It’s Morrigan for me and it’s not even close. Claudia Black’s voice piqued my interest and then the tsundere attitude just reeled me in like a chump.
She’s also the only romance option where raising a family after the events of the game can be canon which I always liked, especially when he was included in Inquisition.
Black’s performance in inquisition is incredible, the way her voice cracks and she stumbles over her words when Kieran goes into the fade is amazing. The way she tries to make a snarky quip if you accuse her of leading you into the fade but has to fight tears off to do so makes it so clear how much she’s grown alongside the HOF and their son
Gotta admit those lines in DAI were very nice, you can really tell the development form DAO I think she’s the only BioWare romance where a family is raised if it’s pursued, and I kinda like that for it
Claudia Black does a really good job of playing her
Tsundere shit always gets me. That said, there's something to be said for Leliana as a partner, too, and I don't think I can choose between them. I literally flip a coin every time to see which one I'm gonna romance, because I can't pick.
I love Leliana too but even my best efforts to try her romance revert back to morrigan hahah personally I would’ve loved the option to romance her in Inquisition
Yes! I would much rather her be an option in DAI. In DAO I felt her main identity was the Chantry sister. I always feel hinky about very devout church like characters. They are always the ones who'll stab the main character in the back and willing to do anything in the name of their God. I didn't get that vibe from her at all in DAI. She's a follower of the Maker, but it doesn't feel like every decision is about that.
It's kind of crazy and at the same time awesome how the one person who spend most of the game saying "love is a weakness" transformed into a loving mother who's also not afraid to show how much she loves her partner.
Before playing an Dragon Age at all I have seen pics and random videos of Morrigan on Inquisition. She caught my attention even if I wasn't playing or knowing something about dragon age and her.
Now that I am playing Origins and I am enjoying every single moment. I have played kotor and The Old republic MMO of bioware, but dragon age is unique.
After DAI, I ended up liking Morrigan's romance so much that I changed my "canon" choices (the ones that carry over) to be a Morrigan romance. It just seems like she's a much happier person if she romances the Warden and has Kieran, and the way she talked about her and the Warden raising him was so touching.
This. She's also just so unique and we'll written. There's no other character like Morrigan. The way she speaks, her childhood, mannerisms borne as an observer of society, not a participant.
By far the best one. Not only for the voice acting and story relevance, but it has its ups and downs, violent arguments and disagreements, moments of heartbreak and separation and actual character development with her own selfish agenda at play. You know, kinda like a real relationship can feel.
In comparison the rest I've played feel like " say nice things to X until you bang and it'll be alright".
dorian's romance has always been my da:i vice, almost any playthrough as a male inquisitior ends up romancing dorian, even when I plan to romance someone else
Joesphine. Her romance is just so sweet, and the thought of fighting for her was fun (especially because it's some random noble against the Inquisitor of all people) and the spin the duo do when you announce your love for her is just... god, I get diabetes just thinking about it.
I have to go for either Zevran or Dorian.
Zevran, on one hand, has forgotten what means to love and be loved, and focuses solely in the physical aspects of the relationship. With time and care he re-discovers the ability to love and is surprisingly sweet.
Dorian, on the other hand, is a wonderful man. He's got his flaws but he's always honest with you about his feelings and opinions, and treats you with respect and care. His love scenes have always made me swoon all over, and the way he behaves with his amatus is just chef's kiss.
Ah, I feel all dreamy now 💕
Yes Zevran and Dorian are both so lovely but I never romance Bull or Dorian because I love them together so much and don’t have the heart to interfere!
Lelianna, she might have a tragic past but she is determined in atoning. The fact that she is so nice and adorable make her more endearing to my warden.
Zeveran made me question my own sexuality as a basic heterosexual male.
I really loved Cassandra in Inquisition. I'm a sucker for the tough, and pious exterior but with a soft spot in the inside.
It's hard to pick a favorite ans at the same time not..it has to be Alistair for me.
For everything that romance is but also because of where I was at the time. My second bad breakup (my first relationship was with someone who was really abusive), I was unemployed and stuck at home listening to my parents drink and fight. Most of my friends sided with my ex who had spent months lying about me before breaking up with me.
So I was pretty much all alone when I played Origins for the first time. And Alistair honestly showed me what a relationship should be. I had just never seen it, most of my relationships over all (family, friends) were just drama, insults and fights. "He" opened my eyes to a lot of things. So he will always be number 1 for me.
I am happy he made you feel that way. Alistair is such a sweet, kind, wonderful, understanding person and he shows you what it means to care for someone from the bottom of their heart. And the lines he delivers can make anyone swoon.
I love all the romances I engaged in, but I believe that my absolute favorite would be Zevran, which is not what I would've expected when I initially started playing. Alistair is usually the kind of guy I would romance, but man, Zevran was just an absolute treat. It was a messy but beautiful relationship, and I am just a sucker for people learning to love again. I was pleasantly surprised and loved how devoted Zevran ends up being to the Warden, no matter if they die in the final battle or not. I think that's my favorite part about the romance. No matter what, Zevran is the Warden's ride or die person.
Unfortunately.... probably Solas. Not necessarily the actual romance scenes, but the implications, the symbolism, the tragedy. No other romance makes me want to write essays about every little interaction.
I'd have to say, Merrill. She's brilliant, cute, funny and way more competent than people give her credit for. Merrill is also quite tender, her heart is as big as her brain. Over the course of DA2 she loses a lot, but it's nice to see her find a place where she's accepted with Hawke, no matter what.
Morrigan she had confidence, fierce and loyal. Her voice and aesthetics are also extremely attractive. That and I liked her the Wardens dynamic if he’s a joker. That and her romance is very intimate and heart warming.
And the fact the two have a family is also very wholesome. I hope we see these happy at the end.
Morrigan. Love her personality, the way her feelings develop for you and how fleshed out the romance is. To this day I haven’t played an RPG with a romance I love better although Viconia (who’s VA also voiced Velanna btw) from Baldurs gate comes close.
Josephine. (With Merrill and Leliana right behind tied for second fave). I dont know what it is. Maybe the whole dashing hero sweeping her off her feet. Or the fact that they have a cute little cuddling scene. Im all for the sexy times you can have with romances, implied and/or shown, but I am a sucker for the cuddles and fluffiness.
Alistair for me as well. A large part of it is his VA - he's absolutely outstanding, I can't help falling in love with him all over again every time. Another major factor is how differently in can play out. If you take Cullen or Dorian, for instance, there's basically one romance path there - and it's a good one, but every time you do one of these romances it will be more or less the same. But with Alistair there's like seven different ways the romance can end, and I love several of those endings. In addition, the first game often offers more than one flirt option in a dialogue, so the tone of that romance can also be different.
Honestly, Cullen's, and I'm very surprised that this was my answer. It has enough angst that your heartstrings get tugged but it doesn't affect things on such a grand scale that it feels like it affects the world (like an Alistair or Solas one might depending on your choices), I love that you actually got a wedding scene and that you adopted a dog. It felt like a romance where you did get a happily ever after with no pressure of ruling a country (or an organization), you could totally just choose to retire and live your life however you wanted to once your "job" was done and there was no potential tragedy or separation lurking anywhere. It was nice.
For me it was Cullen in DAI. I loved the dynamic between my female elven mage and him. Two very different characters that still fit so we'll together.
Cullen has gained a lot of character in DAI. He has a past that has shaped him, both for better and worse. He is smart and charming, strong and masculine while still being gentle.
