Wartales' medieval universe takes you back to that time when cars and machinery didn't rule the world. It's a time when plagues and wars are commonplace, just without vaccines and guns. What that means for you and your wandering band of mercenaries, is that you'll need to utilize anything and everything to survive.
What better way to increase your survival through the collapse of the Edoran Empire than to enlist animal companions that can grant you and your band all sorts of utility? These are definitely not cute corgis, but these gnarly creatures make living through the times just right.
10 Mole Rat
Mole Rats aren't on top of the list for a reason, and many people have complained about their lack of damage output even at their maximum level. But something's better than nothing, especially if it comes in a swarm.
We know all too well what a plague of rats can do to a city, just make sure to keep your mole rats from the line of fire because they're prone to one-shots. What it lacks in combat, it makes up for its exploration use, as it can help you find cheese in various places.
9 War Pony
War Ponies are hotly debated builds for Ponies, since they can do some damage to enemies on the side rather than just passively carrying goods for you and your band. But the damage War Ponies produce is usually the center of the debates since they're not as strong as Boars or Bears.
Owning Ponies in this game (much like in real life) is a huge investment, and you can't easily catch them in the wild either. If you're concerned with its survivability, you can always just slap some heavy pony plate on it before getting into a skirmish.
8 Boar
There are three types of pigs in Wartales, and the Boar is below the other two types of pigs. It deals a decent amount of damage and won't die immediately.
It is also a friend, but it can definitely be food as well when times are tough. But it's not the strongest among the pigs and doesn't really have the best raw stats.
Boars don't get enough appreciation since it doesn't have as much utility as the next animal, and their attacks are lackluster in comparison to their fellow pigs. But it's miles above rats in terms of durability and attack.
7 Work Pony
Work Ponies are arguably better than their War Pony counterparts. Not only are you able to keep your pony safe, but they also offer perks for traveling on the road.
You get travel speed which is pretty neat if you have places to be. They're also primarily for carrying stuff and can be upgraded to carry more weight.
Fatigue can also be reduced at level 5, and run duration can be increased by 15%. Your priorities will help you make that choice, and whatever you decide to spend your Valor Points on, it's clear that Work Ponies have greater utility even if they're not built for combat.
6 Dominant Sow
Dominant Sows have better stats compared to their boar counterparts and are just stronger contenders in general. They might have eight consumption, but it's worth the returns in battle and durability, and they also give 20 carrying capacity, which is good enough utility for a stronger animal.
They would've been the best bunch of pigs if it weren't for their stronger and even sturdier counterparts. They're an economical choice for companions if you choose to have any animals with you to begin with, whether it be for damage or utility.
5 Cardinal Mosquito
Though the smallest of the bunch, Cardinal Mosquitos shouldn't be underestimated. They might look like oversized bugs in the game, but they're still smaller compared to the other beasts you have under your own control.
They're awfully sneaky creatures that ignore guard and apply fever against the enemy, and their Blood Drinker ability self-heals the mosquito completely when it applies Blood Reserve twice.
That's a perk mosquitos have to make up for their low constitution. They can also come in handy for other animal companions since one of their abilities can sting a companion to stave their hunger off for two meals.
4 Crocswine
This rugged Crocswine packs a great punch and will stall your enemies' blows. These pigs, as their hairs suggest, can reduce 25% of the enemies' damage with the right investment.
You can also increase their carrying capacity at level five or can be assigned to the campfire depending on how you want to utilize your Crocswine.
This pig is also up for slaughter and can have its consumption reduced while it lives—if you have no plans to kill it, it can help you collect mushrooms while you roam the forest. Its utility as well as its damage is incomparably superior to the other two pigs.
3 Wolf
Dogs are man's best friend, even in a game where the world is falling into shambles. Wolves are strong on their own, and even more in a pack, as their raw stats and kit clearly show that they're built for damage.
When it applies bleeding, crit hits are guaranteed—which usually means certain doom for an enemy unit that doesn't have any armor. As man's best friend, wolves can also protect other allies through the Self-Sacrifice specialization.
2 Alpha
Every wolf pack has an Alpha, and these wolves are on top of the rest for a reason. They're not only vicious in battle, but they're incredibly sturdy with their self-healing specializations when they reach the fifth level, and they also have utility as either a guard wolf or as a hunter of wild game.
Overall, wolves are great for damage even if they will eventually consume a lot of food. Though they are a high investment in terms of upkeep, they do more damage than most animals since their purpose is primarily found in combat.
1 Bear
Bears are a player base favorite, and it's because of their sheer strength and durability. They can keep swiping away before your enemy even has a turn in the game, which is great for you and awful for anybody on the receiving end of the monstrous swipe.
The only gripe most have with bears is their just-as-monstrous appetite, which can be resolved by keeping other animals around. Bears are great and can break enemies for you, but like in real life, don't get one unless you can feed it sufficiently.