It seems like just yesterday that news programs were decrying games for overly intimate scenes. Nevertheless, numerous titles, particularly role-playing games, continue to incorporate romance into their character-building. It's simply expected whenever a new one comes out.
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However, in this modern age of acceptance where people feel more comfortable about their preferences, the "standard" romance choices may not be enough to accommodate audiences. After all, gaming fandoms are made up of various individuals, each with their own unique preferences. It only makes sense to offer that same kind of inclusivity in a role-playing game. By further personalizing the experience, these players will be more immersed in the adventure. Thankfully, several titles allow gamers to do just that.
10 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Gamers the world over have spent hundreds of hours in Skyrim. To many, it's like a second life, so why not seal the deal with marriage? It's a fairly simple process. Wearing the Amulet of Mara enables players can have romantic dialogues with numerous NPCs, regardless of gender or race.
The NPCs in question can be from any of Tamriel's numerous races: Nords, Imperials, High Elves, Dark Elves, Orcs, Argonians, and more. Physical differences don't come into play during the courtship. Granted, the whole affair is a little impersonal, but it's also open to dozens of couple variations.
9 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Social standing informs many a decision in this tactical title. Because of this, player character Byleth has countless romance options at his/her disposal. The game offers more freedom in this area than any other in recent memory.
Unlike most of its peers, though, Fire Emblem's romances don't simply depend on gender. Rather, they also hinge on houses. For example, certain characters won't take a female player from the Black Eagles. Thankfully, whatever players pick, they won't be strapped for choices in any path.
8 Dragon Age
Although BioWare's medieval fantasy series is mostly merciless in its lore and laws, the denizens of Dragon Age don't seem to care who sleeps with whom. A few strategic dialogue choices and a handful of gifts will win over practically any party member, regardless of gender or race.
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Some characters, like Dorian, will offhandedly flirt with the Inquisitor during conversations. In the end, though, most companions are open to either serious or casual relationships if the player selects the appropriate dialogue choice.
7 The Outer Worlds
Despite appearances, The Outer Worlds isn't the type of RPG that allows romance options for the player. That's not to say that romance has no place in this space adventure. Some side quests see gamers engage in some matchmaking, as a few quests involve delivering messages between two people with crushes.
The most memorable aside involves crewmember Parvati, who pursues a romance with Groundbreaker leader Junlei. Players are heavily involved in this from the beginning, as the quest involves decorative materials, beauty products, and even suggestions for what Parvati should say. Finally, there's ADA, the ship's AI that expresses concern whenever players leave the ship. When asked about this, she'll approximate this behavior as an expression of love.
6 Mass Effect
Throughout the Mass Effect series, Commander Shepard recruits several misfits from across the galaxy to his/her crew. Players can romance most of these characters, male or female, human or alien. Getting to know them through conversations and Loyalty Missions shows that their leader cares for them as people.
Some of them will even get close to each other over the course of their journey. These pairings can be a simple as Garrus and Tali or as unexpected as EDI and Joker. The heart (or AI core) wants what the heart wants.
5 GreedFall
GreedFall is the methodical role-playing experience akin to BioWare's golden days. To capture that feeling, developer Spiders lets DeSardet romance four of their companions. Kurt and Aphra are only interested in heterosexual relationships, but Siora and Vasco are open to both.
As expected, players unlock these avenues through questlines. They have three Loyalty Missions instead of one; following these mini-stories through to the end will gradually increase DeSardet's standing with the companion in question. Said companion then agrees to a relationship when prompted.
4 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Following suit from the Knights of the Old Republic titles, this Star Wars MMO lets players craft their own heroes, villains, and rogues in a galaxy far, far away. Technically, Jedi aren't supposed to fall in love, but this element has always been present in the franchise's RPGs.
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The expansions to The Old Republic introduced same-sex romance options for all character classes. This comes with all the steps of the base game's romances. As players speak to their companions, they can embark on character-centric missions akin to Loyalty Missions in other BioWare properties. The budding attraction can eventually lead to marriage, albeit only if the character is open enough to the player.
3 Assassin's Creed
As the Assassin's Creed series moved into RPG territory, romantic side quests were an obvious inclusion for the open-world adventures. That's why Odyssey and Valhalla let the male or female protagonist romance one of the countless historical figures they met.
Granted, this option is only available during or after certain quests, such as finding the Comb of Champions for Bil. That said, various characters are still willing to accept the male or female Assassin. However, they only acknowledge each one uniquely in Odyssey. NPCs in Valhalla treat both the male and female versions of Eivor exactly the same.
2 Cyberpunk 2077
Night City is populated with characters from all walks of life (and all types of augments). The colorful characters of Cyberpunk 2077 all have their own romantic subplots. These are advanced not simply through quests, but also casual conversations. Protagonist V can even call them up anytime to chat via a built-in communicator.
Judy Alvarez, for instance, only sees the male V as a friend but will be a romance option for the female variant. The same goes for River Ward. Kerry Eurodyne is romanceable by players with a male voice and body type, providing the game with another same-sex romance option. No matter which side of the LGBTQ spectrum players fall on, their romantic choices have a profound impact on the overall experience.
1 Stardew Valley
This pixelated adventure provides players with an entire village to interact with. Once again, gamers can romance a man or woman; it doesn't matter which. Six men and six women make for an even split of twelve choices, equally inclusive to all players. Gamers need only consider how to court them.
Namely, it must be with someone marked as "single." After earning ten hearts of friendship, gamers can begin their marriage preparations. This is costly, so make sure to have some money on hand. It involves purchasing a bouquet, upgrading the farmhouse, and outfitting participants with a Mermaid's Pendant.
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