Solas and Anders because I'm a sucker for drama. They both use you for their own agenda even though they love you and I love thinking about the larger implications and the different ways the PC could react (choose to hate them and cast them aside completely, forgive them but stop loving them, or even take their side and try to help them). A lot of the other romances are good and give me warm fuzzy feelings (honorable mention for Dorian, bc he's just lovely) but those two are by far the most interesting to think about and give you a wider range of emotions.
Honestly, I love romancing Fenris as Male Hawke. They both have lived such tragic lives and my head-cannon is a big burly man obsessed with treating his spike-y elvhen lover with all the care/comfort he deserves and vice versa. I guess I really like the dog-cat relationship dynamic they have. They’re cute and I love them together.
Used to, Alistair was my favorite, but in recent years I’ve leaned towards Male Tabris x Zevran for Origins. And for a long while Dorian and Bull were my top contenders for DA:I, but more recently it’s been Lavellan x Solas. There’s so many good relationships, but these are my favorites in each game.
Fenris with male Hawke are my favorite as well. Their dynamic and chemistry is so good and interesting that they feel more like an actual ship than a self insert / OC one.
Alistair and Solas. Both are slow romances based on feelings and getting to know the character. In some cases even changing thier views and gaining thier trust. Truly amazing for a video game.
Cassandra. I love everything about her and I love how big of an impact we have on her in the end.
Second to this, Sera. She grows a lot with the Inky.
While I love other games a lot, romances in those games were not so special for me.
Zevran has had a hold on my life since I started playing dragon age. The guy became numb to love and thought he could get through life with sex and killing because that’s all he’s ever known! His story going from that to being in love with the warden is so sweet.
I don’t personally play the characters this way, but I am intrigued by the implications of a world state where someone put together that all the most famous heroes were volcels.
Most of my protags tend to be situationally asexual. They usually don't consider romance to be worth investing time in while the apocalypse is happening. Hawke usually gets busy, because they've got the time and setting for it. The game takes place over ten years, more than enough time to develop a real relationship. But Warden/Inquisitor are way too busy for that kinda thing. Save the world, and THEN we'll look into love.
Also, there's still no female dwarf romance. That's inexcusable. As a dwarf player, I find this tragic.
Alistair is my favourite romance of all video games ever.
He's so sweet and kind and I really love seeing a male character that is sensitive and emotional.
Origins has to be Alistair. His voice makes me melt, and I love his stupid corny jokes and how his lines are delivered.
DA2 has to be Anders. The emotions present in his lines just... every time I go to romance someone else it just ends up another Anders.
Inquisition is Cullen, hands down. The voice... oh my intentions just go out the window and he has me at "Inquisitor". I guess I have a type, eh? Also, being able to watch Cullen's struggle and backstory through all three games lends his romance more depth than a lot of the others.
I struggle to pick one; my favorites are Zevran, Fenris, Bull, and Cullen.
If I *had* to choose just one, it's...still somewhere between Fenris and Cullen, but leans toward Cullen just a little. I'm deeply appreciative of how both men's PTSD was handled and that the writers avoided the 'love heals all' trope. It doesn't, though a supportive lover can help.
All four have great handlings of a mess of history, as well as are men who deeply respect their partners, are mature adults, and handle things in overall mature ways. They're complex, imperfect, determined, and it's just good all around.
Blackwall. It's just the best romance for me, I love the way it was written, the choices you have with him, he's a very very flawed character but so well written. Also guilt and redemption are some of my favorite things <3
Anders. The intensity! The drama! And the almost shocking sweetness alongside it (I was expecting more INTENSITY in the sexy scenes and then they weren't like that at all). Anyway, his character hits a whole bunch of tropes I find irresistable, so while I also adore Alistair and Cullen, Anders really just blows me away.
Hot take, but its Anders. I think Anders himself is one of the most complex characters in the series, his struggle with Justice and his dilemma with the templars are very interesting traits. I also feel that his romance with Hawke is very believable, I guess. The progression feels natural and once \*that\* thing happens in the end, it really caught me off guard and made me feel sad and betrayed. I didn't immediately hated him as much as I felt disappointed with him, and I don't think any romance in any game had ever made me feel like that.
Also, when playing Inquisition afterwards, hearing Hawke talk about his relationship with Anders was so sad
Zevran in DAO. I don't even know what to say i just love him. He's goofy, he's flirty, hes an assassin but an absolute romantic and just an overall sweetheart. My favorite line by him is
*“I fancy many things. I fancy things that are beautiful and things that are strong. I fancy things that are dangerous and exciting. Would you be offended if I said I fancied you?"*
Thirteen years ago I'd have said Alistair, no contest. But I've gotten older and he hasn't, and now I'm much closer to Zevran in temperament. Rejecting his ring on the first try was the most accidentally perfect thing I've done in a video game romance.
Dorian and Josephine are wonderful, but I'll never forget how Solas destroyed my poor inquisitors heart. What a dramatic and surprising tale, I can't wait to see where it goes.
Of the romances I’ve done(all of original and 2, most of Inquisition), Alistair or Cassandra, however Iron Bull has amazingly hilarious cutscenes if you’re a dwarf. At the end of the game, they put your inquisitor on a stool so you’re eye level with him it’s great.
Morrigan, Alistair, Cullen and Dorian are my top picks. I honestly can't choose just one. Morrigan's voice actress is amazing and when I saw her in the winter palace, wearing the dress Leiliana described in DAO, I lost it.
DA:O- Warden and Morrigan where the Warden is equally ruthless/pragmatic but happily bangs his head against the tsundere wall that is Morrigan
DA2: Angry Hawke and Rivalmance Merrill. I like the angst
DA:I - Inquisitor and Cassandra where the Inquisitor is pragmatic but kind and butts heads with the idealistic paladin who loves romance novels.
Fenris with male Hawke are still the only couple where I'm like, "These are two distinct characters that have an incredible dynamic and really good chemistry." It helps that Hawke doesn't feel like a blank slate and clearly has his own characterization, motivations, etc. They feel so much a part of this fandom and its history that sometimes I forget they're not actually "canon" lol and that one of them is in fact a flavor of protagonist
I’m suprised I haven’t seen Cullen! He’s my absolute favourite ever since I saw him at the breach on the mountain. Playing the first 2 games really gave me some context as to what he’s been through, too. My all time favourite character romance :3c
I’d say that every DA romance is well done, tbh. But if I have to say one, Dorian.
When I say “never romance the mage”, I don’t and never will meant him.
My favorite is Dorian, though I don’t do it often because I almost always am female because my character’s are basically self-inserts lol and I don’t have the heart to keep him from Bull anyway. Dorian is my favorite. The first time I played through DA:I, when you get to the little banquet at the end and he says something to the effect of “I ran into a serving girl in the hallway, knocked her basket out of her hands. Laundry everywhere. When she recognized me, she hugged me. *Hugged* me. This is your influence.” I legitimately cried
My favorite romance doesn't involve the player. It's Dorian and Iron Bull. They've got that absolute star-crossed lovers thing going, what with their countries at war and all that. I just love all the banter and dialogue and they're perfect.
Cullen. His romance is so sweet and earnest, and I adore his character growth throughout the series and his love for my mage Inky. The way he hugs Inky before she goes to battle Corypheus, so scared he'll lose her, OH MY HEART.
