All Dragon Age Inquisition Romances, Ranked Worst to Best

Dragon Age Inquisition Romances

There are spies around every corner, templars and mages fighting to the death, and dark, heinous creatures ready to kill you slowly with the Blight that brings you inches closer to madness while you tear off your own skin. And of course, Dragon Age wouldn’t be complete without the steamy bedroom romances with your quirky friends and followers.

You certainly can’t complete the game without starting at least one romance (even accidentally); and no matter whether you’re aggressive or a pacifist, there’s going to be someone you can successfully get into bed. However, unlike Dragon Age 2 where you could get several of your  romanceable companions  into  a big polyamory, the romantic options of the Inquisition are a bit pickier. But no matter who you choose, you’re certain to get a sweet romance, spicy sex scene, or even tearful heart-to-heart before fighting the Big Bad Corypheus. I’ve rated each possible match for the Inquisitor, worst to best on the romance scale. Will your favorite partner hold up?

8. The Iron Bull

The formidable Ben-Hassrath, Hissrad, the Inquisition’s Qunari- The Iron Bull is one of your loyal warriors and best drinking buddies (whether you like it or not). He loves the excitement of battle and killing dragons, and it’s relatively easy to gain his approval so long as you bring him along on your ventures and show your support for the warriors (ie. siding with the templars as well as making Duke Gaspard the emperor). Bull is the first Qunari in the Dragon Age series that’s romance-able and is fairly open about his preferences. The huge, bulging muscles and numerous battle scars don’t hurt to look at, either. Whether you’re horny or just curious, he’s definitely up for doing it.

To begin a romance with him, after flirting, gaining enough approval points and completing his personal quest (Demands of the Qun- Heads up, you’ll want the Chargers to stay alive to avoid later heartbreak), speak with him to trigger a cutscene where you’ll walk into your bedroom with Bull on the bed. He’ll explain he got your hints and knows you want to ‘ride the Bull’. Don’t reject the sexual encounter, and the next time you speak, you can choose either not to pursue further romance or agree to his friends-with-benefits situation. The romance will continue to be fairly physical, and he’s fine with keeping things casual if that’s what you want. He’ll explain that the Qunari show commitment to an individual through crafting matching necklaces out of a dragon’s tooth broken in half (Does that mean through killing all these dragons, he’s actually a huge romantic?). After crafting the necklace and trying to give it to him, you’ll have yet another sexy cutscene- this time, your advisors walk in on you getting nasty. You can choose to save face and end the romance there, or proclaim your intent to continue the relationship.

The Qunari’s relationship is mostly sexual, and while he tends to seem soft especially for someone under the Qun, Iron Bull’s actual emotions don’t really fluctuate much and he’s very easygoing with whatever you decide. Some people are into that, though I don’t see much romance here outside of the necklace. Plus, if the Chargers don’t survive his personal quest (Or you simply don’t do the quest), he’ll still betray you in Trespasser regardless of your relationship.

Romance: 10/100

7. Blackwall

Warden Blackwall is the best companion for those who love a strong, rugged romance that isn’t cold like Cassandra, or soft and pure like Cullen, but still has the heartbreak element that makes you keep trying to make everything right in the end. His romance starts sad, is sad throughout the middle, and will hopefully have a happy end- right?

The romance, like any other, has to start with flirting. As soon as you arrive at Skyhold, Blackwall will reject your advances if you flirt with him. Later he wants to explain, but in private, which takes place at the Storm Coast (being pelted by torrents of rain. Very romantic). The badge you receive becomes an important item in your relationship, as he’ll try to give it to you in a cutscene in the loft in the stables, where you kiss and eventually make love. Of course, since he’s a Grey Warden, you can never really be together.

The good news is, Blackwall isn’t really a Grey Warden and won’t die early from the Taint. The bad news is, he’s been lying to you since the beginning about being Blackwall- instead he’s Thom Rainier, who commanded his troop to kill a nobleman and everyone inside- which was the nobleman’s entire family, children included. Visiting him in prison will reveal that the badge is the real Blackwall’s, and he intended to tell you the truth at the Storm Coast but panicked. What is it with your companions and lies? Unlike Solas’ ending though, you can actually have a happy ending with the child-killer if you play your cards just right. Free him from prison, and you two can share a special kiss in Skyhold in front of all the people who expected you to judge the lying murderer. If you elect him to become a real Grey Warden though, after the events of Trespasser you’ll never see him again.

I love drama and suspense like nothing else in the world, but in this case I feel like it’s a little too dramatic; there’snot enough steam or romance. The scenes you do get are cute, but they’re constantly overshadowed by Blackwall/Rainier’s lies and the past that keeps coming to haunt him. It’s cuter to just let him and Josie flirt in the background while you pursue someone a little bit more connected to the present.

Romance: 20/100

6. Josephine Montilyet

Josephine, your loyal advisor, ambassador and chief diplomat is an option for the two Inquisitor genders to romance. Her tongue is her fiercest weapon next to her pen and mastery of The Game, and she’d likely take over all of Thedas if you didn’t get there first. She’s pleasant, charming, witty and could fell a kingdom with a single sentence if she wanted. What’s not to love?

