It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, so here are some games to check out that bring the romance

We’ve come up on Valentine’s Day (wasn’t it just Christmas?), so this week we’re going to take the time to highlight a few games where romance is a key aspect. Sometimes you’re just a simple farmer who falls in love (Stardew Valley), or a prince(ss) who also farms and falls in love (Rune Factory 4), or a couple who escaped to the stars (because love) (Haven), or sometimes you’re just a stray god looking for love (Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical).

No matter what your plans are this weekend, know you’re loved.

Farm up some romance: Stardew Valley

At this point, Stardew Valley probably needs no description, but in case you haven’t heard of it: your grandfather has passed away and left you his old farm plot in the titular Stardew Valley, and you decide to start a new life there. Clear the land, start a farm, romance the locals, fight monsters in a cave, fish, and meet a wizard are all options once the game opens up to you. Should you wish, you can even get married and have children; however, be aware that your spouse may sulk at you if you don’t give them enough attention. For a game that came out in 2016, it’s still getting updates as of December 2024, so you’re still in Stardew‘s prime.

Get Stardew Valley for $15 on Steam.

Even royalty needs love (and turnips): Rune Factory 4

Rune Factory 4 may not be the newest game in the Rune Factory series, but it’s probably my favorite; you play as either a male (Lest) or female (Frey) lead, who falls off an airship at the start of the game and lands on the back of a friendly dragon named Ventuswill. As luck would have it, Ventuswill is the protector of the town of Selphia and you are now placed in charge. Rune Factory set itself apart from the series it spun off of (Harvest Moon) by focusing more on the dungeon crawling side of things, but don’t let that fool you — you still farm, run errands, and make friendships with those in town so they can help you as you clear local dangers. As the story goes on, you’ll find romance, but only if you want.

Get Rune Factory 4 for $30 on Steam.

Escape to the stars: Haven

Haven sees you playing as romantic couple Yu and Kay, who escaped to a forgotten planet to be together. Play as the duo while they adventure across the planet, looking for parts to fix their ship that doubles as their home, and fight against the forces that try to break them apart. Haven is an action RPG, having you time your attacks to keep Kay and Yu in sync, while also making tough decisions about what to give up for their love to remain strong. It should be mentioned that Haven also allows for Yu and Kay to be male or female, including in a homosexual relationship, so there’s some awesome inclusion here. Did I mention you can co-op?

Get Haven for $10 on Steam.

You’re NOT a Siren: Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical

David Gaider might best be known for being the lead writer for the Dragon Age franchise before leaving in 2016, but he joined Summerfall Studios in 2019 to be the creative director for Stray Gods, and it certainly shows. Stray Gods is exactly as it says in the title: a roleplaying game that’s also a musical, putting you in the shoes of Grace, a woman who finds herself surrounded by actual Greek Gods from mythology. As you work through the story, you learn more about the Gods, about Grace, and maybe even about yourself. Of course, there’s romance here too if that’s what you’re chasing (with four different characters to romance).

Get Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical for $30 on Steam.