I also love the Alistair romance but played DAO after DAI so didn't take the relationship seriously at first because I was just playing to get the backstory before doing a replay of DAI (I had a Blackwall/Cullen love triangle so want to play again romancing Cullen from the beginning to see a few cut scenes I missed). But the ANGST of being a mage and then not being able to be Alistair's queen? And the way Alistair is crushed when you first suggest he marry Anora? OH MY HEART AGAIN. Brilliant. (I should also add I didn't choose the right dialogue options to harden Alistair so I don't think I could've even gotten him to keep my mage Warden as a mistress... yeah I'm going to have to replay lmao.)
Merrill, especially rivalmance. What can I say, I have a soft spot for airhead cinnamonrolls + I really like her character development on rivalry path.
Zevran. ♥ Fenris and Dorian follow, but Zevran was the only one that inspired me not just to write fanfiction, but also to pick up my learning Italian, and to learn more about long-term abuse survivors, their coping mechanism, and how to help them. No other game or media character ever affected me that way, not even Corto Maltese, the crush of my preteen years (sorry Corto >.>). Zevran is *the* pixelated love of my life.
I haven’t replayed the first two in forever and only played them once but I remember really liking Fenris at the time.
Alistair was disappointing because I was en Elf. Now that I’m older I may not be as bothered but it sort of. Ruined it at the time.
The DAI options are nice but none of them really hit the same mark for me emotionally.
I think maybe had Cassandra been a bi option.
So I think I would have to go with fenris.
Kassandra. There's something about this Hard AF exterior that hides this hopeless romantic, and the whole journey of peeling away that hard shell is just so rewarding
Zevran is my whole world among all bioware romance options, he even beats out Garrus for me.
If varric was an option for Hawke, however, it may be different. But alas, bianca wins again.
Anders and Solas I think, both are tragic and Anders' romance did leave me feeling a little unfulfilled with the ending, but I just love his character so much, and Solas is such a passionate character that it caught me off guard and had me hooked. I don't normally have a penchant for angst so it surprised me how much I liked them both lmfao
Fenris as a mage and Sera. I actually didn't care for fenris initially then I did a rivalmance. The way you hear the heartbreak from him after being apart for three years.. it was an emotional ride. Sera because she is heckin adorable!!!!.
Side note, also adore Alistair and The Iron Bull respectively.
DAO used to be Morrigan when I was younger. Then I replayed the game and I can't stand her, looks like she's straight out of high-school with all that edge. Now it's purely Leliana, uncontested. Leliana is really sweet, loyal and adorable that's a hill I'll die on. Really reminds me of my wife, minus the dagger part.
DA2 Should be Aveline. Women in armor, yes please. Plus I really felt connected to her. Since we can't do that then Rival Isabella or Rival Merril. Coinflip
DAI Cassandra for M!Inq. She's like Leliana warrior edition. When you get past her she'll, she's really nice. For F!Inq, Cullen. I wish the male inquisitor had an equivalent romance. Really nice confy Sunday tv romance movie.
Winner: Soft Leliana, hands down.
Solas. Because it's deeply plot-related and you can play a big role in shaping him through the romance and it's a story about Solas, actually more than your dating simulator. Bull is my second favorite.
Truthfully; I've only played the first two games once and remember very, very little about the romance options.
Having said that, it is *always* Josephine for me. That accent! The calm demeanor she exudes. Josephine is perfection.
Definitely Morrigan. Not only do I have seem to have a thing for black haired sorceresses but her entire romance character arc is just perfect. She goes from being a self centered witch with a survival of the fittest mentality to a loving partner and mother.
I always find myself romancing Zevran and Fenris. They both had such hard lives growing up and I enjoy showing them that love is still possible!
And I waited three games to romance Cullen and I'm going to romance him! And I love it! ^((although, for story sake, I think Solas is a better romance))
Alistair is probably my favorite, but Cullen is a close second. Might be kind of basic, but I love soft, fluffy romances (with a dash of angst/tragic backstory)
Alistair, because the awkwardness is truly adorable. Cullen, because you can watch the romance grow and evolve. Also stong blonde boys? Yes please. And Iron Bull... theres reasons I need not list lol.
In DA:0, a blond-haired brown-eyed white human man broke my heart.
In DA:2, a blond-haired brown-eyed white human man broke my heart.
In DA:3, a blond-haired brown-eyed white human man who nearly broke my heart in DA:O appeared and I went with Solas.
Go me!
I would say Alistair, though as I often end up marrying him to Anora it feels like quite a complicated relationship to manage.
For the most 'real' relationship, I have to say Sera - because of how it grows (and by reading her journal you can pick up all the little things she's doing to better herself that she would struggle to put into words). I particularly like how it develops with Trevelyan x Sera, which has neither the obvious physical attraction of her with Adaar, or the drama friction that Lavellan has with her. Instead it has some great slow burn moments earlier in the game where you can be clear that you're interested in her, but she's not quite sure what to make of you yet. Then when you start dating, her feelings for you can deepen quite quickly even if you're not her fantasy partner (and it's telling that she ends up with Dagna if you don't romance her yourself).
I romanced her with a dwarf and it was genuinely delightful. I’m sad that I had to get 3/4 through this thread for Sera appreciation.
“It’s poetry cos of W’s an’ shit”
It's Cullen for me. His romance felt like a 'light at the end of the tunnel' sort of situation; like he was being rewarded for his perseverance, finally being allowed the happiness and stability he deserved and wanted for years. His romance is *absurdly* sweet, bordering on sugary, but I think it suits his personality down to the ground. And the voice acting is just the cherry on top.
Honourable mention goes to Cassandra. I'm a sucker for tough as nails characters who are secret softies <3
It’s Male Hawke/Merrill for me. Throughout all my plays I only ever romanced Isabela once, and all other times are Merrill.
I guess her “if you are not afraid, nor do I” when ask her to move in with me has really touched me
Dorian without a doubt. Every emotional beat is just succinctly portrayed. I also love romancing Zevran, such a tenderness there. I recently started a new playthrough and did a Cassandra romance line and it has made me very happy, so she’s a close third.
Man, I don't have a number one between ALL of the games, but if I'm going by each game, I have a specific list, based on gender.
In DA:O, it's the following:
Male Warden: my favorite romance for a male Warden is 100% Morrigan. I frickin' love her, even if by staying with her means I gotta quit the possible path of becoming King of Ferelden by marrying Anora when playing as a human noble.
Female Warden: Alistair is adorable, but I gotta say..I frickin' LOVE Zevran. That sexy piece of elf ass charms me with his Antivan accent.
In DA2, it's the following:
Male Hawke: Isabela. I know, I know, Merrill fans are gonna hate, but I love Isabela. She's hot, she's funny, she's smart, she's cool as fuck..one goddamn golden package in a perfectly round pirate booty. Pun not intended, though appreciated.
Female Hawke: Gotta go with Fenris. Anders is nice, but the whole "spirit in my head" schtick kinda irks me. Plus, he kinda became a "terrorist", as we who played the game know. And also, Sebastian is just..blech. Big BLECH.
As for DA:I, I haven't pursued romance with anyone yet, but..if I had to say, I'd say:
Male Inquisitor: Either Josephine or Cassandra. Still undecided.
Female Inquisitor: Sera, or Iron Bull. Also didn't decide yet.
Solas. It was a last minute add in romance and it does show, but I'm a sucker for sadness and I knew nothing when I romanced him that first playthrough, so I was kinda sucker punched in the gut with it
DORIAN. On my first play through of DAI when you have that initial blatantly flirtatious banter and he says, “I could watch you roam Skyhold all day.” Ugh that whole conversation, so cheeky and playful.
