How to Win the Heart of Garrus Vakarian: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’ve set your sights on the Turian dreamboat, eh? Garrus Vakarian, the sharpshooting, calibrations-obsessed, renegade-leaning badass, is a fan-favorite romance option in the Mass Effect trilogy for a very good reason. He’s loyal, funny (in his own way), and has a surprisingly soft side hidden beneath that chitinous exterior. The key to getting Garrus to like you, specifically if you’re playing as Female Shepard, lies in demonstrating genuine interest, supporting his choices (within reason), and being a dependable friend and ally. You need to earn his respect, show that you appreciate his dry humor, and prove you’re a strong leader he can trust. Ultimately, be yourself, but a slightly more supportive, understanding, and calibration-appreciative version of yourself.
Building a Bond with the Best Turian Bro
Garrus isn’t a character who falls easily. He values loyalty above all else, so start by building a strong working relationship. He needs to trust your judgement and respect your leadership. This involves several key elements throughout Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3:
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Recruit him early: In Mass Effect 2, prioritize recruiting Garrus on Omega as one of your first squadmates. This demonstrates that you value his skills and perspective.
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Support his choices during his loyalty mission: “Garrus: An Eye For an Eye.” This is crucial. Even if you disagree with his methods, understand his motivations. A Paragon interrupt can save Sidonis, but siding with Garrus and letting him take the shot is also valid and doesn’t negatively impact the potential for romance. The most important thing is to hear him out.
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Engage in casual conversations: Regularly talk to Garrus in the Normandy’s Main Battery (the “usual spot” as the game describes it). Ask about his past, his feelings, and his opinions. Don’t just rush through mission briefings; take the time to connect on a personal level. The game prompts to use is “just want to talk”.
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Be understanding of his Turian sensibilities: Turians have a strong sense of justice and honor. While Garrus leans towards the renegade side, he still operates within a defined moral code.
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Don’t be afraid to tease him: Garrus can be a bit serious, so a bit of lighthearted teasing can help break the ice. He appreciates a good sense of humor, especially when it’s directed at his… calibrations.
Sealing the Deal: From Friendship to Romance
Once you’ve established a solid foundation of friendship and respect, you can start exploring the romantic potential.
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Initiate the romance dialogue: After completing Garrus’s loyalty mission, continue to talk to him on the Normandy. Eventually, dialogue options will emerge that indicate romantic interest.
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Choose the right dialogue options: In Mass Effect 2, the key phrase is “I’m still interested.” This will signal your romantic intentions to Garrus. These options won’t show up until you establish a strong bond with him.
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Be patient and persistent: The romance unfolds gradually over multiple conversations. Don’t expect to jump into a relationship overnight.
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The Lock-In Moment: The pivotal moment in Mass Effect 2 is the meeting at Normandy Dock: Bay D24. When prompted, choose the “Yes. I love you” option to solidify the romance.
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Enjoy the “date”: Post lock-in with Garrus in Mass Effect 2, he will take you on a date. You can then go to the Presidium and shoot bottles together
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Carry the romance into Mass Effect 3: Provided Garrus survives the Suicide Mission in Mass Effect 2, the romance will continue into Mass Effect 3. Continue to be supportive, understanding, and affectionate. The bond between Shepard and Garrus deepens significantly in this final installment.
Why Garrus? The Allure of the Turian Sniper
Garrus is more than just a skilled marksman; he’s a complex and compelling character. His appeal lies in his loyalty, his unwavering support for Shepard, his dry wit, and his surprising vulnerability. He’s a character who grows and evolves throughout the trilogy, making him a truly rewarding romance option. He is also very awkward which makes him all the more endearing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Romancing Garrus
1. Can you romance Garrus as Male Shepard?
No. Garrus Vakarian is only a romance option for Female Shepard. Male Shepard can only befriend him.
2. When does the Garrus romance become available?
The romance becomes available after completing Garrus’s loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2, “An Eye for an Eye,” and engaging in multiple conversations with him on the Normandy.
3. What happens if Garrus dies in the Suicide Mission?
If Garrus dies during the Suicide Mission in Mass Effect 2, he will not appear in Mass Effect 3, and the romance will not be possible. The death of characters makes the overall game different.
4. Can you romance someone else and then romance Garrus?
Yes, you can technically initiate romances with multiple characters. However, you will eventually have to choose which relationship to pursue. If you lock in a romance with someone else, it will end your relationship with Garrus.
5. Does Paragon or Renegade affect the romance with Garrus?
While Garrus leans towards the renegade side, Paragon/Renegade choices don’t drastically impact the romance. It’s more important to understand his motivations and be supportive, regardless of your moral alignment.
6. Is Garrus loyal by default, or do I have to do his loyalty mission?
You must complete Garrus’s loyalty mission to ensure his loyalty, which is vital for his survival in the Suicide Mission and for the romance to progress.
7. What happens if I don’t choose the “Yes. I love you” option at Bay D24?
If you don’t choose the “Yes. I love you” option, the romance with Garrus will not be locked in. You may still have a close relationship with him, but it will remain platonic.
8. Does everyone comment on the Garrus and Shepard relationship?
Yes, other squadmates and characters will often make comments and observations about the relationship between Shepard and Garrus, acknowledging the bond between them.
9. Can I romance Tali and Garrus in the same game?
No, you can only have one active romance at a time. Pursuing both Tali and Garrus will eventually force you to choose between them.
10. What does Garrus think of Shepard’s appearance?
In Mass Effect 3, Garrus makes it known that he finds Shepard physically attractive. However, if he is unromanced, he probably doesn’t see her as physically attractive. If he is romanced, he thinks she is gorgeous.
11. How did Garrus get his scars?
Garrus was seriously injured while on Omega by a gunship’s chain gun and rockets, resulting in his scars and cracked armor.
12. Can you lose Garrus’ loyalty if you disagree with him?
You can’t lose Garrus’ loyalty during his loyalty mission. However, it’s important to be supportive and understanding of his motivations. If you make him do something, such as back down, you can remind him that nobody knows what he’s been up to.
13. Is Garrus older than Shepard?
No. Garrus Vakarian is 2-4 years younger than Shepard, making him anywhere from 25 to 27 during the events of Mass Effect 1.
14. What happens if I romance Liara and then try to romance Garrus?
You can keep both romances alive until you “lock-in” either one. If you lock in a romance with one character, it will end your relationship with the other.
15. How do I keep both Tali and Garrus alive in the Suicide Mission?
To keep both Tali and Garrus alive in the Suicide Mission, you must ensure that they are both loyal. Additionally, choose a loyal Samara, loyal Jack, or loyal Morinth as the Biotic Specialist. Finally, send them as squadmates during the final battle.
Winning the heart of Garrus Vakarian is a rewarding experience that adds depth and emotional resonance to the Mass Effect trilogy. By focusing on building a strong friendship, demonstrating genuine interest, and being a supportive ally, you can forge a lasting bond with this beloved Turian. For further exploration of the intersection of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.