Under the cut, please find the complete ending guide to reach the romantic ending in Alva's route, including descriptions from route writers behind the decision. Please note that during gameplay, answers may appear in a different order than indicated.
Honesty is critical in poly relationships, so it was important to start with that theme immediately, and while the other two choices are still very true—the framing of those is slightly more "negative". The idea here being that Aloy recognizing she is and can, in fact, be overwhelmed—shows more self-awareness of her own emotions and flaws. It was also important to show how these two might connect over shared experiences vis-a-vis siblings.
You know what's better than just yammering on and making assumptions? Inviting other people in and listening to their insights. Probably a good thing to have in a relationship. Probably.
We really wanted to emphasize the idea of a "third option" whenever we could. Given this story is poly in nature, there's no need for really anything to be a binary choice. We also did our best to sprinkle in hints early on that Alva is resenting how she is sometimes aggrandized as a Diviner, to show that Aloy (and you the player) listens and respects Alva as an equal.
As important as it is to support your partner, it's equally important to call out unhealthy behaviors. Alva's been taking the phrase "be gay, do crimes" to new and astonishing heights post-Burning Shores, and should be addressed. But how you provide that feedback has as much an impact as the content itself. This option is direct, without being judgemental (after all, what is risk to someone who crossed the ocean into the unknown?).
We saw the other two options here as just different ways for Aloy to circumvent confronting what's really bothering her. It isn't that Old World knowledge can't "spark joy" anymore—the problem is the drive to uncover the secrets of the past has become much more utilitarian. Her motivations are grand world-saving endeavors, leaving little time to stop and appreciate the little things let alone herself.
We can dance, we can dance, everybody look at your hands! (This one is probably pretty self explanatory.)
We can sometimes have unrealistic expectations around our (or a partner's) ability to parse emotions. A pressure to immediately know oneself. But it's okay to need time to process things—just be honest about it. For what it's worth, were this not an interactive game, Aloy saying, "Shit" (and nothing more) would probably be the most on-brand response.
Once again, honesty is the name of the game. While all of the other options are true, the admission of fear is just…more true. It also calls back and resolves the previous flashpoint in which Aloy wasn't able/ready to answer Alva's question.
One of Aloy's best characteristics is how utterly willing and capable she is at calling people out on their bullshit. This option forces Clag to confront not only his behavior, but Aloy's by proxy.
So obviously a big theme throughout this route was communication. The other two options here are either too dismissive or too presumptive, while the correct option to talk about it first is…just right. At least in the context of this route. None of what is said here should be taken as relationship advice.
We hope you enjoyed your journey through the romantic Alva route! Now that you know how to best get a smooch, try to mix and match other options to get different endings as well! If you reached the romantic epilogue, we encourage you to give it another look, and really… Focus.