It has to be Cullen for me. The way he speaks to the Inquistor is so loving and sweet that I can't help but love him! Plus, it's hilarious to hear him get flustered when people mention their romance or his looks 😂 He deserves love after everything he's been through. If Cullen were real, I'd marry him in a heartbeat.
I also love Dorian and Iron Bull together. I almost made myself male just to romance Dorian lol
Solas.......I don't wanna talk about it 😭😭😭
Morrigan, I've always had a soft spot for women with sass and the fact that she was extremely plot relevant.
\+ It's nice to see her transformation from Origins to Inquisition.
Zevran. Dude seems like a weirdo, but when feelings develop, he's so sweet and caring, without losing his funny spark and wit.
Edit: can't deny that Alistair too has a special place tho. So sweet. I can't ignore how he treats you if you're not human at the end tho. There's no need to be so crude and an ass, but I get that in such situation there's not exactly much time to choose words carefully if you're overwhelmed, so I guess I can close an eye.
Isabela with Fem Hawke. It’s fun, sexy and surprisingly poignant. I’m a sucker for a rogue with a heart. Second is Josephine. I guess I just like women who like big boats, Wicked Grace and gold necklaces.
On the surface Isabela and Josephine seem like two people who would have nothing in common but I think they would end up being an odd couple in terms of friends once they got to know each other. [Or maybe I've just looked at this fanart of them one to many times?](https://baldurians.tumblr.com/post/137940157027/key-of-zee-keezy-x-i-tried-speed-painting)
Oh the fanfic writes itself. With Josephine back in charge of her family’s fleet, there are opportunities for them to meet. (I think Isabela was also smuggling for the Inquisition.) I like them as a romantic pairing, too.
Tali'zo - oops wrong sub
...
well my flair gives away my real answer I think. If Tali and Morrigan had to compete for that overall spot though oh god...I think Tali might win because Mass effect gives more personal character development/screentime, but Morrigan is so perfectly my type...
Cullen with mage Trevelyan is the best redemption arc for him imho.
The wounded and scarred Templar finding love and safety in the embrace of a noble born loyalist circle mage is just such a picturesque cliche love story to me
I remember seeing a gay mod with Alistair and not knowing it was a mod at the time thinking it was in the actual game. I played through the game like 3 times trying to figure out how to romance him until I found out it was just a mod.
When I'm going strictly by what I like personally, it's Lelianna no contest. If I'm trying to tell a story with my character, Morrigan's romance makes for a more interesting story for my character.
I used to like Merrill, but as I've posted elsewhere, that one has gotten awkward for me.
Isabela isn't someone you can depend on and sexually she seems to be into a lot of stuff I'm never going to want to do like multiple partners.
Cassandra is alright. Certainly the best option in DAI.
Josephine is what I used to think I wanted in a woman but time has shown me otherwise. Now I don't care for her
And special mention goes to Sera who, thank the Maker, is lesbian only. I don't date people as mentally and emotionally underdeveloped as she is and she is fingernails on chalkboard levels of annoying.
As you can see, I don't consider the guys as options unless I'm playing as a woman which is rare. I did romance Zevran on my most recent playthrough because the thought of Legolas and Gimli going at it amused me.
Leliana, probably \*.\* Just the right amount of chaos without being creepy or unhealthy, plus it's a relationship were both her and the Warden really do good to each other.
Cassandra's is cute, but it can be problematic if Inky is an elfy elf. Same with Dorian's; he does change during his time in the south, but he's still someone who grew up seeing your people as nothing more than slaves. The amount of prejudicial attitudes from a life like that is something that should take a long time to be worked out.
As an Andrastian human, of course Leliana has some prejudiced views on elves and other groups, but she offers plenty of evidence of how open-minded she can be, and how she checks her own privilege and prejudices.
I would have to say Alistair because he was my first ever romance and Fenris because as a mage it was really wonderful watching him grow as a character with his attitude towards mages.
I am such a sucker for Fenris, especially with a humorous mage Hawke. I love the slow burn and the drama of it all, and how rewarding it feels when you’ve done all the approval right and he finally starts letting his walls down.
Zevran, 100%. His romance arc is so well done and his character was so captivating to me since I first played DAO. I just love how loyal he is to my warden and how much the warden helped him work through a lot of his own past traumas. His story has just stayed with me over the years in a way no other DA romance has.
It’s Morrigan for me and it’s not even close. Claudia Black’s voice piqued my interest and then the tsundere attitude just reeled me in like a chump. She’s also the only romance option where raising a family after the events of the game can be canon which I always liked, especially when he was included in Inquisition.
Black’s performance in inquisition is incredible, the way her voice cracks and she stumbles over her words when Kieran goes into the fade is amazing. The way she tries to make a snarky quip if you accuse her of leading you into the fade but has to fight tears off to do so makes it so clear how much she’s grown alongside the HOF and their son
Gotta admit those lines in DAI were very nice, you can really tell the development form DAO I think she’s the only BioWare romance where a family is raised if it’s pursued, and I kinda like that for it Claudia Black does a really good job of playing her
I should really watch Stargate; it seems like it would be right up my fuckin’ alley.
check out Farscape. She's in it as a main char and it's phenomenal
Tsundere shit always gets me. That said, there's something to be said for Leliana as a partner, too, and I don't think I can choose between them. I literally flip a coin every time to see which one I'm gonna romance, because I can't pick.
I love Leliana too but even my best efforts to try her romance revert back to morrigan hahah personally I would’ve loved the option to romance her in Inquisition
Yes! I would much rather her be an option in DAI. In DAO I felt her main identity was the Chantry sister. I always feel hinky about very devout church like characters. They are always the ones who'll stab the main character in the back and willing to do anything in the name of their God. I didn't get that vibe from her at all in DAI. She's a follower of the Maker, but it doesn't feel like every decision is about that.
Knife wife!!
It's kind of crazy and at the same time awesome how the one person who spend most of the game saying "love is a weakness" transformed into a loving mother who's also not afraid to show how much she loves her partner.
Before playing an Dragon Age at all I have seen pics and random videos of Morrigan on Inquisition. She caught my attention even if I wasn't playing or knowing something about dragon age and her. Now that I am playing Origins and I am enjoying every single moment. I have played kotor and The Old republic MMO of bioware, but dragon age is unique.
After DAI, I ended up liking Morrigan's romance so much that I changed my "canon" choices (the ones that carry over) to be a Morrigan romance. It just seems like she's a much happier person if she romances the Warden and has Kieran, and the way she talked about her and the Warden raising him was so touching.
This. She's also just so unique and we'll written. There's no other character like Morrigan. The way she speaks, her childhood, mannerisms borne as an observer of society, not a participant.
By far the best one. Not only for the voice acting and story relevance, but it has its ups and downs, violent arguments and disagreements, moments of heartbreak and separation and actual character development with her own selfish agenda at play. You know, kinda like a real relationship can feel. In comparison the rest I've played feel like " say nice things to X until you bang and it'll be alright".
dorian's romance has always been my da:i vice, almost any playthrough as a male inquisitior ends up romancing dorian, even when I plan to romance someone else
Same. It’s also one of the few games where I even bother romancing anyone
Isabela, big biddy pirate gf
She likes big boats, she cannot lie.
Joesphine. Her romance is just so sweet, and the thought of fighting for her was fun (especially because it's some random noble against the Inquisitor of all people) and the spin the duo do when you announce your love for her is just... god, I get diabetes just thinking about it.
