What Makes a Great Sidekick in an Adventure Game?

20 December 2025

When you think of a memorable adventure game, what's the first thing that pops into your mind? Epic quests? Stunning landscapes? Plot twists that keep you guessing? Sure, those are fantastic. But often, the unsung hero of an unforgettable game isn’t the protagonist—it’s their sidekick. Yep, those lovable, quirky, sometimes slightly annoying companions who make the journey a lot more fun and emotionally engaging.

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a great sidekick in an adventure game? It's not just clever one-liners or the ability to wield a mean sword. A well-crafted sidekick serves as a mirror to the hero’s personality, a guide through uncharted territory, and sometimes, even the emotional anchor of the story. Let’s dive deeper and unpack what it takes to create the ultimate sidekick.

1. Personality That Shines Bright Like a Diamond

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to spend hours (or even minutes) traveling with a boring sidekick. The best sidekicks radiate personality, whether they're sassy, loyal, snarky, or downright hilarious. It’s their quirks that make us love them… even when they’re driving us absolutely nuts. Think of Claptrap from Borderlands. He's clumsy, neurotic, and absurd, yet somehow, his zany antics make those missions in Pandora even more fun.

A sidekick’s personality should complement or contrast the protagonist’s in interesting ways. If your hero is the stoic, silent type, a chatty, over-the-top companion can bring much-needed levity to the game. On the flip side, if the protagonist is brimming with confidence, maybe the sidekick’s cautious or self-deprecating vibe balances things out.

> It’s all about chemistry. Like peanut butter and jelly, or coffee and donuts—when their personalities click, you’re in for a good time.

2. Emotional Connection Is Key

A great sidekick does more than guide you through the dangerous parts of the map—they make you care. They tug at your heartstrings, so when the stakes get high, you’re fully invested in their survival. And let’s not sugarcoat it: some adventure games pull no punches when it comes to tragic sidekick moments. (Looking at you, The Last of Us.)

Take Tails from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He’s more than just Sonic’s flying buddy—he’s proof that bonds forged through trust and loyalty can withstand even the toughest hurdles. Players grow attached to Tails because he’s not just a "helper"; he’s a friend.

Ultimately, a great sidekick makes you feel like you’re not alone in your journey. Whether it’s through moments of vulnerability or their sheer willingness to stand by the hero’s side no matter what, they add emotional weight to the story.

3. Skills That Complement the Hero

What’s the point of a sidekick if they’re not helpful? Every great adventure sidekick contributes something tangible to the gameplay. Maybe it’s a unique skill set, hidden knowledge, or the ability to gain access to areas the hero can’t reach. Essentially, they make themselves invaluable—not just as a character in the narrative but as a mechanic within the game.

Take Atreus from God of War (2018), for instance. Sure, he’s a kid, but his bow skills and ability to read ancient languages literally become game-changers. Without him, Kratos’ journey would have been impossible (or at least, way more frustrating). The best sidekicks are designed to complement the protagonist’s abilities while encouraging players to think strategically.

> Pro-tip: The ideal sidekick isn’t just tagging along—they’re actively making your life easier… or at least more interesting!

4. Dialogue That Pops

Ever been stuck with a sidekick whose dialogue feels like it was slapped together five minutes before the game shipped? Yeah, not fun. Great sidekicks are written with sharp, memorable dialogue that deepens their character and keeps you entertained. It’s the banter, the jokes, and even the heartfelt one-liners that keep us coming back for more.

Consider the charming rogue Victor "Sully" Sullivan from the Uncharted series. His quick wit and gruff-yet-loving demeanor make him one of the most iconic sidekicks in gaming history. Without Sully's commentary (and occasional exasperated grunts), Nathan Drake wouldn’t have nearly as much swagger or depth.

Good dialogue also helps immerse players in the world. A well-placed quip can break the tension during a nail-biting chase scene, while a heartfelt confession can add layers of complexity to the story.

5. Growth and Development Matter

Nobody wants a one-dimensional sidekick. A truly unforgettable companion is one who grows throughout the game, evolving alongside the protagonist. Whether it’s overcoming a fear, discovering their purpose, or simply learning to trust themselves, a sidekick’s personal growth makes their journey feel just as important as the hero’s quest.

Aloy’s companion Rost in Horizon Zero Dawn is a shining example of this. While he starts off as her stern mentor, their relationship grows to reveal deeper layers of care, sacrifice, and mutual respect. His character arc leaves a strong emotional impact on players, elevating him from “just a mentor” to someone we deeply admire.

6. Iconic Design

Let’s not forget the power of visuals! Memorable sidekicks often have distinct designs that instantly tell you who they are and what they’re about. Bright colors, unique silhouettes, and expressive animations make them stand out and, frankly, impossible to forget.

Take Navi from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Sure, she’s a tiny, glowing ball of light with wings, but her visual simplicity makes her instantly recognizable. (Plus, who could forget her constant "Hey! Listen!" reminders?) The best sidekicks are designed to stick in your brain long after the credits roll.

7. Breaking the Stereotype

Sometimes, the most memorable sidekicks are the ones who shatter expectations. They’re not just there to fill a trope or serve as comic relief—they bring something fresh to the table. Take Ellie from The Last of Us. While she starts out as a "damsel in distress," she quickly proves herself to be more than capable of handling tough situations. By breaking the mold, Ellie became not just a sidekick, but a co-protagonist in her own right.

8. A Dash of Mystery

Everyone loves a little mystery, right? A great sidekick keeps you guessing. Maybe there’s more to them than meets the eye, or perhaps their backstory is slowly revealed over the course of the game. This keeps players intrigued and dying to learn more.

Dogmeat from Fallout is a perfect example. As a loyal canine companion, he doesn’t speak, and yet his presence raises questions. Where did he come from? What’s his story? The mystery behind his origins adds an extra layer of intrigue to his character.

9. The Ability to Fail—And Rise Again

Nobody likes perfection. (It’s boring!) The best sidekicks are flawed, just like the rest of us. They make mistakes, stumble, and sometimes let the hero down. But what really makes them resonate is their ability to learn, grow, and ultimately redeem themselves.

A great example here is Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite. At first, she’s sheltered and unsure of herself. But as the game progresses, she becomes a crucial part of not just the gameplay but the emotional core of the story. Her struggles and triumphs make her feel human, and that’s what players connect with.

10. Endings That Stick With You

Finally, a great sidekick leaves a lasting impression, even after the game is over. Whether it's through a heroic sacrifice, a bittersweet goodbye, or simply fading into the background as the hero continues their journey, their exit needs to feel earned and memorable.

Think about Cortana from the Halo franchise. Her arc, from loyal AI companion to tragic figure, leaves a mark on Master Chief—and us, the players. The best sidekicks don’t just exit stage left; they linger in our memories, long after we’ve put down the controller.

Wrap-Up

At the end of the day, a great sidekick is so much more than a tag-along. They’re your guide, your cheerleader, and sometimes even your greatest challenge. From their vibrant personalities to their emotional depth, sidekicks are the glue that holds an adventure game together. They make the journey worth it, and they remind us why we fell in love with gaming in the first place.

So, whether they make you laugh, cry, or scream at the screen, one thing’s for sure: gaming wouldn’t be the same without them.