Top RPGs with Unforgettable Companion Stories You Can’t Miss

Summary

RPGs like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 don’t have companions in a traditional sense, but they greatly enhance the main narrative with a rich supporting cast and their personal stories.
Games like Pillars of Eternity 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth showcase diverse companions often integral to the main plot.
The Mass Effect series is among the most companion-driven RPGs ever, with Mass Effect 2 revolving entirely around gathering companions and tackling their personal quests.

In numerous popular role-playing games (RPGs), players frequently find themselves in company with characters who have their own journeys and contribute significantly to the game’s storyline. These characters often possess personal quests that intertwine with the main plot. As the story unfolds, RPGs often introduce new characters as private or reserved individuals who reveal more about themselves over time, making the journey worthwhile for players who invest their time and effort in getting to know them. Sometimes, these character-centric narratives can prove even more captivating than the main storyline, eschewing clichéd world-saving themes for more subtle, relatable conflicts instead.

The following reviews evaluate top RPGs, considering factors such as character-centric narratives, interwoven companion stories, and their impact on the main storyline. In these games, most party members and secondary characters possess elaborate storylines with multiple stages linked to personal issues and disputes. By engaging with these companions over time, players not only uncover more about their reasons but also foster stronger relationships within the group and sometimes unlock unique skills or costumes for them.

7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Supporting Cast Acts as Companions During Side and Main Quests to Great Effect

In contrast to previous titles, The Witcher 3 does not have traditional companions in the form of constant party members accompanying Geralt of Rivia. Instead, it boasts a rich supporting cast that plays a role similar to companions. Key characters like Yennefer, Triss, Ciri, Dandelion, Vesemir, and Letho each have their own multi-step quest lines. Their tales are intricately linked with the primary storyline of locating Ciri, and players can gather allies for the battle at Kaer Morhen, much like in Mass Effect 2‘s suicide mission scenario.

In the narrative of the story, Ciri takes center stage, allowing players to guide her through crucial missions to offer insight into her journey. Besides reintroducing allies from earlier installments, The Witcher 3 presents additional characters such as the Bloody Baron and Olgierd von Everec, whose captivating quests are so intricate that they often overshadow the main plot, earning acclaim and admiration across the board.

6. Dragon Age: Origins

BioWare’s Gold Standard for Companions, with Integral Ties to the Main Plot

In Dragon Age: Origins, BioWare raised the bar significantly in terms of companion storytelling. Unlike other RPGs they’ve developed where party members are varied, Dragon Age: Origins delves deeper, offering characters such as Alistair, Morrigan, and Leliana with intricate backstories that impact the main narrative substantially. Their individual quests aren’t just one-off events; instead, they often consist of multiple stages, requiring thoughtful and challenging choices.

In the style of Dragon Age games, including Origins, your companions can depart, confront, or even deceive you depending on your decisions. Among all party members, Alistair and Morrigan have the most complex relationships, boasting the most dialogue exchanges and interactions. Moreover, their presence significantly impacts the primary narrative, leading to critical choices, especially during the climactic mission aimed at halting the Archdemon.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Johnny Silverhand and People of Night City Make the Journey Special

In essence, Cyberpunk 2077 might not initially seem to feature a traditional companion system. Yet, the game’s narrative embeds a companion, Johnny Silverhand, within the protagonist V’s consciousness. From this standpoint, Cyberpunk 2077 could arguably boast one of the most developed and authentic companions in its genre, even if it’s singular. Johnny is present and offers commentary on almost every stage of the adventure. Moreover, players delve into parts of the story from Johnny’s viewpoint, enriching the main plot with layers of history. Additionally, during certain side missions and some endings, players can relinquish control to Johnny, enabling him to settle his debts with Arasaka.

In the game titled “Cyberpunk 2077,” similar to “The Witcher 3,” there’s a robust ensemble of secondary characters. Unlike traditional companions, figures such as Jackie, Judy, Panam, River, and Kerry play significant roles in both main and side quests. Players have the opportunity not only to interact with them during these missions but also to visit their homes or engage in conversations with them at other times, thereby fostering closer relationships.

4. Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Among Obsidian’s Best for Companions, with Strong Devotion and Political Agendas

From Obsidian Entertainment’s robust collection of RPGs, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is particularly notable for its deeply companion-focused storyline. With a diverse ensemble that includes familiar faces like Eder, Pallegina, Aloth, as well as new additions such as Xoti, Serafen, and Tekehu, the companions’ journeys offer extensive narratives. These tales frequently extend across various islands, leading to numerous potential outcomes. The series’ recurring motifs of faith and devotion lend complexity to their struggles, presenting players with challenging moral dilemmas and intricate conflicts.

In Deadfire, although companions might not actively participate in the main quest of pursuing Eothas like some other RPGs, they are still crucial to the player’s victory. The unique roles each companion plays in the world’s power struggles significantly impact the player’s voyage, making it more engaging and complex. For example, Pallegina’s association with the Vailian Trading Company, Maia’s naval position within Rauatai, and Tekehu’s bond with the Huana all influence how various factions react to the player’s objectives—either providing assistance or creating challenges for the player.

3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Expanded Party with Deeper Relationships and Tons of Memorable Arcs

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues the powerful base established by FF7 Remake, propelling the classic RPG to greater altitudes through more profound interwoven narratives, encompassing both personal journeys and main story integration. Alongside the reappearing cast (Barret, Aerith, and Tifa), Rebirth adds Yuffie, Red XIII, and Cait Sith to the party. Each companion is given more autonomy and screen time than before, with intricate multi-step side quests available for those who wish to delve deeper into their relationships, thereby allowing them to grow further.

In the narrative of Rebirth, the characters are closely intertwined with the main plotline. Aerith’s destiny, Cloud’s personal struggles, and Sephiroth’s manipulations are heavily influenced by the party members’ actions and backgrounds. This game showcases exceptional character development, resulting in some of the most poignant and heartbreaking scenes in the series.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Blurring the Line Between Companions and Protagonists

In the realm of role-playing games (RPG), Baldur’s Gate 3 and its associates are widely recognized figures that seldom require an introduction. The game boasts some of the most intricately designed characters in RPG history, each visually striking and brimming with detail. Moreover, these companions are not only stunningly depicted but also superbly acted, showcasing a wide range of expressive movements, gestures, and subtle, nuanced interactions. Furthermore, players have the unique opportunity to delve into the entire narrative from almost every party member’s viewpoint by selecting them as their initial character in the game.

Regardless of players crafting their own protagonist, the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 are crucial to the overall storyline. Their individual conflicts and quests are intricately woven into the main narrative, with significant plot points occurring throughout. Moreover, the game boasts numerous undiscovered dialogues and character interactions, ensuring a unique experience that can’t be fully explored in just one playthrough.

1. Mass Effect 2

Exclusively Revolving Around Companions and Their Personal Stories

The Mass Effect series consistently focuses heavily on characters that serve as companions, boasting some of the most memorable and adored RPG personas ever crafted by BioWare. Notably, Mass Effect 2 distinguishes itself within the trilogy as the game with the most emphasis on companions. Its storyline revolves around Commander Shepard amassing specialists for a perilous mission to thwart the Collectors and delay an approaching Reaper attack.

A large part of the main storyline in Mass Effect 2 involves gathering allies, including familiar faces like Garrus and Tali, as well as new characters such as Thane, Samara, and Grunt. Furthermore, each ally has a personal mission that Shepard needs to accomplish to gain their loyalty and boost their chances of survival during the climactic mission. Compared to other RPGs, Mass Effect 2 pays remarkable attention to its party members’ narratives.

2025-03-26 16:36