Some RPGs that feature optional romance add it in almost as an afterthought, but although the romance in I Was a Teenage Exocolonist is optional, it's a deeply meaningful, in-depth journey that takes center stage in your playthrough.
You don't technically have to date anyone in this RPG if you don't want to, but despite that, its optional romance system isn’t just a hastily tacked-on, half-baked afterthought to the main story—it becomes a vital and integral part of your journey as you mature with your partner on an alien planet.
This narrative-driven RPG blends coming-of-age themes with a choose-your-own-adventure style narrative, offering over 800 story events that shape your entire life.
As you navigate friendships, careers, love interests, and survival in the lush yet dangerous world of Vertumna, you’ll also have the chance to build heartfelt relationships with a diverse cast of characters.
This game offers an incredible variety of 10 love interests, including men, women, nonbinary people, and even superficially genderless aliens capable of shape-shifting! When I say this game's romance system has something for everyone, I mean it. There's even a guy with puppy dog ears and a tail, for god's sake.
9 Mass Effect: Andromeda
Alien Dating Simulator
- Released
- March 1, 2017
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Frostbite 3
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Mass Effect
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
If you want to date aliens, then Mass Effect: Andromeda is your game. Of course, you can date fellow humans, too, but honestly, who wouldn't want to date a hot, sexy alien if given the chance??
There are 10 romance options for players to choose from in the game, though some of them are locked to certain genders. For example, although Jaal is down to clown with you regardless of your gender, Suvi will only jump into your bed if you're a woman.
This might be a dealbreaker for some players, though the romances in this game are still very much worth pursuing. Mass Effect: Andromeda may take you to an unmapped galaxy, but love is far from uncharted territory for this space-faring RPG.
As Pathfinder Ryder (either Sara or Scott, depending on which gender you choose), you’ll get to form close bonds with a diverse crew of humans and aliens alike, each with their own personalities, aspirations, and romantic potentials. Whether you're into 6'4 guys with beards or purple aliens, Andromeda's got you covered.
8 Stardew Valley
Making Farms and Making Families
- Released
- February 26, 2016
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
- Cross Save
- cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (console) / 1-8 players (PC)
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
- X|S Optimized
- No
- File Size Xbox Series
- 1.53 GB
- Metascore
- 89
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-4 Players
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Stardew Valley's romance system is unique in the sense that it allows you to choose between 12 eligible NPCs, but it also allows you to marry other players in multiplayer.
There are six men and six women for you to choose from in-game, but if you had your eyes set on your gaming buddy instead, then there's absolutely nothing stopping you from buying them a ring!
Romance in Stardew Valley isn’t limited to flirty chats and bouquet exchanges like in other farming sims; it’s woven into the very fabric of your life in Pelican Town.
From heartwarming cutscenes with your prospective spouse to the excitement of planning your wedding, building relationships adds layer after layer of depth to the game.
And if you’ve ever wondered what comes after "happily ever after" in this game, married life will bring new surprises to your gameplay, complete with kids, nurseries, and even a few spousal quirks that keep you on your toes. It’s a cozy, charming way to experience love on your own terms.
7 Cyberpunk 2077
Dystopian Romance
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, xbox, pc
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- Metascore
- 75
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Cyberpunk 2077 does romance a bit differently. There are 12 romance options in this game, though nearly half of them are limited to one-time encounters and casual flings. Though some of these options are technically gender-locked, Lifepath or genitalia don't actually affect your romantic pursuits in this game.
Instead, your own gender identity and body type of choice are what determine which NPCs find you attractive or not. For example, you could romance Judy as a female with male-presenting genitalia, so long as you identify as a woman and have a female-presenting body type.
This makes Cyberpunk 2077 pretty unique in terms of inclusivity, in addition to its positive views on sex work. If you're not into having to do any actual work to romance your NPC of choice, then you can always choose to get down and dirty with one (or more) of the four sex workers available for hire.