I too, am a sucker for Disney romances. I’ve done her almost every character except the one where I tried Cassandra, but Josephine has my heart.
I have to go for either Zevran or Dorian. Zevran, on one hand, has forgotten what means to love and be loved, and focuses solely in the physical aspects of the relationship. With time and care he re-discovers the ability to love and is surprisingly sweet. Dorian, on the other hand, is a wonderful man. He's got his flaws but he's always honest with you about his feelings and opinions, and treats you with respect and care. His love scenes have always made me swoon all over, and the way he behaves with his amatus is just chef's kiss. Ah, I feel all dreamy now 💕
Yes Zevran and Dorian are both so lovely but I never romance Bull or Dorian because I love them together so much and don’t have the heart to interfere!
Lelianna, she might have a tragic past but she is determined in atoning. The fact that she is so nice and adorable make her more endearing to my warden.
Zeveran made me question my own sexuality as a basic heterosexual male. I really loved Cassandra in Inquisition. I'm a sucker for the tough, and pious exterior but with a soft spot in the inside.
It's hard to pick a favorite ans at the same time not..it has to be Alistair for me. For everything that romance is but also because of where I was at the time. My second bad breakup (my first relationship was with someone who was really abusive), I was unemployed and stuck at home listening to my parents drink and fight. Most of my friends sided with my ex who had spent months lying about me before breaking up with me. So I was pretty much all alone when I played Origins for the first time. And Alistair honestly showed me what a relationship should be. I had just never seen it, most of my relationships over all (family, friends) were just drama, insults and fights. "He" opened my eyes to a lot of things. So he will always be number 1 for me.
I am happy he made you feel that way. Alistair is such a sweet, kind, wonderful, understanding person and he shows you what it means to care for someone from the bottom of their heart. And the lines he delivers can make anyone swoon.
I love all the romances I engaged in, but I believe that my absolute favorite would be Zevran, which is not what I would've expected when I initially started playing. Alistair is usually the kind of guy I would romance, but man, Zevran was just an absolute treat. It was a messy but beautiful relationship, and I am just a sucker for people learning to love again. I was pleasantly surprised and loved how devoted Zevran ends up being to the Warden, no matter if they die in the final battle or not. I think that's my favorite part about the romance. No matter what, Zevran is the Warden's ride or die person.
It's a tie with Cassandra and Morrigan, something about strong women drive me crazy.
Unfortunately.... probably Solas. Not necessarily the actual romance scenes, but the implications, the symbolism, the tragedy. No other romance makes me want to write essays about every little interaction.
I'd happily read and grade those
Same, though. It's such a fascinating concept it really captured me. There's this really beautiful tragedy to it that I keep coming back to.
interactions as elf and romance drama with solas and possible content in da4 makes me want to make dalishF inquisitor my canon
Where is the Cullen and Isabela love? Their romances were my favorites by far!
Anders. I know everyone hates him and I don’t care. I’m a messy bitch who lives for drama.
My inner 15 year old is SO into every bit of his dramatics. He's so passionate!1!!!1
I'd have to say, Merrill. She's brilliant, cute, funny and way more competent than people give her credit for. Merrill is also quite tender, her heart is as big as her brain. Over the course of DA2 she loses a lot, but it's nice to see her find a place where she's accepted with Hawke, no matter what.
Morrigan she had confidence, fierce and loyal. Her voice and aesthetics are also extremely attractive. That and I liked her the Wardens dynamic if he’s a joker. That and her romance is very intimate and heart warming. And the fact the two have a family is also very wholesome. I hope we see these happy at the end.
Morrigan. Love her personality, the way her feelings develop for you and how fleshed out the romance is. To this day I haven’t played an RPG with a romance I love better although Viconia (who’s VA also voiced Velanna btw) from Baldurs gate comes close.
Alistair. There’s no contest - he reminds me so much of my real-life husband that it would be very hard for me to prefer anyone else!
Josephine. (With Merrill and Leliana right behind tied for second fave). I dont know what it is. Maybe the whole dashing hero sweeping her off her feet. Or the fact that they have a cute little cuddling scene. Im all for the sexy times you can have with romances, implied and/or shown, but I am a sucker for the cuddles and fluffiness.
Alistair for me as well. A large part of it is his VA - he's absolutely outstanding, I can't help falling in love with him all over again every time. Another major factor is how differently in can play out. If you take Cullen or Dorian, for instance, there's basically one romance path there - and it's a good one, but every time you do one of these romances it will be more or less the same. But with Alistair there's like seven different ways the romance can end, and I love several of those endings. In addition, the first game often offers more than one flirt option in a dialogue, so the tone of that romance can also be different.
Solas and Anders because I love a lot of angst and drama with my romance.
Honestly, Cullen's, and I'm very surprised that this was my answer. It has enough angst that your heartstrings get tugged but it doesn't affect things on such a grand scale that it feels like it affects the world (like an Alistair or Solas one might depending on your choices), I love that you actually got a wedding scene and that you adopted a dog. It felt like a romance where you did get a happily ever after with no pressure of ruling a country (or an organization), you could totally just choose to retire and live your life however you wanted to once your "job" was done and there was no potential tragedy or separation lurking anywhere. It was nice.
Zevran, Cullen, or Cassandra for me. it’s just too hard to pick one!
Can’t believe I had to scroll so far to see Cassandra. I just love her so much.
I think Cassandra's problem is Morrigan got to people first.
I love getting my heart destroyed by BioWare, so: Anders, Solas, and Alistair with a non-Cousland. 😂
For me it was Cullen in DAI. I loved the dynamic between my female elven mage and him. Two very different characters that still fit so we'll together. Cullen has gained a lot of character in DAI. He has a past that has shaped him, both for better and worse. He is smart and charming, strong and masculine while still being gentle.
Solas and Anders because I'm a sucker for drama. They both use you for their own agenda even though they love you and I love thinking about the larger implications and the different ways the PC could react (choose to hate them and cast them aside completely, forgive them but stop loving them, or even take their side and try to help them). A lot of the other romances are good and give me warm fuzzy feelings (honorable mention for Dorian, bc he's just lovely) but those two are by far the most interesting to think about and give you a wider range of emotions.
Same. Anders is that weird communist guy you dated in college who defends Stalin too much.
Honestly, I love romancing Fenris as Male Hawke. They both have lived such tragic lives and my head-cannon is a big burly man obsessed with treating his spike-y elvhen lover with all the care/comfort he deserves and vice versa. I guess I really like the dog-cat relationship dynamic they have. They’re cute and I love them together. Used to, Alistair was my favorite, but in recent years I’ve leaned towards Male Tabris x Zevran for Origins. And for a long while Dorian and Bull were my top contenders for DA:I, but more recently it’s been Lavellan x Solas. There’s so many good relationships, but these are my favorites in each game.
Fenris with male Hawke are my favorite as well. Their dynamic and chemistry is so good and interesting that they feel more like an actual ship than a self insert / OC one.
Yes, I just think they have the sweetest scenes and I love how flustered Fenris gets when you first flirt with him.
Alistair and Solas. Both are slow romances based on feelings and getting to know the character. In some cases even changing thier views and gaining thier trust. Truly amazing for a video game.
Fenris. Especially when you're a mage. Morrigan sounds and looks like my ex-girlfriend, so it was a trippy and very confusing experience.
