There is no denying that video games offer an escape from the world.
Whether that be exploring 19th century America with a gruff cowboy, cruising through the streets of a futuristic metropolis or trying our hardest to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, video games allow us to live multiple lives.
That is why we get so enamoured by its characters, especially when we get to see them fall in love. Although my single ass can’t relate, it is always an honour seeing some of my favourite characters live out my dreams.
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So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of gaming’s best romances.
Yennefer and Geralt (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)
Starting off strong with the sorceress and the Witcher.
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Despite having somewhat of a rocky relationship, which was made worse after Geralt’s temporary amnesia which saw him “spend time” with Triss, it is clear that the pair do love each other.
With many fans believing that they are each other’s one true love, their bond is made even stronger thanks to their joint parenting over Ciri.
Not only that but in a short story by The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski, the pair eventually got married and had their happily ever after which shows that the author himself “shipped” the pair.
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Chloe and Rachel (Life is Strange)
The relationship between Chloe Price and Rachel Amber is hinted at during the events of Life is Strange and explored more in spin-off entry Life is Strange: Before the Storm.
Although it was first believed that the pair had a strong friendship, it was later shown that Chloe was in love with Rachel, even going as far as to call her “my angel”.
Chloe is left distraught after Rachel’s disappearance and the events of Before the Storm saw the budding relationship between the pair before the tragic occurrence.
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Ellie and Dina (The Last of Us Part II)
The events of The Last of Us Part II may be tragic and full of depth and despair but there is one ray of hope throughout the game and that is the relationship between Ellie and Dina.
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The pair go on quite the journey during the Naughty Dog sequel and their ending is left ambiguous but you cannot deny that they love each other and would have made the perfect little family with son JJ if things had been different.
Not only that but Ellie is the first openly lesbian AAA main character which meant a lot to the LGBQTIA+ community.
Nate and Elena (Uncharted)
There is no denying that the golden couple of Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series had quite a rocky road throughout the course of the franchise.
After marrying in unknown circumstances, the pair are temporarily estranged after Nate puts more effort and time into his adventures than he does his marriage. Not to mention his fear of commitment.
However, the two eventually find their way back to each other and even have their daughter, Cassie together.
As a result, Nate and Elena are always brought up when thinking about the great gaming romances as despite their difficulties, the pair still find their happy ending.
Osiris and Saint-14 (Destiny)
The legendary Warlock Osiris and one of the most famous Titans in history Saint-14 are one of the shining lights in the Destiny franchise.
With many fans believing they were in a romantic relationship for years, it was finally confirmed by Bungie and since then, both lore and cutscenes between the pair have been added.
More notably is the moment when Osiris loses his light and his final thoughts are of Saint-14 and the life they could have lived together.
However, the love between Osiris and Saint-14 is a tragic one as the immortal Osiris will have to watch his lover grow old without him. Let’s not think about that though *sniffles*
Vi and Caitlyn (League of Legends)
Now over to everybody’s favourite MOBA title which people hate to love or maybe even love to hate.
The Riot Games title that inspired the much-loved Arcane animated TV show was the birthplace of Vi and Caitlyn.
However, the pair have never been confirmed to be in a romantic relationship by its creator despite the heavy implications.
From voice lines to splash art of the pair, it is clear that there is something going on and Arcane all but tells the story of their budding relationship.
Raze and Killjoy (Valorant)
Now over to the FPS genre and the tactical hero shooter Valorant.
With an extensive roster of agents to choose between, Riot have recently been elaborating on the relationships between certain characters.
This includes one-woman-party Raze and the genius of Germany Killjoy.
After months of speculation, the pair were finally confirmed to be “official” by Riot back in 2022 and since then, many voice lines, trailers and art has celebrated the couple.
Nicknamed ‘Nanobomb’, the pair are the first same-sex couple in Valorant and are deeply appreciated by fans.
Female V and Judy (Cyberpunk 2077)
Cyberpunk 2077 allows either male or female V to romance multiple characters with some romances being locked behind NPC sexualities.
This includes Judy who is only interested in female V and it is the relationship between the pair that has earned a place on my list.
The protagonist the braindance techie and Mox member make a passionate pair with both women having a feisty personality.
Not only that but the pair go on to share a romantic night together and even take a trip into Judy’s past to find out more about her.
Although there are plenty of wholesome relationships in the CD Projekt Red title, this is the one that stands out to me after all these years.
John and Abigail (Red Dead Redemption)
There are not many healthy relationships to talk about in the Red Dead Redemption series but John and Abigail seemingly break the curse over the course of the two games.
Abigail, who originally starts out as a sex worker, soon falls for John Marston and the pair go on to have son Jack together.
It is through her relationship with John and her dealings with his gang that she is able to become a fellow outlaw, both resilient and adept at survival.
As a result, she is more than happy to put the outlaw in his place and despite some rocky patches, it is evident that the pair love each other deeply.
Link and Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
Although not always depicted as a romantic couple, it would be a crime not to include Link and Zelda in this list.
Across the history of The Legend of Zelda games, Link and Zelda have remained friends most of the time.
However, in entries such as Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, events saw the pair drawn closer.
Seeing the pair risk their lives for each other and share magical moments has always captivated fans and even when they go through stages of conflict, they find their way back to each other.
Even if you do not think of them as a romantic couple, there is no denying that their story has seen them develop one of the closest bonds in gaming.
Topics: The Last Of Us Part 2, The Witcher 3, Life Is Strange, The Legend Of Zelda, Cyberpunk 2077, Features, Valorant, League Of Legends, Uncharted, Bungie, Red Dead Redemption