Mass Effect 2 romance guide

As in the first game, Mass Effect 2 gives you the opportunity to pursue romantic relationships with your teammates. The gender of your character determines which crew members are potential love interests. Given time and attention, your relationship can blossom into a full-fledged love affair. But these things don’t just happen, you’ll have to put in some effort.

For starters, you’ll have to undertake your muse’s personal quest. Check in with him/her after every mission and soon you’ll start to see dialog options that indicate you want to be more than friends. Progress the relationship far enough, and you’ll be treated to an interstellar booty call just before the start of the suicide mission. If your relationship is on track to get physical, be sure to check with Mordin. He may have some important advice for you.

If your love connection isn't maxed out on someone when you start the suicide mission, you'll mope alone in your quarters, staring wistfully at a picture of your lover from the first game. Pathetic, right? Lucky for you, there are plenty of options for commanders on the rebound. Read on to learn about Mass Effect 2’s potential love interests for both genders. If you just want to watch each love scene, hit the link.

If your Shepard is male…

Option 1: Miranda

Beneath her chilly ice queen façade, Miranda actually does have feelings. Be supportive as she opens up to you about her family and her past. If you want to romance her, be sure to take her side in any conflicts with the crew (she and Jack particularly don’t get along). Keep her happy and Miranda will offer to lube your piston in the engine room just before the final mission. 

Option 2: Jack

Jack and Miranda don’t get along, so you won’t be able to play both sides of the fence for long. In fact, they’ll have open arguments in which you’ll be asked to take sides. Be sure to take the side of the one you’re romancing (duhvs). There are two relationship options with Jack for a male Shepard. The Renegade option is to have a one-time fling with her, which negates the opportunity for further intimate encounters as you’ve proven to be just another man slag and not relationship material.

The Paragon choice is to wait for a more sentimental experience just before the suicide mission, during which she’ll weep tenderly as you mount her. The implication being that you’ve helped her heal old wounds and are now Committed.

Option 3: Tali

Many were disappointed that Tali wasn’t a romance option in the first game, and begrudgingly went after the asari Liara instead. Mass Effect 2 gives you the chance to remedy that situation, but you’ll still be left wondering what she looks like under the helmet. Oh, the tease!

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