In Dragon Age: Veilguard, you’ll find yourself flirting with various companions at every opportunity, trying to win them over with gifts in hopes of sparking a romantic relationship with your character, Rook. This game wouldn’t feel like a true Dragon Age installment without a well-developed romance system that lets you get to know your companions better. However, this version does have some changes compared to earlier games, and much of what’s going on with your companions’ feelings happens behind the scenes, making it hard to gauge their opinions about you. To help you navigate this, I’ve compiled all the key details about romancing companions in Dragon Age: Veilguard.
Which Companions Can You Romance in Dragon Age: Veilguard?
In Dragon Age: Veilguard, the seven provided companions are your only options for romance. You won’t be able to pursue any other NPCs. Fortunately, you won’t face restrictions related to character creation decisions, such as your race, gender, or appearance. You can become romantic with any of the following companions:
- Harding
- Neve
- Bellara
- Lucanis
- Davrin
- Taash
- Emmrich
It’s worth noting you can only pursue a romance with one companion during your playthrough. However, you can still build strong bonds with all of them, which will help you level them up and complete their companion storylines to unlock unique Hero of the Veilguard abilities and special gear.
Understanding Romance Mechanics in Dragon Age: Veilguard
Dragon Age: Veilguard Guides
Romancing companions in Dragon Age: Veilguard is straightforward, with various ways to express your feelings. The same romantic rules apply across all companions, making it easier to navigate your options. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while pursuing romance:
- Use Romantic Dialogue Choices: When you chat with your targeted companion, always choose the dialogue options highlighted with a red heart. These responses are often supportive or flirtatious and boost your relationship.
- Think About Your Dialogue with Others: Your words during conversations with other NPCs can impact how companions feel about you. Strive to align your responses with the values and personalities of the companion you’re interested in.
- Include Them in Your Party: Keeping your desired companion in your party during quests enhances your bond, as it allows for more conversations and opportunities to improve your relationship.
- Check In Regularly: Even when your favorite companion isn’t in your party, visit them at the Lighthouse frequently to ensure you don’t miss time-sensitive dialogues or quests.
- Finish Their Companion Quests: It’s wise to complete these quests as soon as they become available to maximize relationship-building opportunities and access the unique boosts they offer.
- Gift Giving: As mentioned in our tips for Dragon Age: Veilguard, purchasing items designated as gifts is beneficial. This will trigger a quest where you’ll need to present your gift, enhancing their approval of you.
By following some of these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a solid relationship, unless a companion has the Hardened effect, which may slow progress. Your companions’ feelings can be gauged through their approval status, indicated by an icon beneath their bond level in the companion menus. Although this approval system operates mostly behind the scenes, here’s a quick guide on what each icon represents:
- Speech bubble: The companion sees Rook as an acquaintance.
- Thumbs up: The companion views Rook as a friend, indicating a positive relationship.
- Heart: The companion has romantic feelings for Rook.
Eventually, you’ll encounter a moment where you have to decide whether to fully cut off a romantic possibility with a companion or keep the door open for future romance. Choosing to remain open doesn’t guarantee a relationship will blossom later, but deciding to close off romance means you won’t have that chance for the rest of the game. Therefore, only opt to reject romance if you’re completely sure about your decision.
Much like the best RPGs, Veilguard offers a comprehensive romance system that allows you to connect with your companions. If you’re interested in my overall thoughts about the game, take a look at my review of Dragon Age: Veilguard.