At least one of Avowed’s companions can be romantically engaged by the player character, contrasting with several pre-launch warnings from Obsidian. While it’s not a full-scale romance like in Baldur’s Gate 3 or Mass Effect, there is a romantic subplot tied to an interesting companion quest.

Mild Avowed spoilers, including that companion’s identity, below.

Obsidian has been known for its resistance to traditional RPG romances. Design Director Josh Sawyer has a long-standing disdain for them, claiming they often feel objectifying and baselessly fulfilling. When romantic themes appear in Obsidian’s titles, they’re often more tragic or unconventional:

• Courting one of the four cult-deprogrammed characters in Knights of the Old Republic 2.
• Playing ‘wingman’ for Parvati in The Outer Worlds.
• Seducing a nun, leading to a tragic pregnancy outcome in Pentiment.
• Exploring the heart-rending love stories of Boone, Arcade, and Veronica in New Vegas.

Despite a series of denials, there is a shy romantic aspect in Avowed that makes its appearance in the character of Kai, who is the centerpiece of a multiple-act companion quest titled ‘Battle Scars.’ After completing this quest, players can choose dialogue options acknowledging closeness or suggesting a desire for more.

Kai hints at reciprocation but suggests saving deeper discussions for after the final confrontation. It’s unclear if the direction of this romance will unfold in additional dialogues or if it affects epilogues, but it marks a notable shift from past titles. While not deep in sexual content, this romance aligns with Obsidian’s legacy of nuanced storytelling.

We still need to uncover whether options for romance depend on player choices throughout gameplay. Moreover, it remains to be seen if Kai’s romantic interests extend to both genders or if companion Giatta will also feature her own subplot. For now, it’s intriguing to consider the unique narratives that arise from such characters in gaming.