Summary
In many great RPGs, players are constantly surrounded by companionsand supporting characters who not only have their own personal quests but also play vital roles in the story, significantly impacting the main plot. It is common for RPGs to introduce new characters as reserved or private individuals who gradually open up as the story progresses, rewarding players who take the time and effort to understand them and offer help. In some cases,companion-driven stories can be even more compelling than the main narrative, often avoiding world-saving tropes in favor of more nuanced, relatable struggles.
The below entries take a look at some of the best RPGs, ranking them based on theirfocus on character-driven narratives, companion storylines, and their involvement in the central plot. In these games, nearly every party member or supporting character has anexpansive storyline and multi-step queststied to personal struggles and conflicts. By investing time in these companions, players not only gain deeper insight into their motivations but also strengthen bonds within the party and, in some cases, can even unlock special abilities or outfits for them.
Like its predecessors,The Witcher 3does not feature companions in the traditional sense, leaving Geralt of Rivia as the lone protagonist. However, the game’s supporting cast, including characters from the books such as Yennefer, Triss, Ciri, Dandelion, Vesemir, and Letho,functions much like companions, each with multi-step quest arcs. Their stories are deeply intertwined with the main narrative of searching for Ciri, and players can even recruit allies for the siege at Kaer Morhen, reminiscent ofMass Effect 2’s suicide mission.
Ciri serves as the key figure of the story, with players controlling her during several main missions to provide background on her journey. Beyond returning allies from previous entries,The Witcher 3also introduces side characters like the Bloody Baron and Olgierd von Everec, whose expansive, quest-driven narratives are so compelling that they can even outshine the main storyline, gaining widespread recognition and praise.
Dragon Age: Originsset a new high standard for BioWare’s companion storytelling. While most of the developer’s RPGs feature diverse party members,Originstakes this to another level, with characters like Alistair, Morrigan, and Leliana having rich backstories and a tangible influence on the main plot. Their personal quests often span multiple steps, involving meaningful and difficult decisions.
As in otherDragon Agegames, companions inOriginscan leave, challenge, or even betray the player based on their choices.Alistair and Morrigan share the most intricate dynamics, not only featuring the most dialogue and interactions among party members but also playing a crucial role in the main story. Their involvement leads to major choices, particularly in the final mission to stop the Archdemon.
On the surface,Cyberpunk 2077doesn’t really offer a companion system. However, the game’s story essentially places a companion, Johnny Silverhand, inside the protagonist V’s body and mind. From that perspective,Cyberpunk 2077might just haveone of the most fleshed-out and convincing companionsin the genre, albeit a singular one. Not only does Johnny appear and comment on nearly every step of the journey, but players also experience entire sections from his perspective, adding depth and rich backstory to the main narrative. On top of that, players can even surrender their body to Johnny during certain side quests and in some endings, allowing him to settle his score with Arasaka.
Beyond Silverhand,Cyberpunk 2077, much likeThe Witcher 3, features a strong supporting cast. While not traditional companions, characters like Jackie, Judy, Panam, River, and Kerry actively participate in key main and side missions. Players can also visit them at their homes or call them for conversations, further strengthening these friendly bonds.
Among Obsidian’s rich RPG portfolio,Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfirestands out as one of the most companion-driven narratives. Featuring a vibrant cast that includes returning characters from the first game — such as Eder, Pallegina, and Aloth — alongside newcomers like Xoti, Serafen, and Tekehu, the companions' quests are among the most expansive. These storylines often span multiple islands, allowing for significant branching outcomes. The series' signature themes of religion and devotion add further depth to their struggles,challenging players with complex conflicts and difficult decisions.
WhileDeadfire’s companions may not be as directly involved in the main story of pursuing Eothas as those in some other RPGs on this list, they remain integral to the player’s success. Their established roles in the world’s power struggles shape the journey in meaningful ways. For instance, Pallegina’s ties to the Vailian Trading Company, Maia’s position in the Rauatai navy, and Tekehu’s connection to the Huana all influence how different factions respond to the player’s goals — either offering support or creating obstacles.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthbuilds on the strong foundation ofFF7 Remake, elevating the iconic RPG to new heights while offering deeper companion narratives through both personal quests and central plot integration. Alongside the returning crew (Barret, Aerith, and Tifa),Rebirthexpands the party with Yuffie, Red XIII, and Cait Sith. Each companion receives greater agency and screen time than before, with dedicated multi-step side quests that allow them to develop further for those who choose to invest in their relationships.
ThroughoutRebirth’s story, companions remain deeply tied to the central story arc. Aerith’s fate, Cloud’s identity crisis, and Sephiroth’s machinations all hinge on the party’s actions and histories. With its refined approach to character dynamics,Rebirthdelivers some of the most emotional and bittersweet momentsin the series.
Baldur’s Gate 3and its companions need little introduction in the RPG genre today. Not only does the game feature some of the most beautifully crafted and detailed characters in RPG history, but each companion is also brilliantly portrayed and performed, with vivid expressions, gestures, and nuanced interactions. Additionally, players can experience the entire story from nearly every party member’s perspective bychoosing them as their character at the startof the game.
Even for those who create a custom protagonist, companions inBaldur’s Gate 3remain integral to the central story, with their personal conflicts and quests deeply intertwined with the main narrative, reaching pivotal moments throughout the plot. Not to mention, the game is packed with countless hidden dialogues and character interactions, making it impossible to experience everything in a single playthrough.
TheMass Effectseries has always placed a strong emphasis on companions, featuringsome of the most iconic and beloved RPG charactersBioWare has ever created. Among the trilogy,Mass Effect 2stands out as the most companion-driven, with the entire game centered around Commander Shepard gathering specialists for a suicide mission to stop the Collectors and slow the impending Reaper invasion.
A significant portion ofMass Effect 2’s main missions involves recruiting allies, from returning characters like Garrus and Tali to newcomers such as Thane, Samara, and Grunt. Additionally,each companion has a personal loyalty missionthat Shepard must complete to secure their trust and increase their chances of survival in the final mission. While many RPGs feature memorable companions, few dedicate as much narrative focus to party members asMass Effect 2.
