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inZOI Relationships Explained

Relationships are the cornerstone of the life simulation experience in inZOI. Building connections, forming bonds, facing conflicts, and navigating the complexities of social dynamics are central to your Zois' lives. This guide explains how the relationship system works in inZOI, covering the different types, how they develop, and how you can influence them.

How Relationships Work in inZOI​

Interaction-Based Development​

Relationships between Zois are primarily built and shaped through social interactions. Each conversation, action, or shared experience can impact how two Zois feel about each other across different relationship categories.

Four Relationship Types​

inZOI features four distinct relationship tracks that can progress independently between any two Zois (with some age/family restrictions):

  1. Family: Represents bonds between spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
  2. Romance: Tracks romantic interest and love levels.
  3. Friendship: Measures platonic bonds and camaraderie.
  4. Business: Reflects professional connections and workplace dynamics.

This means two Zois can be Business Partners but only Awkward friends, or True Loves who also happen to be BFFs.

Relationships in inZOI Game

Relationship Levels and Progression​

Each relationship type has multiple levels, ranging from negative to positive, usually starting at Neutral. For example, Friendship ranges from Foe (most negative) to BFF (most positive).

  • Meters: The current status is often represented by a colored bar or meter in the Relationships tab (default key: [R]).
  • Breakpoints & Conversations: To advance (or decline) to the next major level (e.g., from Mutual Crush to Sweetheart), Zois often need to have a specific "Select Relationship" conversation, choosing an interaction marked with an arrow to confirm the change.
  • Relationship Log: Major events and feelings about interactions are recorded in the Relationship Log, accessible via the Relationships tab, providing insight into how a Zoi perceives their connection with another.

Influencing Factors​

Several factors determine the success and progression of relationships:

  • Interactions: Choosing positive or negative interactions directly impacts the relevant relationship meter. Icons next to interactions (like hearts for romance or blue/red circles for Karma) indicate their effect.
  • Traits: A Zoi's Traits influence their social behavior and compatibility with others.
  • Values: Actions aligning with or opposing a Zoi's Values can affect relationships.
  • Moods/Emotions: A Zoi's current emotional state impacts their willingness to socialize and the success of interactions.
  • Preferences: Shared likes or dislikes (Preferences) can influence compatibility.
  • Karma: A Zoi's Karma level can influence social outcomes and available interactions.
  • Life Events: Major events like marriage, birth, death, or conflict significantly impact relationships.

The Four Relationship Types​

1. Family Relationship​

  • Levels: Estranged → Dysfunctional → Distant → Neutral → Affectionate → Close → Loving
  • Applies To: Spouses, parents/children, siblings.
  • Formation: Created through birth or marriage. When Zois marry, their Romance track is replaced by the Family track, starting at Neutral.
  • Restrictions: No romantic interactions possible between direct family members (parent-child, siblings).

2. Romance Relationship​

  • Levels: Terrible → Uncomfortable → Ambivalent → Neutral → Mutual Crush → Sweetheart → True Love
  • Applies To: Unrelated Zois of appropriate age (Young Adult and older).
  • Features: Enables flirting, dating, proposing, marriage, and "Set the Mood" (WooHoo) interactions. Same-sex romance and marriage are supported.
  • Exclusivity: Zois can pursue multiple romances simultaneously until married. Marriage typically triggers jealousy if infidelity occurs.
  • Read more in the Romance Guide

3. Friendship Relationship​

  • Levels: Foe → Stranger → Awkward → Neutral → Friend → Confidant → BFF
  • Applies To: Almost any Zoi (except potentially newborns).
  • Development: Built through friendly greetings, sharing jokes, discussing interests, and supportive interactions.

4. Business Relationship​

  • Levels: Enemy → Rival → Guarded → Neutral → Peer → Colleague → Business Partner
  • Applies To: Zois of appropriate age (Young Adult and older).
  • Development: Fostered through work interactions, discussing business, networking, and collaborating on projects. Essential for career progression in some fields.

Managing Relationships​

  • Active Interaction: The primary way to manage relationships is by controlling your Zoi and selecting appropriate interactions. Use the "More" menu to find specific categories.
  • City Stability Settings: You can adjust the overall difficulty and pace of relationship building city-wide via the Manage City menu (Map > Manage Zois > Manage City > Control City Status). Sliders for Friendship, Romance, Business, and Family affect progression rates and interaction success chances.
  • Monitoring: Regularly check the Relationships tab ([R]) and the Relationship Log to understand the current state and history of connections.

Related Systems & Considerations​

  • Dating: Requires reaching a certain Romance level (usually Mutual Crush or Sweetheart) before the "Ask on a Date" interaction appears. Dates can be planned via interactions or the Events app. See How to Date.
  • Marriage: Requires reaching "True Love" status and a successful proposal. Weddings can be planned events. See How to Get Married
  • Jealousy: Primarily occurs when a married Zoi witnesses their spouse engaging in romantic interactions with another Zoi. Can lead to negative moods and confrontation. Unmarried Zois generally don't get jealous. See Do Zois Get Jealous?
  • Moving In: Typically happens after marriage, allowing the couple to merge households. Can also be forced using the "Move Zois Between Families" option in the Manage Family menu. See How to Ask a Zoi to Move In.
  • Divorce: Possible for married couples via a "Conflict" interaction, usually after the relationship has significantly deteriorated. Results in negative moods and resets the Family relationship. See How to Divorce.
  • Preferences & Compatibility: Zois will reject romantic advances from genders outside their set preferences (which cannot be changed after creation). Shared interests (Preferences) can aid relationship building.
  • Household Limit: A household can only contain a maximum of 8 Zois, which can limit family growth through birth.
  • Relationship Limit: Zois can maintain relationships with up to 100 other Zois.
  • Future Features: Systems like the Family Tree (Oct 2025) and Memory System (Dec 2025) are planned, which will likely add more depth to long-term relationships and their consequences.

Building and managing relationships is a dynamic and rewarding part of the inZOI experience, adding layers of realism and storytelling potential to your Zois' lives.