Hidden Gem Romance Novels With Unforgettable Stories

When a game involves romance, you can typically pick from a handful of characters and decide who you want to pursue. Naturally, this means that some romance options go a bit unseen, even if they come with a great narrative. Who knows, you could be missing out on a phenomenal story.

Here, we are going to take a look at some RPGs with great romance options that you may not have seen before. These aren't really unpopular, but they definitely aren't as discussed as other romance options in the game. We won't spoil the associated story; you'll just have to play for yourself to find out!

These entries are presented in no particular order.

Shani

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Shani was first introduced in The Witcher 3 through the Heart of Stone DLC, though she was present in the previous games. In The Witcher 3, Shani is the only romance option associated with this first DLC, but she is generally overshadowed by options like Yennefer and Triss.

We almost wish that Shani was a permanent character in the base game; she is intelligent, kind, and willing to pursue what she loves. Of course, this begs us to ask, is Geralt really good enough for Shani? Regardless of the answer, Shani deserves a bit more love when talking about romance in The Witcher 3.

Haley

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley isn't entirely an RPG (like The Witcher 3), but we need to talk about Haley . Everywhere you look online, people are expressing their distaste for Haley. Sure, she is a bit abrasive and rude when you don't really know her, but Haley really opens up through her story.

Haley drops the 'mean girl' front and becomes a loving partner who wants to pursue her hobbies and ultimately, help those in town. Several Stardew Valley romance options become a bit docile after marriage, but Haley has great character development that's worth sticking around for.

River Ward

Cyberpunk 2077

Surprisingly, there are not a lot of romance options in Cyberpunk 2077. River Ward is one of the options that you can pursue if you play as a female, but it's possible to just completely miss his romance route. Ultimately, River Ward's place on this list is based on what could have been; we never saw it, but there was so much potential here.

He has a unique perspective (as an NCPD detective), but his story isn't as fleshed out as the female romance options. Still, once you get to know him and realize that he's more innocent than most other people in the city, he starts to grow on you.

Kaidan Alenko

Mass Effect

Kaidan is romanceable in all three Mass Effect games if you play as female Shepard, but in Mass Effect 3, you can pursue him if you play as male Shepard (making Kaidan bisexual). Kaidan's personal growth throughout the trilogy is compelling.

The romance between Kaidan and Shepard is quite beautiful, especially when you look at it as a slow burn starting with the very first game. Although Kaidan is one of two gay romance options, it doesn't feel forced; he has great chemistry with Shepard, and honestly, they are cute together.

Haru

Persona 5

Next up, we have Haru Okumura from Persona 5. Don't get us wrong, she is adorable and well-liked, but Haru is a bit overshadowed by other love interests in the game . This doesn't mean she lacks a compelling narrative though; in fact, it's quite the opposite.

Haru doesn't get nearly enough screen time, especially since she is introduced a lot later than other love interests in the game. When you choose to pursue her, you'll get an adorably shy girl who has been through quite a lot already.

Hubert

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Hubert is a member of the Black Eagles in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and based on player polls, he isn't picked as often as other characters in the game. At first glance, he can be a bit intimidating and standoffish, but you just need to get to know him a bit more.

It can take a while for him to really click for you, but once he does, you'll realize that he is endearing, loyal, and worth it. Of course, it also helps that his voice actor is Robbie Daymond, who has voiced characters like Akechi from Persona 5 and River Ward from Cyberpunk 2077, who appeared earlier on our list.

Minthara

Baldur's Gate 3

Last but not least, we have Minthara from Baldur's Gate 3. In general, most of the romance options in Baldur's Gate 3 are beloved; the game is extremely popular, after all. One year after launch though, we received an infographic showing that Minthara had the least amount of kisses.

Romancing Minthara isn't all smiles ; if you are playing an evil run of the game though, Minthara makes the perfect romance option. She herself is kinda evil, but she is loyal and honestly, hilarious. If you manage to romance her, you are in for a fun and wild ride.