The presence of animal companions in a game can make the in-game world feel more alive and engaging by adding a layer of warmth, loyalty, emotional connection.
Many animal companions come with special abilities that can aid the player in various ways, such as finding hidden items, assisting in combat, or solving puzzles.
They can also enhance the narrative by contributing to the story and character development. So let’s meet the best animal companions in games!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Monster Hunter World | 2018-08-09 | Action | CAPCOM |
 | Fallout 4 Game Of The Year Edition | 2017-09-26 | RPG | Bethesda Game Studios |
 | Borderlands 3 Standard Edition | 2020-04 | Action RPG | Gearbox Software |
 | The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Complete Edition | 2015-05-18 | RPG | CD PROJEKT RED |
 | Far Cry 5 | 2018-03-27 | Action & Shooter | Ubisoft Montreal |
 | Horizon Zero Dawn | 2020-08-07 | Adventure | Guerrilla Games |
 | Valiant Hearts The Great War | 2014-06-25 | Adventure | Ubisoft Montpellier |
 | Spiritfarer | 2020-08-18 | Building | Thunder Lotus Games |
Star Wars Outlaws – Nix
| Release date: | 2024-08-30 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Massive Entertainment |
An open-world TPP action-adventure game based on the Star Wars license in which you play as Key Vess, a smuggler who operates underground, maneuvering between different sides.
The title allows you to traverse a number of planets and space. Nix is a merqaal, a small and agile creature, and serves as the loyal companion to Kay.
He assists Kay in various ways, such as distracting enemies, activating switches, and fetching items. Don’t be fooled by his cute appearance, as he can be quite fierce when needed.
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Beyond Good & Evil – Pey’j (humanoid pig)
| Release date: | 2003-11-11 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Ubisoft |
An ambitious action-adventure game action of which takes place in an alternative reality on the planet Hyllis.
This world has been invaded by an aggressive and destructive alien race, and the protagonist, Jade, is fighting the invaders in defense of the island on which she lives.
Pey’j is a humanoid pig serving as the uncle and guardian of Jade. He is an inventor and mechanic, providing support and comic relief throughout the game. He is known for his resourcefulness and loyalty, playing a crucial role in the resistance against the oppressive regime in the game’s world.
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Monster Hunter World – Palico
| Release date: | 2018-08-09 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | CAPCOM |
In this ever-popular action RPG series, the plot doesn’t play a particularly important role.
You take on the role of the titular monster hunter, whose task is to explore the newly discovered continent known as the New World and learn its secrets, as well as slay increasingly powerful beasts as part of the fulfillment of subsequent orders accepted during the adventure.
Palico is a small, cat-like companion. These helpful creatures assist hunters in various ways, such as gathering resources, setting traps, and even fighting monsters. Each Palico can be customized with different equipment and abilities to suit your needs.
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The Last Guardian – Trico
| Release date: | 2016-12-06 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | SIE Japan Studio |
The game tells the story of a man who recalls a mysterious and unique event from his past.
In his youth, he was kidnapped from his village and woke up in ancient ruins alongside a strange creature. Trico is a large, mythical creature resembling a mix of a bird, cat, and dog.
This seemingly friendly creature conceals a devastating power. The game concentrates on the bond between Trico and a young boy as they work together to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles in a mysterious, ancient world.
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Pokemon Red and Green – Pikachu
| Release date: | 1996-02-27 (Pikachu first appeared) |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Game Freak |
If you’ve been living under a rock for the last half a century or so and don’t know that – the Pokémon game series is a collection of role-playing video games including numerous main series games, spin-offs, and remakes.
Players capture and train creatures called Pokémon to battle each other, with the goal of becoming a Pokémon Master.
Pikachu is an electric-type Pokémon and the mascot of the Pokémon series. It evolves from Pichu and can evolve into Raichu. Pikachu’s signature move is Thunderbolt, and it is beloved for its cute appearance and powerful electric attacks.
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Far Cry 5 – Cheeseburger
| Release date: | 2018-03-27 |
| Genre: | Action & Shooter |
| Developer: | Ubisoft Montreal |
The action of the game takes place in the fictional Hope County in the American state of Montana.
You take on the role of a policeman whose task is to dismantle and destroy a fanatical religious cult known as the Project at Eden’s Gate.
Cheeseburger is a large, friendly grizzly bear who becomes one of your Fangs for Hire companions. He is known for his love of salmon and his impressive combat abilities, making him a valuable ally in the game.
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Super Mario series – Yoshi
| Release date: | 1990-11-21 (Yoshi first appeared) |
| Genre: | Platform |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
Once again, there’s no way you don’t know that, but it is a popular line of platform games developed by Nintendo.
The series typically follows Mario, often with his brother Luigi, on adventures to rescue Princess Peach from a turtle-dragon Bowser.
Yoshi is a friendly dinosaur who often helps Mario and Luigi on their adventures. He’s known for his long tongue and ability to eat enemies.
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Horizon Zero Dawn – Machines (if you control them, of course)
| Release date: | 2020-08-07 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Guerrilla Games |
A third-person action game with RPG elements set in a distant future where intelligent, animal-like machines dominate the ecosystem.
They come in various forms, often resembling animals and dinosaurs, each with unique abilities and behaviors.
Some machines, like the Watchers, act as sentinels, while others, like the Thunderjaw, are formidable combatants1 These machines play a crucial role in the game’s ecosystem, providing both challenges and resources for the protagonist, Aloy.
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The Witcher 3 – Roach
| Release date: | 2015-05-18 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | CD PROJEKT RED |
A critically acclaimed action RPG developed by CD Projekt Red, set in a vast, dark fantasy world filled with rich lore and immersive storytelling.
The game focuses on the invasion of the Nilfgaardian Empire on the Northern Kingdoms, stopping the titular Wild Hunt, which persecuted Geralt in the novels and marked its presence in the first and second series. As well as the search for Ciri, the Witcher’s adopted daughter and Yennefer – his beloved.
Geralt names all his horses Roach as a tribute to his favorite horse from his youth. It shows his fondness for his equine companions. This tradition highlights Geralt’s practical and somewhat sentimental nature, as he forms a bond with each horse while maintaining a sense of continuity and familiarity throughout his journeys.
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Jak and Daxter - Daxter
| Release date: | 2001-12-04 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Naughty Dog |
A set of three classic platform games, in which you learn about the adventures of the title characters: Jak and Daxter.
In the subsequent parts, you fight enemies, solve puzzles and use unusual powers and unique types of weapons.Daxter starts as a human but is transformed into an ottsel (a fictional mix of an otter and a weasel) early in the series.
He often provides comic relief with his sarcastic remarks and playful banter, balancing the more serious tone of the series. Despite his small size and lack of combat abilities, Daxter is a loyal and brave companion.
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Games including animal companions tend to make the gameplay more engaging and immersive. These companions typically provide unique abilities, help in combat, and offer a sense of companionship and comfort, which can be especially desired during challenging missions.
Whether it’s a strange mix of pets, a loyal space creature, a friendly grizzly bear, or a customizable cat, they enhance the overall gaming experience by making you feel less alone and more connected to the game world. Not to mention that they often bring humor and charm to the game.