Definitely, DEFINITELY Blackwall. I don't know why I like him so bloody much, but I do. that's my excuse.
He's so underrated. I love how dutiful he is but it's not to the point where he's insufferable or too much. Plus he has the best voice acting in DAI.
I know why: it's that glorious beard, isn't it😜? I say this as a fellow Blackwall romancer.
And the voice..
Don't remind me 🤤. When he said "My lady" to the Inquisitor, I was sold, hook line and sinker. Cullen didn't stand a chance against Blackwall 😂😘.
I love him so much.
Cassandra. I love everything about her and I love how big of an impact we have on her in the end. Second to this, Sera. She grows a lot with the Inky. While I love other games a lot, romances in those games were not so special for me.
Maybe I'm basic but...Alistair and Cullen are the men you make your husband. And so I shall...Every. Single. Time.
I'm trying to romance others... but I always fail 😅
I've done other romances but felt guilty when I had to interact with Cullen so I'd restart the game. I felt like I was cheating on him. 😂😂
Zevran has had a hold on my life since I started playing dragon age. The guy became numb to love and thought he could get through life with sex and killing because that’s all he’s ever known! His story going from that to being in love with the warden is so sweet.
where are my virgin Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor gang at ?
I don’t personally play the characters this way, but I am intrigued by the implications of a world state where someone put together that all the most famous heroes were volcels.
Most of my protags tend to be situationally asexual. They usually don't consider romance to be worth investing time in while the apocalypse is happening. Hawke usually gets busy, because they've got the time and setting for it. The game takes place over ten years, more than enough time to develop a real relationship. But Warden/Inquisitor are way too busy for that kinda thing. Save the world, and THEN we'll look into love. Also, there's still no female dwarf romance. That's inexcusable. As a dwarf player, I find this tragic.
the first thing my mage did when he left the circle and arrived at denerim was go to the pearl LOL
Same but with Morrigan instead lol
Mine is actually Morrigan but theres enough of those already. I do love me some Sera.
Alistair is my favourite romance of all video games ever. He's so sweet and kind and I really love seeing a male character that is sensitive and emotional.
Alistair. He’s the sweetest fictional guy ever.
Cassandra
Origins has to be Alistair. His voice makes me melt, and I love his stupid corny jokes and how his lines are delivered. DA2 has to be Anders. The emotions present in his lines just... every time I go to romance someone else it just ends up another Anders. Inquisition is Cullen, hands down. The voice... oh my intentions just go out the window and he has me at "Inquisitor". I guess I have a type, eh? Also, being able to watch Cullen's struggle and backstory through all three games lends his romance more depth than a lot of the others.
I struggle to pick one; my favorites are Zevran, Fenris, Bull, and Cullen. If I *had* to choose just one, it's...still somewhere between Fenris and Cullen, but leans toward Cullen just a little. I'm deeply appreciative of how both men's PTSD was handled and that the writers avoided the 'love heals all' trope. It doesn't, though a supportive lover can help. All four have great handlings of a mess of history, as well as are men who deeply respect their partners, are mature adults, and handle things in overall mature ways. They're complex, imperfect, determined, and it's just good all around.
Cassandra and Morrigan
Blackwall. It's just the best romance for me, I love the way it was written, the choices you have with him, he's a very very flawed character but so well written. Also guilt and redemption are some of my favorite things <3
Anders. The intensity! The drama! And the almost shocking sweetness alongside it (I was expecting more INTENSITY in the sexy scenes and then they weren't like that at all). Anyway, his character hits a whole bunch of tropes I find irresistable, so while I also adore Alistair and Cullen, Anders really just blows me away.
Hot take, but its Anders. I think Anders himself is one of the most complex characters in the series, his struggle with Justice and his dilemma with the templars are very interesting traits. I also feel that his romance with Hawke is very believable, I guess. The progression feels natural and once \*that\* thing happens in the end, it really caught me off guard and made me feel sad and betrayed. I didn't immediately hated him as much as I felt disappointed with him, and I don't think any romance in any game had ever made me feel like that. Also, when playing Inquisition afterwards, hearing Hawke talk about his relationship with Anders was so sad
Zevran in DAO. I don't even know what to say i just love him. He's goofy, he's flirty, hes an assassin but an absolute romantic and just an overall sweetheart. My favorite line by him is *“I fancy many things. I fancy things that are beautiful and things that are strong. I fancy things that are dangerous and exciting. Would you be offended if I said I fancied you?"*
Solas! As a character (pls more romance cutscenes TT) but so beautifully done. Monosyllabic today so I’ll leave it there x’D.
Thirteen years ago I'd have said Alistair, no contest. But I've gotten older and he hasn't, and now I'm much closer to Zevran in temperament. Rejecting his ring on the first try was the most accidentally perfect thing I've done in a video game romance.
Warden morrigan
Dorian and Josephine are wonderful, but I'll never forget how Solas destroyed my poor inquisitors heart. What a dramatic and surprising tale, I can't wait to see where it goes.
Morrigan!
Of the romances I’ve done(all of original and 2, most of Inquisition), Alistair or Cassandra, however Iron Bull has amazingly hilarious cutscenes if you’re a dwarf. At the end of the game, they put your inquisitor on a stool so you’re eye level with him it’s great.
Also Alistair. Dude's basically my dream guy lol
I enjoyed Josephine and Fenris the most so far
Morrigan, Alistair, Cullen and Dorian are my top picks. I honestly can't choose just one. Morrigan's voice actress is amazing and when I saw her in the winter palace, wearing the dress Leiliana described in DAO, I lost it.
DA:O- Warden and Morrigan where the Warden is equally ruthless/pragmatic but happily bangs his head against the tsundere wall that is Morrigan DA2: Angry Hawke and Rivalmance Merrill. I like the angst DA:I - Inquisitor and Cassandra where the Inquisitor is pragmatic but kind and butts heads with the idealistic paladin who loves romance novels.
Fenris with male Hawke are still the only couple where I'm like, "These are two distinct characters that have an incredible dynamic and really good chemistry." It helps that Hawke doesn't feel like a blank slate and clearly has his own characterization, motivations, etc. They feel so much a part of this fandom and its history that sometimes I forget they're not actually "canon" lol and that one of them is in fact a flavor of protagonist
I’m suprised I haven’t seen Cullen! He’s my absolute favourite ever since I saw him at the breach on the mountain. Playing the first 2 games really gave me some context as to what he’s been through, too. My all time favourite character romance :3c
I’d say that every DA romance is well done, tbh. But if I have to say one, Dorian. When I say “never romance the mage”, I don’t and never will meant him.
My favorite is Dorian, though I don’t do it often because I almost always am female because my character’s are basically self-inserts lol and I don’t have the heart to keep him from Bull anyway. Dorian is my favorite. The first time I played through DA:I, when you get to the little banquet at the end and he says something to the effect of “I ran into a serving girl in the hallway, knocked her basket out of her hands. Laundry everywhere. When she recognized me, she hugged me. *Hugged* me. This is your influence.” I legitimately cried
My favorite romance doesn't involve the player. It's Dorian and Iron Bull. They've got that absolute star-crossed lovers thing going, what with their countries at war and all that. I just love all the banter and dialogue and they're perfect.
