Summary
- Bethesda games have varying levels of romance, with Morrowind offering a more meaningful romantic path compared to Skyrim.
- Starfield allows players to romance one of four characters, offering a detailed and cozy romantic experience.
- Fallout 4 features companions with fleshed-out romances, showcasing the freedom and immersion typical of Bethesda games.
Bethesda has become one of the biggest studios in the gaming industry, with a combination of first-party development and various third-party developers ensuring that this company will continue to make waves in the video gaming landscape. After all, not every studio is successful enough to attract the attention of industry giants like Microsoft, even if this partnership has been less than ideal for the industry.
Most open-world RPGs, like the ones Bethesda is known for, place a major focus on romances for players to be invested in. With that in mind players may be surprised to know that most Bethesda games don't go all out on this concept. That being said, the company does have some games under its belt that feature romances in some form or another.
The Elder Scrolls: Every Protagonist And Their Canonical Fates
The journeys of each of Bethesda's Elder Scrolls heroes are well documented, but what happens to those heroes after the credits roll is more obscure.
6 The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Most People Don't Know There's A Romanceable Character
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- Released
- May 1, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Morrowind is one of the most expansive open-world RPGs of all time, and it established a formula that has become commonplace in the modern gaming landscape. Romance was not a priority in this title, but male protagonists can still enjoy a halfway decent romance with one particular character.
In Pelagiad, players can find Ahnassi, a member of the Thieves Guild, who will open up to male characters after her disposition is improved. Players can complete a few tasks to help her, eventually giving her flowers to prove their love and cement their romance. Given how most romances are rather token in other Bethesda games, it's nice to see a romantic path that actually involves some meaningful effort from the player. It's a shame that this is the only character in the game that players can get intimate with in Morrowind.
5 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Characters Can Be Married, Although Romance Is Rather Basic
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
With the Amulet of Mara, the Dragonborn can ask for anyone's hand in marriage as long as they've won their favor. While this does contribute to the idea of players being able to live a virtual life in Skyrim, the way players woo characters in the game is pretty lacking.
Every marriageble NPC is a valid candidate as long as players go out of their way to complete a quest for them, regardless of how menial it is. It's far from a fleshed-out romance, but Skyrim should be praised regardless for at least giving players the option to tie the knot with someone.
4 Starfield
Players Can Romance One Of Four Characters
Starfield
- Released
- September 6, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is a game that splits fans down the middle. Some people loved the Bethesda, formula while others grew tired of it. It didn't help that some aspects of the game felt a bit too dated. Still, that should take nothing away from the fun romances that players can initiate in this title.
Starfield: The 10 Best Crimson Fleet NPCs, Ranked
Even though it is made up of a bunch of dangerous pirates, the Crimson Fleet in Starfield has some memorable characters.
Sam Coe and Sarah Morgan are the two most popular options, but some fans will love to get intimate with Barrett or Andreja instead. Either way, the romance paths are fairly detailed and worth exploring for players who want their intergalactic adventures to feel cozy with the partner of their choice.
3 Fallout 4
Various Characters With Relatively Fleshed-Out Romances
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Fallout 4 felt slightly underwhelming, especially since it was the first Bethesda game to be released after Skyrim. However, despite some issues fans had with its writing and narrative, the sense of freedom and immersion that is present in most Bethesda games is clear as day here.
Players can also find a bunch of companions in the game, with a decent chunk of them being romanceable. Highlights include Curie changing into a synth and being worried if the protagonist will accept her, while the rough Cait eventually lets down her guard and lets the Sole Survivor see a different side of her.
2 Indiana Jones And The Great Circle
Sparks Can Fly Between Indy And Gina
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Released
- December 9, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Any piece of Indiana Jones media would be incomplete without a romance, and Gina serves as his potential partner in The Great Circle. Thankfully, she doesn't fall under the bracket of the token romance character, and is actually quite useful in her own right. This makes her one of the best characters in the game, and someone that fans would want Indy to be comfortable around. After all, the adventure in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a lengthy one, and Gina's strong writing ensures that fans will resonate with her character in no time.
1 Wolfenstein: The New Order
B.J. And Anya's Relationship Is A Joy To See Blossom
Wolfenstein: The New Order
- Released
- May 20, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs
Even now, it's hard to believe that one of the best video game romances of all time comes from a Wolfenstein game. The series was known for its no-nonsense gameplay where players shot down numerous Nazis in the most violent manner possible, yet The New Order managed to do the impossible and get fans invested in the title's story.
It could have been a complete disaster, but the excellent writing elevated the game's narrative considerably. Anya is a highlight in the game, helping B.J. Show a vulnerable side as the two form a deep partnership as members of the resistance.
- Date Founded
- June 28, 1986
- Headquarters
- Rockville, Maryland, United States
- CEO
- Todd Howard
- Parent Company
- Microsoft
- Subsidiaries
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Known For
- The Elder Scrolls, Dishonored, DOOM