A Well-Oiled Machine: The Video Game NPCs That Actually Follow Orders

The world of video game companions is a spectrum, ranging from incredibly helpful allies to bumbling liabilities. While many NPCs are notorious for getting in the way, running into gunfire, or just standing around while you’re getting swarmed, a select few stand out as a testament to good AI design. These are the characters who not only follow orders but often anticipate your needs, making them feel less like a sidekick and more like a true partner. The mark of a truly great companion is not just their ability to execute a command but their autonomy and how well they integrate into the gameplay without being a burden.

The recent surge in generative AI has promised a future of truly autonomous and dynamic NPCs, but even with traditional, scripted AI, some developers have managed to create companions that are genuinely a joy to have in your party. These NPCs are a result of careful design, with their programming focused on utility and support rather than just being a walking, talking quest log. They prove that you don’t need a cutting-edge language model to create a memorable and effective ally.

The Best of the Best: Companions Who Are Actually Helpful

These characters are a masterclass in companion AI, proving that a well-designed partner can elevate a game from good to great.

• The Pawns of Dragon’s Dogma: The Pawn system is the gold standard for companion AI. They are not just followers; they are autonomous adventurers with their own personalities and a wealth of knowledge. Pawns will remember the weak points of enemies they’ve fought, know the geography of areas they’ve explored, and even provide real-time advice during combat. The fact that you can hire other players’ Pawns, who come with their own experiences, creates a dynamic and ever-changing team that feels truly alive.
• BT-7274 from Titanfall 2: BT is more than just a big robot; he is the emotional core of the game and a perfectly executed partner. His loyalty is hard-coded into his system (“Protocol 3: Link to Pilot”), and he is incredibly responsive to your commands. You can order him to engage enemies, switch weapon loadouts, and follow a specific path. What makes him so great is how he executes these orders with a sense of dedication and even personality, making him feel like a true friend in the chaos of battle.
• The Squad from Ghost Recon: Wildlands: Team-based shooters are often plagued by terrible AI, but Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a rare exception. With a simple command, you can order your team to execute a “Sync Shot,” a perfectly coordinated strike that takes down multiple targets at once. This ability is a game-changer and a perfect example of how a simple command system can be used to create a powerful and satisfying gameplay loop. Your squadmates are responsive, tactical, and, most importantly, effective.
• Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite: Elizabeth is a masterclass in a non-combat companion. She never gets in your way, and she doesn’t use a weapon. Instead, she is a support character who is constantly searching the environment for useful items. Her most impressive ability is her situational awareness. During a frantic gunfight, she will yell “Booker, catch!” and toss you health, ammo, or Salts. She also has the ability to open “tears,” which can be commanded to summon cover, turrets, or even new enemies to fight for you. She is a perfect example of a companion who is fully integrated into the gameplay loop without ever being a liability.

The Simple but Effective: Companions Who Just Get the Job Done

While these companions may not have the complexity of a Pawn or the emotional depth of BT, they are incredibly effective at their core function.

• Dogmeat from Fallout 4: In a world of complex companions who complain about your moral choices, Dogmeat is a breath of fresh air. He is simple, loyal, and incredibly effective. You can order him to attack enemies, stay in one spot, or fetch items, and he will do it without question. He also has a great sense of self-preservation, which is more than you can say for most other companions in the series. He is a quintessential example of how “simple is better” when it comes to companion AI.
• The Squad from Star Wars: Republic Commando: This classic title is a testament to the power of a well-designed squad. Your team of clone commandos responds to a few simple orders, such as “clear a room,” “breach and clear,” or “set up a defensive position.” They execute these orders with a surprising level of tactical awareness, making you feel like a real leader of an elite squad.
• The Companions of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: While often a source of memes, Skyrim’s companions are surprisingly effective at their core functions. You can tell them to attack a target, stand guard, or carry your burdens, and they will do it without complaint. While they may not be the most tactical or well-animated, they are reliable and a welcome addition to any adventurer’s journey.

In the end, the best NPCs are not just a static part of the world; they are a dynamic extension of the player. They are a partner in crime, a loyal friend, and a reliable ally. While the future of gaming promises even more intelligent and reactive characters, we can still appreciate the ones who proved that even with a limited set of commands, a video game companion can be a true hero.