BioWare is back. Honestly, after years of waiting, the biggest question on everyone’s mind wasn’t just about saving the world from blighted elven gods; it was about who we’re going to kiss. Dragon Age The Veilguard romance systems represent a massive shift for the studio. It’s different this time. They’ve moved away from the gift-giving marathons of Origins or the rigid approval sliders that made you feel like you were playing a spreadsheet rather than a dating sim. Now, it’s all about vibes, presence, and—perhaps most importantly—the fact that your companions aren't just waiting around for you to notice them.
They have lives.
If you don't pursue a specific character, they might just start crushing on someone else in the Lighthouse. It’s a dynamic that makes the world feel lived-in. Lucanis and Neve? It can happen. Taash and Emmrich? Don't rule it out. This isn't a vacuum.
How Dragon Age The Veilguard Romance Actually Works
Forget the old "hard" approval points for a second. In The Veilguard, the system is built on "Bond Levels." You increase these by taking companions on missions, talking to them in the Lighthouse, and making choices that align with their core philosophy. But here’s the kicker: BioWare made everyone "pansexual" for the player. While some fans worried this would erase individual identity, it actually functions more like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Dragon Age 2. The characters are player-sexual because the story focuses on the chemistry you build with them.
You’ll see a little "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" occasionally, but the meat of the relationship is in the dialogue wheel. See that little heart icon? That’s your best friend. If you want to lock in a Dragon Age The Veilguard romance, you have to be consistent. You can’t just flirt with everyone for thirty hours and expect no consequences. Eventually, the game will force a "lock-in" point. Once you commit, you're committed.
The Seven Options on the Table
You’ve got seven companions, and all of them are fair game. Harding is finally a full romance option after being teased for a decade since Inquisition. She’s sweet, but there’s a real toughness there. Then you have Davrin, the Grey Warden who comes with a baby griffon named Assan. Let’s be real—half the player base is romancing Davrin just to be closer to that griffon. It’s a solid strategy.
Bellara is the "chaos gremlin" of the group, a Fade-expert with infectious energy. On the flip side, you have Lucanis Dellamorte, an assassin who is literally haunted by a demon of Spite. His romance is heavy on the brooding and the "I shouldn't be with you" energy. If you like the "I can fix him" trope, Lucanis is your guy.
Neve Gallus is the cool, detached detective from Tevinter. She’s all about the "slow burn." Taash is a Qunari dragon hunter who deals with some heavy themes of identity and belonging. And then there’s Emmrich Volkarin. He’s a necromancer. He’s older, sophisticated, and travels with a skeleton assistant named Manfred. It’s surprisingly wholesome, in a morbid sort of way.
Breaking the "Player-Centric" Mold
One of the most fascinating aspects of Dragon Age The Veilguard romance is how the AI handles rejection or inactivity. In previous games, if you didn't date Alistair or Morrigan, they just stood in camp forever. In The Veilguard, the "inter-party" romances are a revelation. If Rook (your character) stays single or focuses on one person, the other six characters will start developing feelings for each other.
It makes the Lighthouse feel less like a trophy room and more like a shared apartment. You’ll walk in on conversations that have nothing to do with you. You might find two characters sharing a drink or arguing over something that happened three missions ago. This organic growth is where BioWare’s writing really shines. It's not just about you; it's about the team.
Nudity, Intimacy, and Tone
BioWare hasn't shied away from the "M" rating. The romance scenes are more explicit than Inquisition but arguably more tasteful than the "clunky puppets" era of Origins. There is nudity, but it’s toggleable in the settings if that’s not your thing. More importantly, the intimacy feels earned. There are unique animations for different body types and races. If you play a massive Qunari Rook romancing a petite dwarf like Harding, the game actually accounts for that height difference in the cinematics.
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It’s these small details that prevent the "uncanny valley" feeling that plagued older RPGs.
The Mistakes You’re Probably Making
Many players try to "meta-game" the approval. They think they have to agree with everything a companion says. Don't do that.
BioWare actually wrote these characters to appreciate honesty. If you disagree with Neve about Tevinter politics, she might respect you more for having a spine than if you just nodded along like a sycophant. The goal isn't to fill a bar; the goal is to build a "Bond." Sometimes, a heated argument leads to a stronger bond than a boring agreement.
Also, pay attention to their personal quests. These are not optional if you want a romance. You cannot skip a companion’s "loyalty mission" and expect them to fall into your arms at the end of the game. These missions are where the "romance flags" are usually set. If you fail to support Taash during her moments of self-discovery, the romance path will simply close. Permanently.
Why Choice Matters in the Long Run
The ending of the game is heavily influenced by your relationships. A "romanced" companion has different stakes in the final battle. They have more to lose. Without spoiling the ending, let’s just say that who you love in Dragon Age The Veilguard can change the flavor of the epilogue significantly. It’s not just a cutscene at the end; it’s a narrative thread that weaves through the entire final act.
BioWare lead writer Trick Weekes has mentioned in various interviews that the goal was "queer joy" and emotional depth. They wanted to move away from tragedy as the only way to make a story feel "mature." Yes, there is drama. Yes, people might die. But the romances are designed to be a light in the dark.
Making Your Decision
If you’re struggling to pick, look at your playstyle.
- Harding is for the sentimentalists.
- Lucanis is for the drama seekers.
- Emmrich is for those who want something unique and gothic.
- Davrin is the classic hero arc.
- Bellara is pure wonder.
- Neve is the noir-style slow burn.
- Taash is the raw, powerful journey of self.
Dragon Age The Veilguard romance isn't a side quest. It's the emotional core of the game. Whether you're looking for a fling or a "ride or die" partner for the end of the world, the game gives you the tools to make it feel real. Just remember to talk to them. Frequently.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough:
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To ensure you don't miss out on your preferred romance, follow these specific steps immediately upon reaching the Lighthouse:
- Check the Map Constantly: Look for the "!" icons over companion portraits. These signify new dialogue. Even if it’s not a "main" quest, these conversations often contain the "Heart" icons needed to initiate a romance.
- Prioritize Personal Quests: As soon as a companion asks for help with something personal, do it. Delaying these can sometimes lock you out of specific dialogue tiers if you progress the main story too far.
- Watch the "Lock-In": Usually around Act 2 or early Act 3, you’ll have a very clear conversation where you decide to be "serious." Once you say yes here, other romance options will typically default to "friendship" mode.
- Experiment with Party Composition: Take your "crush" on missions with companions they have chemistry with. You’ll hear unique "banter" that fleshes out the relationship outside of cutscenes.