Released in 2010 by Obsidian Entertainment, Fallout: New Vegas is often celebrated for its complex narrative, player freedom, and richly detailed world set in a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert. However, one aspect of the game that often flies under the radar is its approach to romance. Unlike more overtly relationship-focused RPGs like Mass Effect or Dragon Age, New Vegas takes a more subtle, restrained approach to love and companionship—yet it still manages to leave a lasting impression.
A World Ravaged by War, But Not Without Affection
In the harsh and irradiated wasteland, romance is understandably not at the forefront of most characters’ minds. The world of New Vegas is cynical, filled with factions vying for control, mutated creatures lurking in every corner, and survival often hinging on tough moral choices. Yet within this chaos, the game introduces companionships that, while not always traditionally romantic, offer emotional depth, loyalty, and even intimacy.
The game doesn’t feature a traditional romance system with dialogue trees dedicated solely to courtship or love scenes. Instead, romance is subtly woven into the stories of a few key companions—most notably Arcade Gannon, Veronica Santangelo, and Cass (Rose of Sharon Cassidy). While not romanceable in the traditional sense, these characters offer strong emotional bonds that players can interpret as romantic or platonic, depending on how they role-play the Courier (the player character).
Veronica Santangelo: Brotherhood and Affection
Veronica is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel and one of the more engaging companions in terms of personality. Voiced by Felicia Day, she brings humor and heart to the team. Veronica is a lesbian character, and though there’s no direct romance option for a female Courier, the conversations you have with her reveal a longing for connection and a tragic love story from her past. Her vulnerability, intelligence, and charm make her a fan favorite. While not a romance in the conventional sense, players can experience a profound emotional closeness with her, especially when supporting her through her ideological conflicts with the Brotherhood.
Arcade Gannon: Subtle Connections
Arcade is another nuanced character who brings depth to the game’s themes of morality and identity. A member of the Followers of the Apocalypse, he’s also a closeted gay man—a rare representation in games at the time. If the Courier is male, they can form a strong emotional bond with Arcade, and though it never becomes an explicit romance, their interactions suggest a deeper connection. Arcade’s loyalty, intellect, and moral compass make him an unforgettable companion, and players who invest time in his story are rewarded with poignant moments of character development.
Cass: The Closest to Traditional Romance
Cass arguably offers the most straightforward hint at romance in New Vegas. A hard-drinking caravan owner with a troubled past, Cass is tough, witty, and full of grit. While there’s no romance “mechanic” per se, her companion quest and personal story arc allow for an emotional connection to flourish. Players who treat her with respect and help her resolve her past with the Crimson Caravan Company may find their partnership grows into something deeper, though never overtly romantic in dialogue.
Romance Through Roleplay
Ultimately, romance in Fallout: New Vegas is what players make of it. The lack of a formal romance system might be a turn-off for some, especially those accustomed to more overt dating options in RPGs. But for others, this allows for a more organic and immersive experience. The relationships in New Vegas are grounded in realism: they grow out of shared experiences, mutual respect, and emotional resonance—not checklists or gift-giving mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Fallout: New Vegas may not be a romance game in the traditional sense, but it offers some of the most memorable and meaningful character connections in the genre. Rather than spoon-feeding romance arcs, it lets players discover them through story, choice, and interpretation. For players who value subtle storytelling and emotional nuance, New Vegas offers a post-apocalyptic world where love, in its many forms, still finds a way to survive.
