10 Best Romance Games for Fans of Fantasy Romance Books

If there's one thing about me that crosses over into all the media I consume, it's my love for 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-riding leathers in a book, I'm here for them 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 games often try to reach such a broad audience that romance takes a bit of a backseat to everything else.

That said, I've managed to put together a list of some games that won't leave you hanging if you're looking for a new way to enjoy an interesting romance, so I hope you find one you can sink your teeth into!

10

Stardew Valley

While most of Stardew Valley is very mundane on the surface, this magical little world is much more than the farming simulator it seems on the surface, with plenty of romantic relationships to follow. Of all the options on this list, this is easily the one where you can stir up the most drama, and what's a good romance story without drama?

There are 12 partners to choose from, and all are available regardless of gender. Taking things a step further than most of the games on this list, you'll not only be able to romance your chosen partner, but also marry and move in with them. Unfortunately, as you can guess, the spice is a bit limited, but many couples make references to having a bit of fun when they are alone in the evening.

9

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Although some argue that Star Wars is technically sci-fi, the two genres can go hand in hand, and Star Wars is as close to high fantasy as sci-fi can get. Star Wars Jedi games allow you to explore multiple planets, each with its own ecosystem, while developing your relationship with one of your companions, Merrin.

As a story of enemies-turned-lovers, your relationship with Merin starts off a bit rocky but develops naturally over the course of Fallen Order and Survivor. That said, we don't have the third and final part of this story yet, so there's no telling how this story will end, but what there is already is one of the best and possibly healthiest relationships in all of Star Wars.

8

Personality 5 Royal

While Persona 5 Royal, or any of the Persona games, aren't necessarily high fantasy, they still contain fantasy elements as well as a ton of romance options to choose from. While juggling schoolwork and saving the world as a clown, you're able to pursue romantic relationships with up to ten different partners, and no, you don't have to choose just one, at least not at first.

You're ultimately forced to settle on just one romantic partner at the end of the game, but up until that point, you can explore your relationships with each 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. While there's no real romantic development here, Link and Zelda are a ship that goes back decades, despite any relationship Link has had otherwise, and you can definitely see that in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In both games, you'll come across several story moments that continue to build on the idea that Zelda has strong feelings for Link.

That said, Mifa also expresses an interest in Link in Breath of the Wild, and it seems to be reciprocated, so it's up to you whether or not you believe Link shares Zelda's feelings. Many would say yes, but whatever, the relationship between these two, whatever it is, makes the ending of TOTK so emotional.

6

Hades

If there's one thing you can say about romance books, it's that almost every character is undeniably attractive. No, we can't see them, and I don't make the rules, but you know in your heart it's true. So, what could have more of that energy than a game about Greek gods?

You can't convince me that everyone in this game wasn't designed to be as hot as possible, and if you don't believe me, just look at their redesigns in Heads 2, where most of them somehow got even hotter. That said, unfortunately, the romance is a back-burner element here, but it's still present and well-written enough that it felt necessary to include the title.

Zagreus has two true romance paths in Hades: Megaera and Thanatos, and thankfully, you don't have to choose because you can enjoy both romances in any order without consequence. And if you're up for it, Hades 2 has a different protagonist with even more romance options than Zagreus.

5

Fire Symbols: Three Houses

While the fantasy element of Fire Emblem: Three Houses needs no explanation, there is a unique reason this game is on this list, and it's not just because you have so many potential romances to pursue in the game. In addition to building your own romantic relationship in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, you can also connect other characters with each other.

That said, you unfortunately won't see many of these romances come to fruition until late in the game. So, while you may spend a lot of time in the game considering your S-Support options, depending on your path, the main payoff is seeing things neatly tied in a bow as opposed to enjoying the romance throughout your playthrough.

4

Dragon Age: Exploration

Romance in Dragon Age: Inquisition is similar in intent to Baldur's Gate 3, but with a few more limitations. However, that doesn't mean it's bad, just different. Unlike BG3, where your race and gender have no effect on who you can romance, the same cannot be said for Dragon Age: Inquisition, where characters have their own preferences.

Now, while this may be a drawback for some, it can make things feel a little more authentic. For example, Shadowheart in BG3 openly hates Githanki at the start of the game, but romancing this race requires no extra hoops to jump through. Whereas in DAI Solas will only have relationships with elven women, as you'd expect given his overall goals, which adds a layer of realism.

With that in mind, race and gender will limit your romantic options, but no matter what you choose, there will always be a great one to pursue. Of course, you should take 'great' lightly as these romances range from sweet marriages to devastating betrayals, but like I said before, what's a great romance without some relationship drama?

3

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

If you've ever heard of Final Fantasy 7, I'm sure I don't need to introduce Tifa or Aerith, but if you don't know, these are the two primary romantic partners you can follow as Cloud in FF7. There are other types of relationships you can work to build in games, but none of them compare to these two in terms of romance.

As you slowly develop your relationship with Tifa and Aerith, you'll eventually be forced to choose which one you want to pursue a little more romantically. As a romance reader, I think we can all agree that we've had our fair share of frustrations with love triangles, but the best part about it is that you get to choose the outcome! Of course, this does not prevent heated debate over which alternative is canonical.

2

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

It's one of the most authentic romance games on this list in terms of vibes, but the only reason it doesn't make the top spot is because of the romantic limitations. Since you're playing as Geralt and not a character of your own creation, you'll only have two romantic options, and they'll both be women, and the same goes for all the one-off encounters you can have.

That said, you can still enjoy the many unique romantic encounters throughout The Witcher 3, including hired prostitutes, traditional-looking dates, and deep, meaningful relationships. While a one-off has no negative impact on your relationship, the same cannot be said for two romantic partners.

Triss and Yennefer are both equally great romantic partners, so whoever you choose, you should be satisfied with the results. But if you try to get both of them, you'll encounter what I can only describe as the most hilarious rejection result I've ever seen in a game.

1

Baldur's Gate 3

Look, I know. We've all heard of Baldur's Gate 3, but there's no way it won't make the list. Not only is the high fantasy world remarkable and detailed, but relationships are a major point of the game, which ultimately plays a major role in the ending you get.

You can choose any of the available partners regardless of your gender, and either help them see the bright days or join them in the dark. Both of these paths will provide unique interactions and results. And you can also be completely devoted to one partner, pursue flings, or embrace some polygamous options, all without mods.

Romances grow naturally in each act, and you can see what feels like the most authentic natural progression of romance in a video game. And, of course, if you are interested in spices, you will not be disappointed. A romantic option literally forces you to fight them and is activated by 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 how you play this game, you will be satisfied with the choices and results of your desired romance.