Since she’s not a playable character and cannot gain approval, the romance is a little bit different from your companions. Josie will still have a personal quest for you to complete (Of Somewhat Fallen Fortune), which is when the romance can be officially initiated. Leliana will advise against the romantic entanglement, noting that her friend is ‘innocent in love’. Bring this up with Josie, and you’ll have the opportunity to cement the relationship with a kiss against Leliana’s advice.

The more exciting part in this romance is that, after the Montilyet parents have suddenly betrothed Josephine to an Antivan Lord, you can choose to duel him for the hand of your sweet Ruffles. After she interrupts your battle you can again break off the romance or confirm it, sharing another kiss. After the end of Trespasser though, she declares that she’ll finish her duties with the Inquisition before returning home to perform the responsibilities as head of the Montilyet family. Even though you’re the Inquisitor, she’s too far out of your league.

If it weren’t for the duel I’d say this is more of a cute relationship; a bit of an innocent crush before breaking up in the end. I love you Josie, but as far as romance goes, Leliana is right.

Romance: 30/100

5. Dorian Pavus

For the most part, being gay isn’t a big deal in Thedas. As long as you produce heirs, people don’t tend to frown upon it unless you’re a Chantry priest, or you’re a human bunking with an elf and vice-versa. Dorian is probably the gayest man you’ll personally meet in the Dragon Age universe, to the point where he’s estranged from his traditionally backwards Tevinter family. He’s certainly flamboyant too, as Solas will even say on the field “Speak up, I can’t hear you over your outfit!”. In my first play through of Inquisition, I started flirting with Dorian for the fun of it. He’s very charming, and I found his sarcastic quips are delightfully humorous.

In order to officially start your romance with Dorian, after going through his quests and supporting him every step of the way with him and his father’s relationship he’ll imply there’s something interesting waiting in your private quarters. Going to the bedroom will result in Dorian following after and propositioning you sensually. You can end the romance here, or sleep with him. After being intimate, he’ll convey that he wants something deeper than just sex- but he’ll stop if you ask him to. Again you can end the official ‘romance’ and just have sex with him, or you can enter the true, emotionally gripping romance with this sweet boy who’s never had a true partner before.

Steam is high for sure for Dorian, but I didn’t find quite as much romance as I did steamy/funny/flirty, though there were moments. I wound up breaking off the romance after a few very steamy sex scenes in the Inquisitor’s bedroom (I’m spending good money on all these beds for a reason, dammit). Still worth it.

Romance: 50/100

4. Sera

The mysterious Red Jenny- who is she? While you can have the elf who associates herself with the ‘Friends of Red Jenny’, you don’t ever get much closer to an answer. However, you can have plenty of fun with the witty rogue and pull pranks with the side benefit of raising morale. Sera isn’t very elfy and is one of the few people who will always pull for the ‘common folk’, the ones stuck in the middle when the rich people argue. Sera is one of the quirkiest characters in all of Dragon Age, and I think she’s very refreshing in her skepticism. Instead of being the everyday stalwart follower like most of your other companions, iher doubts make the romance even more exciting.

There are plenty of times when you can flirt with Sera, starting immediately after recruiting her. In order to initiate the romance though, you have to have plenty of approval before you can ask where the relationship is headed. Once you ask however, she’ll tell you that she likes you and doesn’t want to share. You can officially begin the romance and either have sex or state you want to wait before getting physical, or stop the romance entirely.

There’s one particular moment when the romance could end, and that is when Sera suddenly appears angry at the Inquisitor, attempting to storm off without giving you a clue as to why. She’ll yell, but will gradually begin to show that she’s angry about falling in love. In order to continue the relationship you’ll have to point this out, or the romance will end. Tell Sera you love her, and she’ll tackle you. Now -that- is hot, steamy romance.

Continue the relationship through to the end of the game, and Sera will propose- obviously, the correct answer is “All the yesses. Every frigging one.’

I love a romance with a bit of drama. A couple should have a fight, to show they can work through disagreements, and Sera is a particularly tough pickle. ButI think it’s worth it in the end, and she’s  great to have some steamy fun with in the meantime.

Romance: 65/100

3. Solas

I have to admit here, I have a little bit of a type. After playing through all 3 of the Dragon Age titles spoiler-free, that type appears to be ‘the one loner apostate mage who ruins everything’. Had I not done my first play through as a male, I would definitely have romanced Solas and experienced a world of heartbreak.

This egghead comes across as an expert in the mysterious realms of magic and spirits, and is confident in everything he does. It’s nice to have a strong and protective presence sometimes, though it can come across a little too strong, like at the Winter Palace where he’ll tell you very enthusiastically to ‘Dance with me!’. I’m romancing him right now in my current play through, and I think that was the point I realized he was almost  a little too commanding. Still, his banter with the other characters is a bit snarky and I love bringing him along just for his jabs at Dorian .

