10 Best Romance Games for Fans of Fantasy Romance Books

If there's one thing about me that transcends all the media I consume, it's my love of a good fantasy romance. Whether it's a tragically misunderstood vampire in a video game, a revenge-seeking pirate turned hero in a TV show, or a familiar face in dragon skin from a book, I'm here for it all.

That said, while books are certainly the easiest and most abundant place to find these stories, the same cannot be said for many other media. Some of the best movies and TV shows in this category are based on books, and the games often try to reach such a broad audience that romance tends to take a backseat to everything else.

That said, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy some exciting romance, we've put together a list of some games you won't be able to get into, so we hope you find something you can get into!

10

stardew valley

Although most of Stardew Valley is quite ordinary on the surface, this magical little world is much more than the farming simulator it appears on the surface, and there are plenty of romantic relationships to pursue. Of all the options on this list, this is easily the one that brings the most drama, and what's a good romance story without drama?

There are 12 partners to choose from, all of which are available regardless of gender. Going one step further than most games on this list, you can not only romance a partner of your choice, but even get married and live together. Unfortunately, as you can guess, the spices are a bit limited, but several spouses note that they can have a little fun when they're alone in the evening.

9

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Some people argue that Star Wars is technically science fiction, but the two genres can be used together, and Star Wars is as close to high fantasy as it is to science fiction. The Star Wars Jedi game allows you to explore several planets, each with its own unique ecosystem, while developing your relationship with one of your companions, Merrin.

Because this is a story between enemies and lovers, her relationship with Merrin starts out a little rocky, but develops naturally as she progresses through Fallen Order and Survivor. That said, we don't know how this story ends since we don't have the third and final part of it yet, but what already exists is one of the best and perhaps most wholesome relationships in all of Star Wars.

8

persona 5 royal

Persona 5 Royal or any other Persona game isn't necessarily high fantasy, but it still has fantasy elements, along with tons of romance options to choose from. As the Joker, you can pursue romantic relationships with up to 10 partners while juggling your studies and saving the world, and you don't have to choose just one, at least not at first.

At the end of the game, you'll ultimately have to choose just one romantic partner, but up until that point, you'll be able to explore your relationships with each partner and watch them change over the course of the story. All ten romantic partner options are female, but each has a unique backstory and personality, so no two relationships feel the same.

7

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Listen to me. There's no real romantic development here, but Link and Zelda are a ship that goes back decades, even though Link has had other relationships, something we definitely see in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In both games, you'll encounter several story moments that continue to build the idea that Zelda has strong feelings for Link.

That said, Mipha expressed interest in Link in Breath of the Wild, and it appears to be reciprocated, so it's up to you to decide whether or not you believe Link shares Zelda's feelings. Most would say yes, but nonetheless, whatever it is, the relationship between these two makes the ending of TOTK that much more emotional.

6

brightness

If there's one thing you can say about romance books, it's that almost all of the characters are, without a doubt, insanely attractive. No, we can't see them and I don't make the rules. But you know in your heart that it's true. So what could be more in tune with that energy than a game about Greek gods?

You can't convince me that not everyone in this game is designed to be as hot as possible. If you don't believe me, take a look at the redesign in Hades 2. That said, the romance is unfortunately more of a counterproductive element here, but it's still present and well-written enough that I felt it needed to be included in this title.

There are two true romance paths in Zagreus – Megaera and Thanatos in Hades – and thankfully, you don't even have to choose, as you can enjoy both romances in any order and with no consequences. And if you're up for it, Hades 2 has other protagonists with more romance options than Zagreus.

5

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

The fantasy elements of Fire Emblem: Three Houses are self-explanatory, but there's a unique reason this game is included on this list, and it's not just because there's so much potential romance you can pursue in the game. In addition to building your own romantic relationships, Fire Emblem: Three Houses also lets you pair up other characters with each other.

That said, unfortunately, we don't get to see many of these romances come to fruition until the very end of the game. So depending on your route, you may spend a lot of time considering S-support options in the game, but seeing it tied up neatly at the end is the main reward, as opposed to romancing it throughout your playthrough like in other entries on this list.

4

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Romance in Dragon Age: Inquisition is similar in intent to Baldur's Gate 3, but with a few more limitations. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's worse, it just means it's different. Unlike BG3, where race and gender do not affect who you date, this is not the case in Dragon Age: Inquisition, where characters have their own preferences.

Now, this may be a downside for some, but it can make things feel a little more authentic. For example, Shadowheart from BG3 openly despises the Githyanki at the start of the game, but then romances the Githyanki because this race doesn't require any additional hoops. DAI's Solas, on the other hand, only pursues relationships with elven women, which adds an extra layer of realism, as you might expect, considering his overall goals.

With this in mind, your romantic options will be limited by race and gender, but no matter what you choose, there will always be great choices worth pursuing. Of course, 'greatness' should be taken lightly, as there are romances that range from sweet courtships to devastating betrayals, but as I said before, what's the point of a great romance without some romantic drama?

3

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

If you've heard of Final Fantasy 7, there's probably no need to introduce you to Tifa or Aerith. But if you don't know, there are two main romantic partners that Cloud can pursue in FF7. There are other types of relationships you can build in games, but none of them compare to these two in terms of romance.

As you slowly develop your relationships with Tifa and Aerith, you'll ultimately have to choose what you want to pursue more romantically. As romance readers, I think we can all agree that we've all experienced our fair share of frustration with love triangles. But the best part about this is that you get to choose your own results! Of course, this doesn't stop the heated debate about which option is standard.

2

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

This game is probably one of the most solid romance games on this list in terms of atmosphere. But the only reason this game doesn't take the top spot is because of its romantic limitations. Since you're playing as Geralt, not a character you created, you only have two romantic choices, and both will be female, and the same goes for one-off encounters.

That said, you can still enjoy numerous unique romantic encounters throughout The Witcher 3, including hired prostitutes, traditional dating, and deep, meaningful relationships. While a one-time affair doesn't necessarily have a negative impact on a relationship, the same can't be said for both romantic partners.

Both Triss and Yennefer are equally great romantic partners, so no matter who you choose, you should be happy with the results. But if you try to have both, you'll run into what I can only describe as the most ridiculous rejection result I've ever seen in a game.

1

Baldur's Gate 3

i know. We've all heard of Baldur's Gate 3, but there's no way it wouldn't be on this list. Not only is the high fantasy world amazing and expansive, but relationships are a key point of the game and play a major role in the ending you ultimately receive.

You can choose one of the available partners, regardless of gender, and help them see a brighter future, or join them in the darkness. Both of these paths offer unique interactions and outcomes. You can also fully commit to one partner without mode, pursue a romantic relationship, or embrace polyamorous options.

The romance grows naturally with each act, and you get to see what the most real, natural progression of romance feels like in a video game. Of course, if you're interested in spices, you won't be disappointed. One romantic option literally forces you to fight them and become aroused by the interaction. And if that isn't a scene from every romance book I've ever read, I don't know what is.

I won't spoil any specific storylines here, but just know that no matter how you play this game, you'll be much more satisfied with the options and outcomes of your desired romance.