Romance

Overview

Romance is a core relationship system in inZOI that lets Zois form romantic bonds, go on dates, get married, and build families. The system supports same-sex relationships and allows players to set specific gender preferences during character creation. Romance follows a progression from strangers through Mutual Crush to True Love, with marriage available at the highest levels.

Only Adult Zois (Young Adult and older) can engage in full romantic interactions. Children cannot engage in romantic interactions. Teenagers gained access to age-appropriate romance (crushes, confessions, first dates) in the v0.2.0 update. Starting with v0.7.0, teenager Zois can date other Zois in similar age groups more easily.

Romance interactions are marked with heart symbols in the interaction menu. You can find the full list under the More > Romance tab when clicking on another Zoi. A minimum friendship level of roughly 20% is typically needed before romantic interactions appear in the menu, so it helps to build some basic rapport through friendly conversation before attempting to flirt.

Setting Up Romance Preferences

During character creation, you configure each Zoi's romantic preferences. These settings determine who the Zoi will accept or reject romantic advances from:

Important: These preferences are locked permanently after character creation and cannot be changed later. Set them carefully. If a Zoi attempts a romantic interaction on someone whose gender falls outside their preferred genders, the target will reject the advance and the Love relationship meter may take a penalty.

Romance Restrictions

• Only Adult Zois (Young Adult, Adult, Middle-Aged, and Senior) can engage in full romantic interactions

• Teenager Zois can pursue age-appropriate romantic interactions with other teenagers, but not with adults

• Direct relatives (parents/children, siblings) cannot romance each other, even if all parties are adults

• Aromantic Zois reject all romantic advances from any Zoi

• Each Zoi can maintain a maximum of 100 total relationships across all types (Love, Friendship, Family, Business). If a Zoi has too many friends and business contacts, they may hit the cap before forming new romances

Romance Progression

The Love relationship track follows a progression from negative levels through neutral to the highest romantic bond. Successful romantic gestures build the pink Love bar, while failed attempts cause penalties.

Select Relationship Conversations

When a relationship advances enough to upgrade to the next tier, a "Select Relationship" conversation prompt appears above the Zoi's head. You must initiate that conversation before further progress can be made. During the conversation, you choose between two interaction options tagged with "Select Relationship": one is positive (marked by an upward arrow) and will advance the relationship to the next level, while the other is negative and does the opposite. Picking the positive option locks in the upgrade; picking the negative option can downgrade or freeze the current level.

Love Levels

Building Romance

Romantic interactions unlock progressively as the relationship level increases. Early on, stick to light flirting and compliments rather than physical affection, since most Zois prefer an emotional connection before escalating. Higher Charm skill dramatically reduces rejection rates.

The "Aflutter" mood triggers when romance is going well, unlocking unique interaction options that are only available in that emotional state. A stronger version, the "Dazzled" mood, can also trigger during particularly successful romantic interactions. Some ambition requirements specifically call for actions performed while in the Aflutter or Dazzled state, such as proposing while Aflutter or Dazzled for the Partners in Love ambition.

One-Sided Crushes, Love Confessions, and Obsessions

The v0.3.0 update introduced deeper emotional dynamics to the romance system. Zois can now develop one-sided crushes on other Zois who may not reciprocate. This creates a more realistic emotional landscape where attraction is not always mutual.

Love confessions allow a Zoi to formally declare their feelings to another Zoi. The confession can succeed or fail depending on the target's current relationship level, traits, and mood. A successful confession advances the relationship, while a failed confession can result in awkwardness and a temporary relationship penalty.

Obsessions can develop when a Zoi becomes fixated on a romantic interest. This manifests as intensified emotional responses and a stronger desire to spend time with the target Zoi. Traits like Charmer can make Zois more susceptible to developing obsessive romantic tendencies.

Conversation Branching

Since v0.3.0, romantic conversations branch into two to three possible paths based on the Zois' traits, current mood, and existing relationship level. Players can explore more conversation options without needing specific emotional prerequisites. Thought bubbles appear during conversations reflecting each Zoi's inner thoughts, helping players understand the emotional impact of their choices. Different relationship dynamics cause conversations to unfold in different ways, and the ratio of negative outcomes was adjusted for more balanced emotional flow.

