Best RPGs for Companion Stories and Quests, Ranked

In many great RPGs, players are constantly surrounded by companions and supporting characters who not only have their own personal quests but also play vital roles in the story, significantly impacting the main plot. It is common for RPGs to introduce new characters as reserved or private individuals who gradually open up as the story progresses, rewarding players who take the time and effort to understand them and offer help. In some cases, companion-driven stories can be even more compelling than the main narrative, often avoiding world-saving tropes in favor of more nuanced, relatable struggles.

Related

10 Best RPGs of the 2020s (So Far)

The 2020s are just under halfway done, and there have already been some incredible RPGs for players to enjoy, and here’s just a handful.

The below entries take a look at some of the best RPGs, ranking them based on their focus on character-driven narratives, companion storylines, and their involvement in the central plot. In these games, nearly every party member or supporting character has an expansive storyline and multi-step quests tied to personal struggles and conflicts. By investing time in these companions, players not only gain deeper insight into their motivations but also strengthen bonds within the party and, in some cases, can even unlock special abilities or outfits for them.

7

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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

Released

May 19, 2015

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Like its predecessors, The Witcher 3 does not feature companions in the traditional sense, leaving Geralt of Rivia as the lone protagonist. However, the game’s supporting cast, including characters from the books such as Yennefer, Triss, Ciri, Dandelion, Vesemir, and Letho, functions much like companions, each with multi-step quest arcs. Their stories are deeply intertwined with the main narrative of searching for Ciri, and players can even recruit allies for the siege at Kaer Morhen, reminiscent of Mass Effect 2‘s suicide mission.

Ciri serves as the key figure of the story, with players controlling her during several main missions to provide background on her journey. Beyond returning allies from previous entries, The Witcher 3 also introduces side characters like the Bloody Baron and Olgierd von Everec, whose expansive, quest-driven narratives are so compelling that they can even outshine the main storyline, gaining widespread recognition and praise.

6

Dragon Age: Origins

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

Released

November 3, 2009

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Dragon Age: Origins set a new high standard for BioWare’s companion storytelling. While most of the developer’s RPGs feature diverse party members, Origins takes this to another level, with characters like Alistair, Morrigan, and Leliana having rich backstories and a tangible influence on the main plot. Their personal quests often span multiple steps, involving meaningful and difficult decisions.

Related

8 Best RPGs Where You Level Up Companions

These RPGs give players the freedom to level up party squadmates to their liking, shaping unique builds for several characters at once.

As in other Dragon Age games, companions in Origins can leave, challenge, or even betray the player based on their choices. Alistair and Morrigan share the most intricate dynamics, not only featuring the most dialogue and interactions among party members but also playing a crucial role in the main story. Their involvement leads to major choices, particularly in the final mission to stop the Archdemon.

5

Cyberpunk 2077

Johnny Silverhand and People of Night City Make the Journey Special

Released

December 10, 2020

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

On the surface, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t really offer a companion system. However, the game’s story essentially places a companion, Johnny Silverhand, inside the protagonist V’s body and mind. From that perspective, Cyberpunk 2077 might just have one of the most fleshed-out and convincing companions in the genre, albeit a singular one. Not only does Johnny appear and comment on nearly every step of the journey, but players also experience entire sections from his perspective, adding depth and rich backstory to the main narrative. On top of that, players can even surrender their body to Johnny during certain side quests and in some endings, allowing him to settle his score with Arasaka.

Beyond Silverhand, Cyberpunk 2077, much like The Witcher 3, features a strong supporting cast. While not traditional companions, characters like Jackie, Judy, Panam, River, and Kerry actively participate in key main and side missions. Players can also visit them at their homes or call them for conversations, further strengthening these friendly bonds.

4

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

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

Among Obsidian’s rich RPG portfolio, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire stands out as one of the most companion-driven narratives. Featuring a vibrant cast that includes returning characters from the first game — such as Eder, Pallegina, and Aloth — alongside newcomers like Xoti, Serafen, and Tekehu, the companions’ quests are among the most expansive. These storylines often span multiple islands, allowing for significant branching outcomes. The series’ signature themes of religion and devotion add further depth to their struggles, challenging players with complex conflicts and difficult decisions.

Related

8 Best Open-World Games If You Like Companion-Driven Stories, Ranked

The player character isn’t always the only important one in the narrative — in these games, their companions play big roles too.

While Deadfire‘s companions may not be as directly involved in the main story of pursuing Eothas as those in some other RPGs on this list, they remain integral to the player’s success. Their established roles in the world’s power struggles shape the journey in meaningful ways. For instance, Pallegina’s ties to the Vailian Trading Company, Maia’s position in the Rauatai navy, and Tekehu’s connection to the Huana all influence how different factions respond to the player’s goals — either offering support or creating obstacles.

3

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Expanded Party with Deeper Relationships and Tons of Memorable Arcs

Systems

Released

February 29, 2024

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth builds on the strong foundation of FF7 Remake, elevating the iconic RPG to new heights while offering deeper companion narratives through both personal quests and central plot integration. Alongside the returning crew (Barret, Aerith, and Tifa), Rebirth expands the party with Yuffie, Red XIII, and Cait Sith. Each companion receives greater agency and screen time than before, with dedicated multi-step side quests that allow them to develop further for those who choose to invest in their relationships.

Throughout Rebirth‘s story, companions remain deeply tied to the central story arc. Aerith’s fate, Cloud’s identity crisis, and Sephiroth’s machinations all hinge on the party’s actions and histories. With its refined approach to character dynamics, Rebirth delivers some of the most emotional and bittersweet moments in the series.

2

Baldur’s Gate 3

Blurring the Line Between Companions and Protagonists

Released

August 3, 2023

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Baldur’s Gate 3 and its companions need little introduction in the RPG genre today. Not only does the game feature some of the most beautifully crafted and detailed characters in RPG history, but each companion is also brilliantly portrayed and performed, with vivid expressions, gestures, and nuanced interactions. Additionally, players can experience the entire story from nearly every party member’s perspective by choosing them as their character at the start of the game.

Related

7 Best RPGs If You Like Cinematic Storytelling, Ranked

Looking for RPGs with cinematic storytelling? These games deliver a movie-like experience, as interesting to watch as to play.

Even for those who create a custom protagonist, companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 remain integral to the central story, with their personal conflicts and quests deeply intertwined with the main narrative, reaching pivotal moments throughout the plot. Not to mention, the game is packed with countless hidden dialogues and character interactions, making it impossible to experience everything in a single playthrough.

1

Mass Effect 2

Exclusively Revolving Around Companions and Their Personal Stories

Action RPG

Third-Person Shooter

Released

January 26, 2010

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

The Mass Effect series has always placed a strong emphasis on companions, featuring some of the most iconic and beloved RPG characters BioWare has ever created. Among the trilogy, Mass Effect 2 stands out as the most companion-driven, with the entire game centered around Commander Shepard gathering specialists for a suicide mission to stop the Collectors and slow the impending Reaper invasion.

A significant portion of Mass Effect 2‘s main missions involves recruiting allies, from returning characters like Garrus and Tali to newcomers such as Thane, Samara, and Grunt. Additionally, each companion has a personal loyalty mission that Shepard must complete to secure their trust and increase their chances of survival in the final mission. While many RPGs feature memorable companions, few dedicate as much narrative focus to party members as Mass Effect 2.

More

8 Best Open-World PC Games With Extensive Modding Communities

Open-world games on PC are some of the most popular for modding communities, allowing the players to really tailor their own experience.