Gaming is Better With a Good Animal
Video games have given us plenty of human companions, but do you know who doesn’t get nearly as much attention? The furry creatures who loyally follow us around! The best animal companions aren't just there to look cute—even though they are—since many also fight alongside you, uncover secrets, carry you across maps, or save you when everything goes wrong. From fiercely loyal dogs to spectral steeds and one exceptionally useful space hamster, these are the animal companions we'd happily bring along on another adventure.
1. Dogmeat — Fallout 4
Insane name aside, Dogmeat remains one of Fallout 4's most dependable companions despite having absolutely no interest in your politics. He can do everything you’d expect from a loyal pup; track scents, search containers, grab enemies during combat, and make wandering through Massachusetts far less lonely. Best of all, you don't have to worry about him judging every questionable dialogue choice you make.
2. Agro — Shadow of the Colossus
Wander's journey across the Forbidden Lands would be much worse without Agro. She's more than transportation, we’ll have you know! Several encounters actually demand that you trust her while concentrating on the gigantic creature trying to murk you. By the time you reach the game’s home stretch, your relationship with this horse is surprisingly emotional.
3. Epona — The Legend of Zelda
Few video game horses have built a résumé as impressive as Epona's, so let’s all take a sugar cube from our pocket in thanks. In Ocarina of Time, winning her from Ingo opens Hyrule up in a totally new way, while Majora's Mask makes getting her back an important step toward exploring Termina. Hearing her own little theme song and watching her gallop toward Link never gets old.
4. D-Dog — Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Snake doesn’t seem like the kind of guy for animal companionship, but D-Dog eventually becomes one of the most useful buddies at his side. Once deployed, DD can detect nearby enemies, prisoners, animals, weapons, and medicinal plants, while upgraded equipment lets him attack soldiers. The fact that such a dangerous partner still behaves like a dog makes him even better.
5. Trico — The Last Guardian
The entire point of The Last Guardian is learning how to work with Trico, so you’re partners in crime whether you like it or not. You have to gain its trust, guide its attention, and occasionally accept that it isn't going to listen just because you pressed the right button. That unpredictability can test your patience, but it's also why Trico feels so alive.
6. Scratch — Baldur's Gate 3
Aw, who’s a good boy? We find this adorable hound guarding his deceased master, and though he’s hesitant to give up on his friend at first, he’ll mosey his way into your camp eventually. His ball also allows you to summon him outside camp, where he can sniff out hidden objects, bite enemies, and use Help on incapacitated party members. Or, you know, you could just play fetch with the little guy.
Alexander Naglestad on Unsplash
7. Torgal — Final Fantasy XVI
Torgal grows from Clive's childhood friend into a full-fledged combat partner. You can directly order him to Sic enemies, launch them with Ravage, or restore Clive's health during battle. The best thing about him is that Final Fantasy XVI gives him enough story relevance that he feels like a member of the main cast.
8. Torrent — Elden Ring
You don’t have to agree with us, but The Lands Between would be a wasteland if Torrent hadn't shown up. This spectral steed more than carries his weight, too! He can double-jump, use Spirit Springs to reach inaccessible heights, and turn many outdoor battles into mounted encounters. Considering how often Elden Ring tried to kill you, having one creature stick around makes things a little easier.
9. Palamutes — Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise introduced Palamutes and immediately made it difficult to imagine hunting without one. First of all, you can ride them across maps without consuming stamina. You can also use certain items while moving, and even sharpen your weapon from the saddle while your canine buddy keeps running. They're also capable fighters, so your giant dog isn't just there for efficient transportation.
10. Nix — Star Wars Outlaws
Kay Vess may be the professional thief, but Nix deserves a big cut of whatever profit she makes. You can send the little merqaal to distract or attack enemies, sabotage equipment, disable alarms, detect nearby threats, and retrieve useful objects while Kay remains hidden. Star Wars Outlaws continually sticks you two together as well, which makes Nix pretty essential.
11. Roach — The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Okay, yes, Geralt calls every horse he owns Roach. But the mare with him in The Witcher 3 is the most famous representative. Let’s go through her CV: she gets you across Velen, Novigrad, Skellige, and Toussaint, competes in horse races, and demonstrates a questionable understanding of where horses are supposed to stand. For a monster hunter constantly on the run, Geralt's straightforward affection for Roach is the most charming thing about him.
12. Koromaru — Persona 3
Persona 3 doesn't just give the party a dog; it gives them a Persona-wielding Shiba Inu capable of joining actual battles. That’s right, Koromaru wears specially designed equipment and fights shadows alongside SEES. The other characters treat him as a genuine teammate, too, and it's very hard for us not to do the same.
13. Repede — Tales of Vesperia
Repede is technically a party member, but he's still a pipe-smoking dog who deserves a little respect. Yuri's loyal companion has his own skills, equipment, and battle mechanics as well. Not to mention, a hilariously unimpressed attitude toward most of the people surrounding him.
14. Hewie — Haunting Ground
Hewie isn't optional support in Haunting Ground; Fiona depends on him to survive. And how could she not? Your German shepherd can attack pursuers, search areas, retrieve inaccessible objects, and help solve puzzles. You best treat him nicely; his willingness to listen is influenced by how Fiona treats him.
15. Kazooie — Banjo-Kazooie
Calling Kazooie a sidekick almost undersells how much work she does. She carries Banjo through faster Talon Trot sections, fires eggs, attacks enemies, and helps the pair fly. She also does the most important of all: regularly contributing most of the sarcasm.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
16. Boomer — Far Cry 5
Okay, Boomer. In a land filled with bears, cougars, and cultists, Boomer's surprisingly brave. The Australian cattle dog can mark nearby enemies, retrieve weapons, and help bring down hostile soldiers. He also provides a welcome bit of friendliness in a game where nearly everyone you meet has something insane going on.
17. The Dog — Fable II
Your dog is with you for almost the entire journey, growing from a scrappy puppy into one of your most dependable companions. He not only sniffs out buried treasure, but he also finds dig spots, warns you about enemies, and even changes his appearance depending on your morality. Let’s also not forget that this puppy literally lays his life on the line for you.
18. Rush — Mega Man
Mega Man has fought alongside Rush since Mega Man 3, and the robotic dog still finds new ways to make life easier. Depending on the game, Rush can transform or deploy abilities that function as springs, jets, submarines, motorcycles, and other machinery. He's essentially what happens when somebody decides a loyal dog should also solve platforming problems.
19. Interceptor — Final Fantasy VI
Shadow's mysterious dog doesn't follow the traditional RPG companion rules—and that’s why he’s special. When Shadow’s attacked, Interceptor can block the hit and retaliate against the enemy, giving his owner some unexpected protection. Their connection also reveals a softer side of Shadow that the notoriously guarded assassin rarely shows anyone else.
20. Arthur’s Horse — Red Dead Redemption 2
We don’t know about you, but we had our first horse right to the very end. You spend all those hours feeding it, grooming it, calming it, and building up its bond with Arthur. It’s a good thing, too, since higher bonding also improves handling and unlocks new maneuvers. Imagine our surprise when that noble steed became just another casualty.