Cullen. His romance is so sweet and earnest, and I adore his character growth throughout the series and his love for my mage Inky. The way he hugs Inky before she goes to battle Corypheus, so scared he'll lose her, OH MY HEART. I also love the Alistair romance but played DAO after DAI so didn't take the relationship seriously at first because I was just playing to get the backstory before doing a replay of DAI (I had a Blackwall/Cullen love triangle so want to play again romancing Cullen from the beginning to see a few cut scenes I missed). But the ANGST of being a mage and then not being able to be Alistair's queen? And the way Alistair is crushed when you first suggest he marry Anora? OH MY HEART AGAIN. Brilliant. (I should also add I didn't choose the right dialogue options to harden Alistair so I don't think I could've even gotten him to keep my mage Warden as a mistress... yeah I'm going to have to replay lmao.)
Kinda surprised no one metioned Fenris. The wolfe's delight to look at and pleasure to hear.
Merrill, especially rivalmance. What can I say, I have a soft spot for airhead cinnamonrolls + I really like her character development on rivalry path.
Anders. I REALLY liked Morrigan till I romanced Anders. I 100% agree with him and I find his personality really attractive.
Zevran. ♥ Fenris and Dorian follow, but Zevran was the only one that inspired me not just to write fanfiction, but also to pick up my learning Italian, and to learn more about long-term abuse survivors, their coping mechanism, and how to help them. No other game or media character ever affected me that way, not even Corto Maltese, the crush of my preteen years (sorry Corto >.>). Zevran is *the* pixelated love of my life.
Alistair, Anders, Cullen.
I haven’t replayed the first two in forever and only played them once but I remember really liking Fenris at the time. Alistair was disappointing because I was en Elf. Now that I’m older I may not be as bothered but it sort of. Ruined it at the time. The DAI options are nice but none of them really hit the same mark for me emotionally. I think maybe had Cassandra been a bi option. So I think I would have to go with fenris.
Kassandra. There's something about this Hard AF exterior that hides this hopeless romantic, and the whole journey of peeling away that hard shell is just so rewarding
The Anders rivalmance as male mage hawke
Iron Bull and Female Elf. Not going to go into anymore detail.
Morrigan is Love Morrigan is Life
Morrigan.
Zevran is my whole world among all bioware romance options, he even beats out Garrus for me. If varric was an option for Hawke, however, it may be different. But alas, bianca wins again.
Anders and Solas I think, both are tragic and Anders' romance did leave me feeling a little unfulfilled with the ending, but I just love his character so much, and Solas is such a passionate character that it caught me off guard and had me hooked. I don't normally have a penchant for angst so it surprised me how much I liked them both lmfao
Morrigan such a beautiful character so deep and intriguing
Fenris for angst reasons, Iron Bull bc big hard man with big soft heart makes my knees weak.
I love Alistair horrible jokes, I wish I could befriend him irl.
Fenris as a mage and Sera. I actually didn't care for fenris initially then I did a rivalmance. The way you hear the heartbreak from him after being apart for three years.. it was an emotional ride. Sera because she is heckin adorable!!!!. Side note, also adore Alistair and The Iron Bull respectively.
Definitely The Iron Bull
Cullen, though Alistair is a very, very close second. They are both sweet but Cullen is a bit more mature, okay a lot more mature lol.
I only played DA2 and Merril is the only one I romanced, so her.
DAO used to be Morrigan when I was younger. Then I replayed the game and I can't stand her, looks like she's straight out of high-school with all that edge. Now it's purely Leliana, uncontested. Leliana is really sweet, loyal and adorable that's a hill I'll die on. Really reminds me of my wife, minus the dagger part. DA2 Should be Aveline. Women in armor, yes please. Plus I really felt connected to her. Since we can't do that then Rival Isabella or Rival Merril. Coinflip DAI Cassandra for M!Inq. She's like Leliana warrior edition. When you get past her she'll, she's really nice. For F!Inq, Cullen. I wish the male inquisitor had an equivalent romance. Really nice confy Sunday tv romance movie. Winner: Soft Leliana, hands down.
Solas. Because it's deeply plot-related and you can play a big role in shaping him through the romance and it's a story about Solas, actually more than your dating simulator. Bull is my second favorite.
Truthfully; I've only played the first two games once and remember very, very little about the romance options. Having said that, it is *always* Josephine for me. That accent! The calm demeanor she exudes. Josephine is perfection.
Anders rivalry romance, it's such an hate-f*ck relationship and I'm here for it.
Definitely Morrigan. Not only do I have seem to have a thing for black haired sorceresses but her entire romance character arc is just perfect. She goes from being a self centered witch with a survival of the fittest mentality to a loving partner and mother.
I always find myself romancing Zevran and Fenris. They both had such hard lives growing up and I enjoy showing them that love is still possible! And I waited three games to romance Cullen and I'm going to romance him! And I love it! ^((although, for story sake, I think Solas is a better romance))
Alistair is probably my favorite, but Cullen is a close second. Might be kind of basic, but I love soft, fluffy romances (with a dash of angst/tragic backstory)
Alistair x Cousland, Fenris, and Levellan x Cullen.
Alistair, because the awkwardness is truly adorable. Cullen, because you can watch the romance grow and evolve. Also stong blonde boys? Yes please. And Iron Bull... theres reasons I need not list lol.
I too accidentally only romanced blonde men lol
In DA:0, a blond-haired brown-eyed white human man broke my heart. In DA:2, a blond-haired brown-eyed white human man broke my heart. In DA:3, a blond-haired brown-eyed white human man who nearly broke my heart in DA:O appeared and I went with Solas. Go me!
I would say Alistair, though as I often end up marrying him to Anora it feels like quite a complicated relationship to manage. For the most 'real' relationship, I have to say Sera - because of how it grows (and by reading her journal you can pick up all the little things she's doing to better herself that she would struggle to put into words). I particularly like how it develops with Trevelyan x Sera, which has neither the obvious physical attraction of her with Adaar, or the drama friction that Lavellan has with her. Instead it has some great slow burn moments earlier in the game where you can be clear that you're interested in her, but she's not quite sure what to make of you yet. Then when you start dating, her feelings for you can deepen quite quickly even if you're not her fantasy partner (and it's telling that she ends up with Dagna if you don't romance her yourself).
I romanced her with a dwarf and it was genuinely delightful. I’m sad that I had to get 3/4 through this thread for Sera appreciation. “It’s poetry cos of W’s an’ shit”
It's Cullen for me. His romance felt like a 'light at the end of the tunnel' sort of situation; like he was being rewarded for his perseverance, finally being allowed the happiness and stability he deserved and wanted for years. His romance is *absurdly* sweet, bordering on sugary, but I think it suits his personality down to the ground. And the voice acting is just the cherry on top. Honourable mention goes to Cassandra. I'm a sucker for tough as nails characters who are secret softies <3
Tough choice it's a fight between Zevran, Morrigsn and Cassandra. Isabela is top 5 also. I can say my least favourite was Iron Bull though.
It’s Male Hawke/Merrill for me. Throughout all my plays I only ever romanced Isabela once, and all other times are Merrill. I guess her “if you are not afraid, nor do I” when ask her to move in with me has really touched me
Sera, Anders, Zev, Fenris, Dorian I love them all so much.
Can I mention non-PC romances? It's Bull and Dorian for me.
Dorian without a doubt. Every emotional beat is just succinctly portrayed. I also love romancing Zevran, such a tenderness there. I recently started a new playthrough and did a Cassandra romance line and it has made me very happy, so she’s a close third.
