Romance in Outer Worlds 3? Let’s Get One Thing Straight…
You’re diving into Halcyon. Spacesuit snug, and you’re wondering about love. Romance. A bit of intergalactic flirting to liven those planet jumps. Specifically, you want to know about romance options in Outer Worlds 3. Hold your horses—just a moment.
Let’s clear things up quickly: there’s no “Outer Worlds 3” announced. And in the original, fantastic The Outer Worlds? Well, let’s say your heart might not race too much there.
The Cold, Hard Truth: No Romance in The Outer Worlds
You heard it right. Despite charming companions, intriguing storylines, and your player character’s charisma (if we say so), romance is off the menu in The Outer Worlds. Picture being stuck in Byzantium without a permit—it’s not happening.
Let’s get the official word out. According to Obsidian:
- “No Romance in The Outer Worlds.”
- “No, you cannot romance companions in The Outer Worlds.”
- “The game lacks romance options or dialogue for romantic relationships with companions.”
Bummer, right? You might flirt with eccentric characters, especially among the Stranger’s crew. But that’s the limit. No steamy spaceship meet-ups, no moonlit walks on Monarch, and certainly no awkward morning chats about dishes in the Unreliable.
To crush any future hopes, Obsidian confirmed their game, Avowed, will also lack romance. They want to keep things strictly business—maybe with some friendly banter too.
Why No Love in Space? Blame the Budget (Maybe)
Why is love locked away tight in a universe of possibilities? According to Obsidian, it’s about budget. They officially stated:
“Romancing companions wasn’t implemented due to budget constraints…”
Fair enough. Creating robust romance systems with branching paths takes time and resources. Maybe if Microsoft hadn’t acquired them, things might have been different. But hey, at least we got a great game, romance or none.
Parvati Holcomb: A Case Study in Companionship (Not Romance)
Now, let’s discuss Parvati Holcomb. She’s often mentioned because she is lovable. Yes, you can get really close to her. In a platonic, supportive, meaningful way.
For those wanting to woo Parvati, prepare for a twist. The game explores her asexuality. Yes, that’s right. In a refreshing move, The Outer Worlds has dialogue where Parvati talks about her asexuality and seeks advice on her feelings for Junlei Tennyson.
You become her confidante, advisor, even wingman (or wing-person). You help her understand feelings, overcome insecurities, and encourage confessing to Junlei. It’s a touching story about self-discovery and non-traditional relationships. But romantic for you? Nope. As the game states:
“Parvati is a wonderful crewmate for conversation and moral decisions but unfortunately off the menu romantically.”
You can’t “sleep with Parvati,” but you can form a rewarding bond with her. In a universe as rich as The Outer Worlds, isn’t that connection just as valuable as a fleeting romance?
Companion Relationships: It’s All About the Bromance (and…Crewmance?)
The Outer Worlds skips romance but nails companion relationships. Focus on building connections with your crew through personal quests and shared escapades. It’s like forming a quirky, dysfunctional space family.
Each companion has their backstory, motivations, and personal questline to explore. As you travel, you learn more about them and influence their choices. Your actions matter as well. Companions have:
- An approval rating
- They will leave if they oppose your actions.
If you decide to be a corporate stooge siding with the Board, don’t be surprised if some morally upright crew members decide to bail. These relationships feel dynamic and impactful.
Beyond Romance: Other Fun Things to Explore in The Outer Worlds
No romance? Got it. But The Outer Worlds still has exciting elements to keep you engaged. Let’s touch on some cool features worth mentioning:
Multiple Endings: Choose Your Own Adventure (Seriously)
The Outer Worlds isn’t a one-and-done game. Your choices matter and lead to many different outcomes. We’re talking:
- Multiple endings
- Two main paths with various outcomes
- A secret ending if you’re clever enough
Decide to be a colony savior or corporate lackey? Your choices shape Halcyon’s fate. This replayability adds lots of value.
Companion Deaths: Permadeath with a Vengeance (Supernova Mode)
Usually, if companions take hits in combat, they get knocked down but bounce back ready for more. If you try Supernova difficulty, things turn grim. On Supernova:
- Companion deaths are permanent.
- This is by design.
A wrong move could mean your favorite crewmate is lost forever. Talk about stakes! It adds tension and strategy to encounters.
Playing the Villain: Embrace Your Dark Side
Ever wanted to be the bad guy? The Outer Worlds lets you indulge that inner supervillain. You can:
- Turn Phineas in to the Board.
- Embark on “diabolical missions for the Board.”
- Unlock the “bad ending.”
Tired of being the hero? Try a playthrough where you embrace your inner corporate overlord. It’s fun to be evil at times.
Parvati Shallow: Wait, Who Now?
Quick detour into random territory—”Parvati Shallow.” Is she a secret companion? An obscure lore character? Nope! Parvati Shallow is a real person! Her real name is indeed “Parvati Shallow.”
She’s famous for being on the reality show Survivor. Raised in a “hippie” commune practicing Hinduism explains her name. Before Survivor, she was:
- A female boxer
- A cocktail waitress
- A model
- A bartender
- In public relations
What a resume! She was married to John Fincher from 2017 to 2021 and is reportedly dating Mae Martin since 2023. While unrelated to The Outer Worlds game, it’s a fun fact to remember. Maybe developers were Survivor fans?
So, romance in Outer Worlds 3? Still a dream. Romance in The Outer Worlds? A hard no. But don’t fret! The Outer Worlds remains an amazing game full of adventure, humor, engaging companions, and impactful choices. Who needs romance when you have a crew of quirky misfits and a galaxy to save? Now go make your mark on Halcyon!
