The 9 Most Infuriating RPG Companions, Ranked from Bad to Worse

You rolled your eyes at their opening remark, briefly contemplated stranding them at camp, and now you cannot picture your party without them. Every role-playing game features that singular companion: the squadmate whose initial introduction is a blaring red flag, yet whose subsequent impressions cement them as the primary reason you keep playing. Frequently, you discover that even the most abrasive or prickly characters possess a heart of gold buried somewhere deep within. Sometimes extraordinarily deep within, but it is present nonetheless. You eventually realize a krogan mercenary’s relentless hostility stems from a genocidal plague ravaging his species. Alternatively, you might simply choose to obliterate these brusque prospects on sight and call it an evening. These nine companions, ordered from mildly vexing to absolute worst-case scenarios, serve as your ultimate field guide to navigating the glaring red flags you will eventually learn to overlook.

9

Wrex (Mass Effect)

Red flag: He is a battle-hardened, cynical krogan curmudgeon who rarely seems thrilled to cross your path—initially, at least.

Throughout BioWare’s legendary sci-fi RPG, Commander Shepard pursues a rogue operative across the stars alongside a crew of endearing eccentrics. This ensemble includes Wrex, a krogan mercenary who consistently radiates the aura of someone who would rather be firing a weapon. While he carries a perpetual chip on his shoulder, his grievances stem from a profoundly tragic place: he simply desires a prosperous future for his endangered civilization. (Constant infant mortality driven by a devastating genetic plague would sour anyone’s disposition.) During one critical confrontation, he threatens to turn hostile, requiring either careful diplomacy or severe, regrettable measures. Should he survive, he blossoms into one of Shepard’s steadfast companions by the events of Mass Effect 3. Despite his endless grumbling, Wrex will ultimately follow your lead into any firefight.

8

Jade Curtiss (Tales of the Abyss)

Red flag: He responds to high-stress emergencies with condescending sarcasm.

Tales of the Abyss is a 2006 JRPG centering on a sheltered aristocrat named Luke fon Fabre who inadvertently gets swept up in a global conflict. Along his journey, Luke crosses paths with Jade Curtiss, a seasoned military colonel hailing from the rival nation of Malkuth. As a brilliant scientist well into his thirties, Jade acts as the senior statesman of your group, habitually defusing grave matters with sardonic remarks. His biting humor frequently crosses into genuine malice, and an overwhelming share of his dialogue consists of sharp barbs directed at his companions. While amusing at first, the shtick wears thin over dozens of hours. Question his sincerity, and he will deadpan that he is “always serious.” Fair enough, Jade. Fortunately, as the designated adult in the party, his strategic assessments are almost always correct, making him an invaluable asset—provided you have the stomach for his unique brand of psychological warfare.

7

Red Prince (Divinity: Original Sin 2)

Red flag: He is blue-blooded royalty, a fact he eagerly reminds you of during practically every waking conversation.

Larian Studios’ expansive fantasy epic, Divinity: Original Sin 2, follows a fellowship of Source-wielding outcasts and allows you to either recruit or play directly as the Red Prince. As an exiled lizard crown prince burdened by an immense sense of superiority, he easily rubs players the wrong way. However, beneath his arrogance lies some of the sharpest character writing in the entire adventure, paired with a remarkably tender side quest dedicated to tracking down his soulmate. Once you have logged sufficient miles together, the Red Prince actually begins to grant you a measure of respect. While his imperial ego never truly fades, the scaly aristocrat beneath the crown proves to be surprisingly delightful company.

6

Debora (Dragon Quest 5)

Red flag: The video game pauses to ask you on three separate occasions if you are genuinely, unequivocally certain you wish to marry her.

In Dragon Quest 5, a landmark 1992 JRPG chronicling its protagonist from childhood through holy matrimony, your chosen bride becomes a permanent fixture in your party. The 2008 Nintendo DS port introduced a third matrimonial candidate: Debora, the sharp-tongued elder sister of one of the original brides, who storms down the staircase and volunteers herself for the role. It is not difficult to understand why she turns heads: she is condescending, profoundly elitist, and forces you to sleep on the hardwood floor during your honeymoon. (Sign us up immediately!) Franchise creator Yuji Horii once remarked that she is a choice no rational person would make. Acknowledging her absurdity, the game forces you to confirm your intent to wed her three separate times—culminating in her own father checking if you have lost your mind. Commit to the union anyway, and she evolves into a formidable combatant and a fiercely devoted wife, even if her preferred method of expressing affection is reminding you that you are the finest servant she has ever employed.

