Can You Romance Thane in Mass Effect 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can romance Thane Krios in Mass Effect 2, but only if you’re playing as a female Commander Shepard. This enigmatic drell assassin, burdened by a tragic past and unwavering faith, offers one of the most emotionally resonant and ultimately heartbreaking romances in the entire Mass Effect trilogy. If you’re drawn to characters with depth, vulnerability, and a quiet intensity, then pursuing a relationship with Thane is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Embarking on a Romance with Thane Krios: A Step-by-Step Guide
The path to winning Thane’s heart isn’t always straightforward, but it’s well worth the effort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to initiate and cultivate a romantic relationship with him:
Recruiting Thane and Earning His Loyalty
First and foremost, you need to recruit Thane Krios during the mission on Illium. He’ll be in the process of assassinating a target, and Shepard needs to convince him to join the fight against the Collectors.
Once Thane is on board the Normandy, you’ll need to earn his loyalty. This involves undertaking his personal loyalty mission, titled “Thane: Sins of the Father.” During this mission, you must help Thane protect his son, Kolyat, from making a grave mistake. Success in this mission is absolutely crucial; if Thane isn’t loyal, a romance is impossible. It also has dire consequences during the suicide mission.
Engaging in Meaningful Conversations
After completing Thane’s loyalty mission, make sure to regularly initiate conversations with him. Choose dialogue options that show empathy, understanding, and a genuine interest in his life and beliefs. Avoid being dismissive or sarcastic; Thane values sincerity and emotional honesty.
Express your feelings for Thane. It’s important to communicate your romantic intentions clearly. Look for opportunities to express your attraction and admiration for him. If he hints at romantic interest, reciprocate.
Choosing the Right Dialogue Options
Several key dialogue choices will determine whether your relationship progresses beyond friendship. Be on the lookout for opportunities to flirt and express your romantic feelings. These options are often indicated by a heart icon or subtle hints of romantic interest.
Locking in the romance: It’s important to lock in the relationship before the suicide mission. During a key conversation, choosing the “I’m fine” dialogue option is critical to locking the relationship in with Thane.
The Tragedy and Beauty of Thane’s Romance
Thane’s romance is unique because it’s intertwined with his terminal illness, Kepral’s Syndrome. He’s already dying when Shepard meets him. This adds a layer of poignant beauty to the relationship, making every moment feel precious and fleeting. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, as you’ll be dealing with themes of mortality, faith, and acceptance.
Romance Outcomes and Consequences
Thane’s Fate in Mass Effect 3
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of romancing Thane is his fate in Mass Effect 3. Regardless of your actions, Thane will ultimately die during the events on the Citadel. However, having a romantic relationship with him will make his sacrifice all the more impactful. You will be able to speak with him and say goodbye, and he will be there to watch over you from the afterlife.
The Importance of Continuity
The choices you make in Mass Effect 2 will have a significant impact on your relationships in Mass Effect 3. If you romanced Thane and he survived the Suicide Mission, your romance will be acknowledged in the final game. While you can rekindle the relationship with Liara, you will be able to say your goodbyes to Thane in the hospital before his death. He’ll even appear in a vision as the Normandy leaves the Citadel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Romancing Thane
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the intricacies of romancing Thane Krios:
1. Can you romance Thane and Garrus in Mass Effect 2 simultaneously?
No, you can only have one primary romance at a time in Mass Effect 2. If you pursue both Thane and Garrus (or any other romance option), you’ll eventually be forced to choose between them. Once you’ve locked in the romance, you can not romance anyone else.
2. What happens if Thane dies during the Suicide Mission?
If Thane dies during the Suicide Mission in Mass Effect 2, he won’t be available for a romance in Mass Effect 3. In his stead, Captain Kirrahe will take his place during a mission in Mass Effect 3. This substitution impacts the availability of War Assets in the final game.
3. Can you romance anyone after Thane dies in Mass Effect 3?
Yes, after Thane’s death in Mass Effect 3, you can choose to pursue a new romance with another character, such as Liara T’Soni. The game acknowledges Thane’s passing and allows you to move forward, if you choose to do so.
