20 Games With Gay Romance Options That Aren’t Locked Behind DLC

Representation in video games has improved significantly over the last decade as developers increasingly prioritize inclusive storytelling within their base narratives. Players looking for LGBTQ+ content no longer have to wait for expansion packs or pay extra fees to see themselves reflected in their favorite virtual worlds. Many modern role-playing games and simulations now include same-sex relationship options as a standard feature available from launch day. These titles range from massive open-world epics to intimate indie experiences that treat romance with care and authenticity. The following list highlights games where developers integrated these romantic paths directly into the core gameplay loop.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Larian Studios created a vast Dungeons & Dragons experience that allows players to romance any companion regardless of gender. The game features deeply written characters like Astarion and Karlach who respond to player choices with complex emotional arcs. Players can navigate these relationships while exploring the Forgotten Realms in a turn-based RPG format. High production values and full voice acting bring these intimate moments to life without requiring additional purchases.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

ConcernedApe developed this farming simulation game where players inherit a dilapidated farm and interact with the local community. The game allows the protagonist to court and marry any of the twelve eligible bachelors or bachelorettes irrespective of gender. Marriage brings the spouse to the farm where they help with daily chores and offer unique dialogue. This open approach to romance has made ‘Stardew Valley’ a staple in the cozy game genre.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

CD Projekt Red developed an open-world action RPG set in a dystopian future where body modification is common. The narrative offers distinct romance paths for protagonist V depending on their voice and body type choices. Relationships with characters like Judy Alvarez and Kerry Eurodyne provide emotional depth amidst the chaos of Night City. These romantic subplots are integral parts of the base game narrative structure.

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

BioWare continued its tradition of inclusive storytelling in this high-fantasy RPG where the Inquisitor can romance various companions. Characters like Dorian Pavus and Sera have specific sexual orientations that define who they are willing to date. The writing team ensured these relationships explore themes of identity and loyalty within the context of a world-saving mission. Players navigate political intrigue and magical threats while fostering these personal connections.

‘Hades’ (2020)

Supergiant Games infused this roguelike dungeon crawler with a compelling narrative centered on Zagreus attempting to escape the Underworld. The protagonist can develop romantic bonds with characters such as Thanatos and Megaera simultaneously or individually. These relationships unfold naturally through dialogue exchanges and gift-giving mechanics during runs. The game integrates these romantic elements seamlessly into the repetitive loop of gameplay.

‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’ (2011)

Bethesda Game Studios designed a massive open world where the Dragonborn can marry various NPCs through the Amulet of Mara mechanic. Players can choose a spouse from a wide range of characters regardless of the protagonist’s gender. The marriage system allows partners to move into player-owned homes and open shops to generate income. This feature adds a layer of role-playing depth to the exploration of the northern province.

‘Fallout 4’ (2015)

Bethesda Game Studios implemented a romance system where the Sole Survivor can woo human and synth companions upon reaching maximum affinity. Every romanceable companion in the base game is available to a player character of any gender. Engaging in a romantic relationship grants a special perk which provides an experience point boost after sleeping. The writers crafted unique dialogue trees for each companion to reflect their growing attachment.

‘Mass Effect 3’ (2012)

BioWare concluded the original trilogy with expanded romance options that included same-sex partners for Commander Shepard. Kaidan Alenko becomes an option for a male Shepard while a female Shepard can pursue Samantha Traynor. These relationships are woven into the urgent narrative of the Reaper invasion and offer moments of respite. The inclusion of these paths marked a significant step forward for representation in AAA gaming.

‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’ (2018)

Ubisoft Quebec took the franchise into full RPG territory with a dialogue system that permits romantic encounters across Ancient Greece. Players control either Alexios or Kassandra and can pursue romances with various NPCs regardless of the protagonist’s gender. These interactions range from brief flings to more sustained narrative arcs throughout the mercenary journey. The game embraces the fluid nature of sexuality that was historically present in the setting.

