Summary
Companions are a vital aspect of any iconic RPG franchise. Froman eccentric and lovable vampireto a shapeshifting witch of the wilds, the companions accompanying protagonists on their perilous adventures across new lands are the ones with whom players form the strongest bonds, even when they’re getting stuck in doorways.
Plenty of RPGs give players some level of customization over companions, whether changing their armor or entirely overhauling their class. So, with that said - here are a fewgames that let players fully customize their companions, whether one is looking to maximize performance or to make them look slightly cooler.
Customizable Companion Features
Unfortunately, theNeverwinter Nightsseries seems all but abandoned, especially as more ambitiousDungeons and Dragons-based games seem more commonplace in the industry.
Neverwinter Nights 2is a must-play for RPG fans, however - with plenty of deeply customizable systems and intriguing storylines - all stretching out into the game’s companions. They’re far more of an integral aspect of gameplay here than they are in the first entry in the series and are customizable this time around, ranging from armor and abilities toskills, specializations, and storylines.
An iconic RPG that has no doubt been on the radar ofanyone experienced with theStar Warsfranchise,Knights of the Old Republicis known for its lovable and deeply complex companions who accompany the newly awakened protagonist.
Companions can be put in whichever armor the player owns. Though the player doesn’t have much say in their appearance or general playstyle, they heavily affect the narratives. Players can also make plenty of choices to make ineach of the companion’s side queststhat directly impact their behaviors and outcomes of their stories.
Obsidian’s galaxy-hopping RPG isn’t short on customization options for players or their companions. Using the mirror onboard, The Unreliable allows players to change their abilities and specifications, as well as those of their companions.
The Outer Worldsis still an excellent experience for those looking for the quirkier side of sci-fi adventures, and the ability to entirely customize a companion’s armor and their capabilities is a great way to make sure that the player’s crew looks as uniformed or as chaotic as they’d like. Their playstyles are also entirely for the players to decide.
Though the customization is somewhat limited to what characters may be wearing and what weapons they’re using, they still heavily influence the playstyle of the companions, from turning an iron glove-wielding Scribe to a sniper decked out in power armor.
Though the effectiveness of a companion with a certain weapon will vary depending on their pre-determined playstyle, it’s still good ifplayers feel connected to Boonbut always thought that he’d suit a shotgun just a little more.
Another BioWare franchise that has slowly distanced itself fromthe old-school RPG ways, the originalMass Effectboasts the most opportunities for companion customization throughout the entire series.
From customizing the color of armor sets to companions' abilities and how they use them,Mass Effectgives the player a lot of control over how their fellow Normandy sailors look and feel. Sadly, tfranchise has pivoted slightly from the customization aspects; it’s clear that BioWare wanted certain characters to maintain a certain look and shape to their armor, so the changes become more textural as the franchise goes on.
Through a respec mirror, anything is possible — everything about the companions,from their shoes to their classes, is entirely changeable.Divinity: Original Sin 2also features multiple opportunities where players can customize their companion’s appearance.
Akin to other CRPGs, there’s also the chance to play as these companions as Origin characters, where their appearance and starting classes are fully customizable to suit the player’s needs and playstyle. With this title, Larian once again proves that they know the ins-and-outs of the RPG genre like no other.
Though each entry in theDragon Ageseries has varying degrees of customizability for its companions,Dragon Age: Originsstarted out strong,with companions virtually acting as secondary player characters.
Though the player can’t entirely change a companion’s starting classes, they can choose their specializations, spells, and their autonomous behavior in combat. It’s the perfect mix of both worlds, allowing the companions to keep what makes them special while also permitting the player toinject their own world-building and style into their party.
Customizing their companions is a feature all too familiar to long-time players of Larian’s iconic RPG. Everything companions have equipped, from helmets to camp clothes, can be changed and swapped around.
Baldur’s Gate 3also allows players to overhaul companion classes and subclasses entirely through the camp-ghoul Withers. It’s perfect for those who may love Astarion but think that he’d suit the Bard lifestyle more than the rogue. Companions are also fully playable, whether it’s switching to them to explore the world and interact with NPCs or through starting the game as them from scratch as an Origin character.
