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Unfortunately, newcomers who want to explore more social dimensions of RPGs might have a hard time finding those worth the while. After all, romance isn’t always a big element in RPGs. And even if romance is present in a game, it’s not always a standout title. Still, some titles stand out above the rest for being RPGs with the best romances.
Updated December 30, 2022, by Rhenn Taguiam: Romance remains an integral element of RPGs featuring strong storylines, and a huge cast of characters. This is especially the case in the likes of modern RPGs with a lot of dialogue options, as romance in RPGs offers a new level of control or personalization to one’s experience. With the right approach, the right, romantic partner can allow players to have a deeper investment in the story of the game that they are playing. And some RPGs that include very deep romances include an updated version of a hit RPG, a story of a gangster trying to be a hero, a romance system that extends into a long-running fantasy franchise, and the potential of true love in a dystopian sci-fi world.
20 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Fans of the Dragon Quest series know that the acclaimed JRPG takes immersion and character development one step further by showing players just how integral even the simplest NPCs become in the story. In the case of Dragon Quest 11’s story, the Luminary is indeed the central character to the plot, but his companions - particularly Gemma - remain an ever-present part of his development. As the story of their journey to save the world slowly progresses, so too would the Luminary’s relationship with each of these companions, all of which have a serious and often tragic past.
However, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age take this a step further, especially in the context of romance. Whereas Gemma becomes the prime love interest in both titles, Echoes allows players to take on any companion as a partner. While only Gemma, Serena, and Veronica give semblances of a romantic relationship with the Luminary, the other characters show different forms of partnerships to players. For instance, whereas Rab’s highlights a deepening friendship quite unlike other games, the other males display varying degrees of male partnership.
19 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Unlike the story of most Yakuza or Like A Dragon games where Kazuma Kiryu tries to walk away from the yakuza life, it’s Yakuza: Like A Dragon that gives players a fresh take on the rich yakuza subculture in Japan. Now starring newcomer Ichiban Kasuga, players take him on a journey to become a “hero” despite preconceived notions about his chosen career path. And just like how a hero may need a heroine to call a partner, Yakuza: Like A Dragon does offer six (6) prospective choices.
Similar to how the Yakuza series transforms the modern setting into an RPG format, Like A Dragon stuns in its romance options by actually giving players realistic options for relationships. All the partners Ichiban can choose in the game are realistic characters - all of whom have jobs such as teaching in a vocational school (Manae), and working as a hostess (Iroha), among others. Ichiban has the option of romancing each at a time, or all at once, offering different outcomes.
18 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
While fans eagerly await the eventual release of The Elder Scrolls 6, players can rely on the ever-present The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim to give them a glimpse of one of the most customizable and expansive fantasy life simulators of all time. Although first and foremost an RPG, the wide variety of mods and features in the game make it both an effective RPG and a life sim, with its marriage feature one of the most expansive in the genre.
In Skyrim, players can only marry an eligible character after attaining the Amulet of Mara from a particular questline. Despite the rather steep requirement, marriage in the game offers many quirky events for players. Aside from having an unkillable companion and homecooked meals, Skyrim tries to simulate married life as accurately as possible in a fantasy setting. These include being able to move into either person’s property, purchasing merchandise exclusively for the marriage, or even turning the spouse into a vampire.
17 Cyberpunk 2077
Platform(s): PS4. PS5. Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC
Venturing into the world of Cyberpunk 2077 won’t just have players stop a dystopia in a futuristic landscape, it also involves immersing into the many aspects of its world’s possible cyberpunk future. On top of futuristic vehicles, weaponry, and even wild cybernetics, players of Cyberpunk 2077 have the opportunity to witness what romance could be like at a time when the essence of one’s being is put into question.
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The game is perhaps unique on the RPG romance front specifically for characters not being biased on what gender or genitalia protagonist V possesses. Rather, Cyberpunk 2077 characters capable of romance can lean towards specific body types and voices, as well as sets of characters being available for relationships, romantic encounters, and even casual experiences. Not only that, but some romances also affect the overall endings that players get in the game, giving more weight to the gameplay feature.
