Most Underrated RPG Companions – Investment Policy

Summary

The most underrated RPG companions often excel in niche roles and provide unique benefits if given a chance to shine through patience and customization.
Several companions, such as Virgil, Nordom, Freya Crescent, Atton Rand, Hiravias, Racter, and Shale, stand out for their hidden strengths and varied skill sets that can change the gameplay experience.
Players who take the time to understand and invest in these underrated companions in RPGs can uncover their true potential and discover powerful abilities that significantly impact the game.

In the realm of Role-Playing Games (RPGs), the limelight frequently shines most on iconic heroes, the stoic warriors and charming saviors whose tales we carry with us like cherished memories. Yet, behind every celebrated protagonist, there’s a multitude of unheralded companions who operate in the background, their true greatness often overlooked during an initial playthrough. The finest RPGs are teeming with these companions: sidekicks, outcasts, and secondary allies who may not spearhead the quest, but subtly shape it.

Occasionally, some characters in RPG games have a significant impact on the storyline or atmosphere of the game, even though they might not be as useful early on or easily accessible. These characters could be healers whose stories develop faster than their initial usefulness, specialists hidden behind quests that are easy to miss, or individuals who add depth, humor, or unpredictability to the game world. This article aims to highlight the top underrated RPG companions – characters who demonstrate that the most valuable allies aren’t always the ones receiving all the attention, but rather those who subtly transform the gaming experience for attentive players.

7. Virgil (Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura)

The Annoying, Essential Savior Whose Real Power Is Patience

In the aftermath of a tumultuous airship crash, Virgil is often the initial character players encounter. For some, he’s also one of the first comrades they decide to part ways with early in the game. Initially, he has a reputation for being outmatched by wolves and robbers, and his default behavior involves recklessly rushing into peril without a strategy. Many commanders opt to replace him with more muscular or glamorous companions as soon as the chance arises.

However, for those who persist with him, enhancing Virgil with stronger armor or modifying his level progression to emphasize healing or assistance makes him an essential component. His White Necromancy abilities ensure the party’s survival during Arcanum’s challenging battles, and skills such as lockpicking, often overlooked by non-thief characters, can significantly impact the game in a subtle yet powerful way.

6. Nordom (Planescape: Torment)

The Rogue Cog In The Great Machine

Nordom’s underestimated nature is due to his inaccessibility. This peculiar modron, a logical being twisted by chaos, is confined within the Modron Maze—a challenging, combat-focused dungeon that seems out of place with the dialogue-centric design of Planescape: Torment. Many players, finding the maze laborious, overlook it entirely and hence never encounter him.

To locate Nordom, one needs to obtain a particular artifact and set the maze’s level to challenging, making him one of the most intentionally concealed allies in RPG lore. Those who manage to find him will discover that he provides something no other party member can: massive, upgradeable ranged damage. His dual crossbows, spirit-generated ammunition, and exclusive lens enhancements make him a formidable threat from the backlines.

5. Freya Crescent (Final Fantasy 9)

The Forgotten Knight Who Becomes A Goddess

Freya initially appears as a typical dragoon, with her journey through Burmecia and Cleyra being one of the most poignant emotional moments in Final Fantasy 9. However, following her personal crisis, she takes a backseat, having fewer lines and less significance to the plot as it moves forward. Many players choose to replace her, assuming that her storyline and usefulness have come to an end.

In simpler terms, Freya is a character who excels as both an attacker and a supporter in battles. As the game progresses, her worth significantly increases. Her ability “Reis’s Wind” provides healing to the whole party; “White Draw” restores mana, and her unique skill “Jump” allows her to dodge bosses’ most harmful attacks, making them less threatening. However, her ultimate weapon is “Dragon’s Crest.” This skill inflicts damage that escalates with the number of dragons defeated by the party. With a minimal amount of MP, she can consistently deal 9,999 unblockable damage, which becomes particularly powerful as you defeat more dragons throughout the game.

4. Atton Rand (KOTOR II: The Sith Lords)

Hidden Assassin with A Deceptive Build Path

Upon initial observation, Atton Rand appears to be a “rogue.” Filled with quick wit and bravado, he often seems outmatched by Jedi experts and powerful combatants. In conversations, he’s frequently written off as a “fool” by other characters, and his early-game firearm damage lacks the expected impact. Regrettably, many party leaders underestimate him when more impressive Force-wielders join their ranks.

As a devoted fan, I’ve come to realize that Atton Randolph is all about intricate depth. The shocking revelation of his hidden Sith assassin background adds an exhilarating edge to his character—an aspect that, when unmasked and combined with the optimal build, converts him into a formidable combat machine. When he evolves into a Jedi Sentinel, he gains the ability to establish his own stuns and mind tricks, creating a chain of crushing crits that outperform any party member. Unveiling his entire narrative demands both clout and perseverance, but the reward is transforming him from a source of humor into one of Star Wars’ most potent figures.

3. Hiravias (Pillars Of Eternity)

The Profane Philosopher Who Is A Hybrid Warrior

Initially encountering Hiravias, a crude Druid, might be as off-putting as finding someone feasting on a deer carcass. His blunt, vulgar demeanor can be quite off-putting, and his starting stats may not cater well to a pure spellcaster, causing some strategic players to write him off.

Yet, numerous players may not fully grasp that Hiravias is an all-encompassing hybrid, a fearsome presence on the battlefield who effortlessly adapts between roles. Transforming into his Staelgar (werecat) Spiritshift form, he becomes a melee DPS powerhouse, swiftly tearing through enemies with ferocious claw strikes. At the same time, he possesses some of the best area-of-effect and crowd-control abilities in the game. A notable advantage is that many of his potent Storm spells only focus on opponents, making them safe to deploy even in intense skirmishes.

2. Racter (Shadowrun: Hong Kong)

The Ghost In The Machine

Racter, a chilly, rational transhumanist and confirmed psychopath, is challenging to connect with due to his demeanor. His belief system centers around the frailty of human nature and the superiority of technology, making him aloof and disquieting. For players who assume the role of a Rigger, Racter might seem superfluous, just another tech-savvy specialist in a gathering that already has its quota filled.

Yet, it’s Racter’s expertise that truly shines in its specific field. Koschei, a custom-made combat machine, serves as an additional team member in battles, boasting lethal melee strikes, a potent shotgun, and destructive lasers. By taking care of the fighting, Racter is able to concentrate entirely on his role as a support specialist. He can amplify his drone’s performance for additional actions or assume the role of the team’s chief healer with his superior Biotech abilities.

1. Shale (Dragon Age: Origins)

This DLC-Locked Stone Golem Is The Ultimate Tactical Weapon

One underestimated companion in RPG games is someone many players haven’t encountered yet. Shale, a powerful golem with a cranky attitude, was initially hidden within the “The Stone Prisoner,” a Day 1 DLC expansion. Even for those who manage to unlock her, Shale’s unique characteristics (no conventional equipment, upgrades based on crystals) and tank role might seem repetitive compared to Alistair or Oghren for some players.

For individuals who decide to include her in their group, Shale is essentially a paragon of flexibility. She offers four distinct “stances” that enable swift transition between tank, melee damage dealer, ranged support, and party boost roles. Her area-effect attacks are catastrophic against mobs, her crowd control is exceptional, and she offers exclusive passive advantages to archer-focused teams. With the right crystals, she can be customized for any situation, which makes her a strong contender for the most versatile and underestimated character in Dragon Age: Origins.

2025-07-23 01:37