10 Best Companions in the Entire Dragon Age Series, Ranked

Dragon Age is known for the high fantasy world it throws players into, but where it truly shines is in the human aspect of the story. Or rather, the human/elf/dwarf/qunari aspect of the story — as well as one dog. This refers to the companions, of course, the rotating cast of characters who join each main protagonist on their journey to protect Thedas from the forces of evil. Or otherwise enable them in their terrible behavior. The companions are in many ways the heart of the series, with love interests, friendships, and even enmity being a cornerstone of the group dynamics.

That being said, not all companions are immediate winners. Some are more compelling than others, be it because of their unique charms, personal story, or even the lore they add to the world of Dragon Age. Each companion who has ever graced someone's computer or television screen deserves all the love they can get, but there is no denying that there are clear fan favorites. So, here are ten of Dragon Age's most compelling characters.

10 Dog Is Just the Best Boy

Everyone Could Use a Canine Friend

No one can resist Dog's charm. As one of the earliest available companions, Dog somehow manages to balance cuteness and ferocity. He is the Warden's loyal companion throughout the campaign, but far from being just a camp pet, Dog is also a companion players can bring into battle. Dog has his own skill tree that takes advantage of the warrior class, with his own canine spin on things of course. While he doesn't have a personal story beyond how he met the Warden, it doesn't really matter because who could be angry at that face?

Dog can be an instant companion for a human Warden, but can be recruited following the battle of Ostagar by a Warden of any other race provided they helped him when he was sick.

Dog's presence also serves as a bit of light in the dark situation the original party finds themselves in. As they race against time to muster the forces needed to stop the Fifth Blight, it could have been exceptionally easy for them to all become consumed in misery and angst. Dog's lively presence alleviates some of their fears, reminding them that the world is not all full of horrors and that there is some joy to be found in it, as well as things worth protecting. That, and anyone who can make even Morrigan drop her grim facade deserves to be on this list.

9 Solas' Presence Changed the History of Thedas

One of the Series' Most Important Players

Is there really more to say? Solas' backstory literally triggered the majority of the conflicts experienced throughout the first three games of the franchise. He is an ancient being known as the Dread Wolf in the elven pantheon of gods, considered a malevolent trickster spirit by most elves. In reality, he was fighting the tyranny of his fellow Evanuris, extremely powerful elven mages who enslaved their people and sought to be worshiped as gods. To imprison them, Solas created the Veil, separating the waking world from the dreaming world, but destroying his people's civilization in the process.

By exploring his memories as Rook, players learn that Solas had a direct hand in creating the Blight, the downfall of the ancient Titans, the progenitors of the dwarves, and so many other pivotal moments in Thedas' ancient history. His past is still something that needs so much more exploration as it redefines what many initially believed about the world. Plus, he is the first and only companion thus far who became a main antagonist in the following game.

8 Lucanis Is a Coffee-Loving Master Assassin

A Man of Multitudes

Lucanis quickly won over prospective fans simply by being an Antivan Crow, one of Thedas' deadliest assassins. Players haven't had a companion like that since Dragon Age: Origins. He then quickly became a favorite companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, his charming demeanor and compassionate attitude earning the love of many. For those worried about his similarities to Zevran, they can rest assured because he goes the opposite route in many regards.

Lucanis will actually make Rook's chosen favorite beverage if he is pursued as a love interest.

Whereas Zevran tried to distance himself from his fellow companions in the beginning, Lucanis immediately adopted his as a surrogate family, looking after their needs and even becoming their go-to chef besides fellow companion Bellara. Aside from his personal relationships, Lucanis also brings a compelling internal conflict, literally wrestling with a demon that was forced upon him. With help from Rook, Lucanis embarks upon a quest of blood and betrayal to restore himself to the position of the head of his family. Considering that Zevran ran away from his duties as a crow, it is a nice change to get involved in the bloody politics of Antiva's deadliest guild.

7 Fenris Is the Edgy Character Fans Love

You Can Fix Him

There are few things fans of the Dragon Age franchise love more than a character with walls that can be brought down with enough time. Fenris fits this description to a tee. He is the first real insight fans of the series got into the culture of Tevinter in Dragon Age 2. A former slave, Fenris was experimented upon by his master to engrave him with lyrium-laced tattoos that give him unique abilities at the cost of all his memories from his prior life. Unfortunately, after all his experiences, he has a deep distrust of mages.

Fenris actually chose to be experimented upon to grant his family a better life.

Fenris' story involves helping him escape from his former master, but most importantly helping him adjust to being a free man. He is also a romance option for Hawke in the game, adding an extra complication to the dynamic if Hawke is a mage. Yet, deep beneath the abrasiveness and understandable mistrust is a man who cares for those he considers his friends — rough outer layer, but a soft center.

6 Cassandra Is Tough, But Loyal

A Companion With a Strong Moral Compass

When Cassandra was first introduced, it was easy to mistake her as a militant practitioner of the Chant of Light, the main religion in Thedas. While she is indeed very faithful, Cassandra surprised many in Dragon Age: Inquisition with her pragmatism. At her core, Cassandra believes in doing what is right, not what is politically convenient, or following the orders of the Chantry, which has been shown to be flawed in its past judgments. As the Inquisitor comes to know her better, they also see the woman beneath the armor.

