Romance has always been a big draw in Dragon Age games, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard is no different. As Rook, you have seven companions in The Veilguard, and all of them are potential romance partners. While you might be excited to jump right to flirting, there are a few wrinkles in the romance system that are worth considering.
Here’s how romance works in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and what you can expect from your dalliances.
How do you romance characters in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
Image: BioWare/Electronic Arts via Polygon
No matter your lineage, faction, or gender, you can romance all seven of your companions. Our guide to all Veilguard companions goes into more detail about each party member, but purely at a glance, they are:
- Neve Gallus
- Lucanis Dellamorte
- Bellara Lutare
- Emmrich Volkarin
- Taash
- Lace Harding
- Davrin
Flirting will come up naturally during dialogue with your companions; these options will be marked with a pink heart in conversations. You are free to flirt away with everyone without breaking any hearts; to wit, I chose romantic dialogue options for everyone on the team at least a couple of times, without being locked into any awkward conversations.
Can you romance multiple characters in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
Image: BioWare/Electronic Arts via Polygon
Yes, but you eventually need to commit to one choice.
If you want to track the status of your chosen romance partner(s), check the Companions page. Under their rank is a phrase describing your current dynamic, plus an icon. A thumbs up means that you two are cool, and clasped hands means you’re now solid allies.
Once you see a heart next to their status, you know that they have registered your affections. Not all companions warm up to your Rook at the same rate; some require a little more patience and unlock at a higher bond level. Continue to chat with your crush every time you return to the Lighthouse.
Once you’ve gotten to heart status with a companion, they’ll eventually approach you and ask for you to make a decision on your status. This is not a permanent choice, but it does take your relationship to the next level. If you were just flirting for fun, the character will offer you a graceful out, and their icon will revert back to that of a friend or ally. Otherwise, you can agree and enter the first stage of romance.
Can you lock out of other romances?
Romances in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are tied to bond levels; if you haven’t taken companions out into the world or completed their personal quests, they may not warm to you, or to each other. Unlike previous Dragon Age games, based on our testing, it doesn’t look like there are any plot choices you can make that instantly end a romance or lead to a companion leaving your party.
Committing to a character, however, can prevent you from romancing the other six potential partners. The first stage of romance is not-exclusive in The Veilguard. The second stage is.
After pursuing a romance path, the companion who’s received your affections will eventually put their cards on the table and offer you a final choice: complete the courting process and become an official exclusive couple, or break up.
Once you’re official with a companion, their icon will change to two overlapping hearts, and other companions will start commenting on your dynamic.
Can characters romance each other?
Image: BioWare/Electronic Arts via Polygon
Rook has a lot to worry about with their companions’ problems, but there are some sweet choices to make amongst all the dark backstories and hidden secrets. If you do not romance companions, there’s a chance that they’ll grow interested in one another. They may ask you for advice on how to court each other, like asking for advice on a gift, or running some first date suggestions past Rook.
You may also be asked to comment on the Inquisitor’s romantic life, depending on the choices made about the fate of the Inquisition during character creation. Rook can encourage the Inquisitor to reunite with a long-lost love, or dissuade them from taking the risk.
For more Dragon Age: The Veilguard guides, see our guides on the best class to pick and the best faction to join, plus an explainer on how to change appearance.