The best companions in video games (Part 2)

We already tackled this topic in part 1, and now we are back with part two, as there is so much to say on this subject. Although we sometimes tend to underestimate the role of companions in games, they often play an essential part in the overall experience. Be it fantastic creatures, humans, or pets, so let’s get started without further ado.

Antea from Banishers: Ghost of the New Eden tops our list. As Red’s partner in adventure, she and Red form a close-knit duo even before the story begins. Their relationship is intimate, authentic, and believable, which gives weight to the player’s decisions. Every choice you make affects not only the future of the inhabitants of New Eden, but also the fate of the couple. The player’s moral compass will be put to the test. Antea is not only a great playmate, she is actually half of the game, in the strongest sense of the term.

Stellar Blade is an excellent game released on PS5 in 2024. Eve, the main protagonist, is quickly joined by a man named Adam. He accompanies her with unwavering loyalty and reassuring calm, which perfectly balances her more direct temperament. He provides crucial technological and tactical support, giving the player valuable information and enhancing immersion. His presence also creates a real narrative link: discreet but essential, he serves as an emotional anchor and helps to deepen the universe without ever stealing the show.

So far, while the companions mentioned in our two articles almost always refer to single-player narrative games, this is not the case for Kelvin, from the survival game Sons of the Forest. We meet him at the very beginning of the game, after our helicopter crashes on a mysterious island. The only other survivor, Kelvin is lying on the ground, stunned, but more importantly… his eardrums are ruptured. He is now deaf. This sets the stage for an original survival game in which communication and instructions are mainly given in writing.

Now let’s move on to animal companions. Palicos are great partners in Monster Hunter Wilds for the same reasons they’ve been successful in the series. They offer constant support in combat, whether it’s healing, distracting monsters, or setting up useful gadgets. Their versatility makes them valuable for all play styles, and their presence adds a touch of warmth and humor to the adventure. From the Fallout franchise, we’re obviously talking about Doggie. Useful in both exploration and combat, he can locate items, attack or distract enemies, making it easier to survive in the Wastelands.

Let’s end this list with a noisy ally we all know: ClapTrap from the Borderlands franchise. He brings an inexhaustible dose of humor and quirkiness to an already completely chaotic universe. Useful but clumsy, friendly but annoying, his presence has become an essential part of the franchise and a real mascot.

This second selection of the best video game companions complements the first and shows how our allies in games can take many forms, but always remain important. Through their strengths, weaknesses, and sometimes unforgettable personalities, they remind us that video games are not just about heroes: they are also the ones who give meaning to the journey.