The Top 10 RPGs with Gripping Companion Stories

Role-playing games (RPGs) thrive on immersive worlds and deep narratives, but it’s often the companions who steal the show. These characters, with their rich backstories and evolving relationships, make every journey feel personal and unforgettable.

From heartfelt bonds to complex moral dilemmas, the best RPG companion stories add layers to the gameplay. Here’s a look at ten games where the companions’ tales shine as brightly as the main quest.

Dragon Age: Origins (2009)

In ‘Dragon Age: Origins,’ the companions you recruit shape the journey through their vivid personalities and intricate arcs. Characters like Alistair, a reluctant royal with a sharp wit, and Morrigan, a mysterious mage with a guarded heart, bring emotional depth to the fight against the Blight. Their stories unfold through banter and choices, making every decision feel weighty.

Your actions influence their fates, from Alistair’s struggle with leadership to Morrigan’s aenigmatic motives. The game’s dialogue sparkles with humor and tension, especially in moments like Alistair and Morrigan’s bickering, which adds charm to the dark fantasy epic.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ crafts a gritty world where companions like Ciri and Yennefer anchor Geralt’s quest. Ciri, a young woman with immense power, grapples with her destiny, while Yennefer’s fierce independence hides a vulnerable core. Their stories intertwine with Geralt’s, creating emotional stakes that hit hard.

Through side quests and heartfelt conversations, you uncover their struggles and dreams. The game’s writing makes every interaction feel alive, whether it’s Ciri’s defiance or Yennefer’s sharp-tongued loyalty, pulling you deeper into their world.

Mass Effect 2 (2010)

‘Mass Effect 2’ builds a crew of misfits whose loyalty missions are as gripping as the main plot. Take Garrus, a vigilante turian wrestling with justice, or Tali, a quarian facing exile and duty. Their personal quests reveal layers of pain and hope, making them feel like real allies.

Your choices shape their stories, from helping Garrus confront betrayal to aiding Tali’s fight for her people. These missions tie into the game’s climactic battle, where trust in your companions decides who survives, making every moment with them matter.

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn (2000)

‘Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn’ delivers companions with stories that rival the main adventure. Jaheira, a druid torn between duty and grief, and Minsc, a warrior with a loyal hamster, bring heart and humor. Their evolving arcs respond to your choices, creating a dynamic journey.

Each companion’s dialogue feels alive, reacting to the world and your decisions. Whether it’s Jaheira’s struggle with loss or Minsc’s quirky heroism, their tales add depth to the classic RPG, making every interaction memorable.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords (2004)

‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’ offers companions with morally complex stories. Atton Rand, a sarcastic pilot hiding a dark past, and Kreia, a enigmatic mentor with shadowy motives, keep you guessing. Their arcs unfold through dialogue and choices, revealing hidden depths.

The game challenges you to influence their paths, like helping Atton face his guilt or unraveling Kreia’s cryptic lessons. These stories weave into the larger narrative, making your bond with each companion feel essential to the galaxy’s fate.

Planescape: Torment (1999)

‘Planescape: Torment’ crafts a bizarre world where companions like Fall-From-Grace, a virtuous succubus, and Morte, a floating skull with a sharp tongue, shine. Their stories explore redemption and identity, tying into the Nameless One’s own quest for answers.

Each companion’s arc, from Grace’s fight against her nature to Morte’s loyalty despite his past, feels deeply personal. The game’s rich dialogue and choices make their tales unforgettable, blending humor, tragedy, and philosophy in a way few RPGs match.

Divinity: Original Sin II (2017)

‘Divinity: Original Sin II’ gives every companion a unique story that ties to the main quest. Lohse, a bard possessed by a demon, and Sebille, an elf seeking vengeance, offer emotional and gripping arcs. Their journeys unfold through your choices, shaping their fates.

The game’s writing makes each companion feel alive, with banter and personal quests that reveal their struggles. Whether helping Lohse confront her demon or guiding Sebille’s revenge, their stories add depth to the sprawling fantasy epic.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (2018)

‘Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire’ brings a crew of companions with rich, reactive stories. Edér, a farmer-turned-fighter, grapples with faith, while new faces like Xoti face their own moral dilemmas. Their arcs evolve based on your decisions, creating a dynamic narrative.

The game’s tropical setting and sharp dialogue make every companion feel essential. From Edér’s grounded humor to Xoti’s spiritual struggles, their stories blend seamlessly with the main quest, making your crew feel like family.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019)

‘Fire Emblem: Three Houses’ ties its companions to the house you choose, with characters like Dimitri, a prince haunted by tragedy, and Edelgard, a driven leader, shaping the story. Their personal arcs unfold through battles and heartfelt talks, pulling you into their world.

Your choices affect their growth, from Dimitri’s descent into vengeance to Edelgard’s radical vision. The game’s school setting and deep relationships make every companion’s story feel intimate, with stakes that ripple across the war-torn narrative.

Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ sets a new standard for companion stories, with characters like Shadowheart and Astarion stealing the spotlight. Shadowheart, a cleric with a hidden past, and Astarion, a vampire with a sharp wit, offer arcs that rival the main plot. Their stories shift based on your choices, impacting the game’s ending.

Each companion’s quest feels like its own epic, from Shadowheart’s crisis of faith to Astarion’s struggle for freedom. The game’s rich dialogue and branching paths make every moment with them unforgettable, setting a high bar for RPGs.

Which companion’s story moved you the most, or did I miss a game with an unforgettable ally? Drop your thoughts in the comments!