4. Can you romance Kelly Chambers and Thane in Mass Effect 2?
Yes, you can have a brief fling with Kelly Chambers without jeopardizing your romance with Thane or any other squadmate. However, Kelly isn’t a full-fledged romance option, and her role is more of a casual relationship.
5. Does romancing Thane affect any other romances in the trilogy?
Romancing Thane can prevent you from romancing other characters in Mass Effect 2 if you lock it in first. It does affect the ending of the game, as Thane will appear during the final scenes to protect you.
6. Who is the “canon” romance for Shepard?
There is no officially designated “canon” romance for Shepard. However, many fans consider Liara T’Soni to be the closest thing to a canon romance, given her prominent role in the overall narrative and her close relationship with Shepard across all three games. Even when she isn’t a part of the main game, she still gets a whole DLC revolving around her. She was the one responsible for bringing back Shepherd’s body.
7. What happens if you don’t complete Thane’s loyalty mission?
If you don’t complete Thane’s loyalty mission, you won’t be able to romance him. Furthermore, his chances of surviving the Suicide Mission are significantly reduced. If Talid dies and Kolyat gets away, the mission ends, and Thane will not be Loyal.
8. How do you “lock in” the romance with Thane?
To “lock in” the romance with Thane, you must choose the correct dialogue options during key conversations with him, specifically opting for choices that express your romantic feelings and commitment to the relationship. As always, pick “I want to talk about you” to continue the Romance. To Lock in the Romance, pick “I’m fine” when it appears early on.
9. Can you romance Tali if she gets exiled?
You can romance Tali even if she’s exiled, as long as you don’t present the evidence against her father to the Admiralty Board. Presenting the evidence will ruin any chances of a romance.
10. Is there a way to prevent Thane’s death in Mass Effect 3?
Unfortunately, no. Thane’s death is a scripted event in Mass Effect 3 and cannot be prevented. It serves as a powerful emotional moment for Shepard and a significant loss for the galaxy.
11. What happens if you romance everyone in Mass Effect 2?
If you attempt to romance multiple characters in Mass Effect 2, you’ll eventually be forced to choose one to commit to. The game will largely ignore the other romances, focusing on the one you ultimately selected.
12. Can Miranda be romanced in Mass Effect 2?
Yes, Miranda Lawson can be romanced by a male Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 2. As with Thane, you must complete her loyalty mission and engage in meaningful conversations to progress the relationship.
13. What happens if Garrus dies in Mass Effect 2?
If Garrus dies in Mass Effect 2, he won’t appear in Mass Effect 3, and any potential romance with him will be impossible. The very obvious and short answer is that if Garrus dies in Mass Effect 2, he’s just not in Mass Effect 3.
14. Does Thane appear in Mass Effect 3 if he is not romanced?
Yes, Thane still appears in Mass Effect 3 even if he is not romanced, albeit in a smaller role. His presence is primarily tied to the events on the Citadel and his sacrifice to protect a Salarian Councilor.
15. Who replaces Thane in Mass Effect 3 if he died in the Suicide Mission?
If Thane died in the Suicide Mission, Captain Kirrahe replaces him during the Citadel attack in Mass Effect 3, sacrificing himself to save the Salarian councilor. This will also change your War Assets in the final battle.
Is the Thane Romance Worth It?
Despite its inherent tragedy, romancing Thane is an unforgettable experience. His vulnerability, his unwavering faith, and his genuine affection for Shepard create a connection that resonates deeply. If you’re seeking a romance that transcends simple infatuation and delves into the complexities of love, loss, and acceptance, then Thane Krios is an excellent choice.
The Mass Effect series provides a fascinating lens through which we can explore complex ethical and social issues, and its characters offer valuable insights into human nature and the power of connection. You can learn more about the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to advancing the understanding of games and learning through research, collaboration, and outreach.
Romancing Thane isn’t just about finding love; it’s about sharing a profound and meaningful journey with a character who leaves a lasting impact on Shepard’s life – and on yours.