Dragon Age 2 companions are the best in the franchise, you cowards

I wish to start this article as I mean to go on, so I say to anyone who disagrees with what I’m about to say: you’re fundamentally wrong. Far too many Dragon Age fans sing the praises of Morrigan, Alister or even Solas (the vile betrayer), but few people speak highly of the sublime selection of companions available to you in Dragon Age 2.

Even if you don’t like the narrative of the sequel, which, again, would be incorrect, it isn’t fair to judge the allies you meet along the way as harshly as you do the plot. Not only do I believe Xbox Game Pass’ Dragon Age 2 has a fantastic story, but I also believe that the companions are the best the franchise has to offer.

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I have my own favourites within this elite group, namely Anders and Fenris. I know that Anders is a controversial choice because he essentially lights the fuse that triggers DA: Inquisition, but his character goes through such an emotional journey, one that builds upon DA: Origins DLC; it makes for an extremely satisfying narrative arc. Everyone goes on about the betrayal of Solas, but Anders invented such casually cruel actions in the name of “loyalty” and “honesty”.

Then we have Fenris, a tortured soul who’s as complex as his lyrium tattoos. He’s brooding, difficult to read, and sometimes hugely problematic, but in true “I can fix him” sentiment, he draws you in with that elven beauty. Plus, he has a pretty intense story arc that really dives into the dark underbelly of his origins, which, again, further reaffirms him as a fantastic companion.

As for Isabela, Merrill, Aveline, Bethany or Carver, Varric and, yes, even Sebastian, all add such depth to the story, to the point that you feel connected to them despite any issues you may have. For example, my Hawke and Carver never got along, yet the way Carver’s story is woven makes for really interesting viewing, especially when Carver has to admit that he’s been an ass. It’s rare but it does happen. Another favourite companion development is Aveline’s, with the strong warrior finding a new way in life after such a devastating loss at the beginning of the game – there’s heart, there’s drama, there’s action, and there’s closure.

I’ll concede that EA’sDA: Origins’ Morrigan and Alister are incredible companions, with the sexual tension between them adding to the lore they deliver. And I’ll also admit that Cullen is my one and only as far as DA: Inquisition goes. However, I still feel in my heart of hearts that DA2’s allies trump them. The reason fans often overlook this truth is because of the repetition of dungeon environments throughout the sequel, which, I admit, does get annoying by the end of your playthrough. Still, while reused environments take away from the final polish of the game, it doesn’t impact the companions; we shouldn’t tar and feather all elements of the game when only one element is at fault.

Another poor excuse that silly fans use is that the relationships grow too rapidly, with the relationships feeling too well-established despite the short space of time we actually play. This is inaccurate, though. Between each of the three acts, years pass, with a lot of unseen content playing into the relationships developed with each companion. To say things feel rushed just because we can’t see it is a lame excuse, as well as one that diminishes the lore that the game establishes both on and off-screen.

I don’t care that it’s an unpopular take, it doesn’t make it any less credible; the DA2 companions are the best of the franchise. If you want to discover their might for yourselves, you can play the game, and the other two instalments, on Xbox Game Pass.

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