Companion Guide

Introduction

Companions are a unique addition to the rich world of Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), introduced in the Blackwood chapter. These NPC (Non-Player Character) partners offer invaluable assistance to players, aiding in combat and participating in your Tamrielic adventures. This guide will offer a comprehensive look into the intriguing world of ESO Companions, helping you maximize their potential and leverage their capabilities.

Getting Started with Companions

Companions are unlocked through specific quests in the Blackwood chapter. Bastian can be found in Deepscorn Hollow, and Mirri is located near Doomvault Vulpinaz. To recruit these Companions, you will need to complete their specific unlock quests - “Competition and Contracts” for Bastian, and “Shattered and Scattered” for Mirri.

Companion Basics

Each Companion has a character sheet similar to the player’s, including Health, Magicka, Stamina, level, gear, and abilities. Companions level up through experience gained in combat, not by questing. The companion level is capped at 20, and each level up will unlock new abilities for your companions to use. Companions also have a unique rapport system that reflects their attitude towards you, influenced by your actions and decisions.

Companion Skills and Abilities

Every companion has three unique skill lines based on their background and personality. For instance, Bastian, who is more of a defensive character, has the Dragonknight skill line. Mirri, on the other hand, is a damage-dealer with Nightblade skills. You can customize your companion’s abilities, selecting which ones they should use in combat. Remember that each Companion has a preference for a certain type of role - Damage, Defense, or Healing. While you can try to customize them against this preference, they will never be as effective in an against-type role.

Managing Companion Gear

Companion gear is different from player gear, and it’s vital to equip your companions properly. This gear impacts their combat performance significantly. You can get companion gear from several sources, including questing, drops from enemies, and crafting. Remember, companion gear doesn’t have levels, so you don’t need to replace it as the companion levels up. It also doesn’t degrade, meaning you won’t have to repair it.

Improving Companion Rapport

Each companion has a rapport meter, which represents your relationship with them. Increasing rapport unlocks more dialogues, quests, and even the companion’s ultimate ability. Rapport can be improved or worsened based on your actions in the world. Certain behaviors align with a companion’s personality and preferences, improving rapport, while others can decrease it. For instance, if you commit a crime, Mirri, who dislikes such actions, will disapprove, decreasing your rapport.

Companion Specific Quests

As you improve your rapport with each companion, you unlock companion-specific quests that delve into their backstory and character. These quests not only offer a deeper understanding of the companions but also provide rewards such as additional companion gear.

Earning Companion Ultimate Abilities

Once you have maximized rapport with a companion, they will unlock their ultimate ability. These powerful abilities can be a game-changer in combat. For instance, Bastian’s ultimate ability, “Bastian’s Resolve,” greatly increases his resistance and healing received, making him an excellent tank.

Companion Limitations and Restrictions

While Companions are a valuable addition to your adventures, there are some limitations. They cannot be summoned in PvP areas, Solo Arenas, or in Housing instances. Additionally, companions will not use mounts, even if the player is using one. They also won’t be able to assist in crafting or carry items for the player.

Top Tips for Effective Companion Use

• Know your Companions: Understanding your companions’ abilities and preferences is key. It allows you to optimize their combat roles and manage rapport effectively.
• Keep them Geared Up: Regularly check for better gear to improve your companions’ performance in combat.
• Monitor Rapport: If you’re aiming to improve rapport with a specific companion, be mindful of your actions and decisions that might impact it.
• Balance the Team: Make sure your companion’s skills and role balance your character’s. If your character is a damage dealer, Bastian can be a great tank to balance the team.
• Companions add an enriching layer of gameplay and strategy to ESO. Understanding their mechanics and nuances will help you get the most out of your journey in Tamriel with your trusty Companions. Happy adventuring!