Who is the best companion in ESO? A Deep Dive for Every Adventurer

Embarking on your adventures across the vast and vibrant world of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) can be a solitary endeavor. However, the introduction of companions has revolutionized the solo play experience, offering not just a helpful ally in combat but also a loyal friend to share your epic journey with. But with several unique individuals to choose from, the burning question for many players becomes: Who is the best companion in ESO?

The truth is, there isn't a single, universally "best" companion. The ideal ally for you depends heavily on your playstyle, your character's build, and the specific content you're tackling. Let's break down the available companions and explore their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal use cases.

Understanding Companion Roles

Companions in ESO primarily fall into a few distinct roles, mirroring player archetypes:

Tanks: These companions are built to absorb damage, taunt enemies, and provide crowd control, allowing you to focus on dealing damage or healing.
Healers: Capable of keeping you and themselves alive through challenging encounters, healers are essential for survivability, especially in harder content.
Damage Dealers (DPS): These companions focus on dishing out as much damage as possible to enemies, helping to speed up combat.
Support/Hybrid: Some companions offer a blend of roles, providing buffs, debuffs, or a mix of damage and utility.

The Companions: A Detailed Look

Currently, ESO features several prominent companions, each with their own unique skill lines and personalities:

1. Bastian Hallix

Role: Primarily a Tank/DPS hybrid.

Acquisition: Obtained by completing the questline "Tales of Tribute" or by purchasing the "High Isle" chapter. His quest is found in High Isle.

Strengths:

Bastian is a sturdy fighter who can effectively hold aggro and take a significant amount of punishment.
His defensive skills are excellent, making him a reliable front-liner.
He can also contribute decent damage, especially when kitted out with appropriate gear.
His personal quest adds a nice narrative element to his recruitment.

Weaknesses:

While he can tank, he might not be as specialized as a dedicated tank build in the game.
His healing capabilities are minimal to non-existent.

Best For: Players who want a reliable combat partner who can soak up damage and help control the battlefield, allowing them to focus on offense. He's a great choice for solo players who need a buffer in combat.

2. Mirri Elendis

Role: Primarily a Healer/DPS hybrid.

Acquisition: Obtained by completing the questline "Sun-Kissed and Storm-Tossed" in the Blackwood zone, or by purchasing the "Blackwood" chapter. Her quest is found in Tideholm, Blackwood.

Strengths:

Mirri is an excellent healer, capable of keeping you alive through tough fights.
She also possesses decent offensive capabilities, making her a well-rounded companion.
Her lore and personality are quite engaging.

Weaknesses:

She is not designed to be a tank and will struggle to absorb significant damage.
Her offensive output, while present, might not rival dedicated DPS companions.

Best For: Players who struggle with survivability or play a damage-focused class that needs consistent healing support. She's ideal for pushing harder content where sustain is critical.

3. Sharp-As-Talons

Role: Primarily a Tank/Melee DPS.

Acquisition: Obtained by completing the quest "A Challenge from Sharp-As-Talons" in the Western Skyrim region, which is part of the Greymoor chapter. He can be found in the city of Morthal.

Strengths:

Sharp-As-Talons is a formidable melee combatant, capable of both dealing and taking significant damage.
He excels at close-quarters combat and can apply pressure to enemies effectively.
His tanking potential is high, especially when geared for it.

Weaknesses:

He lacks healing abilities, making him reliant on your own healing or support.
His effectiveness is tied to melee range, which might not suit all playstyles or encounters.

Best For: Players who enjoy a more aggressive, melee-focused playstyle and want a companion who can stand on the front lines with them. He's a solid choice for those who prefer to get up close and personal with their enemies.

4. Ember (Nordic Name: "Ash-Heart")

Role: Primarily a Ranged DPS/Support.

Acquisition: Obtained by completing the quest "Fires of Fate" in the Deadlands zone, which is part of the Gates of Oblivion storyline (Blackwood chapter required). Her quest is found in the city of Leyawiin.

Strengths:

Ember is a potent ranged damage dealer, capable of unleashing powerful spells from a distance.
She has some crowd control abilities that can be useful for managing groups of enemies.
Her fiery aesthetic and personality are very distinct.

Weaknesses:

She is very fragile and not built to withstand direct damage.
Her healing is negligible, and she offers little in the way of defensive utility for the player.

Best For: Players who are playing a tank or a healer and need a companion to significantly boost their damage output from range. She pairs well with characters who can manage their own survivability.

5. Isobel Veloise

Role: Primarily a Tank/Healer hybrid.

Acquisition: Obtained by completing the questline "A Question of Order" in the High Isle zone, which is part of the High Isle chapter. His quest can be found in the town of Castle Navire.

Strengths:

Isobel is incredibly versatile, capable of fulfilling both tanking and healing roles to a decent degree.
His ability to switch between these roles makes him adaptable to many situations.
He can provide buffs and debuffs, adding further utility.

Weaknesses:

While versatile, he may not excel as strongly in either pure tanking or pure healing as a specialized companion.
His damage output is generally lower compared to dedicated DPS companions.

Best For: Players who want a highly flexible companion that can adapt to various combat needs. He's a fantastic choice for solo players who want a reliable all-rounder who can help them through almost any content.

