Talk about finding love in a hopeless place. It is time to go to war with the Reapers, but it is so much better to fight with some people by Shepard’s side. As such, Mass Effect 3 offers a range of romances. Many of which were established in previous games. A couple may have even begun in Mass Effect. There are many candidates that Shepard can choose to spend their final days with. Will it be an old flame, or will they carry on what was started in Mass Effect 2?
Then again, maybe love has eluded them thus far, and they still need to find that special someone. Thankfully, Mass Effect has all Shepards covered. There are many romance options with a wide range of personalities that fans can have a great time with. While it's true that some Mass Effect 3 romances are simply written better than others, most players will be happy with their choice of romance, as long as they pick the character that matters, of course.
Updated on September 11, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: The Mass Effect trilogy continues to stand strong as one of the greatest video game series of all time, even with the controversy stemming from the third game's lack of impactful endings. Thankfully, most people agree that Mass Effect 3 is still a great game up until it reaches its conclusion, making this trilogy worth checking out. The final game documents the defense of the entire universe against the horrifying Reapers, and the hopelessness that arises from their impending doom. As a result, most players would love to spend what could potentially be their last days in the world with a loved one that they adore, and Mass Effect 3 certainly has more than enough romance options to satiate most players.
15 James Vega
James Vega is easily the worst ME3 romance option, and there are several factors that put the nail in this marine's romantic coffin. For starters, he's introduced at the tail end of the trilogy when most romance options are already locked in for Shepard. In fact, James also doesn't really have anything going for him as a romance option. Being a generic soldier is great from a combat perspective, but certainly not from a romantic one.
While he may be pretty effective in combat, that doesn't make him appealing from a romantic perspective in any way. In fact, his romance is more of a throwaway moment that seems like it was added at the very last moment, making him arguably the least likable partner to have at the end of Mass Effect 3.
14 Diana Allers
Just like James Vega, Diana Allers also suffers from being a character who's introduced at a time when players already know who they're gonna stick with in the final chapter of Mass Effect. The only advantage she has over Vega is the fact that her personality is more prominent. However, this personality isn't really a great one in the slightest. Her backstabbing attitude coupled with the general traits that people see in annoying media representatives makes Diana Allers one of the worst Mass Effect 3 romantic options.
Of course, given Diana's background as a reporter, it's easy to see why her loyalties are dubious at best. However, the fact that her romance feels like a shallow reward for interacting with her instead of something that players have to earn definitely takes things down a peg, and then some.
13 Kelly Chambers
At a glance, Kelly Chambers seems like a decent person that Shepard can entangle himself with romantically. However, as the game progresses, the player's interactions with Kelly decrease exponentially. The fact that she can die pretty easily near the end of the game doesn't really bode well for a potential romance. All in all, Kelly Chambers is a far cry from being the best romance in Mass Effect 3.
In fact, players who spend too much time dawdling around after the Collectors capture the Normandy's crew will also fail to save her as she is harvested just when players engage in the Suicide Mission. As a result, Kelly Chambers ends up being a pretty forgettable romantic option despite having her moments.
12 Kaidan Alenko
He wasn’t a fun romance in Mass Effect and time has done no favors for Kaidan Alenko. However, he is now romanceable for both genders, rather than being female-exclusive. Therefore, should a male Shep still be single and after no excitement or stimulating conversation, hit Alenko up.
Compared to most other romanceable characters in the game, Kaidan has shown very little character growth. Impressive really, given he was part of the team in the first game. While there are times when players are invested in the conversations he has with players, there's no denying that Kaiden is far from an interesting character to engage with, especially since he can die pretty easily in the first game too.
11 Steve Cortez
One of two romance options introduced in Mass Effect 3, Steve Cortez is exclusive to male Shepards only. While there is nothing wrong with the pilot, he just happens to be forgettable. There really isn’t too much to say about Steve, he is stationed on the Normandy and flies the shuttle. Other than that, there isn’t a lot going on.
A new romance just seems pointless at this stage in the series. Relationships have likely been formed already, and Mass Effect 3 is where everything reaches its conclusion. That being said, there's no denying that Steve Cortez is still a decent option if players want to woo him in the game, although he can seem rather boring, at times.
10 Ashley Williams
Unlike Alenko, Ashley Williams has shown some semblance of growth. Granted, it is not as much as other characters, but it is there nonetheless. Her romance in Mass Effect 3 leaves much to be desired. Perhaps it is due to her being non-existent in Mass Effect 2, save for an icy encounter on Horizon. But, even if she had been romanced in the first game, she just can’t seem to let the little things go.
Should Shepard have found himself in the arms of Jack, Tali, or Miranda in Mass Effect 2, after having romanced Williams in the first game, he can expect an earful from a very jealous soldier. Yet, Ashley will not acknowledge any wrongdoing of her own. Shepard, and Shepard alone, is the reason they had relationship issues. Unfortunately for Williams, there are a number of possible romances for a male Shepard, all of which are far more fulfilling.
9 Javik
The idea of romancing the last surviving member of the Prothean race might sound rather enticing, at first glance. However, over time, people will realize that Javik's romance is one of the most inconsequential things in the entire game. No one acknowledges the tryst that Javik has with a female Shepard.
It's a testament to how boring the other characters really are that ending up with such a barebones romantic option is still a better option. It's possible that his romance could've been more interesting if he wasn't included in the game after its release as a DLC character, then things could've taken a turn for the better, but if ifs and buts were candies and nuts, then the ending is the first thing that would've been improved exponentially in the game.
