Summary
- Romance is a major draw in Baldur's Gate 3, with players showing the most interest in pursuing Shadowheart.
- A future update should let players romance Raphael, a devilish character with a tempting deal for the player's soul.
- Romances with morally dubious characters are already on the table in BG3, so adding Raphael wouldn't be too extraordinary.
Baldur's Gate 3 tells a story of adventure, betrayal, and bloodshed while still leaving room for romance. Romanceable characters are a significant factor in the hype surrounding the game. All but two of the player's companions at their campsite are amiable to romance, depending on the choices that the player makes. Larian Studios revealed in December that of all the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, Shadowheart was the most popular pick among them. At the time, 51.3% of players chose to pursue her romantically.
Even with over a dozen romanceable characters, some fans have asked for more. Specifically, there is a growing contingent of players that would like to woo none other than Raphael, the silver-tongued devil that desperately wants to make a deal with the player in exchange for their soul. It's not unheard of for baddies to be bedded in Baldur's Gate 3, so there is a solid argument to make Raphael a romanceable character through future patches of the game.
Baldur’s Gate 3: 10 Characters That Should’ve Been Romanceable (But Aren't)
These characters should've been romanceable in Baldur's Gate 3.
Raphael Would Be a BG3 Romance Unlike Any Other
Raphael first reveals himself to players by whisking them away to his ironically-named House of Hope. Through riddles and clever wordplay, he reveals that he both knows about the tadpole that the player harbors in their brain and offers a solution to the problem. This would cost players their soul, however, since Raphael is a Cambion fiend like Wyll's warlock patron Mizora. Regardless of the player's feelings about him, Raphael will continue to appear throughout the game. In Act 3, players return to his House of Hope to retrieve the Orphic Hammer, and in the end, players are left with two options: kill Raphael or take his deal.
Obviously, killing him puts an end to the story. Taking the deal, however, reveals that Raphael wants to rule over the Nine Hells and beyond with the power of the Crown of Karsus. The ideal opportunity for a romance with Raphael is here, where the player's destiny is inextricably tied to his because of the deal. While this isn't necessarily an ideal outcome for the player, it does present the perfect time for a more intimate moment with the charming demon.
BG3 Loves a Bad Romance
There are other morally gray or outright evil characters that players can romance in Baldur's Gate 3. Minthara, a Drow Paladin originally loyal to The Absolute, has no qualms about slaughtering a grove filled with druids and tiefling refugees. The Emperor, a mysterious figure that turns out to be an independent illithid, is another controversial romance partner. Players can even pursue a night of passion with Mizora, the fiend that holds Wyll's soul under contract. It wouldn't be too strange, therefore, for the developers at Larian Studios to consider adding in an option to romance Raphael.
How to (Kind of) Romance Raphael
Although players cannot romance the real Raphael, there is a version of him that is more than happy to have a romantic scene with the player. Harleep is an incubus lounging around in Raphael's bedroom in the House of Hope who takes on the form of a slightly younger Raphael. This is because Raphael is narcissistic and loves to love himself. Harleep was gifted to Raphael by his father Mephistopholes to serve as an intimate partner and distraction. Even though Harleep recognizes the player's intentions, referring to them as "little thief," he is happy to give the player secret information about Raphael. This info comes with a price: the player must "play" with Harleep and surrender, body and mind.
"Harleep" is an anagram for "Raphael."
From there, the player can choose to romance Harleep in the feminine form of the "Archduchess Raphael" or in his usual masculine form. Harleep will ask them to surrender to his charms, and the player can resist. Even with a successful Wisdom check against the incubus' charms, players will have to either choose to surrender or else commence a fight with Harleep. Choosing not to fight will result in a romance scene in which Harleep takes the form of the player's character. From then on, Harleep has the ability to shapeshift into the player's form and each time he does, the player will be informed through a message and a shiver.
After this scene, Harleep will let the player know of the location of Raphael's secret safe where he keeps the Orphic Hammer. If asked, he'll also let the player know that Raphael actually isn't all that good in bed. Regardless, fans have been charmed by his devilish wits. A romance with Raphael would be demonstrative of the freedom of choice given to Baldur's Gate 3 players.
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCE
Choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.
A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPIC
Forged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian's next-generation RPG engine.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
- Metascore
- 96
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
