Going Medieval Relationships System — Social Dynamics Guide
Master the relationships system in Going Medieval. Understand settler social dynamics, rivalries, romance, and how relationships affect colony morale and productivity.
Settlers Are Social Beings
Going Medieval features a dynamic relationships system where settlers form opinions of each other based on interactions, proximity, and shared experiences. Relationships affect mood, work efficiency, and can even determine whether settlers stay with your colony or abandon it.
Relationship Types and Effects
| Relationship | Range | Mood Effect | Work Effect | How to Develop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stranger | 0-20 | None | None | Initial state |
| Acquaintance | 21-40 | ±0 | None | Work in same room 3+ days |
| Friend | 41-70 | +3 mood near them | +5% speed when cooperating | Spend recreation time together |
| Close Friend | 71-90 | +5 mood near them | +10% speed when cooperating | Share meals, fight together |
| Lover | 91-100 | +10 mood near them | +15% speed when cooperating | Romance event triggered |
| Rival | 0-30 | -5 mood near them | -10% speed | Negative interactions, fights |
| Enemy | 0-10 | -10 mood near them | -20% speed; may fight | Sustained rivalry, betrayal |
Romance and Partnerships
When two settlers reach a high relationship value (70+), a romance event can trigger. Lovers gain significant mood bonuses when working or relaxing near each other. However, if one lover dies, the surviving partner suffers a severe, long-lasting mood penalty (-15 for 10+ days).
Managing Rivalries and Conflicts
Rivalries form when settlers have incompatible traits or negative interactions. Assign rivals to different work zones and sleeping quarters to minimize contact. If a rivalry escalates to the point of physical fights, you may need to banish one of them — the colony can't afford two settlers constantly injuring each other.
Optimizing Social Dynamics
Schedule shared recreation time (1-2 hours daily) for settlers to build friendships. Place workstations of compatible settlers near each other. Avoid assigning a Cannibal and a regular settler to the same kitchen — negative interactions are almost guaranteed. Pair Optimists with Pessimists; the optimist's mood buff partially offsets the pessimist's penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can settlers get married in Going Medieval?
A: There is no formal marriage mechanic, but the Lover relationship status provides the same benefits. Two lovers will share a bed if one is assigned, and they receive mood bonuses from proximity. Their relationship can also produce a mood penalty if they're separated for too long.
Q: What happens when rivals fight?
A: When rivals' relationship drops below 15, they may engage in social fights — a non-lethal brawl that causes bruises and cuts to both settlers. This wastes medical resources and reduces productivity. Separate them immediately.
Q: Do relationships affect loyalty during raids?
A: Indirectly, yes. A settler with strong friendships and a lover in the colony is far less likely to suffer a mental break during stressful events like raids. Conversely, a settler with only rivals is more likely to break and flee or turn on the colony when stress peaks.
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Last updated: June 2026