Who is the Best Companion in The Elder Scrolls Online?
The seemingly simple question of “Who is the best companion in The Elder Scrolls Online?” unravels into a complex web of playstyles, preferences, and content focus. There isn’t a single, definitive “best” companion. However, for sheer versatility and ease of use across a broad range of content, Isobel Veloise often stands out as a top contender. Her Templar-inspired skillset makes her exceptionally strong as a tank, a capable healer, and surprisingly effective as a damage dealer.
Isobel’s Light Mender build makes her a fantastic healer, and with the right setup, she can maintain near-constant uptime on critical buffs like Major Courage. If you prioritize strong area heals and healing-over-time effects, Isobel is tough to beat. However, other companions excel in different areas, so let’s dive deeper into the factors that influence your choice.
Understanding Companion Roles and Strengths
Companions in ESO are incredibly flexible. While each has unique abilities and background, you can tailor them to fulfill any of the three core roles: Tank, Healer, or Damage Dealer (DPS). This customization hinges on a few key elements:
- Gear: The armor and weapons you equip dramatically influence their performance. Heavy armor bolsters tankiness, light armor enhances healing, and medium armor favors DPS.
- Skills: Each companion has three unique skill lines, but you can freely allocate skill points into abilities that align with your desired role.
- Combat Behavior: Using the Companion UI, you can prioritize specific actions like taunting (for tanks), healing allies, or focusing on damage.
Given these customization options, the “best” companion depends heavily on what you need them to do. Some companions are easier to gear and skill for certain roles, while others have passive bonuses or unique abilities that give them an edge.
Top Companion Contenders: A Role-Based Breakdown
Let’s examine some of the top contenders for each role, considering both effectiveness and ease of use.
Tank
- Isobel Veloise: Her Templar-based skills provide excellent survivability and taunting capabilities. Easy to gear for new players due to heavy armor proficiency.
- Bastian Hallix: Offers a potent DPS buff for heavy attack builds, making him useful even when tanking. While good, he might require slightly more optimized gear to match Isobel’s raw tankiness.
- Sharp-As-Night: As a Warden-inspired companion, Sharp-As-Night has a range of skills from crowd control to buffs that make him a potent Tank.
Healer
- Isobel Veloise: Again, her Templar skills shine here, with strong heals-over-time and potent burst heals. A safe and reliable choice.
- Mirri Elendis: Though often overlooked, Mirri can be a surprisingly effective healer with the right setup. Her ultimate is especially powerful.
- Azandar Al-Cybiades: The Arcanist companion offers unique buffs and healing capabilities based on the Arcanist class. If you want a different kind of healing and utility Azandar might be for you.
DPS
- Ember: Designed with strong DPS skills, Ember excels at dealing damage. Her fire-based abilities are particularly effective.
- Bastian Hallix: His heavy attack damage buff significantly boosts the player’s DPS, making him a strong choice for hybrid builds.
- Sharp-As-Night: His kit gives him the versatility to be an asset as a DPS as well as a tank.
Factors Beyond Combat: Rapport and Personal Preference
While combat effectiveness is crucial, don’t underestimate the importance of rapport and personal preference. Each companion has likes and dislikes. Performing actions they approve of increases their rapport, unlocking quests and passive bonuses. Conversely, actions they disapprove of decrease rapport.
For example, Mirri disapproves of using soul gems on innocent creatures, while Ember enjoys activities that involve trickery. Choosing a companion whose personality aligns with your playstyle can significantly enhance your overall experience.
Leveling Your Companion
Companions start at level 1 and level up through combat experience gained alongside you. The maximum companion level is 20. As they level, they gain skill points that you can use to unlock new abilities. Equipping your companion with appropriate gear is critical for their success.
Remember that your companion does not take experience from you, they gain their own experience.
Choosing the Right Companion for You
Ultimately, the “best” companion in ESO is the one that best complements your playstyle, needs, and preferences. Experiment with different companions, gear them appropriately, and adjust their combat behavior to find the perfect fit. Don’t be afraid to switch companions based on the content you’re tackling. Isobel is a great starting point due to her flexibility, but each companion brings something unique to the table. You can explore the GamesLearningSociety.org website to see how the mechanics of such games engage and educate players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can companions die permanently in ESO?
No, companions cannot die permanently. If they are defeated in combat, you can revive them with a soul gem, or they will automatically revive a few seconds after combat ends.
2. How do I unlock a companion in ESO?
Companions are typically unlocked by completing specific quests associated with them in the zones where they are found. For example, Isobel is unlocked by completing a quest in High Isle. Bastian Hallix can be found in the Blackwood chapter.
3. What is the maximum level for companions in ESO?
The maximum level for companions is 20.
4. Can I marry a companion in ESO?
No, you cannot marry companions. Marriages are restricted to player characters only.
5. Can I have multiple companions active at once?
No, you can only have one companion active at a time. The only way to have two companions out at once is if another player in your group has their companion active.
6. How do I level up my companion quickly?
Leveling companions is done by having them with you in combat. Completing daily random dungeons or engaging in PvP Battlegrounds are efficient ways to gain experience for both you and your companion.
7. What gear should I equip my companion with?
The gear you equip your companion with depends on their role. Heavy armor is best for tanks, light armor for healers, and medium armor for DPS. Be sure to equip weapons that complement their skills.
8. What is rapport, and why is it important?
Rapport is a measure of how much a companion likes you. Increasing rapport unlocks quests and passive bonuses. Decreasing rapport can lead to the companion leaving you.
9. Do companions affect my experience gain?
No, having a companion does not reduce the amount of experience you gain.
10. Can companions use any weapon type?
Yes, companions can use any weapon type, but some abilities may be more effective with certain weapons. For example, skills that rely on heavy attacks are more effective with two-handed weapons.
11. What is the best role for each companion?
While companions are flexible, some excel in specific roles. Isobel is excellent as a tank and healer, Ember is best as DPS, and Bastian can be a decent tank or DPS.
12. Can I customize my companion’s appearance?
Yes, you can customize your companion’s appearance using outfits and adornments.
13. Do companions have unique dialogue?
Yes, each companion has unique dialogue that changes based on your rapport with them and the events happening around you.
14. How do I reset my companion’s skills?
You can reset a companion’s skills at any time for a small gold cost.
15. Where can I learn more about companion builds and strategies?
You can find more information on companion builds and strategies on websites like AlcastHQ and Hack The Minotaur, as well as on various ESO community forums and YouTube channels. Furthermore, educators can explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into learning through game mechanics.