As an avid Fire Emblem player and fan for over a decade, I‘ve delighted in matchmaking my units across the series‘ strategic battles. Three Houses implements one of the best relationship systems by integrating romances with the tactical tutor role-playing at Garreg Mach Monastery. After completing over 800 hours across multiple playthroughs, I‘m here to provide expert guidance on wooing your favorites.
How To Romance Characters – Gameplay Basics
As professor Byleth, you can explore romance options with select officers academy students, faculty, and knights. First focus on recruiting favorites into your chosen house. Then regularly engage by:
- Chatting and giving advice which raises motivation
- Inviting to share meals in the dining hall
- Teaching them or helping train their skills
- Deploying together in paralogue quests and battles
These activities build support points toward unlocking new conversations. Gift-giving also boosts this, but students have unique preferred presents. Check the roster to track motivation, goals, and your current support level with each character.
| Support Rank | Points to Unlock | Battle Bonuses | Romance Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 20 | None | No |
| B | 60 | +3 Hit, Avoid | No |
| A | 140 | +5 Hit, Avoid | Yes for some |
| S | 240 | +7 Hit, Avoid | Yes |
Reaching A rank required for romance takes significant effort – over 28 meals or 150+ support points. But it unlocks intimate conversations and courtship. By achieving S support, units become soulbound partners granting the best combat boosts and abilities.
Note: The main lords (Edelgard, Dimitri, Claude) as well as Rhea require siding with their faction to romance them. All others have flexibility.
Best Female Romance Options for Byleth
Pursuing relationships as female Byleth allows nine fully-realized romantic supports plus charming teases from many platonic allies. Here are my top recommendations along with analysis of their personalities and romantic scenes.
Dorothea – Songstress Sweetheart
The first character I repeatedly romance as female Byleth is the endearing songstress Dorothea. Although labeled a flirt, she secretly hopes for sincere emotional connection rather than status. Her supports reveal trauma from impoverished origins plus discomfort receiving unwanted advances.
Despite initial envy of Byleth‘s beauty, Dorothea ultimately feels accepted and protected. In their S support scene she sings a vulnerable original song. Then with tears in her eyes, she embraces finally finding her heart‘s match.
"Oh, my dear Professor! My ally, my beloved! This song we share, it comes from the bottom of my heart. Will you accept it?"
I love matching Dorothea with a compassionate female lead to provide the mutually understanding relationship she deserves. Their paired ending certainly suggests blissful intimacy.
Edelgard – Iron Empress
While less openly affectionate than other options, Edelgard bonds profoundly with a trusted female Byleth. They connect through trauma – El losing siblings while Byleth lost her father. As imperial heir, Edelgard bears the weight of ambition singled-mindedly.
She confesses to Byleth the full truth of her hidden suffering from crest experimentation. Their emotional S support conversation displays rare vulnerability from the typically composed soon-to-be emperor.
"I want to walk with you, my teacher. My ally and my love."
As arguably the most pivotal Three Houses lord, Edelgard makes an impactful romantic choice. Their paired ending mentions them finding comfort and solace in each other for life.
Mercedes – Sweetest Devotion
The extremely loving healer Mercedes charmed me from my first playthrough. Though endlessly nurturing to all, she yearns for someone special of her own behind the piety. Her supports with female Byleth reveal surprising mischief including sneaking romance novels.
When Mercedes asks about Byleth‘s ideal partner, the clearly lovesick description matches her own virtues. By S rank she joyously accepts the ultimate gift – an engagement ring.
"Oh Professor! Is this – Oh my! Yes! Yes, my beloved, yes!"
Few characters radiate such wholesome warmth as Mercedes. Matching with her brings out Byleth‘s softer side for a perfectly sweet romance.
Yuri – Sneaky Seduction
Lastly I‘ll highlight the Ashen Wolves house leader Yuri, who subtly seduces female Byleth over their supports. His tough past and schemes make Yuri hard to get close to at first. But in his S conversation he pours out genuine feelings.
Asking to discard titles, he requests to know Byleth herself. Yuri then mischievously teases about making her blush before committing his heart.
"You have slipped behind these walls I‘ve built around myself…Allow me to lower them once more, my friend – and my love."
Cracking Yuri‘s facade reveals perhaps the most poetic and passionate of Byleth‘s romance options worth experiencing.
Best Male Romance Options for Byleth
Playing as male allows fewer choices – but the two main options make strong impressions. Like female Byleth, I recommend first wooing Dorothea followed by the ambitious emperor.
Dorothea – Songstress Crush
Dorothea doesn‘t disguise her admiration for the handsome mercenary-turned-professor if Byleth fits her refined tastes. Early on she labels him:
"Quite a lovely specimen of masculinity."
Her previous experiences with lecherous nobles make Dorothea cautious of intentions. But the respectful support of male Byleth provides the genuine romance she‘s dreamed of.
In their S scene she lovingly compares him to a fairy tale prince, making requests about their future domestic life. Their paired ending certainly implies a happily ever after.
Edelgard – Floral Vow of Loyalty
Fighting alongside Edelgard is paramount to earning her favor either as emperor or empress. But earning her hand in marriage as Emperor Byleth proves most pivotal. Their solemn vows promise an enduring partnership between true equals united in purpose and trust.
She gifts Byleth flowers representing "silent vows of unwavering loyalty" – symbolizing her hidden romantic feelings. By S support she wants those mutual feelings openly declared.
"I wanted to walk beside you, to give you all that I am. That feeling has only grown stronger with time."
Their cerebral connection and perfect understanding make Edelgard an ideal match for male Byleth as well.
Keep these tips in mind when selecting relationship targets:
- House leaders offer the most pivotal bonds but limit other romance options on those routes
- Faculty and knights provide interesting maturity gaps but less story relevance
- Go with whoever appeals most on any run instead of stressing optimizing
- Replay to experience different dynamic pairings and endings
- Consider Byleth‘s emerging personality and leadership style
- Ask yourself – are they equal partners who complement strengths and flaws?
Through Byleth‘s point of view, players can thoroughly enjoy fantasy romance with the vivid cast of Fire Emblem Three Houses. I‘ve replayed the 200 hours of relationship-building countless times without fatigue purely for the character appeal and interactions.
Matching philosophies matters. But ultimately the pairing preference comes down to your heart. My top romances stand out as most compelling due to resonating emotionally. That sincere sentimental bond shared with the main lords or songstresses makes coming together in supports sweeter.
I hope this guide has provided ample perspective and pointers to pursue meaningful bonds with your favorite characters. No matter who you choose, putting in time and reading between the lines of Three Houses conversations will surely enrich the experience before reaching that climactic confession.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!
