Who Can You Romance in Mass Effect 3? + HOW
Alliance Personnel Files // Social Dynamics // Clearance: Shepard
Mass Effect 3 is the culmination of every relationship you have built. There are very few "new" romances here. Instead, this game is about commitment. You are fighting for a future with the person you chose in ME1 or ME2.
But the war takes its toll. If you made mistakes in the past - or if your partner didn't survive the Suicide Mission - you may find yourself fighting alone.
⚠️ Archive Alert: The History
This guide assumes you have played the previous games. Your options here depend entirely on who survived.
Phase 1: The Candidates
In ME3, romance options are split into two categories: "New" and "Continuing."
Category A: The Core Romances (Squadmates)
- Liara T'Soni: Available to Both (New or Continuing).
- Kaidan Alenko: Available to Both (New or Continuing). Note: Male Shep can now romance him.
- Ashley Williams: Available to Male Shep (New or Continuing).
- Garrus Vakarian: Available to Fem Shep (Must be Continuing from ME2).
- Tali'Zorah: Available to Male Shep (Must be Continuing from ME2).
Category B: The "Side" Romances (Non-Squad)
- Miranda Lawson: Male Shep (Must be Continuing).
- Jack: Male Shep (Must be Continuing).
- Samantha Traynor: Fem Shep only (New).
- Steve Cortez: Male Shep only (New).
- Thane Krios: Fem Shep (Must be Continuing). Warning: Tragic ending.
Phase 2: The Lock-In Mechanics
Unlike previous games, ME3 has specific "Lock-In Points." Once you commit to one person, all other romance options are permanently closed off.
The Presidium Commons (The Date)
Most romances are locked in during a scene on the Citadel Presidium Commons. Your partner will ask to meet you there.
- Garrus: Shooting bottles on the Citadel roof.
- Tali: Watching the fleet on the Presidium.
- Liara: Talking about her "time capsule" project.
- Kaidan/Ashley: Sitting at the Apollo Cafe.
Critical Action: During these scenes, you must choose the dialogue option that confirms your commitment (e.g., "I want to be with you," "More than friends"). This locks the romance.
Phase 3: Casualty Report (Missed Opportunities)
Many players find themselves alone in ME3 because of decisions made years ago. Here is how you can lose your chance at love.
1. The Virmire Ghost
If you wanted to romance Ashley but left her to die on Virmire in ME1, she obviously won't be in ME3. You cannot "fix" this. Her replacement doesn't exist.
2. The Suicide Mission Fail
If Garrus or Tali died in the Collector Base (ME2), their romance is over. You cannot start a new one with them, and their content is replaced by generic dialogue.
3. The Thane Tragedy
If you romanced Thane in ME2, be prepared. He is dying of Kepral's Syndrome. He *will* die in ME3 during the coup. You cannot save him. His romance scene is a tearful goodbye in the hospital. You are then left single for the rest of the game (unless you rebound quickly).
4. The Breakup Glitch
If you romance Miranda in ME2 but break up with her in ME3 (by denying her access to Alliance resources), she will likely die on Horizon. Breaking her heart literally kills her.
Phase 4: The Citadel DLC (The Reward)
The Citadel DLC is the true ending for romances. It adds specific scenes for every partner.
- Garrus: A tango dance scene in the bar.
- Tali: A movie night where she sings to you.
- Liara: Playing piano together.
- Jack: A tattoo parlor scene (even though she isn't a squadmate).
Tactical Advice: Play this DLC *after* you have locked in your romance to get these scenes.
Mission Archives: Related Guides
"Meet me at the bar. I'm buying."
