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One of the biggest draws toMass Effectis its romances. As theMass Effect Trilogycarries Shepard across three games, they have the opportunity to form close bonds with many characters, some of whom have been with Shepard for years.Mass Effect: Andromedadoesn’t take place over three games, so the Ryders don’t have the same advantage of potentially knowing their romantic partner across several games, but the romances were still well-written and worth pursuing. Some romances in bothMass Effectgames are better than others though, with some beating out the others in quality.
This list takes into account characters that accompany Shepard across all threeMass Effect Trilogygames, even if they aren’t a romance option for all three, as well as the quality of the romance. ForMass Effect: Andromeda, it’s based purely on the quality of the romance.
S-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
Liara is with Shepard through thick and thin. She’s the reason Shepard is brought back to life by Cerberus, and she continues to be one of Shepard’s greatest supporters as she takes on the mantle of the Shadow Broker, using her resources in the fight against the Reapers. Although she doesn’t join Shepard inMass Effect 2, her presence inLair of the Shadow Brokermore than makes up for this.
One of themost popular characters inMass Effect, Garrus is Shepard’s ride-or-die, and sticks by them no matter what. His unwavering loyalty and charm make him a natural romance choice for Shepard who continues to be popular. Tali joins the Normandy in the firstMass Effect, and byMass Effect 2has gained more confidence in herself and her place in the world. Much like Garrus, her loyalty to Shepard and her bond with them makes her romance one of the best.
Jaal’s personal journey and ties toMass Effect: Andromeda’s main storyline, alongside his role as one of the people native to Andromeda, make his story interesting, but it’s his personality and relationship with Ryder that makes his romance worth pursuing. His blunt nature and his developing relationship with Ryder make his romance one of the best inAndromeda. Like Jaal, Cora’s romance is initially filled with conflict as she expects to be the next Pathfinder. As she falls into her new role and she and Ryder begin to find their new places, their developing relationship and romance becomes a highlight ofMass Effect: Andromeda.
A-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
Miranda is one of the best romances inMass Effect 2, but her absence from the firstMass Effectand her removal as a squad mate inMass Effect 3means that her presence is more diminished than some other romances.Kaidan’s romance is compelling and well-writtenbut, as one of the Virmire Survivors, he isn’t a squad mate inMass Effect 2, and his content is limited inMass Effect 3. Ashley suffers the same problems as Kaidan in that her romance is well-written, but she suffers the same lack of content as Kaidan inMass Effect 2andMass Effect 3.
Jack is the angstier, angrier option for players who think Miranda is too perfect inMass Effect 2. If players dodge the Renegade option at the beginning of their interactions with her, they’ll have the chance to experience aromance with Jack inMass Effect 2that is true. Unfortunately, Jack isn’t a squad mate inMass Effect 3, and so the resolution could be better.
Introduced inMass Effect 2, Thane is an elite assassin and has an ultimately tragic arc. Although his arc is tragic, his romance is well-written and compelling, and he has arole to play inMass Effect 3’s main storyline. Although Liam doesn’t have the same plot relevance as Cora or Jaal, his romance is fun and emotionally fulfilling. Vetra suffers the same problems as Liam in that she doesn’t have the same plot relevance as Cora or Jaal, but her romance is well-written.
Reyes is unique in that he’s not a squad mate and is instead a romanceable NPC closely tied to a major side quest. His romance is popular thanks to the writing and excitement of romancing a character like Reyes, who fulfills a roguish archetype.
B-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
Cortez makes his debut inMass Effect 3, and is notable as thefirst gay romance inMass Effect. Although he’s confined to the ship and not a squad mate, his romance with Shepard has a great arc with a touching story that drives it. Traynor also makes her debut inMass Effect 3, and is only available for a female Shepard. Like Cortez, she remains on the ship but provides intel and support as a part of her role. Her romance with Shepard is fun and endearing.
Getting past Peebee’s barriers can take a lot of effort, as she can be considered more immature than the other romance options inMass Effect: Andromeda. However, her overall romance arc is charming, and getting past her exterior is considered to be worth it by many. As a member of the Tempest’s crew, Suvi remains onboard for much ofMass Effect: Andromeda. She’s incredibly sweet and a great option for Sara Ryder. Like Suvi, Gil is a member of the Tempest’s crew and spends most of his time onboard the ship.
C-Tier Mass Effect Romance Options
Samara’s romance is very easy to miss, and requires Shepard to not be in any other romance. There’s very little content, but its low-key nature may be what some want. Kelly’s romance is only available inMass Effect 2, and also has very little content. As Jacob’s romance always ends in him cheating on Shepard inMass Effect 3and having a child with another woman with no consequences, this one earns a spot just above the character that kills Shepard. Thealternative squad mate to Samara, Morinth can be romanced if Shepard is foolhardy enough to ignore all the warnings, and always ends in a critical mission failure.
