In Starfield, Barrett is a scientist who loves dad jokes, misses his deceased husband, and is maybe willing to finally move on--with you specifically--if you reciprocate his feelings. If you're wondering how to romance Barrett, one of the first major characters you meet in the main story of Starfield, we have the details you need here. Learn how to romance Barrett and what to do about his companion quest, Breach of Contract.
Starfield Barrett romance and Breach of Contract companion quest guide
How to romance Barrett: Likes and dislikes
Barrett can be wooed into a romantic relationship with you by boosting his affinity (a score you can't see in-game but is reflected by HUD info like "Barret liked that." As with other romanceable companions, he's generally a good-natured dude and isn't one to enjoy you behaving violently or rudely without justification he can get behind. Here's a summary of how to boost your affinity with Barrett:
He likes jokes, and very much enjoys when you "yes and" him like an improv duo.
Initially, he will dislike when you ask about Ervin, his former husband who tragically died under strange circumstances.
Barrett likes it when you get the job done in a manner that is overall "above board," but he seems not to mind some rule-breaking as much as Sarah does.
As Barrett warms up to you, he will eventually want to talk about Ervin more, even asking you to help fund an investigation into Ervin's death some years ago. Agree to help him if you wish to romance Barrett and/or unlock his companion quest, Breach of Contract.
Let me specifically show you how supportive I am, Barrett.
If you don't just like Barrett, but you like him like him, you should also keep choosing the "[Flirt]" option whenever it comes up. Even if Barrett isn't vibing with you initially, eventually he will appreciate you and start to view you as a possible way to move on from Ervin, in a sense.
