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Learn about romance options and how the romance system in Dragon Age: The Veilguard works, including all romanceable companions.
In Dragon Age: Origins, players could romance several companions, with each relationship offering different storylines and outcomes. The system involved earning approval points through special gifts for each companion, dialogue, and quests, leading to the possibility of romantic encounters and deeper connections.
Dragon Age II continued this tradition with a more streamlined approach, allowing players to pursue relationships with all companions regardless of gender except Sebastian. The approval system was tweaked to include rivalry, meaning that even contentious relationships could evolve into romance. You can enter into a romance with a companion at 100% friend or 100% rival.
Dragon Age: Inquisition expanded on this further, offering a diverse cast of romanceable characters with unique storylines, sexual orientations, and preferences. The game also introduced more complex relationship dynamics, including the impact of major story decisions on romantic relationships.
The Dragon Age: The Veilguard romance options and system promises to be as rich and engaging as in previous installments, allowing players to build deep, meaningful relationships with their companions. A fully single-player experience will also be a plus, creating a very intimate experience for many players. From what we know, it’s an extended version of what we have in the Inquisition.
- What is Romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
- How Romance Works in Dragon Age The Veilguard? Explained
- Approval System and Dialogue Choices: How They Influence Romances
- All Romanceable Companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Friendships vs Romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- FAQs about Romance in Dragon Age Veilguard
What is Romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
The Dragon Age games have always included romantic relationships as an important part of the player’s journey. Each game provides opportunities for players to develop romantic relationships with their companions, adding depth and personal stakes to the storyline. These romances are influenced by the player’s choices, dialogue interactions, and the progression of the main plot.
How Romance Works in Dragon Age The Veilguard? Explained
In “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” all seven companions are romanceable, regardless of the player’s character creation choices. This fully pansexual approach is a first for the series, allowing any protagonist to romance any companion, making for a highly inclusive and flexible experience. The game developers have emphasized that each companion’s pansexuality is explained within the story, adding depth and realism to their characters. Moreover, each Dragon Age: The Veilguard romance options has a different flavor.
Here is a quick overview of how Romance Works in The Veilguard:
- Interactions and Approval: Similar to previous systems games, building a romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard requires interacting with companions, choosing the right dialogue options, and making decisions that align with their values and beliefs.
- Story Integration: The romance arcs are deeply integrated into the main story and side quests, providing a seamless experience where romantic developments feel natural and impactful.
- Unique Romance Arcs: Each companion has a unique romance storyline that reflects their personality, background, and experiences. These arcs will vary in tone, intensity, and emotional depth, offering a diverse range of romantic experiences.
- Romance and Friendship: Developing a romance is not mandatory. Players can also choose to build strong friendships, and in some cases, companions might form romantic relationships with each other if the player does not pursue them.
- Consequences: Your decisions not only affect romances but also impact your companions’ loyalty and their behavior throughout the game.
Approval System and Dialogue Choices: How They Influence Romances
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the approval system, and dialogue choices play a crucial role in developing relationships and romances with your companions. Just like in Dragon Age: Inquisition, your decisions and interactions significantly impact how your companions perceive you and whether a romantic relationship can blossom.
Approval and Disapproval System
Throughout the game, your actions and choices during quests and story events will prompt reactions from your companions. These reactions will either be positive (approval) or negative (disapproval), influencing their affinity towards your character. Approval is earned by making decisions that align with a companion’s values and beliefs, while disapproval occurs when your choices conflict with their principles. Maintaining high approval with a companion is essential for fostering deeper relationships and unlocking Dragon Age: The Veilguard romance options.
Dialogue Choices Wheel
The dialogue wheel in The Veilguard functions similarly to the one in the Inquisition, providing various options that shape conversations and the story’s direction. Each option is accompanied by an icon indicating the type of response:
- Heart Icon: Represents flirtation and romantic interest. Choosing this option when it appears can initiate or progress a romantic relationship if your approval with the companion is high enough.
