Companions are just as important in games as they are in real life. In FromSoftware's highly-acclaimed RPG Elden Ring, the main player wouldn't be able to slay monsters and easily traverse the Lands Between without their companion and loyal steed, Torrent. Indeed, game companions play a key role in shaping the decisions, adventures, and narratives of the player.
Besides that, some game companions are powerful enough to help players easily take on difficult enemies and challenges. However, with so many game companions out there, only certain ones give the player the most value and add great dynamic energy to the games that they are in.
Dogmeat
Every iteration of the main character in the Fallout series is kept company by a loyal dog. Lovingly nicknamed "Dogmeat" by the game's developers, the companion is an NPC that can be commanded to fetch an item for the main character or scout a location in the game.
Dogmeat has captured the hearts of many gamers by being a loyal sidekick throughout the franchise. Even if the player commands Dogmeat to attack anything, fetch any item, and even get dressed in crazy costumes, Dogmeat will still be happy to serve his master.
Yoshi
In the Mario franchise, there are a bunch of characters and companions that add color to the titular character's world. But arguably, it is Yoshi who has always been beside Mario throughout the numerous games in the franchise.
Yoshi the dinosaur companion is crucial in helping the player move through the stages in Super Mario at a much faster pace. In addition, Yoshi also has a variety of powers and abilities that make him an essential companion, especially in the hardest levels in the franchise.
Clank
In the Ratchet & Clank series, players don't get to control much of the latter half of the duo, despite being a titular character. However, Ratchet won't be able to complete missions without Clank. With the robot companion as his backpack, Ratchet can boost his jump distance, hover in the air, and gain access to powerful weapons.
Gamers also adore Clank for being a total contrast to Ratchet's personality. Unlike Ratchet who is brash and headstrong, Clank serves to be the voice of reason in the game. The endearing relationship between the two leads of the game is so loved by fans that they can't wait to see the game be adapted for film or TV.
Victor Sullivan
Victor Sullivan is a lot of things. Aside from being a businessman, treasure hunter, and freelance thief, Victor is also Nathan Drake's father figure and mentor. In many of Nathan's missions, Victor provides much-needed backup to gunfights and even saves the main character from danger.
The Uncharted franchise wouldn't be the same without Victor and his quick and charming wit. Fans of the game enjoy Victor Sullivan a lot as he provides much-needed comic relief during some stressful scenes in the Uncharted series.
Atreus
Kratos has shown a lot of character development in 2018's God of War. But it's not solely the event of the previous games that caused Kratos to grow as an individual, it's also his son and companion Atreus that has helped him control his notorious rage and temper.
The developers were able to properly convey the essence of a child with Atreus. Other than being able to do a lot of damage in combat as Kratos' partner in the game, Atreus has also forced the antihero to bring out his softer side, especially after being hurt during an encounter with their enemies.
Garrus Vakarian
Mass Effect is not only known for its excellent narrative and engaging gameplay. The game is also well-loved for introducing the incredibly helpful and likable alien companion Garrus Vakarian.
Garrus manages to stand out in Mass Effect due to his goofy attitude, which is a rare sight in the world of soldiers. He's always ready to assist Commander Shepard in a fight and is available up until the most recent Mass Effect game. The turian soldier also has a very interesting backstory that explains why he's the way he is.
Elizabeth
A lot of gamers agree that Elizabeth brings a lot of soul and warmth to Bioshock Infinite. For one, the AI companion is very valuable to the main character and the story of the game. She provides important supplies like ammo and health, as well as brings the player back to life after dying.
Elizabeth's innocence and lack of guile have also managed to captivate players of the game. It also helps that the developers made sure to highlight Elizabeth's backstory, which allowed her to authentically react and engage with the new world she's about to explore.
Alistair
Alistair is a beloved well-rounded character from the Dragon Age franchise. In Dragon Age: Origins, Alistair acts as a mentor and guide for the main character. However, his role quickly sprawls into something more significant as the player discovers Alistair's ancestry.
The companion is incredibly loyal to the Warden. At a crucial moment in the game, Alistair was even willing to sacrifice himself to save the main character. Those who play the game will surely get drawn to Alistair and his light-hearted and pleasant personality.
Claptrap
Borderlands isn't a game as serious as its contemporaries such as Dragon Age: Origins or Assassin's Creed II. That's why it's not surprising to see a companion as absurd as Claptrap exists in the Borderlands universe.
Claptrap is a character full of contradictions. In some instances, he bickers about his bravery while simultaneously cowering away. While the robot companion's nonsensical ideas and balderdash are meant to add an annoying touch to the game, players can't help but be entertained by Claptrap's antics.
Ellie
The Last of Us is one of the most moving games to ever be released with its heartbreaking separations and gut-wrenching deaths. The game introduces us to Ellie, who is the deuteragonist and the companion of the main character Joel. In a zombie-filled world, Ellie is the only human who can't get infected.
For that reason, the player must protect Ellie at all costs. But, Ellie isn't a completely hopeless companion. When she finally gets access to a firearm, Ellie could suddenly inflict damage points, making the rest of the narrative-driven game easier to manage.