Beyond the 'Approve' Button: Diving Deep into Polygon's Top RPG Romances (and Why We're All a Bit Smitten)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Jeff dives into Polygon's list of the top 5 RPG romance companions, exploring *why* these digital characters resonate so deeply with players, from Krobus's platonic perfection to Astarion's irresistible vulnerability, crediting Claire Lewis's original piece for the insights.
Right, so I've been tinkering with this absolute gem of a list from Polygon – Claire Lewis’s piece, 'The 5 best RPG romance companions of all time,' published back on Feb 14, 2026. And bloody hell, mate, it got me thinking. Why *do* we fall so hard for these collections of pixels and lines of code? Is it some ancient digital enchantment, or just cracking good writing?
Claire herself starts by confessing a deep affection for that little 'so-and-so approves' notification – a proper little hit of digital dopamine, she reckons. And honestly, who can blame her? There's a certain magic to crafting a story where your choices genuinely matter, especially when it comes to finding a virtual significant other. But what does it *really* mean when a character carves out a permanent residence in our hearts? Let's poke around a bit, shall we?
**5. Krobus (Stardew Valley): The Platonic Perfectionist**
First up on Claire's list, and possibly the most wonderfully unexpected, is Krobus from *Stardew Valley*. A little shadow fella living in the sewers? Not exactly your typical romance novel hero, is he? Claire highlights that he's not technically romanceable in the traditional sense – no marriage, no kissing, no virtual kiddies. But you *can* move him in, shower him with Void Mayonnaise (don't ask), and he’ll give you gifts, a Stardrop, and even help with your existing digital offspring. It's domestic bliss, minus the 'smoochy bits'.
Now, this is where it gets interesting, isn't it? Krobus isn't about grand declarations or passionate embraces. He offers something else entirely: companionship, acceptance, and a genuine sense of belonging without the pressure of conventional romance. Claire calls him the 'only companion... who offers asexual/aromantic players a chance to live in domestic bliss,' and that's a brilliant observation. It's a testament to ConcernedApe's wizardry that they made a 'shadow person' such a beloved, deeply empathetic character, carving out a unique niche that many other RPGs completely miss. It's about designing for inclusion, creating space for different kinds of connection, and proving that sometimes, friendship is the truest magic of all.
**4. Solas (Dragon Age: Inquisition, Veilguard): The Heartbreak Enchanter**
Oh, Solas. The name itself conjures a sigh, a tear, and possibly a thrown controller. Claire minces no words, stating 'No romance companion has ever inflicted as much emotional damage on me as Solas.' And honestly, mate, that sounds about right. He's smart, mysterious, and helpful – everything you want in a companion, right? But then, BAM! He's secretly an Elven god, a proper 'asshole of a god' no less, who's going to mess up your arm and break your heart. Talk about a magical mishap!
Claire's fascination with Solas, despite the obvious red flags (or rather, the giant 'ancient god with a secret agenda' flags), speaks volumes. It's the slow burn, the intelligence, the forbidden allure of someone clearly operating on a different plane. He flirts, he paints murals, he’s got 'unreasonable amounts of rizz' – and then he leaves you with a magically amputated arm and the weight of the world on your shoulders. Yet, like Claire, many players go back for more. Why? Because sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones that hurt the most. It's less about a perfect partner and more about a deeply flawed, incredibly written character who forces you to confront difficult truths – both in the game world and perhaps within your own emotional preferences. BioWare are proper alchemists when it comes to crafting these emotionally complex beasts.
**3. Judy (Cyberpunk 2077): Love at First Byte**
From ancient gods to the neon-drenched future of Night City, Claire brings us Judy Alvarez from *Cyberpunk 2077*. 'Love at first byte,' indeed! What snagged Claire (and many others) wasn't just her cleverness or looks, but her protectiveness and initial standoffishness. Apparently, a little reluctance is a 'breath of fresh, realistic air' compared to NPCs throwing themselves at the player. Hear, hear! Some of us enjoy a good chase, a proper bit of emotional archaeology, don't we?
Judy's romance, exclusive to a female V, feels genuinely earned. Claire praises her complexity, the 'real person' vibe – the drunk texts, the complicated ex, the breakfast in the morning, the occasional relationship wobble, and even proving yourself to her nan. And that scuba-diving date scene through her flooded childhood home? Iconic. It’s not just about clicking the right dialogue options; it's about seeing a character *grow* and *challenge* the player, reflecting the messiness of actual relationships. CD Projekt Red really nailed that blend of gritty realism with moments of tender vulnerability, proving that even in a chaotic, tech-infused future, human connection is still the most powerful spell.
**2. Garrus (Mass Effect): The Calibrated Heartthrob**
Ah, Garrus Vakarian. If you’ve played *Mass Effect*, you either love him, or you're wrong (just kidding... mostly). Claire came late to the party with the *Legendary Edition*, initially struggling with *ME2*'s combat and mourning her lost *ME1* companions. But then she found Garrus, 'holed up in a facility on Omega, trapped in a war of his own making and surrounded by mercenaries.' Classic Garrus, getting into trouble. Rescuing him wasn't just about combat; it was about rekindling a bond.
What Claire pinpoints as the magic here is Garrus's witty, charming, delightfully nerdy nature, but more importantly, how his 'devotion to Shepard feels earned.' You pull him back from the brink, help him 'recalibrate his moral compass,' and in doing so, forge a bond that feels genuine. It's not just a romance; it's a partnership built on shared experiences and mutual growth. And yes, the logistics of Turian-human physical affection might require a wizard's imagination, but who cares when the emotional connection is so bloody strong? BioWare, once again, showing us how character arcs, not just character models, make a companion truly unforgettable.
**1. Astarion (Baldur's Gate 3): The Irresistible Vampire Rogue**
And at number one, topping Claire's list (and countless others, let's be fair) is Astarion from *Baldur's Gate 3*. Claire admits she has 'five different in-progress Baldur's Gate 3 playthroughs' and *still* can't resist romancing him. She even mentions accidentally dying the first time he tried to suck her blood because her 'sense of self-preservation kind of just… gave out.' Mate, I reckon that's a common affliction among *BG3* players!
What makes Astarion so utterly captivating? As Claire beautifully puts it, he's 'far more than a pretty face and a sharp pair of fangs. He's a traumatized, terrified person who masks his fear with bravado, humor, and manipulation.' It's the 'I can fix him' trope brought to its narrative peak, powered by Neil Newbon's award-winning voice acting. His story is a rollercoaster of heartbreak and heartwarming moments, peeling back layers of trauma to reveal a deeply vulnerable individual struggling for agency. Larian Studios didn't just create a vampire rogue; they crafted a character so richly written and performed that he transcends the screen, drawing players into his orbit with an almost supernatural pull. It’s a masterclass in character development, proving that genuine complexity and a dash of dangerous charm can make a digital heartthrob utterly irresistible. And honestly, it makes me wonder if I'll ever manage to romance anyone *else* in that game, even if I hand the controller to a mate.
**The Digital Spell We Can't Break**
So there you have it, mate. Claire Lewis’s brilliant breakdown, repurposed through my own peculiar digital lens. It's clear that the 'best' RPG companions aren't just about good looks or a convenient quest objective. They're about phenomenal writing, genuine emotional arcs, unexpected depth, and the daring to break conventional romance molds. They challenge us, charm us, and occasionally break our hearts, leaving us wondering what new digital enchantments game developers will brew up next. Here's to falling for pixels, again and again!
Tags: RPG, Romance, Gaming Culture, Character Design, Storytelling
Original article: Polygon