The introduction of Companions in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) was a major game-changer, providing players with a valuable ally to accompany them on their adventures throughout Tamriel. These companions offer not only a unique combat edge but also introduce a fresh layer of roleplaying, story, and customization to the game. As of 2025, the Companion system continues to evolve, with new companions, quests, and improvements to their mechanics being added.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about companions in ESO, from how to recruit them to the best ways to maximize their effectiveness in both PvE and PvP. Whether you’re a veteran of ESO or a newcomer, this guide will provide insights to make the most out of your companions.

What Are Companions in ESO?

Companions in ESO are AI-controlled allies that you can recruit to join your character on quests, dungeon runs, and other activities across the game world. They come with unique personalities, backstories, and skill sets, and they can be fully customized to suit your preferred playstyle. Unlike other MMORPG companions, ESO’s system allows players to actively control their companions’ gear, abilities, and tactics.

Key Features of Companions:

Combat Assistants: Companions will fight alongside you, taking on enemies and helping with healing, damage-dealing, or tanking depending on the companion’s role.

Personality and Quests: Each companion has a distinct personality and backstory, and interacting with them can lead to interesting dialogue and side quests. Some companions have personal quests that allow you to deepen your bond with them.

Customization: You can customize your companions’ armor, weapons, and even their abilities, allowing them to complement your character’s skills and tactics.

Available in Solo and Group Play: Whether you're completing solo content or running dungeons, companions will adjust their performance based on your needs.

How to Recruit Companions in ESO (2025 Update)

Recruiting companions in ESO involves several steps. In 2025, the process has become streamlined and more accessible for players.

Step-by-Step Process for Recruiting a Companion:

Reach Level 5:

You must reach at least Level 5 in the game before you can recruit a companion. This ensures that you have a basic understanding of game mechanics and can effectively manage your new companion.

Complete Companion Introduction Quest:

Once you’ve reached Level 5, you’ll need to complete a Companion Introduction Quest. These quests vary depending on the companion you are seeking to recruit. For example, recruiting Bastian Hallix (a tanking-oriented companion) will require you to do his introductory quest in Glenumbra, while Mirri Elendis (a ranged damage dealer) has her own specific questline in Shadowfen.

These quests will introduce you to the lore behind each companion, give you a brief overview of their personalities, and offer you the opportunity to recruit them.

Recruitment Process:

After completing the introduction quest, you’ll be given the option to recruit the companion. You will need to make a one-time payment or meet certain questline requirements to finalize the recruitment.

Some companions can be recruited as part of DLCs or special expansions, so keep an eye out for specific content packs if you’re looking for particular companions.

Types of Companions

Each companion in ESO has a unique skill set and combat role, making it important to choose one that complements your character’s abilities and style of play. The companions available in 2025 provide players with a wide range of choices to suit different playstyles.

1. Tank Companions:

Bastian Hallix: A knight-like companion, Bastian excels at tanking. His abilities focus on mitigating damage, controlling aggro, and supporting the player through shielding and healing spells. He’s particularly useful for solo players or those who prefer having a durable companion to handle enemy attention.

Skills: Shield Wall, Rallying Cry, Dauntless Block

Best For: Solo players or DPS-heavy characters who need a reliable tank.

2. DPS (Damage Dealer) Companions:

Mirri Elendis: Mirri is a high-damage ranged companion who specializes in bow and arrow combat. She’s an excellent choice for players who need a powerful ranged damage dealer to complement their own DPS skills. With the ability to deal high single-target and AoE damage, Mirri excels in both PvE and PvP settings.

Skills: Arrow Barrage, Poisoned Arrows, Critical Hit Focus

Best For: Players who focus on ranged combat or need a damage-dealing companion to increase their DPS output.

Ember: A fire-wielding companion with destructive magical abilities, Ember uses Destruction Staff abilities to deal massive AoE damage. She can decimate groups of enemies with fireball spells and area-of-effect attacks.

Skills: Inferno Blast, Firestorm, Molten Lava

Best For: Spellcasting players or those looking to add powerful magic to their combat.

3. Healer Companions:

Gina: A healing-oriented companion, Gina’s abilities focus on keeping the player alive through restorative magic, including healing over time and group-wide buffs. Her ability to heal through damage and protect the player in tough fights makes her indispensable during difficult content.

Skills: Rejuvenate, Healing Ward, Blessed Shield

Best For: Players who require a support character to sustain them in long battles or dungeons.

Companion Customization in ESO (2025 Update)

In 2025, customization of companions has received a significant overhaul, giving players more control over how their companions function in combat.

1. Gear Customization:

You can equip your companion with armor, weapons, and accessories. The gear you provide will determine how effective your companion is in battle. For example, a tank companion like Bastian will benefit from high armor ratings, while a DPS companion like Mirri will perform better with damage-boosting gear.

Gear can be upgraded using the same crafting materials you use for your character’s gear, including enchantments for added stat bonuses.

2. Abilities and Skills:

You can re-spec a companion’s abilities in much the same way you can your own character. Each companion comes with a base skill set, but as you level them up, you can unlock additional abilities. Each companion has an ultimate ability that can be strategically used in combat to turn the tide of battle.

Abilities can be customized and set in a companion’s ability bar, and you can toggle certain abilities to use them automatically or manually during combat.

3. Personality and Relationship:

Companions have different personalities that affect their interactions with you, and how they react to your choices during quests. Building a relationship with your companion through dialogue and specific quests can unlock additional bonuses and side content.

Players can increase affection with their companions through actions that align with their personal beliefs. For example, a selfless act may appeal to a compassionate companion, while a ruthless decision might appeal to a more cold-hearted companion.

How to Optimize Companion Use in ESO (2025)

Getting the most out of your companion requires more than just having them in your party. Here are some tips to maximize your companion’s effectiveness in both PvE and PvP:

1. Combat Synergy:

Match their strengths to your needs: If you’re a DPS character, pairing with a tank or healer companion will complement your weaknesses. Similarly, a tanking player might benefit from a high DPS companion to balance out their own playstyle.

Assign them specific roles: Use the companion’s ability wheel to set them to different tactics. For example, set a companion to tank mode in a difficult fight or healing mode in group content like dungeons or raids.

2. Equipment Matching:

Equip your companion with the best gear to suit their role. For instance, make sure your tank companion has high defense stats and your healer wears support gear with buffs to healing output.

3. Roleplaying and Dialogue:

Engage with your companions regularly to build rapport and unlock additional benefits. The affinity system means your companion will become more powerful and loyal as you align with their personal beliefs and preferences.

Conclusion

In 2025, Companions in ESO have become an integral part of the game, offering players more ways to enjoy content with a personal ally by their side. Whether you’re looking for a reliable tank to soak up damage, a skilled healer to keep you alive, or a damage-dealing companion to increase your DPS, there’s a companion in ESO that suits every need. The companion customization system in 2025 has also given players even more control over their companions' abilities and gear, making them indispensable for solo and group play.

With companions being involved in both major PvE and PvP content, now is the perfect time to build your companion team and experiment with various playstyles. Take the time to explore their personalities, build relationships, ESO Gold and take on all of Tamriel’s challenges with your new trusty allies by your side!