Rarely in video games does the main hero save the world on their own. Usually, they have some allies to assist them, from a squad they travel with to a person in their ear giving them intel.
However, there are occasions where human teammates aren't good enough, and the protagonist needs an animal by their side. This is particularly common these days when modern-day graphics can make any animal look like its real-world counterpart. And not many players are complaining about the trend as who doesn't love to have a pet by their side? So to celebrate the rise of animal companions, here are some of the most notable ones.
10 Witcher 3 - Roach
Geralt's long quest to find his adoptive daughter wouldn't be possible without his trusty horse, Roach. The animal remains by his side throughout the entire adventure, always coming whenever her master calls.
She's a beautiful creature. Although her unintentional humor is her best trait as she often glitches all around the world, ending up on roofs and getting stuck in fences. While this can be frustrating, the horse is so beloved that not only do fans forgive her, but they make memes about her behavior.
9 Mega Man 3 - Rush
Petting dogs has become very common in video games, but using one to help with platforming is rare. Yet, Rush from Mega Man 3 does exactly that.
The robotic doggy is highly advanced as he can shift his body into different shapes to assist the titular hero. For instance, he can transform into a coil to allow him to jump higher or a hoverboard to help him fly through an area. Since his debut in the third Mega Man game, he's become a regular in the series.
8 Monster Hunter: World - Palico
When going up against incredibly powerful monsters, a house cat isn't the first ally one would think to bring along. But the Palicoes from Monster Hunter: World are more dangerous and resourceful than the average kitty.
During the game, they use a litany of moves and gadgets to give you an edge in battles. In fact, many of the monsters would be very hard to take down without one of these furry friends. And they just so happen to look adorable while they're lending a paw.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time - Epona
Ocarina of Time is often regarded as one of the best ever Zelda games. While not a lot of the credit can be given to Epona, she still deserves some.
Link first meets the horse as a kid, bonding with her in the process. Then years later, Link wins her in a race. She serves the adventurer well as, without a steed, the world of Hyrule seems a much bigger place. Plus, in a game where you spend most of the time alone, it's nice to have a traveling buddy.
6 Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain - D-Dog
Graphics in video games have come a long way since the early days of the industry. And they're used to great effect in Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain as D-Dog is adorable.
Snake can find the companion when he is a little pup hopping around Afghanistan. He is then raised to be one of Snake's most useful allies. From spotting enemies to taking them down, D-Dog has a lot of skills in his arsenal.
5 Minecraft - Cat
There are many animals you can tame in Minecraft to serve as your pet. But the most useful is the Ocelots. Feeding one of these felines some fish will transform them into an everyday house-cat. What makes them so amazing is their ability to keep creepers away.
These enemies are the most dangerous common mob in the game as they can easily sneak up behind you and explode, leaving you little chance of survival. With a cat by your side, however, creepers won't approach.
4 Final Fantasy 7 - Red XIII
It's not exactly clear if Final Fantasy 7's Red XIII is a feline or more of a wolf type creature. Either way, he's an entertaining and badass character. The main crew finds him contained within the Shinra building. Once freed, he joins them on their adventure.
In the original game, he's actually a playable character, whereas, in the recent remake, he's just a companion - one of several things missing in the new version. Still, the creature is a cool ally to have around, especially when combat starts.
3 Far Cry 5 - Cheeseburger
Animal companions in games are generally horses, dogs, or cats. Yet, Far Cry 5 mixes things up a bit and gives you a bear to fight alongside.
The brilliantly named Cheeseburger is one of the more useful companions in the game. Few enemies survive close-combat encounters with the beast, and he can cause serious havoc within an outpost. However, he may make you feel guilty about all of the virtual bears you've hunted in the past.
2 Super Mario World - Yoshi
By this point, Yoshi is one of the most iconic characters in the Mario franchise, appearing in plenty of different games. His legacy begins in Super Mario World, where he helps the plumber on his quest to save Princess Peach.
The dinosaur's ability to eat things and transform them into projectiles is very useful in clearing out enemies. Plus, he provides a bit of extra protection for the plumber. Unfortunately, Mario doesn't return the favor; instead, he often leaves his buddy stranded in various places.
1 Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Wolf
There are good and bad things about this Viking-based Assassin's Creed game, and one of the best things is the number of animals it includes. Some of which are vital allies for the main protagonist, like the Raven and several horses.
Yet, the best is the wolf, who you can acquire during the A little Problem quest - a different one to the mount available with DLC. You give him a name, and then with the Man's Best Friend, you can order him to attack people, which he does with enthusiasm.