‘Fire Emblem: Three Houses’ (2019)

Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo developed this tactical RPG where the protagonist Byleth serves as a professor at a military academy. The game features a support system that allows Byleth to reach maximum relationship ranks with certain characters of the same gender. These choices determine the ending partner for the main character after the war concludes. The specific options vary depending on which of the three houses the player chooses to lead.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

Maxis developed this life simulation game with the freedom to create Sims with any romantic preference. Players can direct their characters to flirt with and marry any other adult Sim without restriction. The game allows for same-sex weddings and adoption to build diverse family structures. Recent updates have further expanded the customization options for gender identity and sexual orientation settings.

‘Life is Strange: True Colors’ (2021)

Deck Nine focused on narrative choice in this graphic adventure where protagonist Alex Chen navigates her empathic powers. Alex can choose to pursue a romantic relationship with female radio DJ Steph Gingrich or a male park ranger. The romance develops through dialogue choices and key moments during the investigation of a town mystery. This relationship serves as a grounding element for Alex as she uncovers difficult truths.

‘Divinity: Original Sin 2’ (2017)

Larian Studios built a complex RPG world where origin characters and custom avatars have full agency over their romantic pursuits. Players can romance any of the companion characters in the party regardless of gender configuration. The writing explores the deep bonds forged during a quest to ascend to divinity. These relationships culminate in an intimate scene before the final act of the story.

‘Dragon Age II’ (2011)

BioWare simplified the relationship system in this installment by allowing all four primary romance options to be bisexual. Hawke can romance Anders or Fenris as well as Merrill or Isabela regardless of being male or female. The friendship and rivalry system influences how these romances play out dynamically. This approach ensured that no player was locked out of the core romantic content based on gender choice.

‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ (2017)

BioWare Montreal rebooted the franchise in a new galaxy with fresh romance options for the Pathfinder Ryder. The game includes exclusive same-sex options such as Suvi and Gil alongside bisexual squadmates like Vetra and Jaal. These relationships progress through conversations on the Tempest ship and during planetary exploration missions. The writers aimed to provide distinct personalities and romantic arcs for each crew member.

‘Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator’ (2017)

Game Grumps produced this visual novel that focuses entirely on a single father romancing other dads in a cul-de-sac. The player creates a custom character and navigates various dates and minigames to win the affection of seven eligible fathers. The writing balances humor with genuine emotional moments about parenting and relationships. It stands out as a game explicitly designed around gay romance rather than just including it as an option.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

Spiders developed this action RPG set on a magical island where colonial forces clash with locals. The protagonist De Sardet can romance companions like Kurt or Vasco depending on gender or pursue Siora regardless of gender. Completing personal quests for these characters unlocks the potential for a romantic relationship. The game weaves these personal alliances into the broader political narrative of the factions.

‘Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town’ (2019)

Marvelous Inc. remade the classic farming sim and introduced a ceremony which functions identically to marriage. The Western release explicitly treats these unions as marriages between same-sex partners. Players can court any of the marriage candidates and start a family on their farm. This release marked a shift in localization policy for the long-running franchise.

‘My Time at Portia’ (2019)

Pathea Games created a post-apocalyptic simulation where building and crafting are central to restoring society. The player can date and marry almost any single NPC in the town regardless of gender. Relationships are built through daily social interactions and completing commissions for the townsfolk. Marriage brings the spouse into the player’s workshop to assist with domestic tasks.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Bethesda Game Studios expanded their romance formula to a sci-fi setting where the explorer can romance four main Constellation members. Sarah Morgan and Barrett as well as Sam Coe and Andreja are all available for romance with a character of any gender. Each companion has a dedicated questline that must be completed to solidify the commitment. The game culminates these relationships with a wedding ceremony officiated in the depths of space.

Please let us know which of these titles resonated with you by sharing your experiences in the comments.