Flirting can begin with Solas immediately after stabilizing the Breach in Haven. In order to begin on the path to romance, during the conversation with him in the Fade version of Haven, there’s an option to kiss him. Take it. The exchange is awkward and as you start to step away, he takes you and kisses you back. After having enough approval, he’ll ask to speak with the Inquisitor privately, and in your room’s balcony you can officially begin the romance. The full force of  your relationship won’t be felt until after the events at the Temple of Mythal, when he’ll ask to spend more time with the Inquisitor, spending an incredibly intimate scene in Crestwood.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and since Bioware refuses to make the apostate fans happy, Solas will eventually appear regretful about his decisions and distant towards you. In the Fade the Inquisitor will learn that his greatest fear is dying alone, but he will refuse to state his reasoning for parting with the Inquisitor, instead stating it was selfish of him to pursue the relationship in the first place.  Of course, the ending scene of Trespasser, assuming the Inquisitor still loves him, will be even more painful.

And I’m a huge glutton for punishment.

Romance: 85/100

Okay, I’m a sucker for a good solid romance. On my first run through, I had zero prior knowledge of the game. I had seen Cassandra in Dragon Age 2 and was still frightened of her to an extent. I mean, you start this game off with her looking like she wanted to stab and chew on your guts while you watched. She’s a princess, but don’t let that fool you, she’s one of the toughest, coldest people you’ll ever meet.

Once you befriend her though, you start to see her romantic side where she’s a huge fan of Varric’s cheesy romance novel Swords and Shields; and as you choose the flirty dialogue options you learn that she loves poetry, flowers, and making love under the stars. In the beginning of the Trespasser DLC, she’s in so deep she even believesVarric when he tells her you’re on your way to propose.

Once you’ve sufficiently flirted enough (As a male Inquisitor only), she’ll ask to speak privately with the Inquisitor and confess she’s noticed his flirting, and that she yearns for an ‘ideal romance’. Then, the Inquisitor can elect to continue the romance and meet her wishes, engaging in the ultimate romance scene with poetry, candles, and yes, nude love-making. After this scene, you and Cassandra will have other chances for private time, which are often small moments of tender kisses away from prying eyes. It may not be the steamiest, but I’m a bit of a softie and this romance tops my list due to the major shift in her cold demeanor from the beginning of the game. I was lucky to experience this one first hand, completely spoiler-free.

Romance: 90/100

1. Cullen Rutherford

Cullen is a character seen in all three of the Dragon Age titles, playing increasingly more important roles as time goes on. The former templar is your advisor, playing the role as captain of your armies. This boy is sweet, funny in his obliviousness, and is nicely built- as seen when he woefully loses Wicked Grace amongst you and your friends and has to rush back to the barracks completely butt-naked. Comparing his romance to your other romance-able advisor Josephine, Cullen’s is much more wholesome and heart-wrenching. Flirting with him is incredibly funny since he gets so flustered, and will at times request to change topics. Provided the Inquisitor is a female human or elf, she can request to speak with him alone- and they share their first kiss amongst the battlements of Skyhold. Cullen will later say that he’d been wanting to kiss her for longer than he’d be willing to admit.

The heart-breaking part of Cullen’s story is during his personal quest Perseverance, where he begins to question whether he can continue to serve the Inquisition while he struggles with the withdrawal effects from lyrium. In order to continue the romance past this point (or after the quest had been completed in order to begin romancing him), you must either encourage him to stay off lyrium, or assure him that you’ll find a better way for him to defeat his addiction after defeating the Elder One. If he goes back to lyrium completely, not only will your romance end, but after the events of Trespasser Cullen will be found begging on the streets for money in the final stages of Lyrium Madness. This is perhaps the single most deplorable thing you could do to one of your friends in-game, essentially condemning the poor man to death after everything he’s suffered at the hands of demons and darkspawn.

However, if you can help him work past his withdrawal and continue to stay by his side, you’ll be rewarded not only with touching personal scenes but he’ll pop the question during Trespasser. If you say yes (again, clearly the correct choice) you’ll say your vows, and Mother Giselle will marry the two of you. How’s that for a happy end, battling demons together both figuratively and literally, and making it out as a family (with a new dog)? This romance may not be very steamy, but it’s the most wholesome and perhaps most rewarding relationship in the game.

Romance: 100/100

Bonus: Scout Lace Harding

One of the most loyal members of the Inquisition, Scout Harding isn’t truly considered one of your followers, but has risked her life numerous times and is waiting for you at every new location the first time you arrive there. You can’t romance Leliana in this game like you could in Origins, but Harding is the much sweeter, shorter version of the Left Hand, and it’s almost adorable when she jokingly(?) shares her concerns that Leliana will have her killed. You can flirt with her often, which, if you haven’t romanced anyone else far enough, will be revealed in a conversation with Vivienne during Trespasser that Harding and the Inquisitor are romantically involved.

Since Scout Harding isn’t an official romance, she doesn’t really score on the list… but she’s 100/100 in my heart.

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Race: Elf (at heart). Class: Game Wizard. Sub-class: RPGs. Advantage on dexterity checks, farming sims and flirting with all the NPCs. Disadvantage on strength and intimidation checks.
Gamer Since: 2004
Favorite Genre: RPG
Currently Playing: Hollow Knight
Top 3 Favorite Games:Dragon Age: Inquisition, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Life is Strange