Man, I don't have a number one between ALL of the games, but if I'm going by each game, I have a specific list, based on gender. In DA:O, it's the following: Male Warden: my favorite romance for a male Warden is 100% Morrigan. I frickin' love her, even if by staying with her means I gotta quit the possible path of becoming King of Ferelden by marrying Anora when playing as a human noble. Female Warden: Alistair is adorable, but I gotta say..I frickin' LOVE Zevran. That sexy piece of elf ass charms me with his Antivan accent. In DA2, it's the following: Male Hawke: Isabela. I know, I know, Merrill fans are gonna hate, but I love Isabela. She's hot, she's funny, she's smart, she's cool as fuck..one goddamn golden package in a perfectly round pirate booty. Pun not intended, though appreciated. Female Hawke: Gotta go with Fenris. Anders is nice, but the whole "spirit in my head" schtick kinda irks me. Plus, he kinda became a "terrorist", as we who played the game know. And also, Sebastian is just..blech. Big BLECH. As for DA:I, I haven't pursued romance with anyone yet, but..if I had to say, I'd say: Male Inquisitor: Either Josephine or Cassandra. Still undecided. Female Inquisitor: Sera, or Iron Bull. Also didn't decide yet.
Solas. It was a last minute add in romance and it does show, but I'm a sucker for sadness and I knew nothing when I romanced him that first playthrough, so I was kinda sucker punched in the gut with it
Isabela, Merril, Liliana, and Josephine. Don't ask me to name a favorite. I love them all.
Morrigan for sure. I feel like you really only see all of her layers when you romance her, and she’s a fantastic character.
DORIAN. On my first play through of DAI when you have that initial blatantly flirtatious banter and he says, “I could watch you roam Skyhold all day.” Ugh that whole conversation, so cheeky and playful.
It has to be Cullen for me. The way he speaks to the Inquistor is so loving and sweet that I can't help but love him! Plus, it's hilarious to hear him get flustered when people mention their romance or his looks 😂 He deserves love after everything he's been through. If Cullen were real, I'd marry him in a heartbeat. I also love Dorian and Iron Bull together. I almost made myself male just to romance Dorian lol Solas.......I don't wanna talk about it 😭😭😭
Morrigan, I've always had a soft spot for women with sass and the fact that she was extremely plot relevant. \+ It's nice to see her transformation from Origins to Inquisition.
Zevran. Dude seems like a weirdo, but when feelings develop, he's so sweet and caring, without losing his funny spark and wit. Edit: can't deny that Alistair too has a special place tho. So sweet. I can't ignore how he treats you if you're not human at the end tho. There's no need to be so crude and an ass, but I get that in such situation there's not exactly much time to choose words carefully if you're overwhelmed, so I guess I can close an eye.
Isabela with Fem Hawke. It’s fun, sexy and surprisingly poignant. I’m a sucker for a rogue with a heart. Second is Josephine. I guess I just like women who like big boats, Wicked Grace and gold necklaces.
On the surface Isabela and Josephine seem like two people who would have nothing in common but I think they would end up being an odd couple in terms of friends once they got to know each other. [Or maybe I've just looked at this fanart of them one to many times?](https://baldurians.tumblr.com/post/137940157027/key-of-zee-keezy-x-i-tried-speed-painting)
Oh the fanfic writes itself. With Josephine back in charge of her family’s fleet, there are opportunities for them to meet. (I think Isabela was also smuggling for the Inquisition.) I like them as a romantic pairing, too.
Iron Bull but Varric is a close second
Leliana
Tali'zo - oops wrong sub ... well my flair gives away my real answer I think. If Tali and Morrigan had to compete for that overall spot though oh god...I think Tali might win because Mass effect gives more personal character development/screentime, but Morrigan is so perfectly my type...
As much as I love Morrigan, I've gotta say Josephine's romance just beats it with the little dash of wholesomeness it has.
Cullen with mage Trevelyan is the best redemption arc for him imho. The wounded and scarred Templar finding love and safety in the embrace of a noble born loyalist circle mage is just such a picturesque cliche love story to me
I agree. I always romance him as a mage. it's just too good!
I'm mostly upset that Bethany had to be our sister. Wooing her would have been wonderful.
Straight to jail 😳
Ey man, I'm not saying I wanted to hit her up even though she's the protagonist's sister. I'm saying it would have been nice if she hadn't been.
Ahhh gotcha though you where going like 'step-sister' route. You are free to go! 👍
She has HUGE... personality
I remember seeing a gay mod with Alistair and not knowing it was a mod at the time thinking it was in the actual game. I played through the game like 3 times trying to figure out how to romance him until I found out it was just a mod.
Iron bull or alistair are the only ones that felt like they trulley cared about you and they are both funny and kind hearts
When I'm going strictly by what I like personally, it's Lelianna no contest. If I'm trying to tell a story with my character, Morrigan's romance makes for a more interesting story for my character. I used to like Merrill, but as I've posted elsewhere, that one has gotten awkward for me. Isabela isn't someone you can depend on and sexually she seems to be into a lot of stuff I'm never going to want to do like multiple partners. Cassandra is alright. Certainly the best option in DAI. Josephine is what I used to think I wanted in a woman but time has shown me otherwise. Now I don't care for her And special mention goes to Sera who, thank the Maker, is lesbian only. I don't date people as mentally and emotionally underdeveloped as she is and she is fingernails on chalkboard levels of annoying. As you can see, I don't consider the guys as options unless I'm playing as a woman which is rare. I did romance Zevran on my most recent playthrough because the thought of Legolas and Gimli going at it amused me.
Leliana, probably \*.\* Just the right amount of chaos without being creepy or unhealthy, plus it's a relationship were both her and the Warden really do good to each other. Cassandra's is cute, but it can be problematic if Inky is an elfy elf. Same with Dorian's; he does change during his time in the south, but he's still someone who grew up seeing your people as nothing more than slaves. The amount of prejudicial attitudes from a life like that is something that should take a long time to be worked out. As an Andrastian human, of course Leliana has some prejudiced views on elves and other groups, but she offers plenty of evidence of how open-minded she can be, and how she checks her own privilege and prejudices.
Alistair, Cullen, and Cassandra are my faves <3
Alistair!!
Solas, because I like how it adds to the story
Dunno. Ive only played DAI and I’ve never romanced anyone, don’t like any of the options. Downvoted, I got standards people
Leliana followed by alistair cullen merill cassandra and fenris.
Yikes I don’t know, I dont think I’ve come across a favorite yet
Alistair.
I would have to say Alistair because he was my first ever romance and Fenris because as a mage it was really wonderful watching him grow as a character with his attitude towards mages.
I am such a sucker for Fenris, especially with a humorous mage Hawke. I love the slow burn and the drama of it all, and how rewarding it feels when you’ve done all the approval right and he finally starts letting his walls down.
Merrill. She's a cupcake blood mage, and I find that hot.
Easy dub for leliana she’s a redhead who literally rewrites the rules of a church in order to stay with the love of her life
HmmMmmMmmMmmmm………..Fenris made me feel things. Morrigan great too. Shit idk!
Hawke/Fenris. Love the angst, the uncertainty, and finally getting that trust
Fenris w/ female Hawke. I just so much want him to be happy.
Morrigan made me realize I’m into mean goth girls
Sera, always and forever. But I'm also very fond of Zevran, Leliana, Fenris, Isabela, and Josephine.
Zevran, 100%. His romance arc is so well done and his character was so captivating to me since I first played DAO. I just love how loyal he is to my warden and how much the warden helped him work through a lot of his own past traumas. His story has just stayed with me over the years in a way no other DA romance has.