- Broken Heart Icon: Say or do something to end a romance with the other character permanently.
- Decision Arrow Icon: This means your character will make an important story-related decision that can change the state of the world and will have consequences.
- Investigate: Ask questions and learn more with a question mark icon.
- Emotional Response Icons: Those dialogue options indicate an emotional response, allowing you to express empathy, disapproval, anger, etc. (For example, the Eye with a Tear Icon expresses sadness, or the Fist icon shows anger. )
- Knowledge-related: Moreover, there can be knowledge-related responses. For example, if your character is a Dalish elf from a Veil Jumpers faction, they may find icons related to their lineage and knowledge about the Arlathan forest or Dalish elves’ traditions and so on.
- Other Icons: Include options for diplomatic, humorous, or aggressive responses. Sometimes, special options, or simply yes or no.
Technically, using any dialogue choices can meet with a companion’s reaction; sometimes, even asking questions may be something that your romantic interest will approve, or if they are more secretive, they may dislike it and refuse to answer. However, they may be happy to explain it later when your relationship reaches a deeper level. This complexity in dialogue trees and responses gives romance options and a romance system in Dragon Age: The Veilguard an immersive experience many players appreciate.
Influencing Romances
To initiate a romance, you must first build a high approval rating with the companion through your actions and choices. Once your relationship reaches a certain threshold, heart icons will begin to appear in dialogue options, signaling opportunities to flirt. Consistently choosing these heart options will show your romantic interest and lead to special flirtation cutscenes or dialogues.
As you continue to choose heart options and deepen your relationship, you may trigger significant romance scenes and dialogues. These moments are essential for solidifying the romance and may lead to exclusive story content and character interactions. If you neglect to flirt or make choices that result in disapproval, you might miss out on romance opportunities altogether.
All Romanceable Companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
There are seven romanceable companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard:
- Davrin
- Taash
- Lace Harding
- Lucanis Dellamorte
- Bellara
- Emmrich Volkarin
- Neve Gallus
Davrin
- Race: Elf
- Class: Warrior
- Factions: Grey Wardens, Dalish
- Game Description: A bold and charming Grey Warden who has made a name for himself as a monster hunter.
Davrin is known as a bold and charming monster hunter. His special Valaslin shows he comes from a Dalish elf clan, which he left to become a Grey Warden. He also cares for a young griffon named Assan. Davrin’s journey from his Dalish roots to joining the Grey Wardens highlights his bravery and dedication.
Romancing Davrin
Romancing Davrin offers unique challenges and rewards. As a Grey Warden, Davrin’s life is focused on fighting the Blight. This means he can’t have children and constantly faces danger. A relationship with him would be intense and filled with understanding of his tough life. The protagonist will need to balance their love for Davrin with the realities of his Grey Warden duties, making their bond both special and challenging. On the other hand, you get the cute little griffon pet with him.
Taash
- Race: Qunari
- Class: Warrior
- Faction: Lords of Fortune
- Game Description: Dragon hunter allied with the Lords of Fortune who lives for adventure and doesn’t mind taking risks.
Taash is a mysterious Qunari warrior. In multiple screenshots and promotional materials, she is seen wearing a combination of Antaam-saar and Shokra-taar, which are Qunari armors. This might be a design choice, but it’s also possible she still follows the Qun and is part of the Par-Vollen forces, similar to Iron Bull from Inquisition. Taash is a thrill-seeker who loves taking risks.
Romancing Taash
Romancing Taash could be intriguing due to her Qunari background. Under the Qun, Qunari don’t have traditional families like other nations of Thedas; they are raised by caretakers similar to a communal upbringing. From Iron Bull in Inquisition, we learn that Qunari society is very structured, and their approach to relationships is pragmatic and often devoid of deep emotional ties.
