Serana is a vampire and a central character in the Dawnguard DLC. She is the daughter of the vampire lord Harkon and Valerica. As a follower, she is powerful and skilled in both magic and combat, making her one of the most capable companions in the game. Serana can also turn you into a vampire, providing a unique gameplay experience. Her complex personality and unique background as a vampire add depth to her interactions.
© Bethesda
Shadowheart is a Shar cleric with a mysterious past. She is versatile, able to heal, support, and deal damage. Her story is deeply intertwined with the main storyline, and her personal quest reveals more about the game's lore and the internal conflict she faces between her faith and her actions. Her character development is rich, making her a compelling companion throughout the game. And, this being BG3, you can romance Shadowheart.
© Larian
Ellie is a young girl who becomes Joel's companion. She is resourceful, brave, and skilled in combat and survival. Her relationship with Joel and her personal growth are central to the narrative, showing her transformation from a vulnerable child to a capable survivor. Ellie's growth is one of the game's core emotional drivers, making her a memorable and beloved character. And the devs never shy away from showing her imperfections.
© Naughty Dog
BD-1 is a small droid that accompanies Cal Kestis. BD-1's healing, hacking, and scanning abilities make him an invaluable companion. The bond between Cal and BD-1 adds emotional depth to the story, with BD-1's playful and loyal nature providing moments of levity and warmth.
© EA
Karlach is a fierce warrior with a troubled past who excels as a Barbarian. Her backstory involves a great deal of struggle, adding emotional depth to her character. Her personal quest reveals more about the world and her past, giving you a deeper understanding of the game's setting and the characters within it. And as with Shadowheart, it's easy to fall in love.
© Larian
Craig Boone is a former NCR First Recon sniper. He is stoic, skilled in ranged combat, and has a tragic past involving the loss of his wife. Boone's expertise and personal quest provide insight into the moral complexities of the game's world, making him a deeply layered character.
© Bethesda
Chitose is a supportive character who helps you constantly. But she also contributes to the story by adding depth to the protagonist's personal journey, helping to explore themes of loyalty, friendship, and resilience.
© Sega
Navi is a fairy who acts as Link's guide. She gives him tips and helps him target enemies. While some players find her repetitive advice annoying, Navi is an iconic part of Link's journey and crucial to his success. Her guidance and the bond she forms with Link underscore the importance of companionship in the game.
© Nintendo
Pikachu is the player's starter Pokémon. Unlike other Pokémon games, Pikachu follows you outside its Poké Ball, displaying emotions and bonding with you throughout the game. This unique feature adds charm and personality to the game, making Pikachu more than just a fighting companion, but a beloved friend.
© Nintendo
Tulin is a young Rito warrior who assists Link. He provides aerial support and can help with aerial attacks, making him valuable in both exploration and combat. Tulin's youthful enthusiasm and bravery add a fresh dynamic to Link's adventures.
© Nintendo
Midna is a mysterious character who helps Link. She possesses magical abilities and provides guidance throughout the game. Midna's complex personality and intriguing backstory make her one of the most beloved characters in the series. Her relationship with Link evolves from one of mutual necessity to a deep friendship.
© Nintendo
Clementine begins as a young girl who is protected by the protagonist, Lee. As the series progresses, she grows into a capable survivor. Her growth and the choices players make for her shape the story and make her one of the most compelling characters in the game. Clementine's journey is emotional and powerful, resonating deeply with the player.
© Skybound Games
Paimon is a floating companion who acts as the player's guide. She provides exposition, helps with quests, and provides comic relief. Her bubbly personality and constant presence make her a central figure in the game's narrative, often serving as a source of humor and charm (or annoyance).
© HoYoverse
Elizabeth is a young woman with the ability to manipulate tears in the fabric of reality. She assists Booker DeWitt by providing combat support and puzzle-solving assistance. Elizabeth's character development and dynamic interactions with Booker are central to the game's narrative, making her an essential and beloved companion.
© 2k Games
Alyx Vance is an important ally of Gordon Freeman. She provides combat support, hacking skills, and plays an important role in the game's narrative. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and strong will make her a popular character in the game. Alyx's relationship with Gordon and her struggle against the Combine add emotional depth to the story.
© Valve
Sully is an experienced treasure hunter and mentor to Nathan Drake. His experience, wit, and loyalty provide crucial support throughout the series. His fatherly relationship with Drake adds emotional depth to the story, making their bond one of the series' highlights.
© Naughty Dog
The Weighted Companion Cube is an inanimate object used to solve puzzles. Although it is a cube, it is anthropomorphized and becomes an emotional support, symbolizing companionship in the isolated environment of Aperture Science.
© Valve
Lydia is a housecarl assigned to the player after they become Thane of Whiterun. Love her or hate her, you cannot deny that she is the most loyal companion in the game. That, along with her skill in combat, makes her a reliable companion throughout the game. Her dedication to serving the player provides both utility and a sense of camaraderie, making her a steadfast ally in your journey.
© Bethesda
No one will ever love you as much as he does. The Adoring Fan is a bizarre, yellow-haired wood elf who appears after the player becomes the arena's Grand Champion. He will follow you around, offering constant (and often annoying) praise and adulation. Despite his lack of combat skills, he provides comic relief and a unique follower experience.
© Bethesda
Atreus is the son of Kratos. He assists in battle with his bow and arrows and plays a pivotal role in the game's narrative. Atreus' relationship with Kratos is central to the story, highlighting themes of fatherhood, growth and understanding. His character development throughout the game adds significant emotional depth to the experience.
© Sony
Video games, especially single-player games, can be a lonely experience. Exploring vast open worlds, experiencing strange encounters, and fighting your way through hordes of enemies can be a lot more enjoyable when you are not alone. But it doesn't have to be your friends you play with - here are 20 of the best NPC companions in video games.
