Best Animal Companions In RPGs

Summary

• Animal companions in RPGs offer more than support; they shape gameplay and the narrative.
• These companions add humor, heartbreak, and awe to the gaming experience.
• From unpredictable horses to wise warriors, these iconic animal sidekicks stand out in RPG history.

Animal companions in RPGs become more than sidekicks and stat-boosters; sometimes they’re the heartbeat of an adventure, often stealing the show in ways no human party member ever could. They become loyal partners who stick by the players through epic quests, offering silent support that turns a solo adventure into a shared journey.

But what makes these companions legendary isn’t just their ability to turn the tide in battle or haul loot. The best animal allies are woven into a game’s core mechanics and story, shaping how players interact with the world and providing moments of humor, heartbreak, or pure awe. From post-apocalyptic wastelands to enchanted forests and sci-fi dreamscapes, these animal companions have earned their place in RPG history.

Roach – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher’s Most Unpredictable Legend

In Geralt’s world, “Roach” is the name given to every horse owned, but the one in The Witcher 3 has achieved true meme status thanks to a combination of gameplay necessity and delightful unpredictability. On paper, Roach is an essential means of transport across the Continent, turning long treks into breezy rides. Roach also enables mounted combat, sometimes turning Geralt into a one-man cavalry, with horseback strikes that can end fights before they start.

Players can summon Roach with a whistle from almost anywhere, even if “anywhere” means the top of a house, which transforms Roach from a bland travel option into a truly unpredictable companion. Narratively, Roach’s finest hour comes in the Blood and Wine expansion’s “Equine Phantoms” quest, where Geralt’s hallucinogenic trip lets Roach finally speak, delivering one of the game’s funniest and most self-aware moments.

Boo – Baldur’s Gate 3

The Miniature Giant Space Hamster Of Justice

Boo is an iconic companion who has followed Minsc from the original Baldur’s Gate all the way to Baldur’s Gate 3. Minsc can throw Boo at enemies to blind them, creating openings for attacks or escapes—it’s a simple mechanic that turns the little rodent into a tactical tool. Boo is also immune to damage from being thrown, encouraging gamers to use him in the heat of battle with zero guilt.

Narratively, Boo is the moral compass and emotional anchor for Minsc’s boisterous, chaotic energy. Boo doesn’t grow, level up, or have any fancy equipment; his strength is its constancy, serving as both comic relief and emotional reward for long-time fans.

Repede – Tales Of Vesperia

The Pipe-Smoking Canine Shinobi With Deep Mechanics

In Tales of Vesperia, Repede is a dagger-wielding canine who shines as a fully playable party member with stats, gear, and a vast arsenal of Artes. Repede is all about agility and high-skill combos, specializing in disruption, item stealing, and supporting the team with hit-and-run tactics. With abilities like “Gale Dog,” granting brief invincibility, Repede rewards players willing to master its unique playstyle.

Repede’s role in the story goes far beyond fetch quests or cute interludes. Repede is Yuri Lowell’s constant shadow, providing silent support and even starring in side quests like the globe-spanning “Dog Map” minigame, where territory is marked across the world and the title of “Great Boss” among dogs is earned. Furthermore, Repede can also equip a range of weapons, learn dozens of skills, unlock alternate costumes, and even master snowboarding minigames for new titles.

Mabari War Hound – Dragon Age: Origins

Unconditional Loyalty In A Grim & Treacherous World

The Mabari War Hound isn’t just a faithful pet; this companion is a living piece of Ferelden history, bred for battle and bound to the master by ancient tradition. Whether players start with the Mabari as a childhood companion (Human Noble origin) or rescue this hound from the brink of death at Ostagar, the bond is forged through choice, quest, and shared adversity. When it comes to the battlefield, the Mabari shines as a controller and mage-hunter.

Signature moves like “Overwhelm” allow the hound to pin and tear high-priority targets, while “Dread Howl” can stun entire groups. While this companion can’t equip heavy armor or high-tier gear, his unique talents and innate tankiness make the Mabari invaluable, especially early on. What sets the Mabari apart, though, is the narrative function. In a world of shifting alliances and companions who might turn on the player at any moment, the Mabari’s loyalty is always absolute.

Red XIII – Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

A Warrior-Philosopher Who Is Far More Than A Beast

Red XIII (Nanaki) flips the script on what an animal companion can be, because Red XIII is not a sidekick or a mascot; it is an equal. A sentient, wise, and fiercely loyal warrior, Red XIII combines the raw power of a beast with the emotional depth and intellect of a sage. In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the unique Vengeance Gauge system transforms Red XIII into a high-risk, high-reward companion: blocking attacks charges the gauge, and unleashing Vengeance Mode turns him into a blur of claws and fangs.

Red XIII can soak up hits, dish out massive damage, or support the party with powerful buffs and healing, adapting to whatever the fight demands. Also, Red XIII has one of the most emotional and pivotal character arcs in the game. Its journey from shame to pride, and its role as a mentor among the party, creates a bond of respect rather than mere affection.

Palico – Monster Hunter: World

The Ultimate Partner With Nearly Limitless Customization

No animal companion system is as customizable or as beloved as the Palico in Monster Hunter: World. These bipedal cats are healers, fighters, tacticians, and comic relief rolled into one endlessly modifiable package. From the moment players craft a Palico in the character creator, more than just a support character is built—a friend is created.

Combat-wise, Palicoes can inflict status effects, distract monsters, or pull off clutch heals with the Vigorwasp gadget. Players choose from a variety of gadgets (from shock traps to mobile artillery), and each level up unlocks new abilities, allowing for a playstyle that matches any hunter. Palicoes can even recruit Grimalkyne tribes and command local monsters for additional support, adding another layer of strategy and depth.

Dogmeat – Fallout 4

The Wasteland’s Most Dependable Perk Partner

At the top of the list stands Dogmeat—a companion so iconic and equally loyal. In combat, he instinctively rushes enemies, drawing their fire and creating openings for the player. His full potential is unlocked through the player’s “Attack Dog” perk, which transforms him into a disabling force that can hold enemies in place, cripple their limbs, and cause them to bleed.

Unlike other companions, Dogmeat doesn’t count against the “Lone Wanderer” perk, allowing players to reap massive damage and resistance bonuses while adventuring together. Narratively, Dogmeat is indispensable. Critical to tracking down Kellogg in the main quest, with scent-tracking skills no one else possesses. Unlike the Commonwealth’s human companions, Dogmeat never judges, never leaves, and is universally beloved by all the other party members.