After you hire them, you'll be treated to an exciting night with them and their undivided attention. They'll be available to you regardless of your gender, and you can use their services anytime you want.
So, if you're not into committed relationships or even casual flings, you've always got options in Cyberpunk 2077!
6 Fallout 4
Finding Love Post-Apocalypse
- Released
- November 10, 2015
- ESRB
- M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Engine
- Creation
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
- Cross Save
- no
- Franchise
- Fallout
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- X|S Optimized
- No
- File Size Xbox Series
- 51 GB (December 2023)
- Metascore
- 87
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Fallout 4 may be set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, but that doesn’t mean romance is dead! Among the ruins of a futuristic civilization, you’ll find several compelling characters that you can put the moves on as you navigate the Commonwealth.
From the smooth-talking reporter Piper to the rugged mercenary MacCready, and even the charming synth detective Nick Valentine (platonically, sadly), the game offers a variety of partners with rich backstories and unique personalities. There's no shortage of suitors in Fallout 4, with about 12 to choose from.
Like some of the other RPGs on this list, some of these romanceable NPCs will be restricted to casual flings, fun yet semi-platonic dates, and one-night stands.
Despite this, their romantic storylines (what little they are) are still worth pursuing, and you can always shack up with some of the more committed NPCs if you're ever looking for something more serious.
The romantic options in this game range from men, women, cyborgs, and even robots, so you've definitely got your work cut out for you in terms of settling on just one.
5 Baldur's Gate 3
Love Everyone (Literally)
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full
- Cross Save
- Full cross-platform progression.
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- August 3, 2023
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 7, 2023
- PS5 Release Date
- September 6, 2023
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 73 hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- Metascore
- 96
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Though there were two games that came before it, Baldur's Gate 3 was the first of the Baldur's Gate series to offer in-depth romance options to the player.
There wasn't really any romance at all in the first game, and the meager few options that were available in Baldur's Gate 2 were gender locked and superficial at best.
Thankfully, Baldur's Gate 3 remedies the mistakes of its predecessors with over a dozen eligible suitors of varying genders and races.
Many of these characters will be open to full-fledged relationships, though others will be happy with just a one-night stand. No matter what level of commitment you're looking for, Baldur's Gate 3 has you covered.
In addition to the steady-going relationships and casual flings, you can also experience the joys of polyamory and open relationships in this game.
Not all characters will be down for it, but if you happen to snag an NPC that's cool with that sort of thing, then you can go on to romance other characters at the same time, or even just have a few fun encounters with others.
This game's options for inclusivity and diversity really make it stand out among other RPGs, so if you're looking for a game that truly lets you be yourself, then Baldur's Gate 3 is your best bet!
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4 Coral Island
You Can Date MERMAIDS
Coral Island
- Released
- October 11, 2022
- ESRB
- E10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Stairway Games
- Publisher(s)
- Humble Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Farming, Simulation
- How Long To Beat
- 45 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Similar to Stardew Valley, Coral Island is a cozy farming sim with a healthy dash of romance. Set on a vibrant tropical island, this game makes it clear from the very start that building relationships with the locals is just as important as growing crops, which gives players plenty of opportunities for romance.
With a pool of 28 romanceable characters for the player to pick from, the hardest part will be choosing who you don't want to pursue.
There are plenty of men, women, nonbinary people, and even merfolk to choose from, so players shouldn't worry about a lack of options in this game. From shy botanists to carefree lifeguards, there’s someone for every player to connect with!
Though romance is entirely optional in this game, the romantic pursuits that players can go on are far from half-baked.
Building relationships in Coral Island goes far beyond just gifting items or completing tasks for your spouse; every single one of your interactions, no matter how small, allows your bonds to grow and strengthen over time, offering a fresh perspective with every playthrough.
The game’s inclusive nature makes sure all romance options are available regardless of your character’s gender, so you won't have to worry about starting over if you want to romance a certain character.
With its diverse blend of farming, community, and acceptance, Coral Island makes sure that love is always blooming amidst its tropical flowers.
