Some people play the Dragon Age games for detailed worldbuilding or apocalyptic and political plots. It's engrossing as it casts you as the hero being pulled at by many different currents and interests. But every good hero needs some support, right? That's where the relationship-building part of these games comes into play.
The games allow players to assemble a team of allies and confidants to face the oncoming end of all things. They each have special skills to aid you, and also unique personalities that you'll either love or hate. A chosen few of your allies might be willing to become something a little more than friends if you vibe well enough. Now, whether or not this next step of the relationship is worth it is up to some debate, but these companions are well worth the investment.
Updated on August 19, 2021, by Juliet Childers: The romance aspect of any BioWare game is a main feature with lots of robust and branching options. As such, many fans have pretty strong opinions about which ones hold a coveted spot in their player character's heart. But here are TG's 10 best romances in the Dragon Age series.
10 Dorian Pavus - A Landmark Romance
Dorian's inclusion as the first male companion romanceable only by a male Inquisitor earned many positive reactions from fans. But his romance is also one of the better ones in the Dragon Age series. Dorian starts off their friendship in a friendly, flippant way that makes him instantly endearing.
But it isn't until you start to learn more about his difficult backstory that it becomes clear how much Dorian comes to trust a romanced Inquisitor. He's initially irreverent because he's keeping you at a distance until the Inquisitor's finally able to convince him he actually wants to be with him. Then, the floodgates of love open, and Dorian gives himself to you entirely.
9 Fenris - Strangers To Frenemies To Lovers To...Enemies?
Fenris isn't exactly the most in touch with his emotional center if you will. He's a former slave who underwent an horrifically painful procedure to have lyrium grafted onto his body only to then be a killer for a Tevinter magister. He harbors no good will toward mages which makes a romance with a mage Hawke an incredibly engaging one.
The approval/disapproval system in DA2 also still allows for romantic entanglements with people who may not necessarily agree with your decisions. Whether you win Fenris' heart through compassion and like-mindedness or by sheer force of will, he stands out as a fan-favorite romance across the series.
8 Josephine Montilyet - Adorable & Drama-Filled
Josephine is one of the bisexual romance options across the Dragon Age series. As a very diplomatic person, she blushes easily and, though she can hold her own in verbal volleys, the Inquisitor can fluster her with their advances. At one point in flirting with her, however, Leliana threatens you not to hurt her or you will have to answer to her knives.
Plus, there's a duel, a broken betrothal, a contract with a house of assassins, and then the reinstatement of her family's reputation and nobility. You know: sweeping, romantic novel stuff that Cassandra loves, but without the swords. Or with them just...concealed?
7 Morrigan - Wild Yet Tender At Heart
Your very first suspicious apostate witch (a series favorite) actually has one of the better romances in the series. Perhaps this isn't surprising, with Morrigan being a fan-favorite character and almost the face of the franchise. The relationship is rewarding because of Morrigan's contempt for sentimentality of any kind; you really have to work for it.
She initially comes off as aloof and sarcastic, but as the Warden slowly builds a relationship with her, she reveals more and more of her true self — which isn't any less sarcastic but is certainly warmer. Sadly, there's no happy ending for a Warden/Morrigan romance. No matter what else happens, she leaves the party after the final battle in Origins.
6 Cassandra - Secret Cinnamon Roll
On the flip side, a romance with Cassandra is so much more rewarding because of how her character and relationship with the Inquisitor develop and change over time. When you first meet her, she's a cold, hard-nosed soldier with little time for you or your offers of friendship. Even just becoming friends with her — the only option available for poor female Inquisitors — is an enjoyable experience as you watch her loosen up.
But the revelation that Cassandra is actually a hopeless romantic yearning to be properly courted is so perfect and unexpected that it's hard not to love it. Romance arcs should reveal something special about the character, and Cassandra's does exactly that.
5 Isabela - Let's Run Away Together (But No, Really)
Isabela is a no-holds-barred, take no prisoners kind of treasure hunter. But that free-spirited, cavalier approach to life belies a tragic past filled with abandonment, oppression, and loneliness. She's one of the most incredible characters in the series -- one whom many fans want to see return for DA4.
As such, her romance starts out as something casual and can blossom into something otherworldly -- to the point that you even duel the Qunari Arishok to save her. Or you can betray her, but many DA fans confess that they could never be that cruel.
4 Solas - Stupid Bald Egg Man
This accursed egg is probably the most frustrating and even heartbreaking romance on the list. Solas' betrayal is probably the most iconic example of the Dragon Age series' favorite trope of "don't trust the apostate mage." Not only is he lying about his real identity and plotting to work against the interests of the Inquisition, but the fulfillment of his romance arc is him breaking up with you! How dare he? Does he know who you are?
And this is leaving aside his constant condescension about your cultural and religious beliefs as a Dalish elf. But so many fans latched on to "Solavellan" because of how well-written and gripping the relationship was. If you want drama, Solas is the romance option for you.
3 Alistair - He's Basically A Himbo
Alistair's romance is almost the opposite of Morrigan's. He's friendly and playful from the get-go and hates being mocked about matters of friendship or intimacy. He wants to feel valued by the Warden and certainly doesn't reciprocate any "contempt for love" expressions by players. In summation, Alistair's romance is the quintessential sweet love story.
He even makes the Warden a gift of a rose when his approval rating is high enough. There is the minor concern that you can ask him to knock up Morrigan in the end game, but hey, you can also become Queen of Ferelden beside him. You win some, you lose some, eh?
2 Leliana - Goofy & Joyful When She Isn't Stabbing Someone
Leliana is one of the franchise's most heartfelt and authentic romances and male or female Wardens can romance her, too. However, just as she calls out the Inquisitor, she will call out the Warden if they are flirting with her and other people. Leliana may like a good time, but it seems like she prefers monogamy in relationships.
As with Isabela and Iron Bull, the player character can also make a choice that irrevocably damages their relationship with her and Leliana herself.
1 Zevran - The Ultimate Flirt Until...
Who can resist a good rivals-to-lovers romance arc? Rivals usually don't get any more clear-cut than them trying to kill you at your first meeting. Luckily, Zevran fails and, from then on, he joins your merry band of outcasts. He's another who appears funny and easygoing at first and is even one of the easiest companions to get to join the Warden in their tent. But when the Warden expresses the possibility of deeper feelings, Zevran balks.
He reveals that he never considered his life would allow for the possibility of real romance and even considered himself incapable of love. After the two are forced to be honest about their feelings and the future of their relationship, Zevran is the only companion who gives his heart to the Warden completely. If the Warden perishes in the final battle, it's even noted that Zevran never loved again.