Dragon Age: Inquisition Complete Romance Guide

On top of closing the breach and stopping Corypheus in Dragon Age: Inquisition, your character is also faced with the difficult decision of who to romance. With eight wooable characters—double the amount found in Dragon Age II—it’s important to start off your relationship on the right foot.

About Relationships in Dragon Age: Inquisition

As you explore the world of Thedas, you can choose to begin a heated relationship with one of your companions or advisors. There are eight romanceable characters in Dragon Age: Inquisition, and you’ll need to ensure that you’re the correct gender and race to trigger a romance with the character of your choice.

A female elven Inquisitor can choose from six romance options, whereas a female human has five options. All other race and gender combinations have four.

The decisions you make as a leader of the famed Inquisition can earn either Approval or Disapproval from your companions. This can impact both your friendship and romantic prospects.

Over time, you’ll be able to cultivate your relationships by making certain choices that ally with a character’s beliefs and flirting at opportune moments. The option to flirt only appears if your Approval with a character is high enough. 

Note

While you can flirt with multiple characters at the same time, eventually a romance will Soft Lock. This means that you’ll be barred from pursuing other romantic options unless you break it off. Once a relationship has progressed enough, you’ll be given the choice to commit to a character for good. This will Hard Lock the relationship, meaning that you cannot back out after that point.

While the game’s story and lore are already impactful on their own, pairing the Inquisitor’s epic journey with a budding relationship adds a unique layer to the award-winning title.

Cassandra Pentaghast

• Romance Requirements: Must be a male Inquisitor
• First Encounter: In the Frostback Mountains during the first main quest ‘The Wrath of Heaven’

A likely familiar face to longtime fans of the popular Bioware series, Cassandra first appeared in Dragon Age 2. A Seeker of Truth and the Right Hand to the Divine, her morality and unyielding faith define her character and make her a powerful ally during the fight against Corypheus. While she has a tough exterior and can be incredibly intimidating both on and off the battlefield, she has the heart of a romantic—though it can take time to bring this truth to light.

Cassandra is one of the first characters you’ll meet in the game. Despite her early misgivings about the strange marking on your hand, male Inquisitors of any race are able to begin a romance with her in Dragon Age: Inquisition by first raising her Approval. This can be done in the following ways:

• Showing faith in the Chantry and embracing your role as the Herald of Andraste
• Siding with the Templars
• Choosing to reform the Templars and Circles of Magi rather than demolishing them altogether
• Choosing options that align with her morals of sacrifice and selflessness
• Choosing actionable options rather than taking an inactive approach
• Exiling the Grey Wardens during the quest ‘Here Lies the Abyss’

Although you’re able to flirt with Cassandra as early as during the events at Haven, doing so may cause her to react negatively. If you pursue her anyway, the relationship will Soft Lock on top of the Ramparts of Skyhold following a cutscene in which Cassandra asks you to confirm your intentions.

To achieve a serious relationship with her, you’ll need to complete Cassandra’s three personal quests: ‘Unfinished Business,’ ‘Guilty Pleasures,’ and ‘Promise of Destruction.’ After finishing the latter, speak to her. If your Approval is high enough, select the flirtatious dialogue option, which opens the quest ‘The Ideal Romance.’ Completing this will Hard Lock the relationship following a steamy cutscene.

Dorian Pavus

• Romance Requirements: Must be a male Inquisitor
• First Encounter: At Haven during the quest ‘Champions of the Just’ (if you side with the Templars) / In The Hinterlands during the quest ‘In Hushed Whispers’ (if you side with the Mages)

The son of the illustrious House Pavus in the Tevinter Imperium, Dorian Pavus is a talented human Mage and a fan-favorite character. Though he loves his family and his homeland dearly, he loathes the corruption that has overtaken both, and he hopes to see true change during his lifetime. His story is one of the richest in the game, as he struggles to find his place in a new land after his family rejects him because of his homosexuality.

When Dorian joins the Inquisition depends on whether you side with the Mages or the Templars. If you support the Mages, Dorian appears at Haven following the meeting with Alexius in Redcliffe to help seal a dangerous Fade rift. If you choose the Templars, Dorian will arrive at Haven to warn the Inquisitor of an impending attack. Choose whichever option feels right—your decision here won’t impact this Dragon Age: Inquisition romance.

