Summary
Party-based RPGshave long been among the genre’s most popular due to their rich customization options. In addition to creating a custom protagonist, these games allow players toassemble a party from several available companions, level them up, andselect skills and abilities that best suit their playstyle, essentially controlling not just a single hero but multiple diverse characters at once.
At times, managing multiple characters' progression can feel overwhelming, leading many modern RPGs to simplify this feature by either removing companion leveling entirely or offering an auto-level option for those less interested in deep build customization. Below, we’ll explorethe best RPGs that allow players to manually level up companionswith as much flexibility as any RPG fan could hope for.
Honorable mentions:
For this list, we’ll focus on modern RPGs, but these classic and beloved CRPG party-based series are definitely worth mentioning for players seeking adeep role-playing experience with customizable companions:
Baldur’s Gate 3needs little introduction, standing as one of the most played single-player RPGs and a dream-like continuation of the iconic series. True to its roots, the game offers full player control over every aspect, including the leveling of both the custom protagonist and all ten companions. Players can freely select feats, spells, and subclasses for characters like Shadowheart, Astarion, or Minthara,seamlessly integrating them into their party’s strategy.
Beyond that,Baldur’s Gate 3adopts a feature fromDivinity: Original Sin 2, allowing players to experience the entire game through the eyes of companions (known as origin characters). These characters can take on the role of the party leader from the start, with their personal quests serving as central storylines.
Wasteland 3stands as the pinnacle of its long-running RPG series, building on the strengths of its iconic predecessors developed by inXile and Interplay. Thisclassic post-apocalyptic, squad-based tactical RPGoffers a unique setting, deep combat, flexible progression, and a wealth of quests to tackle.
InWasteland 3, players can not only create a fully customizable protagonist but also have complete control over companion leveling, freely assigning perks and skill points. The game allows for a party of up to six members at a time (but only two active companions), with a total of eight recruitable companions, including raider warlord Fishlips and returning fan favorites like Pizepi Joren and Scotchmo – each a formidable fighter with a distinct personality. Additionally, players can recruit up to four Rangers to complete their party alongside these companions.
Like its predecessor,Pathfinder: Kingmaker,Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteousstays true to the refinedparty-based CRPG formula, beloved by thousands of players. With its unparalleled freedom of choice, the game allows full customization of every step of companion progression, letting players assign feats, spells, and even explore flexible multi-classing options based on thePathfindertabletop rules.
With a total of 12 standard companions (excluding Lich-exclusive or DLC-specific characters),Wrath of the Righteousoffers plenty of opportunities to tailor party compositions for various strategies. Players can craft versatile builds for any follower, including ranger Arueshalae, oracle Daeran, or fighter Wenduag, ensuring a personalized and tactical approach.
Pillars of Eternityemerged as a modern CRPG in the vein of classic genre representatives likeIcewind DaleandNeverwinter Nights, offering fans an almost overwhelming level of customization. Beyond combat skills and dialogue perks, the game even allows players todetermine their character’s godly devotion. In keeping with other iconic legacy RPGs,Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfireexpands on deep companion progression and interactions, featuring seven standard companions (such as returning favorites Aloth, Pallegina, and Edér, alongside newcomers like Serafen and Xoti) as well as six sidekicks, which serve as a middle ground between full companions and hired adventurers, all with flexible leveling and class options.
For those seeking a more dynamic take on the world of Eora,Avoweddelivers just that. While the gamefeatures a more modest companion roster, with only four characters (Kai, Marius, Giatta, and Yatzli) to choose from, two of whom can travel with the player at once, their diverse skill sets bring unique abilities to combat, which players can upgrade and customize at will.
BeforeBaldur’s Gate 3, Larian’sDivinityseries stood as a benchmark for flexible and deep RPG experiences, withDivinity: Original Sin 2often ranking among the best CRPGs of the past decade. Featuring strategic combat,robust progression systems for each character and companion, and the unique ability to play as any companion from the start,Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Editiondelivers a sprawling, epic adventure.
The game offers seven possible companions (or origins), from the undead wizard Fane to the proud warrior Red Prince, all fully customizable and leveled up by players to suit their preferred playstyle. In addition to traditional companions, the game includes a mercenary system, allowing players to hire pre-set characters (such as a mage, survivor, or warrior), though with more limited options for skill customization.
Throughout theMass Effectseries, players have always had the ability to level up, equip gear, and customize their companions' skills. SinceMass Effectgames are more dynamic than traditional RPGs, character progression isn’t as flexible as in other entries on this list. Nevertheless, players can still tailor each companion to be more resilient, deadlier in combat, or more proficient with specific weapon types.
Mass Effect: Andromedafeatures the most refined and dynamic combat system in the series while maintaining the familiar three-member party structure. With a total of six customizable companions and skill synergies, the game offers a strategic layer even when based on such a dynamic combat foundation. While creating a custom, unrestricted Ryder build provides far more flexibility than leveling up squadmates like Cora Harper, Nakmor Drack, or Vetra Nyx, players still have full control over their development, ensuring theybecome valuable assets in battle.
A sibling to Obsidian’sPillars of Eternityseries,Tyrannyshares similar RPG mechanics but introduces a fresh setting and a unique take on morality. Most notable for its worldbuilding and characters,Tyrannyoffers fewer companions (a total of six) when compared to thePillars of Eternitygames, yet grants players significant freedom to customize their abilities and shape their worldviews and relationships through actions and dialogue.
The game’s companions, such as Verse, Barik, and Sirin, are not only deeply fleshed-out but alsotied to various conflicting factions, adding complexity to their relationships and extra weight to the player’s major story decisions.
LikeMass Effect, every entry in theDragon Ageseries offers options to level up and customize companions, with varying degrees of depth. WhileOriginsis the closest to a CRPG in terms of character classes and progression, later entries likeInquisition took a more streamlined approach. However, key choices regarding companions' skills and perks have always remained in the hands of the players.
InDragon Age: The Veilguard, the studio once again shakes things up by introducing unique progression trees foreach of the game’s seven companions, from scout Harding to the possessed assassin Lucanis. While more action-focused than previous titles,The Veilguardmaintains flexibility in managing companions' gear, selecting their passive skills, and deciding which Primer and Detonator abilities to bring into combat.