3 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Love is in the Air Galaxy
- Released
- December 20, 2011
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- HeroEngine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- MMO
- How Long To Beat
- 130+ Hours
Out of all of the games on this list, Star Wars: The Old Republic has one of the most insane numbers of romance options, with over 60 unique characters to choose from. Of course, about half of them are going to be restricted to one-off steamy encounters, though over 30 different marriage candidates aren't bad for a free RPG.
You're able to form long-lasting romantic connections with just about all of the companions in the game (of which there are many), though there are plenty of others that you can just have fun encounters with as well.
Although all of the original romance options are unfortunately limited to relationships between members of the opposite sex, same-sex romance was finally added in the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion, along with all-gender romance options in Forged Alliances and Shadow of Revan, and Knights of the Fallen Empire.
With the obstacles of heteronormativity and gender normativity out of the way, players are now free to romance whoever they want while identifying as whatever the hell they want.
And the best part? This game is completely free! It's like the ultimate adventure RPG combined with the ultimate dating sim; you will literally never run out of options for fun in this game.
2 Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls V
Dragonborns Need Love Too
- Released
- November 11, 2011
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
- Engine
- Creation Engine
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
- Cross Save
- no
- Expansions
- Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard
- Franchise
- The Elder Scrolls
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 35 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 29 GB (DECEMBER 2023)
- Metascore
- 96
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium (Special Edition)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Few people haven't heard of Skyrim, whether you're playing it for love or you just enjoy open-world gaming experiences. In The Elder Scrolls V, love is as boundless and expansive as the open world itself, with 66 NPCs of various genders, socioeconomic standings, and even fantastical races being open to marriage!
While romance might not be the first thing that comes to mind when absorbing dragon souls or shouting enemies off cliffs, Bethesda’s epic RPG offers plenty of opportunities to find a life partner.
Whether you're into men, women, vampires, werewolves, or even cat people, there's something for everyone in this game.
Romance in Skyrim is refreshingly straightforward when compared to other expansive RPGs: all you have to do is complete a quest or two for your love interest, throw on the Amulet of Mara, and then flirt with them incessantly until they agree to marry you. (If only it was that easy in real life.)
Once married, your chosen spouse won’t just keep you company and call it a day, either. They’ll also move into your house, look after your children or pets (if you have any), and even share the profits from their shop (if they're a merchant).
It’s not the most complex love story ever told, but when you’re saving the world and taking on ancient deities on the reg, having someone to come home to really does make all the difference.
1 Fable 3
Literally Everyone is Fair Game
- Released
- October 26, 2010
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Use of Alcohol, Blood, Sexual Content, Violence, Language
- Developer(s)
- Lionhead Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Engine
- havok
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Fable
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 14 Hours
- Metascore
- 80
Fable 3 easily has the most romantic options out of all the games on this list, because they're literally uncountable. The romance options in this game are pretty much infinite, with countless male and female options.
Unfortunately, that's about as varied as the selection gets with Fable 3, but there are still literally countless options to choose from.
Any NPCs that die will be replaced with brand-new ones, each of whom will be romanceable to some degree. You can engage in promiscuous behavior with any NPC without marrying them, and you can become lovers with any of them without the pressure of marriage, either.
However, if you want to get married, you can, and you'll be able to throw a lavish wedding, buy a marital home, and even have up to 2 children.
If, for some reason, none of the NPCs catch your eye, you can also choose to marry a fellow player, like in Stardew Valley. Both of your assets will be divided, and any donations made to the treasury by either player will be matched by the other.
If you decide to marry a fellow player, you'll still be able to adopt or create children with them depending on their gender; you can have biological children with a character of the opposite sex but must adopt if it's a same-sex relationship.
Also, you'll be able to divorce and remarry as many times as you like in this game, though you'll have to live with the string of broken hearts you made along the way.
It's Time For Romance In RPGs To Evolve Beyond Fan Service
Love is a Long Road, but you'd never have guessed that from Baldur's Gate 3 and other RPGs.