The following choices will raise your Approval with Dorian:

• Being openly flirty with him
• Responding with wit or sarcasm
• Acting with kindness
• Supporting Mages
• Inviting the Grey Wardens to join the Inquisition
• During the quest ‘Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts,’ reunite Celene and Briala or allow Celene to be killed

After learning that Dorian’s father attempted to alter his sexual preference by using blood magic, the Inquisitor must choose to support Dorian, and the two will share a kiss—Soft Locking the relationship. Following a quest to retrieve his family’s amulet, Dorian visits the Inquisitor’s room to confess his feelings, triggering a romantic cutscene. This is also where you’ll be able to Hard Lock the relationship.

Sera

• Romance Requirements: Must be a female Inquisitor
• First Encounter: In Val Royeaux during the ‘A Friend of Red Jenny’ quest

An elven archer with a sharp tongue, Sera is both impulsive and unapologetic. She rejects her elven heritage, unconcerned by her people’s troubled past, instead focusing on what can be done to aid people in the here and now as a member of the Red Jenny gang. Boasting plenty of strong opinions, her main goal is the help the little guys while bringing down the rich and powerful. Sera dislikes anything to do with magic or the Dalish, so wooing her as an elven Mage may take a little extra work.

During your first trip to Val Royeaux, an arrow with a message attached will be fired at you. Upon investigation, you’ll find that you need to track down three more clues to reveal Sera’s location. You can then choose to recruit her to the Inquisition.

Here’s how to raise your Approval with Sera:

• During the ‘Sit in Judgement’ quest, execute Magister Erimond, Mayor Gregory Dedrick, and Knight-Captain Denam
• In the quest ‘Here Lies the Abyss,’ let the Grey Wardens ally with the Inquisition
• Pardon Thom Rainer
• Either Conscript the Mages during ‘In Hushed Whispers’ or disband the Templar Order in ‘Champions of the Just’
• Avoid chatting about religion
• Be fun-loving and join in on her pranks

Flirt with Sera every chance you get and agree to be of service when she asks for help. Eventually, you’ll be given the choice to ask Sera where your relationship stands, to which she will admit that she doesn’t want to share you with anyone else. This is where you have the choice to Hard Lock the relationship.

Blackwall

• Romance Requirements: Must be a female Inquisitor
• First Encounter: In The Hinterlands during the quest ‘The Lone Warden’

Blackwall has plenty of skeletons in his closet, but he’s a dedicated member of the Inquisition nonetheless. Though he professes to be a member of the legendary Grey Wardens, his true name is Thom Rainier, and he takes on the mantle of a dead man to run from a heinous crime he once committed. It’s up to you whether to pardon him or not, but if you decide you’d like to enter into a relationship with him, preventing him from being executed should probably remain your top priority.

After returning from your first trip to Val Royeaux, you’ll see a quest titled ‘The Lone Warden’ appear. Complete it to recruit Blackwall to the Inquisition.

Here’s how to boost your Approval with Blackwall:

• Collect every Warden artifact during the quest ‘Memories of the Grey’ while Blackwall is in the party
• Invite the Grey Wardens to join the Inquisition
• Prevent Empress Celene from being assassinated and do not support Briala at the Winter Palace
• Don’t force the Mages or Templars to serve the Inquisition
• Have him in your party when killing Darkspawn
• Pardon him or give him to the Grey Wardens when judging him

After completing the companion quest ‘Memories of the Grey,’ continue chatting with Blackwall at every opportunity to unlock his next Inner Circle quest titled ‘Explanations.’ Visit the Small Grove Camp on the Storm Coast with Blackwall and travel south to find debris and skeletons. Using your Search function will trigger a cutscene, and upon returning to Skyhold, speak to Blackwall to further this Dragon Age: Inquisition romance.

Blackwall’s final companion quest, ‘Revelations,’ will become available following the events at Adamant and Halamshiral. Speak with him to enjoy a drink together. After this, he will disappear, leaving a note behind. Follow the questline until you have the option to speak to Cullen. Choose to release Blackwall by using the Inquisition’s influence, and during judgment, select “You’re free to atone.” To Hard Lock the relationship, select “Let’s start over” or “I couldn’t let you go” during the next conversation.