6. Kellenhart

Role: Primarily a Tank/DPS hybrid.

Acquisition: Obtained through the "Companions Pack" in the Crown Store or as part of certain bundle purchases. He does not have a questline to recruit him in-game.

Strengths:

Kellenhart is a strong melee combatant who can perform well as either a damage dealer or a tank.
He is quite durable and can hold his own in combat.
His lore is tied to the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood, adding some interesting flavor.

Weaknesses:

He lacks dedicated healing capabilities.
As a paid companion, he might not feel as earned for some players compared to those acquired through quests.

Best For: Players who enjoy a robust melee combatant and are looking for an additional option to fill a tank or DPS role. He's a solid, straightforward combat ally.

7. Grok (Goblin Name: "Snaggletooth")

Role: Primarily a Tank.

Acquisition: Obtainable through the Crown Store or through specific bundles. Grok is a unique companion as he's a goblin with a distinct playstyle focused on tanking.

Strengths:

Grok is designed to be an excellent tank, capable of absorbing significant damage and holding enemy attention.
His unique goblin abilities can provide interesting tactical advantages.
He is very durable and can be a cornerstone of a solo player's survivability.

Weaknesses:

His damage output is not his primary focus, and he will not be a significant contributor to killing enemies quickly.
He offers no healing or significant support beyond his tanking role.

Best For: Players who need a dedicated tank to help them survive difficult content or to draw aggro away from them. If you want a companion whose sole purpose is to be a damage sponge, Grok is a top contender.

How to Choose Your "Best" Companion

To determine the best companion for you, consider these factors:

Your Character's Role: If you're a tank, you'll want a healer or a DPS. If you're a healer, you'll want a tank or a DPS. If you're a DPS, a tank or healer will be most beneficial.
Content Difficulty: For challenging dungeons, trials, or difficult overland content, a healer like Mirri or a versatile tank/healer like Isobel is invaluable. For easier content, a pure DPS companion might be more appealing for faster clears.
Gear and Skill Lines: Companions gain experience and can equip gear, just like players. You can also unlock and level up their unique skill lines. This means you can customize their build to suit your needs. For example, you can gear Bastian to be a more effective tank or Mirri to be a more potent healer.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the companion you enjoy adventuring with the most is often the "best" companion. Their personality, lore, and voice lines can significantly enhance your immersion in the game.

Gear and Skill Lines: Customizing Your Ally

Don't forget that companions are highly customizable. You can equip them with armor, weapons, and jewelry to enhance their stats. Their skill lines offer different abilities that you can unlock and choose from. For instance, Bastian's skill lines allow him to taunt enemies, shield himself, and use powerful offensive abilities. Mirri's skill lines focus on healing spells and offensive magic.

Experimenting with different gear sets and skill line setups is key to maximizing your chosen companion's effectiveness. For a tank, you'd prioritize stats like Health, Spell Resistance, and Physical Resistance. For a healer, focus on Magicka, Magicka Recovery, and Healing Done. For a DPS, prioritize Offensive stats relevant to their weapon and damage type.

Conclusion: The Best Companion is Subjective

In conclusion, there isn't a definitive "best" companion in ESO. Each has their strengths and weaknesses, and their utility changes based on your build and the content you're engaging with.

For raw healing power and survivability: Mirri Elendis.
For a sturdy front-liner who can also deal damage: Bastian Hallix or Sharp-As-Talons.
For a versatile all-rounder who can tank or heal: Isobel Veloise.
For pure ranged damage output: Ember.
For a dedicated tank focused on absorbing damage: Grok.

The best approach is to try out different companions, see who fits your playstyle best, and then invest time in gearing them up and leveling their skill lines. The true "best" companion is the one that makes your journey through Tamriel more enjoyable and successful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get companions in ESO?

Companions are acquired through various means. Some are obtained by completing specific questlines in different zones (e.g., Mirri in Blackwood, Bastian in High Isle). Others may be purchased from the Crown Store or included in special bundles. Ensure you have the necessary DLC or chapters for companions tied to those expansions.

Can I have multiple companions?

No, you can only have one companion active with you at any given time. You can, however, unlock multiple companions, and switch between them at any shrine or by using their specific recall ability (if applicable). You can only have one companion summoned at any one time.

Why is my companion not very effective?

A companion's effectiveness is highly dependent on their gear and skill line progression. Like your own character, they need appropriate weapons, armor, and jewelry. Additionally, you need to actively level up their skill lines by using them in combat and completing their personal quests. Ensure you've equipped them with gear that complements their role (tank, healer, or DPS) and that you've unlocked their most useful abilities.

Do companions count towards group numbers?

Companions do not count towards player group numbers in dungeons or trials. They are considered NPCs and are designed to supplement your solo play or provide an extra layer of support when you're in a group that requires it. They essentially act as an additional player in combat scenarios.

Can companions revive me?

No, companions cannot revive you if you die. If you fall in combat, you will need to use a Soul Gem to revive yourself at your current location or travel to a Wayshrine to respawn. Companions can, however, heal you, and some can resurrect themselves if they fall.