One of the biggest draws to Mass Effect is its romances. As the Mass Effect Trilogy carries Shepard across three games, they have the opportunity to form close bonds with many characters, some of whom have been with Shepard for years. Mass Effect: Andromeda doesn't take place over three games, so the Ryders don't have the same advantage of potentially knowing their romantic partner across several games, but the romances were still well-written and worth pursuing. Some romances in both Mass Effect games are better than others though, with some beating out the others in quality.
This list takes into account characters that accompany Shepard across all three Mass Effect Trilogy games, even if they aren't a romance option for all three, as well as the quality of the romance. For Mass Effect: Andromeda, it's based purely on the quality of the romance.
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S-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
- Liara
- Garrus
- Tali
- Jaal
- Cora
Liara is with Shepard through thick and thin. She's the reason Shepard is brought back to life by Cerberus, and she continues to be one of Shepard's greatest supporters as she takes on the mantle of the Shadow Broker, using her resources in the fight against the Reapers. Although she doesn't join Shepard in Mass Effect 2, her presence in Lair of the Shadow Broker more than makes up for this.
One of the most popular characters in Mass Effect, Garrus is Shepard's ride-or-die, and sticks by them no matter what. His unwavering loyalty and charm make him a natural romance choice for Shepard who continues to be popular. Tali joins the Normandy in the first Mass Effect, and by Mass Effect 2 has gained more confidence in herself and her place in the world. Much like Garrus, her loyalty to Shepard and her bond with them makes her romance one of the best.
Jaal's personal journey and ties to Mass Effect: Andromeda's main storyline, alongside his role as one of the people native to Andromeda, make his story interesting, but it's his personality and relationship with Ryder that makes his romance worth pursuing. His blunt nature and his developing relationship with Ryder make his romance one of the best in Andromeda. Like Jaal, Cora's romance is initially filled with conflict as she expects to be the next Pathfinder. As she falls into her new role and she and Ryder begin to find their new places, their developing relationship and romance becomes a highlight of Mass Effect: Andromeda.
A-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
- Miranda
- Kaidan
- Ashley
- Jack
- Thane
- Liam
- Vetra
- Reyes
Miranda is one of the best romances in Mass Effect 2, but her absence from the first Mass Effect and her removal as a squad mate in Mass Effect 3 means that her presence is more diminished than some other romances. Kaidan's romance is compelling and well-written but, as one of the Virmire Survivors, he isn't a squad mate in Mass Effect 2, and his content is limited in Mass Effect 3. Ashley suffers the same problems as Kaidan in that her romance is well-written, but she suffers the same lack of content as Kaidan in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3.
Jack is the angstier, angrier option for players who think Miranda is too perfect in Mass Effect 2. If players dodge the Renegade option at the beginning of their interactions with her, they'll have the chance to experience a romance with Jack in Mass Effect 2 that is true. Unfortunately, Jack isn't a squad mate in Mass Effect 3, and so the resolution could be better.
Introduced in Mass Effect 2, Thane is an elite assassin and has an ultimately tragic arc. Although his arc is tragic, his romance is well-written and compelling, and he has a role to play in Mass Effect 3's main storyline. Although Liam doesn't have the same plot relevance as Cora or Jaal, his romance is fun and emotionally fulfilling. Vetra suffers the same problems as Liam in that she doesn't have the same plot relevance as Cora or Jaal, but her romance is well-written.
Reyes is unique in that he's not a squad mate and is instead a romanceable NPC closely tied to a major side quest. His romance is popular thanks to the writing and excitement of romancing a character like Reyes, who fulfills a roguish archetype.
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B-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
- Cortez
- Traynor
- Peebee
- Suvi
- Gil
Cortez makes his debut in Mass Effect 3, and is notable as the first gay romance in Mass Effect. Although he's confined to the ship and not a squad mate, his romance with Shepard has a great arc with a touching story that drives it. Traynor also makes her debut in Mass Effect 3, and is only available for a female Shepard. Like Cortez, she remains on the ship but provides intel and support as a part of her role. Her romance with Shepard is fun and endearing.
Getting past Peebee's barriers can take a lot of effort, as she can be considered more immature than the other romance options in Mass Effect: Andromeda. However, her overall romance arc is charming, and getting past her exterior is considered to be worth it by many. As a member of the Tempest's crew, Suvi remains onboard for much of Mass Effect: Andromeda. She's incredibly sweet and a great option for Sara Ryder. Like Suvi, Gil is a member of the Tempest's crew and spends most of his time onboard the ship.
C-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
- Samara
- Kelly
- Jacob
- Morinth
Samara's romance is very easy to miss, and requires Shepard to not be in any other romance. There's very little content, but its low-key nature may be what some want. Kelly's romance is only available in Mass Effect 2, and also has very little content. As Jacob's romance always ends in him cheating on Shepard in Mass Effect 3 and having a child with another woman with no consequences, this one earns a spot just above the character that kills Shepard. The alternative squad mate to Samara, Morinth can be romanced if Shepard is foolhardy enough to ignore all the warnings, and always ends in a critical mission failure.