8 Samantha Traynor
The second new romance option is Samantha Traynor, though she can only be wooed by a female Commander. Exploring a relationship with Traynor is certainly more interesting than with Cortez. However, there is one vital component that she is missing: history. Many of the other romances in Mass Effect 3 were formed in the previous two games.
Bonds have already been created, and frankly, it can seem like more effort to develop a new relationship with Traynor. That being said, this romance is still pretty great in its own right, and players will soon warm up to Traynor even if she appears pretty late in the series. At least, she is slightly more memorable than Cortez, but only just.
7 Samara
One of the more intriguing characters in Mass Effect 2, Samara's presence in the third game is certainly quite muted in comparison. However, the Citadel DLC allows players to take a swing at this Mass Effect 3 romantic option one last time. This leads to a rather heartwarming sequence, especially since Samara is conflicted about being with Shepard in the second game.
After getting a massive reality check in the third game, Samara finally decides to give in and shares a tender moment with Shepard. It's certainly a great reward for the player, even if this moment comes too late in the game, and might seem rather lean compared to the content for the other romances in the game.
6 Tali’Zorah Vas Normandy
Shepard and Tali have been through hell together, twice. For their third outing, should they be a couple, there are some testing moments to be had. As with most squad members, Tali can lose her life in the climax of the Mass Effect trilogy. To see her romance reach a fitting end, Shepard needs to make some smart choices.
The relationship with Tali’Zorah is sweet and is worth exploring for a Commander who is after peace rather than excitement. As a character, the Quarian has grown over the years. However, should she be romanced, there is even more to uncover. Ever wondered what is under the mask? Embark on a romance with this intriguing alien to find out.
5 Miranda Lawson
Many would agree that Miss Lawson is quite the catch. However, there is a reason that she has not quite cracked the top three romances in Mass Effect 3. While her storyline in the game plays well and is worth exploring, it leaves those in a relationship with her wanting something more. Shepard will see less of the former Cerberus operative than he will other potential love interests. Furthermore, the only time she will profess her true feelings is when she is dying, which only occurs if Shepard lets her down.
However, no matter what way things go, Lawson grows as a person. Gone is the ice queen first encountered in Mass Effect 2, replaced by a caring woman. Her romance is worth exploring and rewarding in its own way, even if it does lack some depth. However, the Citadel DLC does give some much-needed time with Miranda. However, make no mistake — the final goodbye with Lawson is underwhelming, to say the least.
4 Thane Krios
Thane easily has one of the most tragic backstories in Mass Effect, which makes the act of romancing him all the more special. Unfortunately, things don't pan out well for Thane over time, with his illness relegating him to the sidelines before a tragic moment leads to him heroically sacrificing his life.
The real tearjerker in Thane's romance occurs during the Citadel DLC, where players can witness four video messages featuring Thane, with the last one being especially heartfelt. However, the most touching moment occurs at the end of the party in this DLC. If Shepard has no romantic interests to bid him adieu at this point, then the spirit of Thane will appear near Shepard to have a touching conversation with him. This ends one of the best romances in Mass Effect 3, and it's a shame that most people will never get to witness it.
3 Liara T’Soni
Liara T’Soni is one of the few relationships that Shepard can form where the love between them is evident. Romanceable by both genders, she is a great choice for a Commander with a big heart. Furthermore, unlike Ashley, Liara will not hold it against Shepard should they have found love aboard the Normandy SR-2. It makes it a bit easier to return to this blue goddess in Mass Effect 3, assuming the love fizzled out from Mass Effect 2.
As one of the few possible romances that will be by Shepard’s side until the bitter end, there are some hard-hitting scenes with the Asari. Saying goodbye to Liara is rough, especially if it is done on the battlefield. Despite the wealth of new characters introduced in later games, Liara still holds a soft spot in the hearts of many Mass Effect players, with the DLC in the second game allowing players to spend some much-needed time with her.
2 Garrus Vakarian
The Turian was always going to rank high. He is a fan-favorite character, which makes him popular for those looking for love in the Milky Way. Unlike other entries on this list, Garrus remains a squadmate following his romance in Mass Effect 2. Naturally, this gives his romance longevity as the Turian is always around.
As such, there are more sincere moments to be found. Garrus deserves the attention of a female Commander for many reasons, one of which is how much the awkward Turian cares. Ultimately, goodbyes are tough, and saying farewell to a loyal friend, lover, and companion is the worst. His endless calibrations made him a legend in the games and someone that fans will love interacting with over the course of the trilogy.
1 Jack
Jack just might be the most fulfilling romance from the entire Mass Effect series. There are so many layers to both the relationship and her as a character. A patient Shepard is highly rewarded in Mass Effect 2, while the rewards keep on coming should he remain loyal to the psychotic biotic come Mass Effect 3. Jack’s character growth in the final entry is incredible. Yes, she is still the same abrasive, foul-mouthed woman the world loves, but she has also become responsible.
Jack cares, deeply at that, for various people other than herself. No doubt thanks in part to Commander Shepard. While she may not be a squad member, there are several moments to be had between the couple. One of the sweetest occurs in the Citadel DLC. All Jack needed was someone to love her. However, it is such a shame that the goodbye scene with Jack is via a video call. She deserved better than that.