16 Rune Factory 2
Platform: Nintendo DS
Fans who want a spin on the farm life in Harvest Moon will love Rune Factory 2. Taking a cue from its fantasy concept, Rune Factory 2 now has board tasks and the much-requested multi-generation gameplay from the first few Harvest Moon titles. As such, the game plays over the course of two generations, with choices in the first affecting the second.
In the first generation, players control the amnesiac Kyle as he starts a new life in Alvarna. And in the second generation, Kyle hands down the reins of being the protagonist to his child, Aaron (if a boy) or Aria (if a girl).
Aside from typical farm sim elements such as farming, harvesting, and crafting, Rune Factory 2 features a combat element. Being an RPG, players can train Kyle and Aaron/Aria to fight monsters around town. Moreover, players can marry a partner in both generations, with players in charge of developing their relationships.
15 Harvest Moon: Story of Seasons
Platform: Nintendo DS
When Natsume acquired Harvest Moon, it released Story of Seasons as its first title in 2014. Despite the naming difference, Story of Seasons was a delight to behold to anyone in love with the franchise. True to the franchise, players take on the role of a farmer in Oak Tree Town. New to the game at the time are Rival Farmers, which spices things up for players.
On the romance angle, Story of Seasons gives players the option of up to six spousal candidates. While their relationships won’t affect the main storyline, the varying personalities and nuances of each potential partner breathe new life into the game. Moreover, the game’s extensive dating mechanics will have players attached to their favored character very early on in the relationship.
14 Thousand Arms
Platform: PlayStation
Despite being a 1998 title, Thousand Arms remains a classic among JRPGs for its unique take on cross-genre, its innovative combat system, and its intriguing story. Set in a steampunk World, the Spirit Blacksmith Meis becomes entrusted to find the legendary Sacred Flames before the malevolent Dark Acolytes use them to sow chaos everywhere. And the catch? Meis can strengthen his smithing powers by dating women.
Thus begins a hilarious yet captivating story of how Meis saves the world while finding his true love. This isn’t to say that Thousand Arms doesn’t have a great romance, though. Each female protagonist has a charming personality - from brave Sodina Dawnfried, nerdy but form-changing Nelsha, and even sarcastic Kyleen, among others.
13 Grandia 2
Platform: PlayStation 2, Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Players with a flair for the classics would enjoy a delightful romance in Grandia 2. Compared to the fast-paced Grandia 3, Grandia 2 boasts a more tactical take on its combat system. And in terms of story, Grandia 2 has quite a mature take on romance not quite seen in JRPGs today.
In Grandia 2, players take on the role of the mercenary named Ryudo. His primary mission is to protect Elena, a songstress from the church. In their journey, Ryudo and the player learn about how the Church of Granas guided humanity to survival after a cataclysmic battle between the God of Light Granas and the God of Darkness Valmar. However, Ryudo and Elena will soon learn that things aren’t always how they seem. Unlike other JRPGs, Grandia 2 doesn’t force its romance onto players and it doesn’t have a huge bearing on the story. However, it’s delightful to learn how overcoming trials can solidify one’s budding relationship.
12 Trails In The Sky
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4
When an RPG has a great romance, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in the player’s hands. Trails In The Sky is one such game, where players embark on an adventure with an inevitable pairing. In Trails In The Sky, players will see Estelle Bright and her adopted brother Joshua as they travel around the country of Liberl. Their original journey will have them complete their training as Bracers, a multinational organization tasked to protect civilians. However, their adventure will have them involved in a coup that seeks to overthrow the current monarchy.
As expected of a Trails title, Trails In The Sky has a diverse cast of characters that the game doesn’t fail to expand or emphasize. More importantly, its open-ended story allowed players to interpret what comes out of Estelle and Joshua’s story as they would. Fans of and newcomers to JRPGs would have a delightful experience going through Trails In The Sky.
