Real boyfriends are embarrassing… try video game romances instead!
Recently, Vogue published ‘Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?’ sparking a viral conversation about dating, displaying relationships on social media, and how being single is more of a flex today. The article, while interesting, centered on heterosexual/het-facing relationships and women reclaiming their energy from a system that does not have our well-being in mind. As an avid gamer, I think, instead of dating men IRL, why not just play a fun game where you date hot romanceable NPCs?!
The best part is… there’s no embarrassment attached [unless you romance someone like Shane from Stardew Valley]! So here’s my selection of romanceable video game characters you can get involved with right now!
Sebastian – Stardew Valley
Sebastian from Stardew Valley is the cool, calm recluse nerd who loves gaming, frogs, and coffee. His cool yet aloof demeanor can make you want to get to know him more, and I fully support it. Sebastian was the first person I romanced in my very first playthrough of Stardew Valley. With each new farm I start, I do my best to romance anyone else… but still somehow it always circles back to my gloomy favorite Sebastian.
Judy Álvarez – Cyberpunk 2077
Judy Álvarez is the genius braindance tech and a member of the Mox in Cyberpunk 2077. While her tragic background manifests in her present day mistrust of most people, especially entities with a lot of power, she prides herself in her skills as a techie and always seeks to fight injustice no matter what. If your V is femme, she is a romanceable option in Cyberpunk 2077. Judy is a sweet, empathetic and attentive partner with a vibrant personality that rivals her insatiable desire to seek justice.
Morrigan – Dragon Age: Origins
The Witch of the Wilds herself, Morrigan is one of many romanceable options in Dragon Age Origins. She is powerful, expressive, and witty. As you get to know her and see her growth throughout the Dragon Age series, you cannot help but be obsessed with her. She has a ‘survival of the fittest’ outlook on the world, stemming from her upbringing under Flemeth and general distrust of mankind. The quickest way to her heart is to agree with her morality and avoid soft-hearted conversation.
Halsin – Baldur’s Gate 3
The man, the bear, the intense conversationalist Halsin, of Baldur’s Gate 3, is a man of aura. When he’s not aura farming with his giant muscles, he is a strong companion on your quest. There are many romanceable options in Baldur’s Gate 3, Halsin sticks out the most to me strictly because of his aura.
Freya – Little Goody Two-Shoes
Freya in Little Goody Two-Shoes is Elise’s rival in town when it comes to completing quests and helping the villagers. She is popular and a trusted hard worker in the village with a kind heart, which can drive Elise mad sometimes. Elise recognizes Freya’s work ethic and, deep down, is inspired by her. Out of the three romanceable options in Little Goody Two-Shoes, to me, she is the most interesting.
Heaphestus – Tales of Seikyuu
Heaphestus is the hot, towering bull Yokai Blacksmith in Tales of Seikyuu. While he towers over the protagonist in the game, he is a gentle giant and very sensitive. He enjoys spicy food and gold, so when trying to romance him, bring him a gold ingot or a dish that is extra spicy. Hephaestus is canonically a Taurus, so if you get along with Taurus romantically, then Hephaestus is the best option for you in Tales of Seikyuu.
Pablo – Coral Island
Let’s be clear, everyone in Coral Island is hot. Narrowing down one romanceable NPC to speak on is TOUGH. But Pablo is just a dazzling NPC. He is the blacksmith on Coral Island, Rafael’s big brother, charismatic, and a smooth flirt. Almost every NPC will leave you kicking your feet in Coral Island, so genuinely just enjoy the ride.
Telly – Date Everything
Telly is an energetic, loud, and slightly dramatic TV in Date Everything, and they are BEAUTIFUL. Their art design is creative and vibrant, and with over one hundred options in Date Everything, Telly is a giant standout.
Caldarus – Fields of Mistria
Now hear me out, Caldarus in Field of Mistria… is hot. Sorry, not sorry. Caldarus is not initially an available romance option. At first, Caldarus is a statue that helps you gain abilities when it comes to farming, mining, fishing, and spells. However, once you continue more into the story and reach level 60 in the mines, Caldarus will become available to romance. Fields of Mistria is still in early access, so not all content is available at this time, but the 1.0 release is much anticipated.
Make Your Choice | Love and Deepspace
Love and Deepspace is a game I was recently introduced to, which I genuinely did not know was a dating simulator. Love and Deepspace is an otome game, a game primarily marketed to women with a cast of male characters. But the Love and Deepspace community is vast and diverse. Many features may leave you kicking your feet and make your heart flutter. There are also co-working, calendar, and timer features that are useful outside of the romance plots. I do not personally have a favorite yet in this game, but once I do, I will let you know!
Amanda Thomas – Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Life is Strange: Double Exposure‘s romance is very messy. Max Caufield’s powers over time have transformed into something stronger, the ability to travel through different timelines.. Amanda is the better romanceable option. She is a bartender, emotionally intelligent, and is not afraid to enforce her boundaries if the need arises. She is the eldest of five siblings, hardworking and extremely observant, which sometimes catches Max off guard. Romance is not required in Life is Strange: Double Exposure, but if you have to pick, I’d say go with Amanda.
Niesha – Witchy Life Story
Niesha in Witchy Life Story has the perfect earthy witchy vibe I dream of embodying one day. In Witchy Life Story, Neisha is a confident witch who does not have time for games or beating around the bush. She is decisive, artistic, and the granddaughter of the town’s mayor. Her style and overall vibe are cool, and I think she is one of the best romanceable NPCs in the game.
Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? As a woman, yes, I definitely empathize with many points made in Chanté Joseph’s article. While Women reclaim their energy and lock into their goals, hobbies, and self-love, just know that if connection is what you crave without the embarrassment, dating an NPC in games is a fun option.
The best part about gaming is the community you gain with like-minded people who share your interests. Partnership is not the only form of connection. While self-love and platonic friendships are not a 1:1 replacement for romantic partnership, it is still important to have community and a sense of self outside of just being someone’s partner.
About The Author
