A good role-playing game will grip a player with a compelling and complex main character, however it’s the best RPGs that will include an equally-appealing companion. It is with these companions that bonds are created, developed and strengthened throughout the course of the narrative, often delivering some comedic, dramatic, emotional and memorable moments along the way.

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While some of the best adventure titles win over fans with a human or animal companion, it is therobotic sidekicksthat hold a special place in the hearts of sci-fi enthusiasts. But in the history of gaming,which mechanical friends stand out from the rest?

9Dog - Half-Life 2

Game developers Valve Corporation brought to life the saying “dog is a man’s best friend” with a mechanical twist inHalf-Life 2. In their popular title gamers are introduced to the robotic sidekick Dog as he aids protagonist Gordon Freeman in escaping an assault from a Combine force.

Created by the father of his owner, Alyx, to protect her as a child, Dog underwent many upgrades as his master contributed to her mechanical pet using scrap metal. While he exhibits the typical canine traits of loyalty and intelligence, Dog can quickly shift to a dangerous adversary if his master is threatened.

Dog and Alyx from Half Life 2. They are in a courtyard and there are stone walls and spotlights in the background

8CL4P-TP - Borderlands Series

A well-balanced story will often include a character that serves as a measure of comic relief which, for theBorderlandsseries, comprises a yellow and white box, a wheel, two arms and a light for an eye.

CL4P-TP, better known as Claptrap, is the unofficial mascot of the highly-acclaimed series and has long been the subject of mixed feedback. However, despite being negatively reviewed by many gaming journalists, the robot companion remainsone of the most-loved characters by fans.

CL4P-TP (Claptrap) from Borderlands. He is standing in the middle of a deserted road with both of his hands up as if guiding what he is saying.

7Codsworth - Fallout 4

Mister Handy robotic product Codsworth epitomizes what it means to have a loyal family butler. After being purchased by the main character’s family prior to the Great War, they were left with no choice but to leave their companion behind as he was not granted access to Vault 111. For over 200 years the butler tended to the decaying house and polished the rusted car, before being reunited with the survivor.

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Fallout’s Codsworth droid is dirty and rusty. In the background is a paneled wall that is rusted and some dead shrubbery

Codsworth isn’t a significant influence over the main story ofFallout 4, however he is available to recruit as a companion for a select few missions. While he doesn’t havea major role in the story, there is no denying Codsworth’s commitment to his masters.

6B-12 - Stray

One of the biggest gaming hits of 2022 was the indie productionStray, which offered players an opportunity to walk in the shoes - or pawed feet - of a four-legged, feline main character. However, it was the inclusion of the cat’s robotic companion, B-12, that offered the game dialogue and depth that may have otherwise been sorely lacking.

While the main plot of the game is centered around the cat helping B-12 recover the memories of his life when he was a human scientist, B-12 is able to return the favor in opening his feline companion to a realm of possibilities that would otherwise be impossible. With the robot’s help,the cat is able to communicate with the robotsin the city, light pathways and interact with technologies to enable them to progress further on their journey.

Stray’s B-12. There is a wooden bridge in the background with lights and trees

5E3N - Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare

One of the more memorable characters in recentCall of Dutytitles is not human but, in fact, robot. The Enhanced Tactical Humanoid 3rd Revision soldier bot, also known as E3N (Ethan) is a unique cyborg soldier capable of human emotions. While he was not completely accepted by the crew members in the story, his actions would leave a lasting impression on them all.

In an effort to neutralize an enemy shipyard, E3N makes the ultimate sacrifice for his crew and uses his self-destruct mechanism to free a destroyer ship from its clamps and allow the rest of the crew to take control of it. Through his sacrifice, he enabled the crew to successfully complete their mission and deal a devastating blow to the SetDef fleet.

Droid E3N from Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. There are buildings in the background, a red flag is hung and there is a large ship hovering overhead

4Ghost - Destiny Series

Ghosts are not merely mechanical companions that serve a variety of purposes, both intellectual and physical, but an extension of the soul for their chosen Guardian they revive. Once revived, they attach themselves to their Light-wielder in a way that bonds them unlike any other.

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Ghosts are only able to chose one individual to revive, after which they are permanently bonded. Their sole purpose is tosupport their Guardian in their endeavors and ensure their survival, which makes them an undeniably valuable companion.

3BD-1 - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

As far as pocket-sized heroes go, BD-1 ranks among the elite. The main companion toJedi: Fallen Order’s protagonist Cal Kestis, BD-1 provides the support, companionship and tools needed for Kestis toretrieve the holocron and protect the identity of hundreds of Force-sensitive children.

Throughout the popularStar Warsspin-off, BD-1 prove a trustworthy and courageous sidekick for Kestis, notably saving his life during a battle with the Second Sister. He was trusted with the knowledge of the holocron’s location and only revealed it to someone he trusts, exhibiting his reliability and strong judge of character.

Ghost from Destiny is hovering in the air. The background is blurred but shows a rocky landscape and trees

2BT-7274 - Titanfall 2

BT-7274, or BT for short, is the AI companion of the protagonist ofTitanfall 2, Jack Cooper, and is vital in Cooper’s duty to carry out the mission of his pilot predecessor. After losing his original pilot, BT holds a firm commitment to ensuring he won’t lose one again.

BT exhibits characteristics not likened tothe standard classes of Titan, both with regard to his abilities and his personality. He shows a knack for being able to wield and incorporate weapons from other Titans as part of his arsenal, while also showing a sense of self-determination and character judgment. It was the latter that enabled him to determine Cooper to be an appropriate replacement to continue their duties.

Star Wars droid BD-1 walking through the grass in a forest. There are trees in the background

1Clank - Ratchet And Clank Series

Since his discovery by a Lombax named Ratchet, warbot XJ-0461, better known as Clank, has captured the hearts of PlayStation fans for over 20 years. Players were first introduced to the defective bot in 2002 in the first installment of theRatchet and Clankseries, which would go on to become one of PlayStation’s marquee franchises. From humble beginnings as a cat-like mechanic anda defective warbot respectively, the unlikely duo morphed into two of the galaxy’s greatest heroes.

In the countless titles of theRatchet and Clankfranchise, most recently 2021’sRift Apart, Clank has established himself as a wise, optimistic and reliable partner-in-crime for Ratchet, proving invaluable during times of adversity. The chemistry and unbreakable bond of friendship between the title characters are a big reason why the franchise remains so immensely popular after two decades.

Titanfall 2’s BT-7274 following his pilot Jack Cooper along a glass wall

Ratchet and Clank side by side looking into the distance. There are bushes in the background and a purple plant.