Memories and Romance

The v0.7.0 update added a Memories system that records significant relationship events. Positive romantic memories (such as a first kiss or a successful proposal) can unlock additional interactions over time. Negative memories (such as catching a partner cheating or a painful rejection) also get recorded and influence future interactions. The companion Milestones system tracks important moments in a Zoi's life, including romantic milestones like first dates, engagements, and weddings.

The Charmer Trait

The Charmer trait is the primary romance-focused personality trait. Zois with this trait:

• Have a tendency to be fixated on relationships

• Frequently feel Aflutter (the romance-specific emotion)

• Build romantic relationships easily and faster than other Zois

• Like discussing romantic topics

• May exhibit anxiety and possessiveness, fearing loss of affection

• Experience sadness that lasts longer than normal when romance fails

• Are more susceptible to developing one-sided crushes and obsessions

The Charmer trait is one of the two traits granted by the Life of Romance Desired Life (alongside Entertainer).

Charm Skill

The Charm skill determines a Zoi's ability to flirt, socialize, and engage in captivating conversations. Higher Charm improves success rates for romantic interactions and helps build relationships faster. A Zoi with high Charm is far less likely to be rejected during flirting attempts.

Each skill improves faster when paired with a mood that complements it. For Charm, the Aflutter mood provides a noticeable boost to skill gain. In the current Early Access build, the Charm skill does not unlock specific gated interactions as it levels up. However, the Nation's Sweetheart ambition requires reaching Charm Level 10 at its highest tier.

Trait Compatibility

Relationships develop fastest between Zois with common personality traits. Incompatible trait combinations can create friction and slow progression.

• Pairing a Dominant trait with a Creative trait may make finding common ground harder

• Sociable characters respond best to active, frequent attention

• Introverted characters prefer gradual relationship building with less overwhelming interactions

• The Charmer trait directly accelerates romantic relationship progression regardless of the partner's traits

Since v0.3.0, traits also influence conversation outcomes. A Zoi's specific traits determine how they react to romantic situations, and trait-based autonomy interactions display explanatory speech boxes so you can see why a Zoi chose a particular response.

Dating

Once two Zois reach Mutual Crush, formal dating becomes available:

1. Use "Invite on a Date" or "Plan a Date Together" from the romance menu, or open the Events app on the Smartphone.

2. Select a time and location. Available venues include cafes, lounges, parks, Bliss Bay Amusement Park, and homes.

3. Show up at the scheduled time. Arriving late or failing to show can lower the relationship.

Dates include an activity checklist with goals such as "Share a Meal," "Flirt Successfully," or "Have a Deep Conversation." Completing these checklist goals provides a significant boost to romance progression. The date has a limited timeframe; interactions can be performed manually or automated. Successful dates increase the Love bar and can unlock new romantic interactions.

Spouse Dating

Starting with v0.7.0, married Zois can ask their spouses out on dates. Previously, the dating system was only available for unmarried couples. This addition allows married couples to continue going on formal dates together, helping maintain and strengthen their family relationship track over time.

Teenager Dating

Adolescent Zois gained access to age-appropriate romantic interactions in v0.2.0. Teenagers can pursue crushes, make confessions, and go on first dates with other teenagers in their age group. Adult romantic interactions (intimacy, marriage proposals) are not available to teenagers. The v0.7.0 update further improved teenager dating, making it easier for teenager Zois to date others in similar age groups.

Phone Calls and Communication

The v0.7.0 update added a phone call system that complements the existing text messaging feature. Zois can now call or receive calls from other Zois using their Smartphone. To call someone, you first need their phone number.

Phone number exchange: Zois can ask other Zois for their phone number through a new interaction. The target Zoi may accept or refuse the request depending on the relationship level. Once phone numbers are exchanged, both Zois can call each other at any time. Phone contacts can be blocked or deleted if the relationship sours.

For romantic partners, phone calls and text messages provide a way to maintain the relationship even when the two Zois are not in the same location. Romantic partners may send flirtatious messages and can make plans for dates via text. NPCs in romantic relationships will sometimes autonomously text the player Zoi with flirtatious messages and may bring flowers to a Zoi's apartment after working hours.

