Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2

Romance Options

Develop meaningful relationships for Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 2. Pursue squadmate romances through careful dialogue and actions to enhance your journey.

·Multi-source verified (88/88)

Romance Options

Mass Effect 2 offers a rich tapestry of potential romantic relationships for Commander Shepard, enhancing the emotional depth of your journey. These relationships are not merely cosmetic; they can influence dialogue, provide unique character moments, and even impact the loyalty of your squadmates. To successfully pursue a romance, consistent interaction, specific dialogue choices, and the completion of loyalty missions are paramount.

General Romance Guidelines

  • Consistent Dialogue: Always speak with your chosen romantic interest after every major mission or whenever new dialogue options become available on the Normandy.
  • Flirtatious Options: Look for dialogue options marked with a heart icon or those that clearly express interest. These are crucial for progressing the romance.
  • Loyalty Missions: Completing a squadmate's Loyalty Mission is almost always a prerequisite for solidifying a romance with them. Without loyalty, the relationship will not progress past a certain point.
  • Paragon/Renegade Checks: Some key dialogue choices that advance a romance may require a certain level of Paragon or Renegade reputation. Invest in these stats early if you have a specific romance in mind.
  • Avoid Mixed Signals: While you can flirt with multiple characters, committing to one will often lock out others. Be mindful of your final choice.
  • The Suicide Mission: A fully committed romance will culminate in a special scene before the Omega 4 Relay jump, and your romantic partner will often be the last person Shepard speaks to before the mission begins.

Male Shepard Romance Options

Miranda Lawson

The genetically engineered Cerberus officer is a strong-willed and complex individual. Winning her affection requires patience and understanding.

  • Initial Interactions: Speak with Miranda frequently on the Normandy, typically in her office on Deck 3 (Crew Deck). Always choose the flirtatious dialogue options.
  • "Miranda: The Prodigal" Loyalty Mission: Complete this mission, which involves helping her protect her sister Oriana from their father. After the mission, speak with her again.
  • Post-Loyalty Conversation: During this conversation, she will express concerns about her past. Choose the Paragon option "You're perfect as you are" or a similar supportive response to advance the romance.
  • Confrontation with Jack: If you have both Miranda and Jack in your squad, a heated argument will erupt between them. You must side with Miranda (using a Paragon or Renegade interrupt if available) or resolve the situation peacefully with high Paragon/Renegade scores. Siding with Jack will end the romance with Miranda.
  • Final Commitment: After the Collector Ship mission, she will invite you to her cabin. Accept her invitation to solidify the romance.
Tali'Zorah vas Neema

The shy but brilliant Quarian engineer is a fan-favorite. Her romance is a slow burn, requiring consistent support.

  • Initial Interactions: Speak with Tali frequently in her workshop on Deck 4 (Engineering). Always choose the flirtatious dialogue options.
  • "Tali: Treason" Loyalty Mission: Complete this mission, where you must defend her against charges of treason on the Migrant Fleet.
  • Post-Loyalty Conversation: After the trial, she will be distraught. Offer her comfort and support.
  • Confrontation with Legion: If you activate Legion and bring him on Tali's loyalty mission, a confrontation will occur regarding the Geth data. You must resolve this peacefully with a high Paragon/Renegade check or side with Tali. Siding with Legion will end the romance with Tali.
  • Final Commitment: After the Collector Ship mission, she will come to Shepard's cabin. Choose to reciprocate her feelings to commit to the romance.
Jack

The volatile biotic known as "Subject Zero" is a tough nut to crack, but beneath her aggressive exterior lies a vulnerable individual.

  • Initial Interactions: Speak with Jack frequently in her cell on Deck 3 (Crew Deck). While she may seem hostile, look for opportunities to show understanding and empathy.
  • "Jack: Subject Zero" Loyalty Mission: Complete this mission, which takes you to the Teltin facility where she was experimented on.
  • Post-Loyalty Conversation: After the mission, she will be emotional. Choose supportive and understanding dialogue options.
  • Confrontation with Miranda: As with Miranda, a confrontation will occur. You must side with Jack (using a Paragon or Renegade interrupt if available) or resolve the situation peacefully with high Paragon/Renegade scores. Siding with Miranda will end the romance with Jack.
  • Final Commitment: After the Collector Ship mission, she will invite you to meet her in the cargo bay. Accept her invitation and choose the romantic dialogue options to solidify the relationship.

