RPGs are the type of genre to have some of the best romance systems in all of video games. This is because relationship systems always go hand in hand with role-playing games. This has been the case since the inception of RPGs from the earliest tabletop board games.
In modern day and age, RPGs have been found to be ever-expanding. They can go from science fiction to medieval fantasy, or even linger within the obscure realms of eldritch horror. But romance systems are ever prevalent throughout most of the games.
In the following list, we will sort out some of the really good RPGS with romance systems that you should be checking out.
The most innovative Romance Systems in RPGs
Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios has been at the forefront of modern-day Western RPGs. Especially with their Divinity franchise, which brought in a lot of fans. But they hit an immeasurable amount of success when they got to develop Baldur’s Gate 3.
The franchise was originally very different in the older iterations. Larian Studios took it and added their own turn-based spin with various other systems, which elevated the experience. One of the biggest highlights was the romance and relationship systems.
Baldur’s Gate 3 broke the internet when the wild bear romance scene was shown off to a live audience. It changed perspectives on how expansive and romance systems in video games can be.
Cyberpunk 2077
At its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 really wasn’t the best product around. But the developers at CD Projekt Red worked hard to make sure the game would not die. Presently, Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best AAA Cyberpunk RPG experiences players can experience.
CD Projekt Red had been turning heads with the raunchy and special romance scenes for a decade with the Witcher franchise. The system was taken to new heights with special romance systems implemented in Cyberpunk 2077.
Although the options are limited, discussions around the romancable NPCs form an integral part of the game’s experience. The system makes sure that the characters and their relationship with them feel very real and lived.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Fire Emblem franchise has been one of the main pillars of JRPG franchises that are exclusive to Nintendo systems. These games are tactical warfare games with high stakes, including permanent character deaths.
The franchise originally found life on the NES, but the series found its main player base once romance systems were introduced. So far, the franchise has released generations of games, with Fire Emblem: Three Houses refining the romance system.
Initially, romance was an important mechanic that would directly affect tactical gameplay. But the newer games have taken things up a notch. Inspired by games such as Persona, romance mechanics similar to social links were introduced in Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
Persona 5 Royal
We mentioned Persona inspiring other RPGs to improve romance systems, so let’s talk about the games. Originally, Persona started off as a spinoff of the monster-collecting JRPG series, Shin Megami Tensei.
It wasn’t until the third game, when the series got a new director it started revamping the whole franchise. The social link system was one of the most important mechanics introduced in the Persona series.
It made Persona one of developer Atlus’ flagship franchises, far overshadowing other games. Persona 5 Royal is the last mainline entry in the franchise, and it improved social link mechanics to new heights. The romance options in this game are still debated over online to this date.
Mass Effect 2
The Mass Effect trilogy is considered as one of the best sci-fi action RPGs to come out of BioWare Studios. With its shooter-focused gameplay mechanics, it introduced a lot of new audiences to role-playing games. People who otherwise would not have given the genre a chance.
Aside from the immersive and branching plotlines in a vast explorable sci-fi world, Mass Effect games also had romance systems, which are a usual fan favorite. Mass Effect 2 heavily expanded on the romance options, which expanded further in the next title.
Romance with a character can be initiated when they are available after missions. This can be done through the tried and true dialogue options used to flirt.
Sakura Wars (2019)
Sakura Wars is one of the lost JRPGs from the bygone era, which implemented dating sim and combat action really well. The original games had tactical RPG systems, but in 201,9 SEGA released a new game which revamped everything.
The games are set in Taisho-era Japan with mechs and other steampunk elements. The new game ditches tactical combat for a hack-and-slash warrior-style gameplay. What remained intact and is the shining star of the overall experience is the romance system.
The characters in the game are beautifully 3D modeled, with design by the Legendary Kubo Tite, who created the Bleach manga series. Romance system uses the tried and true LIPS system, which is nothing new to longtime fans.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
SEGA’s Yakuza series traditionally never had a romance system. These games were primarily action games with well-crafted cutscenes for linear storytelling. But with the introduction of a protagonist in the new games, things have changed.
Since Kiryu took a step back from being the series’ protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga became the new fan favorite character. His obsession with Dragon Quest games led to revamping the whole franchise into a turn-based JRPG with systems completely new to the genre.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon and its sequel introduce romance systems, which are completely new for the franchise. It works according to a bonding mechanic which we have seen in other RPGs, especially some that are published by SEGA themselves.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Romance routes aren’t something new to the Dragon Age franchise. But the game that put the most emphasis on romance content was Dragon Age: Inquisition. It is also the most favorite one among the fans for several other reasons.
Dragon Age: Inquisition is considered to have the most amount of romance options among all the other games. The system can be initiated through the usual mechanics, such as dialogue choices, which will be marked.
Successfully completing relationship routes will reward players with special and spicy cutscenes. Sometimes, the RPG mechanics of the game make completing certain quests the main goal to progress relationships.
Hades
Hades is essentially more of a rogue-like game, and a really good one at that. But it is also an RPG since it uses a lot of the genre’s systems, coupled with impeccable action combat. Supergiant Games knocked it out of the park with this franchise, and it even led to a sequel, which is currently still in early access.
Romance options in Hades are not too many to pick from, but the systems are well fleshed out. Greek mythological figures are represented with exquisite designs by talented artists throughout. They have received quite the praise from fans, especially people who love shipping their favorites.
Since it’s a roguelike, the romance and relationship system can be pursued through a single run of the game. It can get very grindy, with players having to hit certain checkboxes through quests. It isn’t as easy as simple dialogue choices, but the thing is that it doesn’t affect the main story.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a title that didn’t take the world by storm or anything on release. But it was a special RPG for sure. Releasing amid a market that was bloated with medieval games that are rooted in fantasy. Kindom Come sought to provide a realistic experience of what it was like to live in the 15th century.
The game doesn’t really have an expansive and outright lavish romance system, with too many options to choose from. It rather goes for the quality over quantity approach with a few rich experiences. The system stays the same, depending on choosing the right dialogue options.
Completing a specific quest might also reward the player with special cutscenes. A second Kingdom Come game was released in 2025, which provides an even richer experience and has become a fan favorite game.
