Dragon Age is one of Bioware's most popular franchises and fans are eagerly awaiting information on the next installment in the series, Dragon Age 4, with many hoping that a recent post is foreshadowing more news on the next game.
Throughout all three games, the protagonist is accompanied by various companions of different races, roles, and personalities, with some being added in post-launch DLC. Players are able to pick and choose their comrades to customize their parties. While we impatiently wait for any new information, we have decided to take a look at some of the best and worst Dragon Age companions from the franchise.
10 Worst: Anders
Anders is a tricky character in that some love him and some hate him. It was difficult to decide what side of this list to put him on, but ultimately he landed himself amongst one of the worst companions. Anders first appeared as a potential companion in Dragon Age: Origins Awakening and was also a companion in Dragon Age 2. Anders is an apostate who refuses to be restricted by the Circle of Magi, is an ex-Grey Warden, and is bonded with the spirit of Justice.
As far as tactics go, Anders is a great healer for your party in Dragon Age 2. However, what landed him on this list is his whiny personality and poor choices, ensuring that his side character questline ended with a bang.
9 Best: Isabela
Though Isabela appears in Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Inquisition, she is only a recruitable companion in Dragon Age 2. Isabela is a rogue character, though arguably there are better damage dealers to have in your party.
However, this swash-buckling pirate lass is one of the most kick-ass characters in the games, earning her a firm spot amongst the best companions in the series. Though her position of fan-favorite did not earn her a playable role in Inquisition's main campaign, she was at least a playable character in Inquisition's multiplayer.
8 Worst: Alistair
First appearing in Dragon Age: Origins, Alistair is an ex-Templar and a Grey Warden who has the potential to end up as the King of Ferelden depending on your character choices. Alistair also appears in both sequels in small roles, also dependant on what happened to him Origins.
Alistair makes a great addition to your party with his Templar skills, but he does not provide thrilling conversation as he tends to be very whiny. Alistair will openly discourage some of the player's choices and is generally a bit of a wet blanket. If you romance him, you are better able to convince him to do things he does not want to.
7 Best: Fenris
Fenris first appeared in Dragon Age 2 and is a unique character in that he has the ability to phase through physical objects due to the lyrium-infused markings on his skin. These markings are the result of experiments forced onto Fenris when he was younger, which also caused him to lose his memory.
Though Fenris can be a bit of a stand-offish character, his unique background and specializations make him rather interesting company to keep and an invaluable damage dealer for your party. While the player does receive answers about Fenris's past, it is a shame this fighting style was not revisited in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
6 Worst: Blackwall
Blackwall is a companion from Dragon Age: Inquisition. He is a Grey Warden that you come across in the Hinterlands, training men to defend themselves. Blackwall is of the warrior class and is a great asset to your team. Though a little grumpy, his conversation while traveling is not that bad and so he is a solid companion in general, though not the most charismatic.
However, spoilers here, it is later found out that Blackwall is not who he says he is at all. He is a man named Thom Rainier who massacred innocent children as part of his mercenary work, before later assuming the real Blackwall's role when Blackwall died, hoping to make amends for his past deeds. Though Blackwall/Rainier is working on redemption, once you discover the truth about him it tends to sour your outlook of him. This, unfortunately, earned him a spot with one of the worst on this list.
5 Best: Dorian
Dorian Pavus first appeared in Dragon Age: Inquisition and quickly became a fan-favorite due to his sharp wit, charisma, and intriguing back-story. Dorian is an Atlus mage from the Tevinter Imperium and is a formidable ally to have in your party at all times.
Dorian is certainly the full package when it comes to firepower and personality, not to mention he gave fans some much-needed insight into the Tevinter Imperium. When paired up with Varric in your party, the two make for some interesting and amusing conversation and Varric even gives Dorian the pet name of "Sparkles."
4 Worst: Sera
Sera arrived on the scene in Dragon Age: Inquisition and immediately began annoying players as soon as she joined their cause. This elf rogue is part of the Friends of Red Jenny group, so you would think she would have a bit more class and cunning, but Sera just comes across as a childish, unlikeable character that talks too much.\
As far as damage dealers go, there are better companions out there and none of those will irritate you half as much as Sera will. Ultimately, she is worth passing over in every sense.
3 Best: Varric
Varric is undoubtedly a fan-favorite and came close to being given the top spot on this list. This roguish charmer is a companion in both Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. Varric is the author of Hard in Hightown, a fictional book from within the Dragon Age world, and this results in some hilarious side quests and conversations with other companions.
Varric is a great addition to your team with his powerful crossbow that he named Bianca, he is also a great companion because of his interesting and witty dialogue.
2 Worst: Loghain Mac Tir
Most likely the most despised companion within the series, Loghain Mac Tir first appeared in Dragon Age: Origins, though he is an optional companion that can easily be missed. However, recruiting him means that Alistair will leave your party. Depending on what choices you make in Origins, there is a chance that Loghain will also make an appearance in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Loghain is a warrior with a champion specialization, but there are far better companions to have within your party if you're looking for a well-rounded team. Additionally, Loghain is a disloyal, cowardly traitor who left his king and the Grey Wardens to die. So who wants that guy to watch their back on the battlefield? Maybe skip this companion.
1 Best: Morrigan
Morrigan is one of the most recognizable characters from the Dragon Age franchise. She first appeared in Dragon Age: Origins and returned in Dragon Age: Inquisition, much to the delight of fans. Also known as the Witch of the Wilds, Morrigan is a powerful mage who has the ability to shapeshift.
Morrigan can be quite scathing towards other companions and she has a very high opinion of herself, however, she is a great character with a lot of depth and knowledge. Having her in your party is not only great in terms of set-up, but also for amusing and interesting conversations. There are plenty of unresolved mysteries surrounding our favorite witch, so with any luck, we may see her return in Dragon Age 4.