Female Shepard Romance Options

Garrus Vakarian

The Turian vigilante and former C-Sec officer is a loyal friend who can become something more with a female Shepard.

  • Initial Interactions: Speak with Garrus frequently in the Main Battery on Deck 3 (Crew Deck). Look for opportunities to joke with him and show appreciation for his efforts.
  • "Garrus: Eye for an Eye" Loyalty Mission: Complete this mission, where you help him track down his former squadmate Sidonis.
  • Post-Loyalty Conversation: After the mission, he will be grappling with his choices. Offer him advice and support.
  • Flirtatious Dialogue: Continue to choose flirtatious options. He may be a bit dense initially, so be persistent.
  • Final Commitment: After the Collector Ship mission, he will invite you to the Main Battery. Accept his invitation and choose the romantic dialogue options to solidify the relationship.
Jacob Taylor

The former Alliance Marine and Cerberus operative is a straightforward and dependable individual.

  • Initial Interactions: Speak with Jacob frequently in the Armory on Deck 3 (Crew Deck). Choose supportive and encouraging dialogue options.
  • "Jacob: The Gift of Greatness" Loyalty Mission: Complete this mission, where you investigate his father's distress signal.
  • Post-Loyalty Conversation: After the mission, he will be reflecting on his past. Offer him comfort and understanding.
  • Final Commitment: After the Collector Ship mission, he will invite you to his cabin. Accept his invitation to solidify the romance.

Both Male and Female Shepard Romance Options

Kelly Chambers

Your kind and supportive Yeoman. While not a full-fledged romance with cinematic scenes, Kelly offers a unique, more casual relationship.

  • Consistent Interaction: Speak with Kelly frequently in the Captain's Cabin office on Deck 2 (Combat Information Center).
  • Meal Invitations: After completing the "Horizon" mission, Kelly will offer to feed your fish. Accept this offer. Later, she will invite you to dinner in your cabin. Accept this invitation.
  • Dance Invitation: After the "Collector Ship" mission, she will invite you to dance in your cabin. Accept this invitation.
  • Suicide Mission Outcome: If you have a romantic relationship with Kelly and she survives the Suicide Mission, she will be waiting for you in your cabin.
  • Note: Romancing Kelly does not preclude you from pursuing a full romance with a squadmate. However, if you commit to a squadmate, Kelly's relationship will remain platonic.
Morinth (Asari Ardat-Yakshi)

A highly dangerous and unique "romance" option available during Samara's Loyalty Mission.

  • Samara's Loyalty Mission: During the mission "Samara: The Ardat-Yakshi," you will have to choose between Samara and her daughter, Morinth.
  • Choosing Morinth: To pursue Morinth, you must successfully convince her that you are worthy of her attention by choosing specific dialogue options during your conversation in her apartment on Omega. This requires high Paragon or Renegade scores.
  • The Fatal Embrace: If you succeed, Morinth will invite you back to your cabin. Accepting this invitation will lead to Shepard's immediate death, resulting in a game over. This is not a sustainable romance option and serves as a unique narrative choice.

Mass Effect 1 Import Romances

If you imported a save file from Mass Effect 1 where Shepard was in a romance, those characters will reappear in Mass Effect 2, offering unique interactions and the possibility of rekindling the flame.

Liara T'Soni (Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC)

If you romanced Liara in Mass Effect 1, she will appear in the "Lair of the Shadow Broker" DLC.

  • DLC Access: Purchase and install the "Lair of the Shadow Broker" DLC.
  • Reunion: During the DLC, you will reunite with Liara. Choose supportive and romantic dialogue options.
  • Rekindling: At the end of the DLC, you will have the option to rekindle your romance with her. This will lock out any other potential romances in Mass Effect 2.
Ashley Williams / Kaidan Alenko

If you romanced Ashley (Male Shepard) or Kaidan (Female Shepard) in Mass Effect 1, they will appear during the "Horizon" mission.

  • Horizon Mission: During this mission, you will encounter your former love interest.
  • Dialogue Choices: You will have dialogue options to express your feelings, but they will be angry and distrustful of Shepard due to their alliance with Cerberus.
  • No Rekindling in ME2: While you can express your continued feelings, a full rekindling of the romance is not possible in Mass Effect 2. This relationship arc is continued in Mass Effect 3.