The Milky Way and Andromeda are huge and vast galaxies, filled to the brim with interesting characters and adventure. As a result, Shepard and Ryder meet plenty of unique and interesting individuals throughout their journey, many of whom they form lasting bonds with. Some of these relationships develop into something far beyond friendship, however.
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Some people are in it for a one-night stand; others want something more. In trying times, having someone by one's side can prove to be a real game-changer. There are many romance options, yet, among them all, there are some clear standouts that deserve a chance. Be they misunderstood souls or an old friend, these characters provide the best romances in the Mass Effect series.
Updated June 24, 2021, by Tom Bowen: When it comes to relationship building and romance options in video games, many consider the Mass Effect series to be one of the very best around. The franchise blazed an emphatic trail when it debuted in the early two-thousands and it's one that many others have since gone on to follow. With the recent release of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition and a new game reportedly in the works, there's arguably never been a better time to delve into the world of Mass Effect to find out what all of the fuss is really about.
10 Ashley Williams
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Voice Actor: Kimberly Brooks
Appearance(s): Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3
Ashley being here says one of two things, she's either an exceptional lover, or those that missed out behind her really aren't all that great. Honestly, it is the latter. However, as Mass Effect 3 goes on, and Ashley grows as a character, there are moments where a relationship with her can start to seem appealing.
If for no other reason, Williams' romance should be experienced to witness how it unfolds. To her credit, the soldier does clearly care for the Commander, even if her jealousy and overzealous behavior can be a turn-off. Furthermore, this relationship can be started in the original game, which may be tempting given there are just three options.
9 Jaal Ama Darav
Race: Angara
Gender: Male
Voice Actor: Nyasha Hatendi
Appearance(s): Mass Effect: Andromeda
Jaal might not be the best squadmate in Andromeda, but he is certainly a unique character. Sure, his personality leaves quite a lot to be desired at times, and the Angara could have been more interesting as a race.
Nonetheless, Jaal is part of a new race which made his romance different to the others on offer. It was mutual, both himself and Ryder were exploring something new, the first intimate relationship between a human and Angaran.
8 Vetra Nyx
Race: Turian
Gender: Female
Voice Actor: Danielle Rayne
Appearance(s): Mass Effect: Andromeda
Vetra is one badass Turian. More than deserving of a spot aboard the tempest, she may also deserve to squeeze her way into Ryder's heart. It must be a Turian thing because Vetra was oddly awkward when it came to Ryder, much like Garrus was with Shepard during the pair's earlier interactions.
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Being a formidable being that falls to mush at the mere mention of feelings is an endearing trait, however. Furthermore, she has one of the more interesting backstories to be found in Andromeda. Admittedly, romance scenes with Vetra don't match up to others in the series, but that doesn't detract from the heartfelt moments that can be found.
7 Thane Krios
Race: Drell
Gender: Male
Voice Actor: Keythe Farley
Appearance(s): Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3
Thane is not the most exciting relationship prospect by any means, but the Drell really is an intriguing guy. There are some interesting conversations to be had with him and a loyalty mission that is worth exploring. Unfortunately, Thane is sick with a terminal condition that has no cure. As such, it adds a hint of sadness as Shepard would be entering a relationship knowing her partner is not long for this world.
It is just a shame that come Mass Effect 3, this relationship cannot truly continue due to the circumstances surrounding Thane. As far as alien romances go, he may not reach the heights of Liara and Garrus, but he would perhaps suit some of the other Commanders.
6 Pelessaria B'Sayle (PeeBee)
Race: Asari
Gender: Feminine
Voice Actor: Christine Lakin
Appearance(s): Mass Effect: Andromeda
If Ryder is after an unpredictable and wild ride, then they need look no further than PeeBee. The Asari RemTech expert is fun, aloof, and rather reluctant to settle down. She even goes so far as to tell Ryder she doesn't want strings. Yet, should they resist the urge to have some fun in the escape pod, she will quickly change her tune.
PeeBee is secretive, and it takes time to break down her walls, although it is worth the effort. The person hidden away clearly wants to belong, a feeling that Ryder can provide. Her romance is rawer than the others that Andromeda has to offer. PeeBee demonstrates great character growth, thanks in no small part to her budding bond with the Pathfinder.
5 Tali’Zorah vas Normandy
Race: Quarian
Gender: Female
Voice Actor: Ash Sroka
Appearance(s): Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3
One of the sweetest romances available, Tali is a good choice for a Shepard with a pure heart. The relationship between the pair progresses nicely, and it never feels forced or fake. There is a certain authenticity surrounding them that's just not present in some of the series' other romances.
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This likely has something to do with the fact that they began as friends in Mass Effect. As it progresses in subsequent games, it therefore feels natural and can give Shepard a certain sense of belonging. If all that wasn't enough to convince players to give Tali'Zorah a chance, perhaps knowing that a romance means Shepard gets to see her face will.
4 Miranda Lawson
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Voice Actor: Yvonne Strahovski
Appearances: Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3
The ever perfect Miss Lawson is arguably one of the best romance options in Mass Effect 2. However, like others, the relationship doesn't receive the same amount of development in Mass Effect 3 and therefore lacks the same sweet moments that can be found elsewhere. A real shame, considering her personal story in the final game is one of the best on offer.
Despite this, she is easily one of the best characters in the entire franchise and should be recognized as such. To truly discover how Lawson and Shepard feel, a tragic event must occur, which is not reminiscent of other relationships. Even so, this is a relationship that deserves to be explored and should be recognized as one of the best in the Mass Effect universe.
3 Garrus Vakarian
Race: Turian
Gender: Male
Voice Actor: Brandon Keener
Appearances: Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3
Any list with the words "best" and "Mass Effect" in it is practically guaranteed to feature Garrus somewhere among its entries. So, it should come as no surprise that the Turian is widely regarded as being one of the best romance options in the entire Mass Effect franchise.
It is interesting, given that he was not romanceable in the first Mass Effect game, to see how his relationship with a female Shepard develops. It is quite true to life, a strong friendship turning into something more, and so watching the pair move forward with each game is a true pleasure.
2 Liara T'Soni
Race: Asari
Gender: Feminie
Voice Actor: Ali Hillis
Appearances: Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 & Mass Effect Andromeda (Voice Only)
Perhaps one the most beautiful romances to have ever graced the RPG genre, Liara T'Soni is a popular relationship choice for many. It is understandable, feelings are evident, and things progress nicely and at a decent pace. Not only that, but the Asari is the only relationship that truly spans across all three installments of the trilogy.
Thanks to the Shadow Broker DLC, there are a few extra little moments to be found between the couple. Moreover, not only is Liara a romance option in all three games of the trilogy, but she is confirmed to be in Mass Effect 4. Perhaps an old flame will once again be reignited when the game finally roles around?
1 Jack
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Voice Actor: Courtenay Taylor
Appearances: Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3
There are many reasons that Jack should be considered the best romance in the Mass Effect franchise. For one, she offers perhaps the most fulfilling relationship through her growth alone. Jack goes from being extremely hostile in Mass Effect 2 to a caring biotics teacher in Mass Effect 3. Clearly, her immense development is in relation to Shepard.
It is a wild ride that is incredibly rewarding, even if Jack is no longer a squadmate in Mass Effect 3. However, if there is one thing that is disappointing about Jack, it is discovering that she was originally pansexual. It is a real shame that Bioware did not stand by its original decision as the relationship with Jack deserves to be explored by everybody.