However, Taash’s affiliation with the Lords of Fortune suggests she might not strictly stick to Qun philosophy. As a true adventurer, she is brave and charismatic, with a crystal horn replacing her missing one, adding to her unique charm. Taash seems like a confident woman who speaks her mind and pursues her goals relentlessly. This attitude likely extends to her romantic relationships, possibly making her romance arc in Dragon Age: The Veilguard dynamic and compelling.
Lace Harding
- Race: Dwarf
- Class: Rogue
- Faction: Inquisition
- Game Description: The dwarven scout, returns to the fray as a companion with her big heart, a positive outlook, and a ready bow – as well as unexpected magical powers.
Scout Harding, a surface dwarf, was raised in the Fereldan Hinterlands near Redcliffe. When the rift opened, she joined the Inquisition and quickly became a master scout. Traveling with the Inquisitor across Thedas, her scouting and combat skills, combined with her extensive experience, make her a valuable companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Despite her fear of heights, she remains a tough and reliable ally. Interestingly, she possesses “unexpected magical powers,” which is mysterious since dwarves typically have no connection to the Fade and cannot become mages.
Romancing Lace Harding
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, it is lightly hinted that Harding may hold feelings for the Inquisitor. Although not an official romance option, players could flirt with her in certain inquisitor backgrounds to learn her first name and develop a romantic relationship in the Trespasser DLC.
Harding now offers a compelling female dwarf romance option, a first for the series. Her popularity guarantees that many players will be eager to explore a romantic storyline with her in The Veilguard.
Developers also hinted that if players choose not to romance Harding and Taash, the two may begin to flirt and develop a relationship independently. This adds an extra layer of depth and realism to the Dragon Age: The Veilguard romance options and system.
Lucanis Dellamorte
- Race: Human
- Class: Rogue
- Faction: Antivan Crows
- Game Description: Poised and pragmatic assassin who descends from the bloodline of the House of Crows, a criminal organization renowned throughout Thedas.
Lucanis Dellamorte is a rogue class companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the grandson of Caterina Dellamorte, the Antivan Crows’ First Talon. Harshly trained by Caterina, Lucanis developed remarkable resilience and skill, though he resented her brutal methods. Despite this, Caterina favored Lucanis and intended to name him her heir, though he had no interest in accepting the role of First Talon.
In “The Wigmaker Job,” Lucanis and his cousin Illario are contracted to assassinate Ambrose Forfex, a Venatori blood mage. Utilizing his cunning and combat skills, Lucanis infiltrates Forfex’s mansion, freeing elven slaves and battling demonic forces. He ultimately kills Forfex and about 40 other targets, earning the nickname ‘the Demon.’
Romancing Lucanis Dellamorte
Lucanis’s handsome appearance and impressive skills will undoubtedly attract the protagonist. While we don’t know much about his romance arc, his secretive nature and the mystery surrounding his presumed death make him appear unapproachable and difficult to trust. Also, gaining his trust might be a challenge. His background as an Antivan Crow, trained in the deadly arts of assassination, adds complexity to his character.
Drawing parallels from Zevran, another Antivan Crow from Dragon Age: Origins, we know that some Antivan Crows view relationships and sex differently. Their lifestyles, often filled with danger and death, shape their attitudes towards intimacy. Zevran’s openness about casual sex contrasts with his hesitance to form deep emotional bonds, hinting at how Lucanis might approach romance. Zevran also admitted that sleeping with someone can be used to assassin’s favor in their line of work.
Bellara
- Race: Elf
- Class: Mage
- Faction: Veil Jumpers
- Game Description: Creative and romantic Veil Jumper obsessed with uncovering ancient secrets.
Bellara is a mysterious member of the Veil Jumpers, an adventurous group dedicated to exploring ancient elven ruins. Known for her bravery in facing the reality-warping magic of the Arlathan Forest, Bellara is an elf mage with a passion for uncovering ancient secrets. Unlike other mages in previous Dragon Age games, Bellara uses a bow as her primary weapon, showcasing a unique and versatile fighting style. She is described as creative and romantic.
