Since its release in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has continued to evolve, bringing new content, mechanics, and features to the game. One of the most exciting updates in recent years is the introduction of Companions—AI-controlled characters that can fight alongside players, join in quests, and contribute to a more dynamic gameplay experience. As we enter 2025, companions have become an integral part of ESO, offering new ways for solo players and groups alike to experience Tamriel.
This guide will dive deep into Companions in ESO, covering everything you need to know: from how to unlock them to how to build the perfect companion team. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned adventurer, this article will ensure you get the most out of your companion experience.
What Are Companions in The Elder Scrolls Online?
In The Elder Scrolls Online, companions are NPCs (non-playable characters) that players can recruit to fight by their side. These companions are not just decorative or passive; they are fully functional allies who can join in combat, provide buffs, carry items, and even participate in quests. Think of them as extensions of your character, but with distinct personalities, skills, and preferences.
The introduction of companions in ESO was a game-changer, especially for solo players who wanted more help with questing, exploration, and dungeons but didn't always have a team of players available. Companions offer an opportunity for players to craft deeper relationships with NPCs and form a stronger connection to the game world.
How to Unlock Companions
To recruit companions in ESO, players must first meet certain requirements. While the specific details can evolve with each update or expansion, the process generally involves:
Reaching a Specific Level: Companions are unlocked after a certain point in the game. Newer players will need to progress through the main story or complete specific quests before they can start recruiting companions. This ensures players understand the basic mechanics of the game before being introduced to companions.
Finding Companion NPCs: Throughout Tamriel, there are various NPCs that players can recruit to their side. Each companion has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set. Some companions may be found in the cities, while others are located in specific questlines or even hidden areas. The in-game journal or quest log will usually guide you to these companions.
Building a Relationship: Once a companion is unlocked, you will need to engage with them to build a bond. This relationship is built by completing certain activities, such as adventuring together, making dialogue choices that align with their personalities, or gifting them items they like. The deeper your relationship with your companion, the stronger their bond with you, unlocking new abilities, dialogue options, and even personal quests.
Types of Companions
In The Elder Scrolls Online, companions come in a variety of forms, each with their own personalities, backgrounds, and playstyles. The two most common types of companions in the game are:
Combat Companions: These companions are designed to fight alongside you in battles, from PvE encounters to more challenging PvP arenas. Their abilities will vary depending on their class and role, which can include damage dealing (DPS), healing, and tanking.
Tank Companions: If you're looking for someone to draw enemy fire and absorb damage, a tank companion is your best bet. These companions have strong defensive abilities and high health pools.
DPS Companions: These companions focus on dishing out damage. Whether you're looking for a ranged archer or a melee warrior, DPS companions provide high output in combat situations.
Healer Companions: If you need a reliable support character, healer companions are your go-to. They can cast restorative spells, healing buffs, and protect you during intense encounters.
Support Companions: Support companions may not have the brute strength or offensive power of other types, but they bring valuable utility to the team. These companions provide buffs, debuffs, or situational utility that can make a huge difference in battles.
Crowd Control: Some companions specialize in crowd control abilities like stunning enemies, interrupting their actions, or debuffing their stats. These companions excel at preventing enemy groups from overwhelming the player.
Utility and Buffs: Some companions can increase your damage, reduce incoming damage, or provide stealth and reconnaissance abilities. These companions are often sought after for their ability to make your character even stronger.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter companions with varying skills and roles. The beauty of ESO's companion system is the freedom it gives players to customize their companion's abilities and roles within the team.
Companion Affinity and Relationships
Building a strong relationship with your companion is one of the core aspects of the system in ESO. Your companion's affinity toward you can unlock additional benefits, including new abilities, skills, and unique questlines. Here's a closer look at how companion affinity works:
Gaining Affinity: You can increase a companion's affinity through a variety of actions:
Dialogue Choices: When interacting with companions, the dialogue options you choose can either increase or decrease their affinity toward you. Pay attention to their personalities, as each companion has preferences for certain actions or responses.
Questing Together: The more you take your companion on quests, adventures, and dungeons, the more you'll bond with them. This not only builds affinity but also helps you unlock special companion abilities.
Gifting: Some companions like specific items that you can find or craft. Giving these gifts will boost their affection, making them more loyal and providing unique rewards.
Personal Quests: As your relationship grows, companions will offer personal quests or storylines that delve deeper into their backstories. Completing these quests not only strengthens your bond with the companion but also rewards you with valuable gear or new skills.
Companion Perks and Abilities: Each companion has their own unique set of abilities and perks that are unlocked through increasing affinity. This can be anything from improved combat skills to passive buffs that affect you and your entire group. Building a high affinity with a companion opens up their full potential, and unlocking their ultimate abilities can significantly influence your playstyle.
Companion Customization
One of the most exciting features of companions in ESO is their customization options. Players are not only able to change their companion's appearance but also fine-tune their combat skills and gear. Here's what you can expect:
Outfits and Gear: Companions have their own set of gear, but you can customize it by equipping them with armor, weapons, and accessories from your own inventory. Be strategic with your choices—companion gear doesn't affect your character's loadout, so you have more freedom to adjust your companion's equipment to fit your strategy. Also you can buy ESO Gold from MMOexp.com to help you.
Skill Customization: Companions come with a preset set of abilities based on their role (tank, DPS, healer), but you can customize their skills. The higher your affinity with them, the more options you unlock, and you can choose to prioritize certain abilities that fit your playstyle.
Appearance Customization: While the ability to change your companion's appearance was initially limited, ESO now provides more freedom to adjust your companion's look. You can alter their hairstyle, armor style, and even their facial features. If you want a companion that reflects your character's aesthetic or your personal preferences, the customization options allow for plenty of creative freedom.
Best Companions for Solo Play
If you're someone who enjoys playing solo and wants a companion that complements your gameplay, some companions are better suited for that purpose. Here are a few that are particularly effective for solo players:
Bastian Hallix (DPS): If you're looking for a strong companion to deal damage, Bastian is a great choice. His ranged abilities and ability to deal substantial damage make him a reliable partner when you need support in combat.
Mirri Elendis (Healer): If you're playing a damage-focused character and need healing support, Mirri is an ideal choice. Her healing abilities can keep you alive in tougher encounters, and she excels at keeping you topped off in prolonged fights.
Gwen (Tank): For players who want a reliable tank, Gwen can be a solid choice. She has high health, defensive capabilities, and can absorb damage, letting you focus on dealing damage.
Conclusion
Companions in The Elder Scrolls Online have come a long way since their introduction, and by 2025, they've become an essential part of the game's ecosystem. Whether you're a solo player who wants extra support or a group player who wants to customize their team further, companions provide valuable versatility. From building relationships and unlocking powerful abilities to customizing their gear and skills, companions in ESO are more than just helpful allies—they're integral to your journey through Tamriel. So, whether you're an experienced adventurer or just starting, make sure to recruit your companions and build lasting bonds as you explore the world of The Elder Scrolls Online.
MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team