Just like real-life relationships, video game romance can be complex, confusing, and heartbreaking. Sometimes they help establish your own ‘couples goals’… Other times they’re a cautionary tale of what NOT to do!
On this here Valentine’s Day, we pay tribute to the most memorable relationships in gaming. Couplings that have made us laugh, cry, and perhaps a little hot and bothered too!
Tidus & Yuna
Tidus and Yuna from Final Fantasy X are one of video games’ most famous, and most heartbreaking, couples. Complete opposites brought together, while trying to save the world. Their rollercoaster love story has everything, and set to the iconic and harrowing musical piece, To Zanarkand, it’s perfect.
When they meet, Yuna had already resigned herself to self-sacrifice, but Tidus’ appearance slowly changes that, helping Yuna come out of her shell and embrace life. They open up and learn to lean on each other, sharing their troubles, and soon their differences grow into young love — that kiss scene in Macalania Lake is everything! Together they fight to break tradition and end the cycle of sacrifice, defeating Sin for good. But in a devastating twist that’s almost guaranteed to leave you in tears, their love story is ultimately cut short.
Geralt & Yennefer
While The Witcher games throw plenty of romantic encounters at Geralt (plus the odd brothel visit here and there for good measure!), it’s up to you how many you partake in. The main options, of course, are Yennefer and Triss, and while the fanbase is pretty split on who is best suited for the White Wolf, in my eyes, there is only Yen.
There’s just so much history between Geralt and Yennefer. They begin their (admittedly somewhat toxic) romance when they are bound together by a wish from a djinn. Their ‘on again, off again’ relationship spans decades, until they finally come together to raise Ciri, who they see as their daughter. They both prove they will go to hell and back to protect the family they have created. When eventually they break free of the wish’s hold over them, their connection is strong as ever, solidifying their love for each other and proving it wasn’t just djinn magic that drew them together.
Meanwhile, Triss and Geralt are really only ever a thing because she took advantage of him when he had amnesia! Not so romantic! You COULD always try your luck and try to court both Yen and Triss… but that doesn’t really end well for poor old Geralt.
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Cal & Merrin
Jedi Cal Kestis and Nightsister Merrin don’t exactly meet under the best circumstances. When they first cross paths in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Merrin is the last of her kind, and she has every reason to sport some distrust in the Jedi. But over time, Cal earns that trust, and the two form a quiet, meaningful bond that grows into something more in the sequel.
Their relationship isn’t built on grand declarations, but on shared loss, understanding, and the rare comfort of finding someone who truly gets what you’ve been through. Without major spoilers, the ending of Jedi: Survivor sees them become something so much more and I look forward to seeing where their love is taken in the future.
Sora & Kairi
Who doesn’t remember their first love or childhood sweetheart? Kingdom Hearts’ Sora and Kairi are two teenagers that grow up together on the Destiny Islands. Although they aren’t officially a couple, there’s no question among fans that they belong together. They even give each other paopu fruit, said to intertwine the destinies of those who eat it, which is as good as going steady if you ask me!
There are many moments in the franchise that point to their romantic feelings for each other, one of my favourites being the time Kairi brings Sora back from being a Heartless. Sora and Kairi’s relationship is reminiscent of the innocent and pure connection of young lovers; incredibly sweet, fiercely protective, and unapologetically selfless.
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Bayek & Aya
Bayek and Aya’s romance lingers because it shows the depths of sacrifice sometimes required for the greater good. In Assassin’s Creed Origins, theirs is not a love story about first sparks, but about what survives unimaginable loss. The murder of their son sets them on different paths, yet it never erases the fierce love underneath the grief. Every reunion is layered with history, with longing glances and restrained words that say more than any grand Love Actually inspired gesture could.
They love each other deeply, but their paths diverge as vengeance gives way to purpose. Aya’s transformation into Amunet and Bayek’s devotion to protecting Egypt make their separation feel tragically inevitable. It is a romance built on respect, sacrifice, and the painful understanding that love alone is not always enough.
Dorian & Iron Bull
I am always looking for a genuine and interesting LGBTIQA+ romance in my video games. Representation is important, reminding us that all kinds of people belong in the worlds we love. My first Dragon Age: Inquisition playthrough delivered that unexpectedly through Iron Bull and Dorian Pavus.
Their relationship is no ‘sure thing’, but keep them together, and the flirtatious banter slowly turns into something genuine during long battles, quiet exploration, and shared moments between quests. Watching a towering Qunari and a sharp-tongued Tevinter mage fall for each other is a perfect reminder that sometimes, size really does not matter.
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Guybrush & Elaine
Guybrush Threepwood is a hopeless romantic. Who else would give a cursed diamond ring to their girlfriend and expect everything to go smoothly? The Monkey Island series illustrates one of the most heartfelt and chaotic relationships in gaming.
Despite Guybrush’s complete incompetence, Elaine still recognises his good heart and determination… How’s fighting off a ghost pirate for an act of love! They’ve had their ups and downs — like any good relationship — but always manage to find their way back to one another.
Nate & Elena
Despite all the treasure-hunting, globe-trotting, and supernatural shenanigans; Nate and Elena have one of the most realistic relationships in video games. From their happy ending in Drake’s Fortune, to their awkward run-in in Among Thieves, their estrangement in Drake’s Deception, and the long road back in A Thief’s End, we’ve followed a relationship that spans four games.
The picture that Uncharted ultimately paints is refreshingly real: a partnership full of highs, lows, and truly terrible communication — but also perseverance. And if that’s not a form of love, what is? Nate and Elena show that even in the most unbelievable adventures, the best relationships are grounded in growth and effort.
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Red & Antea
The story of Red and Antea’s love from Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is as unique as it is tragic. Nomadic ghost-hunters, master and apprentice, lovers; many bonds tie the two together, not least of all the code they hold themselves to: Life to the Living. Death to the Dead.
But after Antea is killed fighting a wraith, she turns into one of the ghosts she despises. Red is left in grief-limbo, dealing with her death while her ghost is still present. Red and Antea must make an impossible decision: stay true to their code and let Antea’s soul ascend to the afterlife… Or forsake their morals and resurrect her by stealing life from the living.
As you travel with the couple you experience the deep bond they share, through ribbing and teasing, shared memories, and their reluctance to let go; making the final decision all the more difficult and heart-wrenching.
Kratos & Faye
Kratos and Faye’s relationship is just a memory for players, but its importance shapes everything we know in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok. Faye saw something in Kratos that no one else did — not the merciless god, but the broken man trying to leave his past behind. She offered Kratos peace, redemption, and he (eventually) learned to be a father rather than just a blood thirsty warrior.
Despite her death, Faye remains the heart of the story, guiding Kratos and their son Atreus along their journey. Their relationship is what gave Kratos a future beyond his rage.
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