11 Persona 5
Platforms: PS3, PS4 (PlayStation Network)
Being a spinoff of SMT, Persona players might notice that both titles feature characters capturing and using creatures in mythology and folklore to save the world. Unlike the demons of SMT, Persona has players tapping into Personas, or manifestations of the self, to help thwart supernatural threats.
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More importantly, Persona, and especially Persona 5 has a deeper emphasis on character relationships. As the leader of Phantom Thieves of Hearts, players need to balance their relationships with their fellow members while defending the Metaverse from entities that want to use human desires for evil gain. Unlike other Persona titles, Persona 5 has perhaps one of the most interactive takes on the dating sim formula implemented by the series.
10 Stardew Valley (2016)
Platforms: Android, Linux, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Simulation fans know that Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has dedicated quite a lot of time and effort to make a robust farm sim like that of Stardew Valley. After all, the open-ended RPG lets players manage their own farm in the way they want - craft goods, raise livestock, grow crops, fight monsters in mines, and even marry and raise children.
And while Stardew Valley has an incredibly in-depth simulation system on its own, its romance element isn’t a pushover, either. As with standard dating sims, players can develop relationships with a huge cast of NPCs. However, as their relationship grows deeper with a character, players also participate in exclusive side stories related to said character. Each NPC has a unique storyline that adds depth to the colorful town of Stardew Valley, and it makes the player’s stay feel more alive compared to just being inside a sim.
9 Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS
Folks of Larian Studios did an excellent job incorporating a complex narrative within a vast interactive world in Divinity: Original Sin 2. In the story, six characters journey across the world of Rivellon to attain Divinity while fulfilling their personal agendas. Sadly, despite forming deep bonds of friendship, they eventually have to choose between their humanity and the power to change Rivellon itself.
Fans will already love Original Sin 2 for its in-depth dialogue and storytelling. However, fans will also appreciate Original Sin 2 for slowly forming romances between characters that interact with each other. While the game only has one canon love story, the potential developments between other characters can make for memorable tales in every playthrough.
8 Record Of Agarest War (2010)
Platform: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
In Record Of Agarest War, adventurers have to step up as heroes to stop the reemergence of an ancient evil. Thing is, the game is split into five generations, beginning with a soldier named Leonhardt. His interactions with his female companions will end up in marriage. Thanks to the Soul Breed system, their offspring serve the protagonist of the next generation.
Interestingly, the new generation’s protagonist inherits the best qualities of their parents. In subsequent games, players encounter enhanced mechanics for the Soul Breed System. For instance, Agarest 2 has Dark Love, where the protagonist is only married to the mate out of political interests, with the resulting offspring getting poor stats.
7 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel (2015)
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSN, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Fans of The Legend of Heroes will appreciate the Trails of Cold Steel for its in-depth story. The first game directly ties to the sequel, where a player’s save file in Cold Steel 1 carries over to Cold Steel 2. The game takes place after Trails in the Sky, where tensions escalate between the Reformists and the aristocratic four Noble Houses.
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Players take on the role of Rean Schwarzer and his classmates of Class VII in Thors Military Academy. Their Class contains both nobility and commoners, removing class segregation among their ranks but still makes room for tensions between the classmates. In terms of combat, the relationships inside Class VII directly tie into the bonuses they gain on the battlefield. However, Rean also has the option to romance one of his many classmates - directly affecting the outcome of the game.
6 Star Ocean: The Second Story (2000)
Platform: PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
While originally released in 2000, Star Ocean: The Second Story has aged quite well. In The Second Story, Ensign Claude Kenni of the Earth Federation finds himself stranded in the medieval planet of Expel, where Rena Lanford mistakes him for the Hero of Light.
Being a Star Ocean title, The Second Story breaks off traditional RPG mechanics with new systems. However, where it shines is its Private Actions system, where players can influence the way party members see each other.