Marriage and Weddings

Proposing

At the True Love level, the "Ask Them to Marry You" option becomes available. Successful proposals result in engagement. The proposal may be rejected if the overall relationship is not strong enough; building both the Love and Friendship tracks higher before proposing improves the odds. If rejected, try increasing the romantic and friendship relationship further before proposing again. Engagements can be called off at any time through the interactions menu.

Wedding Options

Remember to change the newlyweds' outfits to your preferred wedding attire before the event begins. The game does not automatically switch outfits for the ceremony.

Planned Wedding Ceremony

Planned weddings follow a scripted sequence of actions. Players can press play for automatic execution or manually select each action:

1. Thank Guests for Attending the Wedding

2. Prepare Officiant Speech

3. Walk Together Down the Wedding Aisle

4. Wedding Speeches (only triggers if 3 or more Zois are attending)

5. Exchange Rings

6. Give Kiss Performance (added in v0.7.0)

7. Go Celebrate

8. Exit Together Down the Wedding Aisle

9. First Dance (Dance Happily)

The ceremony includes a Photo Booth feature for adjusting poses, expressions, and time of day for wedding photos. Guests can perform immediate actions like clapping or heckling during the ceremony. Skipping steps in the sequence may cause glitches that require the Emergency Rescue cheat to fix.

After Marriage

After the wedding, the romantic relationship converts to a Family relationship, which has its own separate track that resets to Neutral. The family track progresses through these levels:

A popup immediately appears after the wedding offering the option to move in together or split the household. Players are advised to keep the family relationship at the Close level at minimum. If it drops to Estranged, regular quarrels occur and divorce risk increases significantly.

Moving In Together

Moving in together requires marriage in the base game. When a Zoi gets married, a popup immediately offers the option to move to a new house together or split the household. There is no "ask to move in" interaction for unmarried couples.

Workaround: Players can use the Manage Family system (press M, select Manage Zois, then Manage Family tab) to manually move Zois between families without marriage. The "Move Zois Between Families" and "Create Temporary Family" options allow household manipulation outside the romance system. This effectively lets unmarried partners live together.

Multiple Romances and Jealousy

Unmarried Zois: Can form romantic relationships with as many other Zois as they want simultaneously. There are no restrictions or jealousy consequences. Players have confirmed maintaining several True Love relationships at once with no issues. Unmarried Zois do not react when a Zoi they are romantically involved with romances someone else.

Married Zois: Jealousy kicks in. Jealousy triggers automatically when a married Zoi witnesses their spouse engaging in romantic interactions with another Zoi in the same area. Physical proximity is the key requirement; the cheating must happen where the spouse can see it.

When jealousy triggers:

• The witnessing spouse may confront the cheater, including slapping

• Both Zois enter negative moods like Embarrassed and Annoyed

• The Affection (Family) relationship track takes significant penalties

• The cheating Zoi's partner may send accusatory text messages

• Repeated infidelity can sour the relationship to the point where divorce becomes possible

Important limitation: Zois currently do not have persistent long-term memory for infidelity in Early Access (though v0.7.0's Memories system records major events). Negative moods recover over time, and relationships can be repaired through positive actions. Jealousy only triggers if the spouse is physically present on the same lot and can observe the romantic interaction.

Breakups

Divorce (Married Couples)

To divorce:

1. Select the married Zoi's interaction menu.

2. Go to Conflict.

3. Choose "Divorce".

Divorce may not succeed on the first attempt. The family relationship typically needs to deteriorate to the lower levels first. Use multiple conflict actions (argue, insult, complain) over several in-game days to lower the relationship before attempting divorce. Once divorced, both Zois return to single status and can pursue new romances. Wait about five to seven in-game days after divorce before attempting to rebuild through small, casual interactions.

Breaking Up (Unmarried Couples)

There is no specific "break up" interaction for unmarried couples. To end an unmarried relationship, players must use negative interactions repeatedly to degrade the relationship. Methods include:

• Performing rude social interactions (insults, arguments, complaining)

• Getting caught cheating by the partner (though this only works if married)

• Allowing the relationship to shift into dysfunctional territory through neglect

• Asking "for things to go back to how they used to be," though the partner may react negatively and resist the downgrade

Relationship Decay

Romance levels can decrease over time if neglected. The marital (Family) relationship scale can drop from Loving down through Affectionate, Close, Neutral, Coldness, Separated, and ultimately Estranged. Regular positive interactions are necessary to maintain the relationship. For the Love track, ignoring a romantic partner for extended periods will cause the bar to slowly decrease, eventually triggering a "Select Relationship" conversation that could downgrade the level.

