Can You Have 2 Wives in Starfield? The Truth About Polygamy in the Settled Systems
No, officially, you cannot have two wives (or more) in Starfield. Bethesda designed the game so that you can only be in a committed relationship with one of the four romanceable companions: Sarah Morgan, Andreja, Sam Coe, and Barrett. The game mechanics are specifically built to prevent polygamous relationships, and pursuing multiple romances simultaneously can lead to negative consequences. However, as with many sprawling RPGs, some players have reported encountering glitches or exploiting loopholes that seemingly allowed them to be married to more than one character. While these instances may occur, they are not intended by the developers and are likely to be patched out in future updates. So, for a typical playthrough, prepare to choose wisely and commit to one partner as you explore the galaxy.
Understanding Relationships in Starfield
Starfield offers a deep dive into character relationships, allowing you to form strong bonds with your crewmates. But when it comes to romance, the game aims for depth rather than breadth. It focuses on creating meaningful connections with a single chosen companion, rather than allowing players to collect spouses like spaceship parts.
The romance system is built on a foundation of affinity. As you travel and complete quests with a companion, your actions and dialogue choices affect their opinion of you. If you consistently make choices that align with their values, their affinity towards you will increase. This unlocks deeper conversations and eventually the option to pursue a romantic relationship.
Once you’ve reached a high enough affinity and completed the companion’s personal questline, you’ll be able to express your feelings for them. If they reciprocate, you can embark on a romantic relationship. This culminates in the “Commitment” quest, where you’ll propose marriage and participate in a wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, you’ll be officially married to your chosen companion.
The Consequences of Playing the Field
While it’s possible to flirt with multiple companions and raise their affinity, attempting to juggle multiple romantic relationships can lead to problems. Your primary partner may become jealous or disapproving if they discover your infidelity. This can result in negative affinity penalties and even the dissolution of your relationship.
Bethesda intentionally implemented this system to encourage players to invest in a single, meaningful relationship. The consequences of cheating are designed to reflect the complexities of real-life relationships. It also highlights how the complexities of these gaming environment can provide learning opportunities, which can be further explored on sites such as GamesLearningSociety.org.
Starfield Romance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about romance in Starfield, offering further insights into the game’s relationship mechanics:
1. Can you get remarried in Starfield?
Yes, you can get remarried in New Game Plus. If you decide you want to marry the same character again (or even a different one), embarking on a New Game Plus run allows you to reset your relationships and pursue a new romance. You won’t carry over your previous marriage.
2. Can you have two romances in Starfield?
While it’s possible to initiate multiple relationships, it’s highly recommended to commit to one. Juggling multiple romances can lead to disapproval from your partners and potential negative consequences.
3. Can you romance both Sarah and Andreja in Starfield?
Officially, no. The game isn’t designed for simultaneous romances. Some players have reported glitches that allowed them to marry both, but this is not an intended feature and may be fixed in future updates.
4. Can you marry companions in Starfield?
Yes! After reaching a high enough affinity with one of the four romanceable companions (Sarah, Andreja, Sam, or Barrett) and completing their personal questline, you’ll have the option to propose and get married.
5. Who can I romance in Starfield?
You can romance only four companions in Starfield: Andreja, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Sarah Morgan.
6. How many relationships can you have in Starfield?
Ideally, you’re intended to have one committed relationship in Starfield. While you can flirt with others and raise their affinity, only one companion can become your spouse.
7. What happens if you flirt while married in Starfield?
Flirting with other crew members while married can lead to disapproval from your spouse. While you can’t marry them until you end your current relationship, your spouse’s affinity towards you might decrease.
8. Should you marry Sarah in Starfield?
Marrying Sarah offers several benefits, including the Emotional Security buff, which grants bonus XP. Whether you should marry her depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. If you value her personality and the buffs she provides, then marrying her is a great choice.
9. How to romance Andreja in Starfield?
To romance Andreja:
- Complete the “Into the Unknown” main quest.
- Set Andreja as your main companion.
- Be truthful and protect innocent people to raise affinity with Andreja.
- Talk to Andreja whenever the objective pops up.
- Select the [FLIRT] option while talking to Andreja.
10. Can you marry Sarah and Andreja?
No, the game isn’t designed for simultaneous marriages. While some players have reported glitches that allowed them to do so, it’s not an intended feature. You can read up on game design and its implications for learning at the Games Learning Society website.
11. How to marry Sarah in Starfield?
To marry Sarah Morgan:
- Complete her personal mission, “In Memoriam.”
- Have her affinity to at least ‘Friend’.
- Tell Sarah you love her.
- Choose the ‘Commitment’ option when speaking with Sarah.
- Talk to Sarah again (wait 24 hours if talking about the wedding isn’t there).
- Marry Sarah at Paradiso!
12. Does marriage do anything in Starfield?
Yes, being married in Starfield provides several benefits. Your spouse will occasionally gift you items, and you’ll receive a unique buff related to your spouse. For example, marrying Sarah grants the Emotional Security buff, which increases experience gain.
13. Can you divorce in Starfield?
Yes, you can get a divorce in Starfield. There will be a specific dialogue option that allows you to end the relationship.
14. Can you sleep with companions in Starfield?
Yes, once you are in a committed relationship (married), sleeping in the same bed as your partner is automatic and will take place after the wedding.
15. What’s the best ship in Starfield?
The best ship depends on your playstyle and needs. The Razorleaf is a great early-game ship, while the Aegis and Abyss Trekker are powerful options for combat.