Romancing Bellara
Romancing Bellara promises to be a unique and beautiful experience. Her cheerful demeanor and slight craziness hint at a sweet, endearing romantic journey. Despite the limited information about her, Bellara’s obsession with ancient secrets and her creative, romantic nature suggest a deeply passionate and engaging relationship.
Emmrich Volkarin
- Race: Human
- Class: Mage
- Specialization: Necromancer
- Faction: Mortalitasi
- Game Description: Necromancer of Nevarra’s Mourn Watch who comes complete with a skeletal assistant, Manfred.
Emmrich Volkarin is a necromancer and a member of the Mourn Watch within the Mortalitasi, making him a fascinating companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. With over thirty years of experience in necromancy, Emmrich is known for his deep knowledge and powerful abilities. He is always seen with his loyal skeletal assistant, Manfred, adding an intriguing dynamic to his character.
Romancing Emmrich Volkarin
Developers describe romancing Emmrich Volkarin as an intimate and sensual experience. Emmrich, an older gentleman with grey hair, combines his vast life experience with his mastery of life, magic, and necromancy, creating a complex and charming romantic partner. Known for his gentlemanly demeanor, his romance arc is expected to be deeply personal and engaging.
An interesting tidbit from a recent BioWare Q&A revealed that while players cannot romance Manfred, Emmrich’s skeletal assistant, the possibility of romancing another skeleton in Thedas was teased by art director Matt Rhodes. This intriguing hint suggests that Emmrich’s romance may involve unique and unexpected elements, adding to the allure of his character.
Neve Gallus
- Race: Human
- Class: Mage
- Specialization: Ice Mage
- Faction: Shadow Dragons
- Game Description: Cynic, fighting for a better future, both as a private detective and a member of Tevinter’s rebellious Shadow Dragons.
Neve Gallus is a private detective and a member of Tevinter’s rebellious group, the Shadow Dragons, fighting for a better future in the harsh streets of Minrathous. Known for her sharp wit and cynical outlook, Neve is deeply committed to justice and reform in Tevinter. Despite her tough exterior, Neve is highly respected as an investigator. She moves with a prosthetic leg made from dwarven-crafted metal, a testament to her resilience and resourcefulness.
Neve specializes in ice magic, wielding a short staff or wand as her weapon. Her reputation as a determined detective and her involvement with the Shadow Dragons make her a formidable ally in the fight against Tevinter’s corrupt regime.
Romancing Neve Gallus
Romancing Neve Gallus is expected to be a unique experience, given her strong sense of justice and logical approach to life. As a detective who battles against slavery and the oppressive Tevinter regime, Neve’s intelligence and strategic thinking will likely influence her views on relationships. Players may find that her romance path involves earning her trust and respect through actions that align with her values. While there is limited information on her romance arc, it promises to be a compelling journey with this principled woman.
Friendships vs Romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the game developers want to ensure that friendships are as important as romances, focusing not only on romantic options but also on building a whole relationship system, romance or no. They aim to create deep, rich stories for players to experience. In these stories, players can form strong bonds with their companions. The game’s story is designed to let the characters in your group grow alongside you. Companions’ personal quests will be integrated into the main story rather than separate side quests like before. This will provide chances for close interactions that shape the characters’ development and the overall story. The game wants to make sure that every interaction feels important and meaningful to make the player feel more involved and emotionally connected to the game.
FAQs about Romance in Dragon Age Veilguard
Q1: Is there romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
Answer: Yes, your custom-created character Rook will have the opportunity to romance any of the available companions in Veilguard that you wish.
Q2: How do romance and relationships work in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
Answer: Romance is generally driven by your dialogue choices when having conversations with companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Additionally, there is a return to the gift-giving mechanic originally seen in the first game. However, it doesn’t appear to be as impactful as it was in Origins.
Q3: What happens if you romance multiple people in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
Answer: You can flirt and begin courting more than one companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, but only in the beginning. Eventually, you will have to choose one companion to confirm a romance with. Afterward, the other companions may begin to develop relationships with another in the group.
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