How to Romance Orin BG3
Romancing characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 adds a deep personal layer to the already complex world of the Forgotten Realms. Among the many romanceable characters, Orin the Red stands out as one of the most controversial and dangerous options. As a shapeshifting Bhaalspawn and sadistic assassin, Orin is not a typical love interest. However, for players seeking a dark and twisted path, it is possible to engage in a unique interaction that borders on romance. This guide explains how to romance Orin in BG3 by exploring the right dialogue options, choices, and story progression.
Who Is Orin the Red?
Orin is a powerful and menacing antagonist introduced later in Baldur’s Gate 3, primarily in Act 3. She is a follower of Bhaal, the god of murder, and thrives on chaos and bloodshed. Orin plays a key role in the main story as one of the Chosen who possesses a Netherstone. While she is not a traditional companion or party member, you can still have an unsettling encounter with her that involves a twisted kind of romantic overtone.
Key Traits of Orin:
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- Race: Shapeshifter (appears as a human woman)
- Role: Antagonist and Bhaalspawn
- Acts involved: Primarily Act 3
Can You Romance Orin?
Technically, Orin is not a full romance option in the same way as Shadowheart, Lae’zel, or Karlach. However, there is a unique and disturbing scene in Act 3 where your character can engage in a provocative encounter with Orin under specific circumstances. This event involves manipulation, blood, and psychological games, fitting her theme as a servant of Bhaal. While it does not lead to a full romance arc, it is still considered a ‘romance scene’ by many players because of its intimate and personalized nature.
Steps to Romance Orin in BG3
1. Progress to Act 3
You won’t meet Orin face-to-face until you reach Act 3 in the city of Baldur’s Gate. She plays a major role in this act, and your decisions and interactions here are critical to unlocking the romance scene.
2. Choose the Dark Urge Origin (Recommended)
While it’s technically possible to see the Orin interaction with other origins, playing as the Dark Urge significantly increases your chances of unlocking unique dialogue with Orin. Since the Dark Urge is also a Bhaalspawn, Orin becomes more interested in you. This shared lineage creates a stronger narrative bond and leads to an exclusive romantic scene that does not occur in other playthroughs.
As the Dark Urge, you’ll experience hallucinations, visions of Bhaal, and ultimately be drawn deeper into the god of murder’s influence. Orin sees this as a connection and possibly attraction that she wants to exploit.
3. Allow the Dark Urge to Embrace Their Nature
To fully access Orin’s twisted version of romance, you’ll need to allow the Dark Urge to lean into their darker impulses. That means accepting Bhaal’s influence and refusing to fight your violent urges during key moments. If you consistently choose good or redemptive options, Orin may lose interest in you.
- Do not reject Bhaal’s visions.
- Commit at least some of the violent acts prompted by your origin.
- Choose aggressive or ruthless responses when dealing with enemies.
This alignment with Orin’s philosophy makes her see you as an equal rather than just a threat.
4. Reach the Temple of Bhaal
Eventually, you will reach the Temple of Bhaal, a critical location for Orin’s story. Here, she will confront you and attempt to draw you fully into her vision. If you’re playing as the Dark Urge and have embraced your murderous tendencies, she will offer a more personal and seductive approach instead of a typical villain monologue.
This is the point where the romance-like scene occurs. Orin may flirt, tempt, or even physically interact with your character. It’s worth noting that this interaction is deeply unsettling, involving themes of dominance, blood, and manipulation. It’s not a scene of love more a bond of bloodlust and twisted passion.
5. Respond Positively to Orin’s Advances
When the scene unfolds, you will be given dialogue options that determine how your character responds. To engage in the romance path:
- Flirt or show interest when Orin teases you.
- Do not threaten her or reject her offer.
- Embrace her view of Bhaal and murder as divine purpose.
If you play along with her, you’ll get a cutscene that’s darkly intimate and memorable. Again, this does not lead to a lasting romance, but it’s a unique moment of connection that is only available to certain players.
Consequences of Romancing Orin
Choosing to interact with Orin romantically does not lock you out of the main story, but it does have narrative consequences. Depending on your choices, Orin may delay fighting you, try to manipulate you further, or even spare your life temporarily. These choices often come at the cost of other relationships, especially with companions who disapprove of evil behavior.
Additionally, if you fully embrace your role as Bhaalspawn and work with Orin, you will alienate many party members or lose them entirely. Be prepared for companion disapproval and even betrayal.
Alternative Paths
If you’re not playing the Dark Urge or do not want to follow Orin’s dark path, you can still interact with her as a normal boss in Act 3. In this case, there’s no romantic content only combat and story progression. You can still learn about her history and motivations, but without the disturbing connection available to Bhaalspawn characters.
Romancing Orin
Romancing Orin in Baldur’s Gate 3 is not a traditional love story. It is a narrative choice that explores the twisted psychology of evil, power, and fate. Players who wish to experience every aspect of the game’s darker content will find this interaction both haunting and fascinating. However, it’s not suitable for everyone it challenges the player’s morals and tests their willingness to embrace the game’s most evil storyline.
If you’re aiming for 100% completion or want to explore every unique romance in BG3, pursuing Orin through the Dark Urge origin is essential. Just remember: love in the world of Bhaal is never pure only bloodstained.