Josephine Montilyet

• Romance Requirements: None (open to a male or female Inquisitor)
• First Encounter: In Haven following the first main quest ‘The Wrath of Heaven’

Josephine is the ambassador and chief diplomat of the newly-formed Inquisition. The eldest daughter of the noble Montilyet family of Antiva, she previously served as the chief ambassador from Antivva to Orlais, and is well-versed in tricky and dangerous Orlesian politics. Intelligent and graceful, you can start a relationship with her regardless of your chosen gender. On a similar note, your race and background don’t matter either.

You first meet Josephine upon your return to Haven after the game’s first main quest. Following your first trip to the Hinterlands, return to Haven and seek out Josephine in her office. Next, chat with her about her work and the future of the Inquisition. After a lengthy conversation about securing new allies, a flirtatious option will appear.

Unlike other romance options in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Josephine will not express Approval or Disapproval of your actions. You’ll have to rely on your charm alone to sweep her off her feet. Chat with her as often as possible to discover new romantic quips.

Eventually, Josephine will mention that she misses her staff in Antiva. Respond with “Discuss them with me” to lead to a cutscene in the Inquisitor’s room, then select “I think you’re delightful” to further the romance.

Following the quest ‘In Your Heart Shall Burn,’ visit Josephine again to learn more about her family’s financial issues. Promising to help will lead to Josephine’s Inner Circle quest titled ‘Of Somewhat Fallen Fortune.’ Be sure to always choose options that show your affection for Josephine, and after the quest’s conclusion, seek her out and speak to her in private. Select “I should have flirted harder” to Hard Lock your relationship with Josephine and trigger a few more exclusive quests.

Iron Bull

• Romance Requirements: None (open to a male or female Inquisitor)
• First Encounter: On The Storm Coast during the quest ‘The Captain of the Chargers’

A hulking Qunari with a heart of gold, Iron Bull is the leader of the mercenary group The Bull’s Chargers. He’s also a spy for the Ben-Hassrath. Most of his time is spent drinking and overindulging, though he remains a powerful tank on the battlefield. Though he remains loyal to the Qun, he never attempts to convert anyone to his people’s ways. The open-minded Iron Bull can be romanced by a male or female Inquisitor of any race, but be warned—this romance is a tad spicier than the others.

You’ll first meet Iron Bull on the Storm Coast after one of his Chargers invites you to do so in Haven. Chat with him after a quick battle and invite him to join your ranks.

Make the following choices to raise your Approval with Iron Bull:

• Fight the Venetori with Iron Bull in the party
• Kill dragons with Iron Bull in the party
• During ‘In Hushed Whispers,’ conscript the Mages
• In ‘Champions of the Just,’ invite the Templars to join the Inquisition as allies
• During ‘Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts,’ make Gaspard the Emperor of Orlais
• Don’t exile the Grey Wardens
• Help anyone in need

Flirt with Iron Bull at every available opportunity. Eventually, he’ll share information about his people’s traditions in love, and a quest called ‘Tough Love’ will appear. You’ll need to defeat a dragon to obtain its tooth. Visit the Requisition Table to craft the necklace required, and gift it to Iron Bull to Hard Lock this Dragon Age: Inquisition romance.

Cullen Rutherford

• Romance Requirements: Must be a female human or female elven Inquisitor.
• First Encounter: In Haven following the quest ‘The Wrath of Heaven’

The handsome Cullen serves as the Inquisition’s military advisor. Fans of the series will recognize him from both Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II. Following the Kirkwall Rebellion, he restored order and rallied the remaining Templars. This causes Cassandra to take an interest in him and recruit him into the Inquisition. While dealing with his own demons, he faithfully serves those around him in every capacity and remains a faithful servant of Andraste’s will.

You first meet Cullen upon your return to Haven after the game’s first main quest. As one of your advisors and not one of your companions, Cullen will not express Approval or Disapproval of your actions. Feel free to make any decisions you’d like during the course of the game—they won’t impact your budding relationship.

