Baldur’s Gate 3brought a bold and refreshing take to RPG romance systems, allowing players to engage in relationships with multiple companions simultaneously. With its diverse characters and narrative-driven approach, it set a high bar for romantic storytelling in video games. Players could experience everything from Wyll’s heartfelt and endearing arc toAstarion’s darker, more morally complex dynamics. Moreover, the ability to romance multiple characters, such as Astarion and Halsin, reflected the game’s commitment to player freedom and inclusivity.
However, whileBaldur’s Gate 3made strides in this area, there were notable shortcomings, particularly in how multiple romances were acknowledged and integrated into the narrative. With Larian Studios stepping away from the series, any potentialBaldur’s Gate 4will likely be handled by a new developer. This provides a fresh opportunity to refine and expand on the groundwork laid by its predecessor, ensuring that future games deliver an even richer romantic experience.
One of the most celebrated aspects ofBaldur’s Gate 3was how it allowed players to pursue relationships with multiple characterssimultaneously. For example, players could romance both Astarion and Halsin, with both companions accepting the shared relationship. However, the game’s execution often fell short of its ambitious premise.
While Astarion andHalsin were written to be comfortable sharing a romantic partner, the game rarely provided moments where the three characters interacted as part of a shared dynamic. Most scenes and conversations treated the romances as separate, isolated storylines, creating a fragmented narrative. Even in moments where there could have been group dialogue, such as campfire interactions or personal quests, there was little acknowledgment of the broader relationship dynamic.
A potentialBaldur’s Gate 4could address this by incorporating more group-specific interactions—scenes where Astarion and Halsin banter with each other about the player character or share their perspectives on the relationship. This would not only deepen the emotional investment but also make the relationships feel more authentic and interconnected.
Endgame Disconnect in Baldur’s Gate 3’s Multiple Romances
The lack of cohesion inBaldur’s Gate 3’s multiple romances was most evident in its endgame. Players who pursued relationships with both Astarion and Halsin often found the ending scenes disjointed. For example, if the player chose toremain with Ascended Astarion, the conclusion focused solely on him, with little acknowledgment of Halsin beyond a reunion in the extended prologue. This left many players feeling as though the polyamorous relationship was treated as an afterthought.
Future developers could avoid this by creating shared endings for multiple romances. Instead of isolating each companion’s storyline,Baldur’s Gate 4could allow for branching epilogues that reflect the player’s choices. For instance, if the player maintained relationships with two characters, the ending could showcase how the group navigates their dynamic post-adventure.
Mechanics to Expand Multiple Romances in Baldur’s Gate 4
One way for the nextBaldur’s Gategame to evolve is by integrating multiple romances into gameplay mechanics. InBaldur’s Gate 3, romance was largely confined to dialogue and cutscenes, with limited impact on gameplay outside ofcombat buffs like Astarion’s Bite ability. A future installment could enhance this by adding collaborative mechanics that reflect the shared bond between companions.
Characters in a polyamorous relationship could gain unique synergistic abilities in combat, such as combined spells or team attacks. Outside of battle, group-specific quests or events could explore the complexities of their relationship. Perhaps the companions have differing views on a critical moral decision, forcing the player to mediate and strengthen their bond. This would make the relationships feel more integrated into the broader game experience.
Additionally,the yet-unannouncedBaldur’s Gate 4developercould introduce more dynamic romance events. Instead of relying solely on scripted scenes, the game could feature emergent moments triggered by the player’s actions. For instance, if the player makes a choice that impacts one companion’s personal values, both romantic partners could react in a way that sparks group dialogue or a unique event.
Building on Larian Studios’ Legacy
Larian Studios’ success withBaldur’s Gate 3sets a high standardfor any potentialBaldur’s Gate 4. The next developer will need to honor the franchise’s legacy while addressing areas for improvement. Expanding the narrative depth of multiple romances, refining the endgame experience, and incorporating new mechanics will be essential to achieving this.
For example,Dragon Age: Inquisitionoffered a robust romance system but suffered from limited group dynamics in its relationships. A futureBaldur’s Gategame could learn from bothDragon AgeandBaldur’s Gate 3by creating a system that balances individual storylines with interconnected group narratives. The goal should be to make each romance feel distinct yet cohesive within the larger framework of the game.
