Similar to other titles in the Dragon Age franchise, Dragon Age: The Veilguard allows players to form romantic relationships with their companions. Amidst the vast conflict in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the protagonist Rook must gather a band of allies and experts from across northern Thedas to combat the blighted gods. The group, consisting of Rook and seven companions, evolves into a tight-knit family as the story unfolds.
Every character in Rook’s team has their own narrative journey that unfolds through personal quests, which are arguably the most engaging side content in the game. These quests can be captivating on their own, and they can become even more meaningful if Rook engages in a romance with one of the companions. While the specifics vary for each relationship, the approach to initiating a romance is consistent among all seven companions.
Romance Options in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Rook’s Seven Romance Options
All seven of Rook’s primary companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are potential romantic interests. Like in Dragon Age 2 or Baldur’s Gate 3, these companions can be pursued regardless of Rook’s species or gender. Each character represents one of the six factions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, with Scout Lace Harding being affiliated with the Inquisition. Below is a list of Rook’s romanceable companions, including their species, class, personality traits, and faction.
|
Romanceable Companion |
Species |
Class |
Personality |
Faction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lace Harding |
Dwarf |
Rogue |
Compassionate, upbeat |
N/A |
|
Neve Gallus |
Human |
Mage |
Cynical and determined |
Shadow Dragons |
|
Bella Lutare |
Elf |
Mage |
Creative, lively |
Veil Jumpers |
|
Lucanis Dellamorte |
Human |
Rogue |
Romantic, complex |
Antivan Crows |
|
Davrin |
Elf |
Warrior |
Charming, bold |
Grey Wardens |
|
Taash |
Qunari |
Warrior |
Intense, passionate |
Lords of Fortune |
|
Emmerich Volkarin |
Human |
Mage |
Kind, proper |
Mourn Watch |
Each companion has their own values and may not always align with Rook’s choices.
Understanding Romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Build Towards a Romance Cinematic with Your Partner
In general, most romantic relationships in Dragon Age: The Veilguard can kick off after Rook completes the quest to recruit each companion. Rook should visit the companion in their Lighthouse quarters to bring them into the fold.
During the conversation, usually towards the end, a Romantic dialogue option will appear in the dialogue wheel. Players should select this option to start expressing interest in their chosen companion. While the romance system may seem straightforward, there are plenty of ways to cultivate a relationship with the selected partner.
Gain Approval & Strengthen Bonds
A System Familiar to Fans of Inquisition
Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings back the Approval System reminiscent of Inquisition. Players won’t see a visible approval meter, but Rook’s choices in dialogue and actions during gameplay will prompt notifications on the screen indicating which companions approve or disapprove. Generally, garnering high approval from a companion indicates Rook’s decisions align with their values, although low approval doesn’t necessarily shut down romantic opportunities.
Along with the Approval System, a Bond system is also introduced. When Rook invites companions on main and side quests, their Bond with those companions strengthens. Stronger bonds result in more Skill Points that can enhance companions’ Passive Abilities. Building a solid Bond with Rook’s love interest is recommended for boosting combat capabilities and enriching the relationship.
Various choices in Dragon Age: The Veilguard directly relate to companions. Making certain decisions can significantly hinder Rook’s ability to pursue a romance with a companion they have crossed. These decisions can result in a companion becoming Hardened, similar to how decisions influenced Leliana’s alignment in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
These companions may withdraw from using Support abilities in combat and take longer to increase their Bond with Rook. Furthermore, players might miss out on specific quests associated with these characters or their factions. Thoughtful decision-making is essential to maintaining romantic interests, character relationships, and faction dynamics.
Engage with Companions & Trigger Companion Quests
Spend Quality Time with Your Partner
After completing key story quests and even during side quests, players should consistently return to the Lighthouse and engage in conversations with their companions. Bringing companions into side and exploration quests is also advisable.
As conversations progress in the Lighthouse, companions will eventually share their first Companion Quest, usually linked to their unique abilities. For instance, during her first quest, Harding practices her stone manipulation, while Davrin invites Rook for a leisurely walk and picnic. Successfully completing these quests opens up more romantic and playful dialogue options in casual discussions, and players should actively choose these options.
The initial companion quest often leads to a more complex personal story for each companion, offering players deeper insights into their backgrounds and character arcs. Completing these quests is vital, particularly for Rook’s romantic prospect, as it enhances their relationship and usually culminates in an exclusive romance cinematic.
Thoughtful Gifts
Demonstrate Your Affection
Similar to previous titles like Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard incorporates a Gift system. Rook can acquire or purchase gifts for companions through various Merchants. Gift item descriptions usually indicate their ideal recipient, and players will receive a special quest prompt in the Journal to remind them to deliver gifts to companions at the Lighthouse. Gifts are especially effective for strengthening the Bond with Rook’s romantic interest and should not be neglected.
Companions Without Romance
Consequences of No Romance
Many of the tactics for pursuing romance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are also beneficial for fostering friendships with companions. This makes all the strategies and actions mentioned above useful, even if players don’t seek romantic relationships.
While polyamory is not explicitly supported, if Rook flirts with one companion but ultimately chooses another, there are typically no significant repercussions or uncomfortable conversations demanding a choice. Unromanced companions are also free to initiate relationships with each other. This design contributes to Dragon Age: The Veilguard‘s romance system, which is simple yet effectively enriches the experience.