Speak to and flirt with Cullen frequently to unlock his personal sidequests, which must be completed to enter into a serious relationship with him. The first quest, ‘Perseverance,’ will unlock after completing the main story quests ‘Here Lies the Abyss’ or ‘Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts,’ provided that you spoke with Cullen about Lyrium and played chess with him prior. You’ll find Cullen and Cassandra arguing near the blacksmith after discovering that Cullen isn’t in his office.

Upon returning to Cullen’s office following the confrontation, don’t force him to continue taking Lyrium. Choose the romantic option “I care about what you want,” followed with “Don’t give up.” Although Cullen won’t speak to you for a while after, his final quest ‘Happier Times’ will eventually unlock. Accompany him to Ferelden to Hard Lock the romance.

Solas

• Romance Requirements: Must be a female elven Inquisitor.
• First Encounter: In the Frostback Mountains during the first main quest ‘The Wrath of Heaven’

While Solas first appears as an elven apostate, his true identity serves as the major plot twist in Dragon Age: Inquisition, opening the door to Dragon Age: Dreadwolf somewhere in the future. His deep knowledge of the Fade comes in handy during your quest to save the world. With that said, his people skills leave plenty to be desired. Though friendly with your other companions, Solas tends to keep to himself, but he is open to a romantic relationship with a female elf.

Solas joins your party during the first main quest in the game. You can begin flirting with him immediately after returning to Haven.

Raise your Approval with Solas by doing the following:

• Be curious and ask plenty of questions
• Make Cole more of a spirit
• Exile the Grey Wardens
• Choose to either ally with the Mages or conscript the Templars
• Publically expose Duchess Florianne in the quest ‘Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts’

After arriving in Skyhold, speak to Solas to enter a Fade-version of the destroyed Haven. Flirting with the elf here will trigger a kiss, though Solas will insist that the timing isn’t right. Tell him that you’re ready to try anyway, and he will consider your affections.

During Solas’ personal quest ‘All New, Faded for Her,’ remain sympathetic to his goal to save the spirit of wisdom and allow it to go free. Solas will leave the party to mourn. However, if your Approval is high enough, upon his return to Skyhold he will ask to speak with you privately. This will trigger a cutscene in which you can commit to the relationship.

Semi-Romances

Outside of the fully-fledged Dragon Age: Inquisition romance options listed above, Inquisitors of any race or gender can flirt or sleep with the following characters casually.

Vivienne

• First Encounter: In Val Royeaux during the quest ‘The Imperial Enchanter’

The Orlesian Mage Vivienne de Fer joins the Inquisition following your first trip to Val Royeaux, in which you receive an invitation to her salon at the Ghislain Estate.

You can flirt with Vivienne until you’re blue in the face, but unfortunately, she will turn you down every time. Her heart belongs to her lover, Bastien de Ghislain.

Lace Harding

• First Encounter: When traveling to The Hinterlands after completing the ‘Scout the Hinterlands’ war table scouting operation

Each time you unlock a new area in Dragon Age: Inquisition, the dependable Scout Harding will appear to share useful information about the terrain and wildlife. After reaching Skyhold, you’ll be given the option to flirt with her as new locations are unlocked. In time, she will confront you. You can tell her that your flirting was nothing more than silly banter, or you can confess your true feelings.

If you tell Scout Harding that you want to be in a relationship with her, her greetings in Skyhold will change, but there are no exclusive cutscenes. If you enter into a romantic relationship with another of your companions, your relationship with Scout Harding will return to being fully professional.

Bellise

• First Encounter: During Josephine’s ‘Of Somewhat Fallen Fortune’ quest

During Josephine’s Inner Circle quest ‘Of Somewhat Fallen Fortune,’ you’ll have the option to visit Minister Bellise’s house to ask the woman to raise the Du Paraquette family back to nobility. If you aren’t in a committed relationship with anyone, you can sleep with her to reach your goal. 

A fair amount of the replayability of Dragon Age: Inquisition is due to its many romances. Plenty of these relationships carry with them incredibly deep and meaningful stories, and you’ll no doubt want to explore each and every available path. If it’s been a while since you explored the world of Thedas, why not jump back in?