Intimacy

At the Sweetheart relationship level, the option "Set the Mood in Front of Bed" becomes available. This initiates intimate interactions between the two Zois. The Zois head toward the bed, and a large pink heart with blurred surroundings obscures the scene.

• Intimacy requires a bed in the household and sufficient relationship level

• It is available for all romantic pairings regardless of gender

• Some Zois may refuse the interaction depending on their current mood and the relationship quality

• Married couples can unlock the interaction immediately at the start of the game

• The Set the Mood interaction does not result in pregnancy; having children requires a separate interaction and (prior to v0.2.0) required marriage

• As of v0.7.0, the success rate of Set the Mood is influenced by relationship scores, making it more likely to succeed at higher relationship levels

NPC Romance

Player Zois can romance any unrelated adult Zoi in the world, including townies and NPCs. Simply approach them, build friendship through positive interactions until the 20% threshold is met, then transition to romantic interactions marked with heart symbols.

At Early Access launch (v0.1.0), all NPC townies spawned as heterosexual. The v0.2.0 update (June 2025) introduced randomized sexual preferences for NPC Zois, allowing same-sex couples to form naturally in the world without player intervention.

NPCs in romantic relationships will autonomously text the player with flirtatious messages and may bring flowers to a Zoi's apartment after working hours. With the v0.7.0 phone call system, NPCs can also call the player Zoi directly.

Pursuit of Love Ambitions

Two Ambitions focus specifically on romance. Both reward Meow Coins at each level.

Nation's Sweetheart

Partners in Love

Life of Romance

The Life of Romance is a Desired Life that pairs the Charmer and Entertainer traits with the Challenger and Love core values. Its default Ambition is Nation's Sweetheart.

Gift Giving

Since v0.2.0, Zois can exchange items through new interaction options. Players can gift, give, or sell items from their Zoi's bag to other Zois. Gifting items to a romantic interest provides a boost to the relationship. With the addition of flower shops in v0.7.0, Zois can craft bouquets and flower baskets to give as romantic gifts. A high Gardening skill grants special effects on crafted bouquets, making them even more valuable as gifts.

Romance Patch History

Tips

• Set romantic preferences carefully during character creation. They cannot be changed later.

• Build at least 20% friendship before attempting romantic interactions. Flirting with a stranger usually fails.

• Level up the Charm skill early if you plan to pursue romance. Higher Charm dramatically reduces rejection rates. Reading books and browsing for dating advice on the computer are safe ways to level Charm.

• The Charmer trait provides the single biggest boost to romance. Choose it or pick the Life of Romance Desired Life for the fastest romantic progression.

• Complete date checklist goals (Share a Meal, Flirt Successfully, Have a Deep Conversation) for the best romance boosts during dates.

• The four relationship tracks (Love, Friendship, Family, Business) are completely independent. A Zoi can be at True Love with someone while also being their BFF and Business Partner.

• Unmarried Zois can date freely with no consequences. Jealousy only applies to married Zois who witness cheating in person.

• If pursuing divorce, use conflict interactions over several in-game days before attempting. Rushing it usually fails because the family relationship must be low enough.

• After divorce, wait about five to seven in-game days before attempting to rebuild the relationship through small, casual interactions.

• To move in with an unmarried partner, use the Manage Family system (press M) as a workaround since the base game requires marriage for cohabitation.

• Browse online dating on the computer as a safe way to level up Charm without risking awkward in-person rejections.

• Exchange phone numbers early in a budding romance. Having a phone contact lets you maintain the relationship through calls and texts even when the Zois are apart.

• Pay attention to thought bubbles during romantic conversations. They reveal the other Zoi's inner reactions and help you pick the right dialogue path.

• Craft bouquets at a flower shop and gift them to your romantic interest for a relationship boost, especially if your Zoi has a high Gardening skill.

• Married couples should go on regular dates (available since v0.7.0) to keep the family relationship track healthy and prevent decay toward Estranged.