Mass Effect: Legendary Edition a remastered compilation of BioWare’s acclaimed trilogy, invites players to once again explore the rich universe of Commander Shepard. One of the most beloved features of the series is the ability to develop romantic relationships with various characters. These romances add depth to the narrative and allow for personal connections that can significantly impact the story. Each game in the trilogy offers unique opportunities for romance, with different characters and requirements for initiating and maintaining these relationships. In this article, we will guide you through the process of romancing characters in “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition,” detailing the steps and choices necessary to build these meaningful connections.
So let’s take a look at this guide on How to Romance Characters in Mass Effect!
Romancing in Mass Effect 1
In “Mass Effect 1,” players can pursue romantic relationships with specific squadmates based on Commander Shepard’s gender. The available romance options include:
- Male Shepard: Ashley Williams or Liara T’Soni
- Female Shepard: Kaidan Alenko or Liara T’Soni
To initiate a romance, you must frequently interact with your chosen character after each major mission, selecting dialogue options that express interest and support. It’s essential to complete the character’s personal mission and make choices that align with their values. Avoid negative or confrontational responses, and prioritize spending time with them during non-critical moments. The culmination of the romance in “Mass Effect 1” typically occurs before the final mission, where a romantic scene will play out if you have successfully built the relationship.
Romancing in Mass Effect 2
“Mass Effect 2” expands the romance options significantly, offering a variety of characters with different backgrounds and personalities. The available romance options for each gender are:
- Male Shepard: Miranda Lawson, Jack, Tali’Zorah
- Female Shepard: Jacob Taylor, Garrus Vakarian, Thane Krios
To pursue a romance in “Mass Effect 2,” players must recruit and frequently interact with their chosen character. This involves completing their loyalty mission, which is a personal quest unique to each character. During conversations, choose dialogue options that show empathy, support, and romantic interest. It’s crucial to maintain loyalty by avoiding actions that could negatively impact your relationship. After building enough rapport, a specific scene will trigger, indicating the deepening of the romance. The final romantic encounter typically occurs before the game’s suicide mission, assuming you’ve maintained the relationship.
Romancing in Mass Effect 3
In “Mass Effect 3,” the romantic relationships from previous games can continue, and new options are introduced. The game allows for both new romances and the continuation of previous ones, with the following characters available for romance:
- Male Shepard: Ashley Williams, Miranda Lawson, Jack, Tali’Zorah, Liara T’Soni, Samantha Traynor, Steve Cortez
- Female Shepard: Kaidan Alenko, Garrus Vakarian, Thane Krios, Liara T’Soni, Samantha Traynor
To romance a character in “Mass Effect 3,” you must continue interacting with them throughout the game, completing their personal missions and supporting them in critical moments. If you’re continuing a romance from a previous game, ensure you reaffirm your commitment through dialogue choices. New romances can be initiated by expressing interest and spending time with the characters. Key moments in the game, such as critical missions and personal interactions, will provide opportunities to deepen the romance. The final romantic scenes typically occur before the game’s climax, cementing the relationship.

Liara T’Soni
Liara T’Soni is a unique romance option available across all three games, providing a consistent and evolving relationship. To romance Liara:
- In Mass Effect 1, express interest during your conversations, complete her personal mission, and choose supportive dialogue options.
- In Mass Effect 2, interact with Liara during the “Lair of the Shadow Broker” DLC, showing continued interest and support.
- In Mass Effect 3, ensure you reaffirm your relationship, complete her personal missions, and choose dialogue options that strengthen your bond.
Liara’s romance is characterized by deep emotional connections and significant story implications, making her a favorite among many players.
Garrus Vakarian
Garrus Vakarian is a fan-favorite romance option for Female Shepard in both “Mass Effect 2” and “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Garrus:
- In Mass Effect 2, complete his loyalty mission, frequently interact with him, and choose supportive and flirtatious dialogue options.
- In Mass Effect 3, continue to express interest, support him in his missions, and reaffirm your relationship through dialogue choices.
Garrus’ romance is notable for its blend of humor, camaraderie, and deep emotional moments, providing a well-rounded and satisfying relationship arc.
Tali’Zorah
Tali’Zorah is a romance option for Male Shepard in both “Mass Effect 2” and “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Tali:
- In Mass Effect 2, complete her loyalty mission, frequently interact with her, and choose caring and supportive dialogue options.
- In Mass Effect 3, continue to express interest, support her in her personal struggles, and reaffirm your relationship through dialogue choices.
Tali’s romance is beloved for its depth, emotional complexity, and the unique cultural aspects of her character, offering a rich and fulfilling relationship.

Miranda Lawson
Miranda Lawson is a romance option for Male Shepard in both “Mass Effect 2” and “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Miranda:
- In Mass Effect 2, complete her loyalty mission, frequently interact with her, and choose supportive and flirtatious dialogue options.
- In Mass Effect 3, meet her during key story moments, express continued interest, and support her in her personal struggles.
Miranda’s romance is notable for its intensity and the exploration of her character’s vulnerabilities, providing a compelling and dramatic relationship.
Jack
Jack is a romance option for Male Shepard in both “Mass Effect 2” and “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Jack:
- In Mass Effect 2, complete her loyalty mission, frequently interact with her, and choose supportive and empathetic dialogue options.
- In Mass Effect 3, meet her during key story moments, express continued interest, and support her in her personal struggles.
Jack’s romance is characterized by its emotional intensity and the development of trust and understanding, offering a deeply rewarding relationship arc.
Thane Krios
Thane Krios is a romance option for Female Shepard in both “Mass Effect 2” and “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Thane:
- In Mass Effect 2, complete his loyalty mission, frequently interact with him, and choose caring and supportive dialogue options.
- In Mass Effect 3, visit him in the hospital and express continued interest, showing empathy and support.
Thane’s romance is poignant and deeply emotional, exploring themes of redemption, love, and loss, making it a memorable and touching relationship.
Samantha Traynor
Samantha Traynor is a romance option for Female Shepard in “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Samantha:
- Frequently interact with her aboard the Normandy, choosing flirtatious and supportive dialogue options.
- Complete her personal mission and spend time with her during key story moments, expressing continued interest.
Samantha’s romance is notable for its sweetness and genuine emotional connection, providing a refreshing and heartfelt relationship.
Steve Cortez
Steve Cortez is a romance option for Male Shepard in “Mass Effect 3.” To romance Steve:
- Frequently interact with him aboard the Normandy, choosing supportive and empathetic dialogue options.
- Complete his personal mission and support him during key story moments, expressing continued interest.
Steve’s romance is characterized by its depth and emotional resonance, exploring themes of grief and healing, offering a meaningful and impactful relationship.

Conclusion
Romancing characters in “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition” adds a rich layer of depth to the gaming experience, allowing players to form meaningful connections with their favorite characters. By understanding the specific requirements and dialogue choices needed to initiate and maintain these relationships, players can enhance their narrative journey and enjoy the emotional rewards that come with these romantic bonds. Whether you’re pursuing a long-term romance across the trilogy or exploring new relationships in each game, the romance options in “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition” offer a diverse and engaging way to experience Commander Shepard’s epic adventure.
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