The trilogy's companion roster is the most cited example in gaming of successful long-term companion investment. Garrus Vakarian has consistently ranked as one of gaming's most beloved characters across two decades of polling. His loyalty mission in ME2, his sniper dialogue on the Normandy, his presence at the end of ME3 — all of it works because the relationship is built over 100+ hours.

Atreus is one of the finest child companion characters in gaming history. He never becomes an escort burden — he contributes meaningfully to both combat and storytelling. His evolution across God of War and Ragnarök — from frightened boy to someone who understands his inheritance — is the emotional spine of both games.

The BG3 companion system represents the current high watermark for companion design. Shadowheart, Astarion, Gale, Wyll, Lae'zel, and Karlach each have full origin stories, personal quests spanning all three acts, and endings whose emotional weight depends entirely on the relationship you built. Players routinely report forming strong personal preferences across characters — not because of mechanics but because of genuine connection.