5

Morrigan (Dragon Age: Origins)

Red flag: If you possess a baseline desire to help people, prepare for endless misery, as she openly sneers whenever you pause to perform even the most trivial act of kindness.

In BioWare’s acclaimed dark fantasy RPG, your Warden must assemble a coalition to halt an apocalyptic Blight threatening the realm. Early in your travels, you cross paths with Morrigan, a feral, shapeshifting bog witch. Dry, venomous, and openly contemptuous of more optimistic souls like the fan-favorite Alistair, she makes maintaining a heroic moral compass while attempting to romance her an absolute psychological gauntlet. Do not let her endless cynicism deter you—pursue those side quests regardless. Just track down that ornamental golden mirror for her before the credits roll, and everything will (most likely) work out fine.

4
Hiravias (Pillars of Eternity)

Red flag: Your introduction to him involves watching him casually devour a bloody deer carcass.

In Obsidian’s 2015 fantasy masterpiece, you step into the role of the Watcher—an outsider gifted with the uncanny ability to perceive mortal souls. You can recruit Hiravias, a wild druid, provided you look past the fact that he is mid-meal on fresh roadkill upon your initial meeting. His foul mouth is abrasive enough to alienate players within the first few minutes of dialogue. However, his exile from his own tribe—who deemed his spirit-shifting capabilities a cursed omen—suggests his caustic exterior functions merely as a psychological defense mechanism. Devoted fans of Pillars of Eternity celebrate Hiravias as the campaign’s essential source of comic relief. Come for the unsettling venison consumption, stay for the razor-sharp banter.

3

HK-47 (Knights of the Old Republic)

Red flag: He classifies you strictly as a “meatbag” and takes every opportunity to remind you of your biological inferiority.

A standout recruitment option in BioWare’s 2003 Star Wars RPG is HK-47, a homicidal assassin droid whose dialogue routinely initiates with “Statement:” or “Translation:.” He harbors an endearing penchant for grouping all living organic entities under the derogatory umbrella of “meatbags.” Request that he assist you through a delicate diplomatic negotiation, and he will invariably follow up by offering to eradicate the opposing delegation entirely—how helpful! While his disposition is intensely aggressive, his pitch-black comedic timing makes enduring his eccentricities completely worthwhile. Furthermore, if you are committing to a dark-side playthrough, pairing him alongside Canderous is an absolute masterstroke. Query: Should you enlist HK-47? Answer: Affirmative, meatbag. Without hesitation.

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2

Lae’zel (Baldur’s Gate 3)

Red flag: Her blistering judgment of your every decision is so severe that a subset of players executes her during every single playthrough.

As Baldur’s Gate 3 opens, you regain consciousness with a parasitic mind flayer tadpole lodged in your cranium. So does Lae’zel, a fiercely dogmatic githyanki warrior equipped with very specific notions on how you should resolve your predicament. Should you dare harbor alternative plans, Lae’zel ensures you know you are making a grievous mistake at every single turn. Her running commentary on your adventures rarely improves, frequently grating on your nerves as she disapproves of nearly everything you accomplish. Yet, beneath her militant armor lies a deeply humanized terror of failing her cultural expectations. She mellows considerably as the campaign unfolds, and choosing to romance her yields what is arguably one of the most emotionally rewarding payoffs in modern gaming. Even so, she remains the kind of companion certain players simply slaughter the moment a new save file begins. Proceed with this knowledge accordingly.

1

Wenduag (Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous)

Red flag: She will betray you the split second she loses respect for you—and earning that respect requires forcing her onto her knees before her own peers.

If toxic power dynamics are not your cup of tea, Wenduag is definitively not the squadmate for you. In Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, a massive fantasy RPG centered around a grueling crusade against a demonic invasion, you encounter Wenduag, a feral mongrel fighter. Recruit her, and you are in for a turbulent ride. Exhibiting a neutral evil alignment, Wenduag respects raw power to the exclusion of all else, alienating virtually everyone in your party while dismissing concepts like love and loyalty as utter illusions. (Who hurt you, Wenduag?) Compassion certainly won’t win her over; absolute dominance is the only language she speaks. When she conducts an obedience demonstration, you can orchestrate a ruthless power play by commanding her to drop to her knees in front of her fellow tribesmen. Whereas every other abrasive personality on this list eventually warms up to your patience, Wenduag stands alone as the worst of the bunch simply because keeping her in your camp requires you to be an even bigger tyrant right back.

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Maybe I’m just built different

Source: Polygon