The 7 Most Popular Romanceable Characters in Open World Games

Open world games thrive on freedom: where to go, what quests to take, and often, who to love. Romanceable characters add another layer of choice and investment, letting players form bonds that shape the story as much as any battle or quest. Some romances come with gameplay benefits, others simply deepen the narrative, and the most memorable ones leave players debating for years which path is “best.”

Here are seven of the most popular romanceable characters in open world games, what makes them stand out, and whether pursuing them changes your experience.

1. Yennefer of Vengerberg (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)

Among RPG romances, few are as iconic as Geralt’s relationship with Yennefer. Smart, commanding, and fiercely loyal, she is both a love interest and a key part of the Witcher’s story.

• Difficulty: Moderate. You need to commit to Yennefer in specific quests; choosing both her and Triss will lock you out of a happy ending with either.
• Benefits: Romancing Yennefer locks in a long-term story resolution, shaping Geralt’s personal ending.
• Likeability: Divisive but memorable. Some players find her cold, while others love her intensity and depth.
• Story Ramifications: Choosing Yennefer affects not only Geralt’s love life but how his story concludes, making her one of the most impactful romance choices in any open world game.

2. Kassandra/Alexios Romances (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers a buffet of romance options, with the sibling protagonists able to flirt and form relationships across ancient Greece.

• Difficulty: Easy. Romance in Odyssey is accessible through dialogue options with little penalty for exploring multiple paths.
• Benefits: Mostly narrative flavor rather than gameplay bonuses.
• Likeability: Lighthearted and fun. These romances don’t carry the depth of other RPGs but add charm to the experience.
• Story Ramifications: Minimal. Romances are more about role-playing flavor than long-term story impact.

3. Judy Alvarez (Cyberpunk 2077)

Judy quickly became a fan favorite for her depth and sincerity. A braindance technician and rebel at heart, her romance storyline is one of the most heartfelt in Cyberpunk 2077.

• Difficulty: Moderate. Judy is only romanceable by a female V. You’ll need to pursue her side quests carefully and make supportive choices.
• Benefits: Adds one of the most emotional questlines in the game, with a relationship that feels grounded and human.
• Likeability: Extremely likeable. Judy’s mix of vulnerability and strength makes her one of the most beloved characters in the game.
• Story Ramifications: Affects her presence in the endgame sequences. If romanced, she can shape your character’s final moments in Night City.

4. Panam Palmer (Cyberpunk 2077)

Where Judy is tender and reflective, Panam is fiery and adventurous. She represents the freedom of life outside Night City, and her romance path is equally popular.

• Difficulty: Moderate. Panam is only romanceable by a male V. You’ll need to back her up in quests and show loyalty to her clan.
• Benefits: Strong ally in later missions, with storylines that can shape your ending.
• Likeability: Very high. Panam’s bold personality and fierce loyalty make her a fan-favorite.
• Story Ramifications: Panam’s Nomad clan can play a crucial role in the finale if you’ve built a strong bond with her.

5. Liara T’Soni (Mass Effect series)

While not strictly open world in the modern sense, the Mass Effect games share the same RPG DNA. Liara is one of the most enduring romance options, spanning multiple games and story arcs.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. You can romance Liara in the first game and carry it through the trilogy.
• Benefits: Emotional depth, continuity across games, and unique cutscenes.
• Likeability: Hugely popular. Liara’s intelligence, kindness, and growth over the trilogy cement her as a fan-favorite.
• Story Ramifications: Romancing Liara creates unique dialogue and emotional payoffs across the series.

6. Kaidan Alenko / Ashley Williams (Mass Effect series)

Kaidan and Ashley represent two sides of the coin in the original Mass Effect: the loyal soldier and the fiery marine.

• Difficulty: Moderate. Romancing either requires consistent dialogue choices and loyalty.
• Benefits: A romance arc that can continue across the trilogy.
• Likeability: Divisive. Both characters have strong personalities that some players love and others dislike.
• Story Ramifications: Choices in the first game determine who survives, making their romance paths intertwined with major story beats.

7. Sarah Morgan (Starfield)

Bethesda’s Starfield introduced Sarah Morgan as one of the central companions, and she quickly became a standout romance option.

• Difficulty: Moderate. Requires building trust, making lawful and empathetic choices, and completing her companion quest.
• Benefits: Adds depth to the Constellation storyline, plus gameplay bonuses when traveling with her.
• Likeability: Generally positive. Sarah’s mix of professionalism and warmth makes her appealing for many players.
• Story Ramifications: Depending on your choices, her romance can change the tone of your Constellation ending.

Final Thoughts

Romance in open world games is more than just a side activity. Sometimes it’s about role-playing flavor, as in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Other times, it dramatically shapes the story and ending, as with Yennefer in The Witcher 3 or Judy and Panam in Cyberpunk 2077. Characters like Liara, Kaidan, Ashley, and Sarah Morgan show how these relationships can add weight to choices and enrich the player’s sense of connection to the world.

What makes these romances so memorable is not just the mechanics, but the emotions they evoke. Whether fiery, tender, or complicated, they are proof that in open world games, love can be just as epic as any boss fight or battle.