Summary
As wonderfullyinclusive as romance options in gameshave become over the years, there are still some areas found painfully lacking. No, this isn’t referring to how BioWare likes to make chaotic goth women like Morrigan and Jack completely straight, though that’s a conversation worth having.
You’ll find that the vast majority of games don’t offer romance options for asexual (or “ace”) players or their characters. Sure, many give you the chance to simply stay platonic, but there’s very much a difference between being asexual and aromantic. you may desire a romantic relationship without desiring sexual intimacy, and luckily, there are a few games out there that seem to recognize this.
Developer(s)
Bioware
If you’ve playedDragon Age: Inquisition, you’re likely acutely aware that this game is very much not sexless. Most romance paths in this expansive fantasy epic lead to an ultimate scene full of spicy vibes and fleshy bits. But there are two which buck the trend.
Josephine, your ambassador in the Inquisition, has her own romance you can engage with regardless of gender or race, and it’s honestly very sweet. It never includes a sex scene or even alludes to it, but it remains remarkably romantic. Meanwhile, Solas is much of the same, aside from only being available to a female elf Inquisitor. Though his reasons for not including sex are a bit more… complicated.
sakevisual
What presents itself as a typical dating sim visual novel set in the entertainment industry can catch you off-guard with its unfortunately well-hidden asexual romance option. Backstage Pass sees you as makeup artist Sian Goodin potentially dating several eligible bachelors (and a few secrets) as she works her way through college.
One secret option is Alvin, the adorably nerdy teacher’s aide whom Sian can find herself growing close with throughout the game, though you might need a guide. At the end of his romance route, Alvin admits he doesn’t feel physical attraction towards Sian but still wants to be with her. Some players saw this as a friendship ending, but many asexual fans knew exactly what was going on and appreciated the representation.
Hanako Games, Spiky Caterpillar
Those who want to play a game about a magical school while still feeling good about themselves should check out Magical Diary. This visual novel featuresa magical girl protagonistmaking her way through her new mystic academy, along with plenty of puzzles and choices that will make you immediately regret not saving beforehand.
It also includes a romance aspect, with one potential paramour being aspiring athlete Virginia Danson. While you can end up as friends with her, you can also progress her romance to the point where she’ll admit she’s uncomfortable with physical intimacy. But just to make sure there’s no ambiguity, you can even talk to her about it, and she’ll ask if you’ll still be interested if that never changes. Hey, sometimes gamers need things spelled out. It’s ok.
Northway Games
Deckbuilding RPGI Was a Teenage Exocolonistis very much worth continuing your interest after that first word. It sees you play as a young colonist going through puberty on an alien planet while also facing a number of potential romantic options. Frankly, the first part is more realistic.
One of the more difficult romances to traverse is Nomi-Nomi, the nonbinary creative mind who isn’t quite sure what to do with their life. Their asexuality is actually part of the reason for this, as you need to bond with them in ways that aren’t just flirting. But you’ll find a super charming relationship if you can manage. And no, it isn’t just friendship. They are definitely a romance option.
BioWare, BioWare Montreal
Like Dragon Age: Inquisition, there’s obviously some steamy stuff going on aboard the Tempest. InMass Effect: Andromeda, you can get all hot and artificially heavy (you’re in space) with several characters, but one stands out as a genuinely sweet asexual option.
Dr. Suvi Anwar, your science officer, is only available as a romance option for a female Ryder, which is only a shame in that those playing a male character don’t have access tosuch a wholesome route. The spiciest thing you get is Ryder blurting out her attraction to Suvi’s accent, much to pilot Kallo’s hilarious discomfort.
Cadaver Carnival Studios
The name Ace in Space may have already clued you in, but this game is literally an asexual dating sim. In this prime example of a genre that enjoys far too little representation, you find yourself living on a far-off planet with a bunch of robots. Naturally, you can kiss the robots.
Even better is that your main character is canonically and unchangeably asexual, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally stumbling into an intimate encounter like an early BioWare game. Unfortunately, there’s a caveat that they also have cancer, which is worth mentioning to those going in who might need that content warning. But don’t worry, their treatment is part of the reason they’re on another planet. It’s lighthearted, we promise.
2018
Ghost Studios
This delightful little indie title includes a premise that really deserves to feature in more stories. When Aster Falls is about an overworked succubus on a mission to secure a new target. The only problem is that target, Rohan, is very outspoken and extremely asexual.
While not technically a romance “option”, the relationship between Aster and Rohan offers a refreshing look at the sort of dynamic many real-life couples exhibit where only one is ace. Where other games would simply offer opting out of sex as an option, Aster Falls instead decides to explore what that means.
2023
Larian Studios
Your inevitable confusion upon trying to associateBaldur’s Gate 3with asexuality is understandable and expected, particularly considering how early marketing for the game involved an explicit scene of bear sex. But you’d be surprised how versatile it is in this regard. Sure, you can turn down romantic advances, but that’s just useful for aromantic people, which once again, is different from asexuality.
Some ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s romance optionsactually do offer a sexless route, such as with Karlach, where you can tell her flat out that you don’t want sex without ending your romance. That right there is huge for a high profile game like Baldur’s Gate 3, especially considering how… unsubtle Karlach is about her own urges. But she’s immediately accepting of you for that, though that does bring up the question of whether the situation is fair to her.