Cassandra's introduction to the series was by interrogating Varric to narrate the plot of Dragon Age 2.

Cassandra has her own hopes and interests outside of her faith. She is an avid reader of Varric's smutty novellas, something she is embarrassed about, but will never quit. Her own companion quests involved her confronting the flaws in both her religion and her order, and recognizing that though she seeks to bring order to Thedas, things cannot go back to the way they were as they caused today's problems. Her personal narrative involves growth as she becomes more aware of how the Chant has failed people, while still resolving to find a way to make amends.

5 Zevran Is Charming and Hilarious

His Humor Hides Something Darker

No character comes even close to how funny Zevran is in Dragon Age: Origins. His silver tongue, just as ready to criticize someone for the flaws he sees as he is ready to make a lewd comment has kept fans in stitches for over a decade. Even though he tried to kill the Warden upon their first meeting, his nonchalant attitude and willingness to change sides made it hard to hold it against him. An impressive feat considering how many people the Warden had killed before they met.

Zevran is a romance option in Dragon Age: Origins, and is a favorite among its players.

Beneath all the bluster though is a man in deep pain. Zevran's upbringing as an Antivan Crow has left him emotionally damaged in ways he isn't fully prepared to explain, let alone heal from. It is up to the Warden to help Zevran begin to pick up the pieces of his life and figure out what he wants to do with it now that he no longer serves the Crows. It's no wonder, then, that so many fans hope to see him return at some point in the future.

4 Varric Has Kind of Become the Face of Dragon Age

A True and Trusted Friend

Varric Tethras has done something few other characters ever have: he has shown up in three out of the four games, and each time played a prominent role in the story. As a writer, Varric is sort of the series' unofficial narrator, bringing his own jaded sense of humor to a story, but still able to cut straight to the heart of what makes it so special. His unique sense of humor and unwavering loyalty to those who he considers friends made him a fan favorite immediately. So it is no surprise that Varric ended up appearing in each of the sequels following his first appearance.

Varric is never a romantic option no matter what game he is in.

Originally a companion of Dragon Age 2's main protagonist, Hawke, the loveable rogue ended up becoming something of a brother to them, and would consistently join them on their adventures. Also, keep in mind that Varric was under interrogation when he was telling his story to Cassandra, and had no way of knowing whether he would be imprisoned or executed if he was caught in a lie, yet he did so anyway, all to protect his friend.

3 Leliana Was Adorable, Then Incredible

One of the Most Compelling Character Arcs in the Series

Leliana started out as a capable, if naive, bard who accompanied the Warden on their quest to end the Fifth Blight. At first, she was cute in her approach to things, having a very simplistic, but strong view of the world, believing in right and wrong. However, her statements about receiving direct guidance from the Maker caused her to be doubted by many. As time passed and Leliana grew more wise to the ways of the world, her attitude began to shift, even becoming hardened to it should the Warden take that approach.

Leliana could become Divine of the Chantry if the Inquisitor wishes.

Years later, Leliana had become even more capable. Gone was the young woman who wanted to fix the world according to the Maker's will. Now she was a shrewd spymaster, feared by many across Thedas. With a little help from the Inquisitor, Leliana could soften and start to take a more unifying approach or become even more ruthless. Either way, she is a valued ally and someone everyone wants in their corner. That kind of growth is rare to find in a character.

2 Morrigan Grew From a Witch Into an Old Friend

A Series Staple

Who would have thought that the random witch found living in a swamp would be at the heart of the last two decades' worth of Thedas' major events? Morrigan's story connected to the history of Thedas in a way no one expected, tying her to the ancient elven goddess, Mythal, and connecting her to at least three of Thedas' biggest heroes: the Warden, the Inquisitor, and Rook. She went from someone trying to get away from her mother, to learning about who her family truly was and trying to help the world in a way she never could for those she loved.

Morrigan's first words to both the Warden and the Inquisitor are "Well, well. What have we here."

Her personality growth was also amazing to behold. Morrigan initially started out as cold and harsh, not holding back with her thoughts regarding others no matter how unkind. As time passed though, Morrigan came to be more accepting of others, be it love, friendship, or motherhood that mellowed her with time. By the time of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, where Morrigan's presence was once feared, now she is considered a valued ally, and even a friend.

1 Alistair Is the Companion Everyone Wants to Return

The Pinnacle of Dragon Age Companions

It's impossible to hate Alistair, the Warden's first real companion following their origin story is loveable, dorky, and just an all-around good guy. Alistair is a young man who chooses to do the right thing, even when it is hard. He joined the Grey Wardens just shy of being twenty years old, recognizing that it meant a life of difficult service, but he did it because Fereldan needed wardens to fight the blight. He can even become King of Fereldan if the Warden wishes. Not because he wanted power, the opposite really, but because Fereldan needed a stable monarchy. In short, Alistair always puts others ahead of himself.

Alistair doesn't have to be king and can remain a grey warden.

Aside from his noble qualities, Alistair is also a good friend. He is there to make the party laugh even when he doesn't mean to do so, often being a much-needed source of levity in their grim circumstances. Yet it is his heart that earns the most love from fans. Whether it be as a romantic partner or a friend, Alistair is just so likable. Many people want him to appear in future installments, but with his path being potentially set as a king by most players, it seems unlikely he will rejoin a game's companion roster any time soon.