In a Private Action, the party splits up in a town to do their “own thing” - visit family or friends, or even shop and relax. Players can then converse with these allies to see if they can like or dislike other characters. This affects two things - firstly, characters who like each other will get bonuses in combat. Secondly, players can get up to 87 endings depending on how each character’s relationship with one another plays out.
5 Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)
Platform: PSN, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Video game romances wouldn’t be complete without a BioWare entry. Thankfully, Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) easily fulfills any player’s wish for meaningful romances in games. In this third Dragon Age entry, players take on the role of the Inquisitor on a mission to quell the civil unrest in Thedas. However, the Inquisitor soon gets embroidered in a plot to close the Breach, a tear in the sky that let demons through the world.
Aside from its fast-paced action combat, players of Inquisition will appreciate a renewed focus on interaction. For the most part, players can recruit various NPCs into the Inquisition. Moreover, these interactions eventually lead to important decisions throughout Thedas. Additionally, the Inquisitor can have up to nine companions, eight of which can be romanced while tackling their deep backstories.
4 Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
BioWare’s Mass Effect 2 effectively asks the question - who says alien action games don’t have room for romance? In this Mass Effect sequel, Commander Shepard has to gain the loyalty of a ragtag team of adventurers in a suicide mission to stop the Collectors from a full-scale invasion. As expected of an action RPG, Mass Effect 2 never misses in terms of fast-paced combat and in-depth character customization.
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However, where Mass Effect 2 truly shines is its morality and dialogue system. In what will become a BioWare signature, Mass Effect 2 provides players with numerous dialogue options via its radial menu. These, combined with a unique “interrupt” system, can slowly influence the way NPCs see Shepard. Dialogue can influence mission rewards, discounts, overall morality, and even potential romances. With each companion having a unique and deep story, players will easily find it difficult to decide on the get-go as to who their ideal love interest would become.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Albeit a direct sequel to The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings, CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes players on a completely different journey to save the world with the famed Witcher, Geralt of Rivia. Fans already admire Wild Hunt for its incredibly fast-paced and complex combat mechanics. However, where Wild Hunt shines is its in-depth dialogue and meaningful romantic options.
Albeit Geralt has deep pasts with Triss Merigold and Yennefer of Vengerberg, the Witcher can romance seven other ladies of various backgrounds and origins. Moreover, fans would love that none of these stories are pushovers, either. Even if players decide to fancy anyone else aside from Triss and Yennefer, they’d find their love stories with Geralt both wonderfully normal and fitting Geralt’s hidden desire for a normal life.
2 Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn (2000)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, GameCube, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, Xbox, Xbox One
Ironically enough, Baldur’s Gate 2 isn’t just one of the most-celebrated RPGs for its combat and character customization. Rather, this 2000 game has a robust narrative befitting its Forgotten Realms setting and a surprisingly deep romance system. At its core, BG2 takes place after BG1, where the hero and their companions have to break out of a prison complex to save the world yet again from impending doom.
Interestingly, BG2’s romance isn’t something out of a dating sim. Rather, like in real life, some characters will just initiate conversations with each other. Depending on the player’s character, their interactions with NPCs can blossom into romance - all of which are built based on the backgrounds of these NPCs. In turn, players encounter NPCs who may eventually flirt with each other, date each other, or experience unrequited love.
1 Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
As with other Fire Emblem titles, Fire Emblem: Three Houses incorporates strategic combat and real-time tactics with in-depth character customization. This time around, Three Houses also has unique time management and social simulation elements included. In the story, the continent of Fodlan is enjoying a period of peace between three families, connected via a monastery and an officer’s school that teaches students from these three houses.
Fans of military RPGs would appreciate Three Houses for its unique blend of tactics and social relationships. The protagonist, a teacher at Garreg Mach Monastery, will build relationships with their students. Based on their actions, players can recruit more students and even marry a romantic interest after a time skip in the story.
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