The Dragon Age 2 romance system is a revamped version of the original game's interactions. Interactions feel more sincere this time around (due in large part to your character actually being able to speak real words) and four of the five romanceable characters can be wooed by either a male or female Hawke. Unfortunately, it’s quite a task to juggle romance and your intentions for the direction of Kirkwall. Pursuing a character that opposes your worldview can add a challenging dynamic to the gameplay, but that’s why we’re here to help. And look on the bright side: you get to have sex on an indoor bed – a welcome change from those campfire-lit romps over grass patches and squirrel shit that were so famous in Origins.
There are three general rules to keep in mind if you want to fully romance a character (besides the obvious flirty dialogue choices) -
- Make every attempt to please them when speaking to other NPCs. Each companion has a different personality and set of beliefs, so make sure to consider that if your love interest is standing next to you during conversations.
- Get them gifts. Each romanceable character has one specific gift tailored for them just waiting to be found during the second act. Isabela, Merrill, and Fenris have an additional gift that can be found during Act 3.
- Complete their companion quests. Each character has at least one big quest per act that you must complete if you want to see this thing through to the end.
It is very important to note that “confirming” your romance with one companion at the Hawke estate AND asking them to move in during Act 2 is the point of no return. Once you’ve done this, you cannot effectively romance anyone else. You can still forge strong relationships with your remaining friends in preparation of the game’s final moments, but you won’t be getting the achievement/trophy that always comes with true love. And definitely restrain yourself from flirting with anyone other than the object of your affection, because believe it or not, some companions frown upon that sort of thing.
Note: Isabela, Merrill, Anders, and Fenris can be romanced regardless of your sex. The DLC character Sebastian, however, prefers women only.
Isabela
Race: Human
Class: Rogue
Specialization: Swashbuckler
Role: Dual-wielding scrapper
Personality: Aggressive, Outgoing, Whoreish
You may (but probably not) recognize Isabela from Origins. She’s more inclined to appreciate your sarcastic, less conservative dialogue choices. She’s not a fan of those who play the part of the benevolent saint, and you’ll find that some righteous decisions can actually hurt your friendship score. Of all your other party members, she’s most likely to clash with Aveline.
Act 1
- In order to recruit Isabela, you’ll need to make sure and take on “Fools Rush In” secondary quest after completing the “Tranquility” quest but BEFORE entering the Deep Roads in Act 1.
Act 2
- To officially begin your romance with Isabela, make sure to flirt with her at the start of “Isabela’s Ongoing Search” once Act 2 begins. During this conversation, be sarcastic for the first option, then flirt for the second. The result is a hefty +25 to your friendship score.
- If you've reached at least 50% friendship with Isabela, you can talk to her again right away to initiate the "Questioning Beliefs" quest. You’ll nab another +20 friendship points here as long as you don’t go out of your way to insult her, and you’ll get the same amount of points whether you’re nice or sarcastic.
- Next time you enter your estate at night, Isabela will approach you inside. Flirt with her once more to initiate some mid-game sexy time.
- After the scene, make sure to select “why not?” when Isabela asks you about bringing feelings into this. You must explore all three of the “investigate’ options to learn a little more about her.
Gift #1 – Ship in a bottle (Act 2)
- During the “Blackpowder Courtesy” quest in Act 2, make sure to look for the Ship in a Bottle item in a chest by the exit leading to the Wilderness in Smuggler’s Cut. Once you have it, visit Isabela in The Hanged Man to give her the gift. In return you’ll gain another +10 to your friendship.
- The next step takes place after you complete the quest “Following the Qun” near the end of Act 2. A new quest, “To Catch a Thief,” will become active. Go to Hawke’s estate to trigger the quest and choose to help Isabela. Not doing so will cause her to leave your party permanently. During the quest, Isabela will still leave, but she will return during the “Demands of the Qun” mission at the end of the act. During said mission, make sure to stay on her side and not let her be taken.
Act 3
- At the start of Act 3, visit Isabela in The Hanged Man to complete the quick “Isabela’s Regret” quest and bring her back into your party.
Gift #2 – Rivaini Talisman (Act 3)
Above - The talisman is in a storage box at the center-left portion of the map.
- Isabela requires one more gift before true love can blossom. The Rivaini Talisman gift can be tricky to find. You’ll need to enter the Disused Passage via the Docks at night to find it. There are two spots where you can enter; here’s one of them –
- Bring the talisman to Isabela (who if you haven’t guessed yet, lives in the pub) and a fairly entertaining conversation will take place.
- One more companion quest to go, and that’s “No Rest For The Wicked.” You’ll need to have completed at least part of “On The Loose” first to access it. Go to your mansion and speak to Isabela, who should be near the writing desk. When the choice arises, pick “We can use you as bait” to further gain her favor. This should give you a good friendship boost if you aren’t already at 100%.
- If you decide to kill Castillon at the end of the quest, you’ll lose a lot of friendship points. Let her do what she wants. After all you love her, right? Well, it’s too late to turn back now.
-If you have 100% friendship, given Isabela both her gifts, and have completed all of the above quests, you’ll now have access to Isabella’s second “Questioning Beliefs” quest. Meet her at The Hanged Man, and make sure to be as romantic as possible.
- Finally, speak to Isabela during “The Last Straw” (the last quest of the game) when your party is gathered in the Gallows Prison or the Gallows Courtyard, depending on your campaign decisions. This will officially complete the romance, and give you the achievement/trophy.
