Starfield BEST Companions After 250 Hours Gameplay
After spending 250+ hours on Starfield, here are my recommendations for the best companions.
In the beautiful universe of Starfield, choosing a companion can make or break your cosmic adventures. While each companion boasts unique skills and tales, Sarah Morgan stands out as the best companion. Her blend of exploration prowess, combat expertise, and a compelling role in the game’s narrative elevates her above others. Still, I have compiled the Starfield Best Companion list which includes the top 8 options you can opt for!
- Companions in Starfield significantly enhance the gameplay experience by diversifying strategies.
- Each companion offers unique skills that cater to different playstyles and mission types.
- Investing in the best companion in Starfield can maximize resource gathering, exploration, and combat efficiency.
- Balancing companions based on mission requirements optimizes success rates.
- Too much reliance on a single companion might limit the player’s experience of Starfield’s full spectrum.
- Ensuring a harmonious crew combination can affect ship morale and mission outcomes.
- Strategic placement, whether in combat or outposts, maximizes each companion’s potential in Starfield.
- Author’s Note: I’ve played Starfield for roughly 250 hours via Xbox, experiencing every mechanic and element the title offers.
Best Companions In Starfield Compared
Here is an overview of the 8 best companions to have in Starfield, showcased along with the best features, and roles/expertise they offer you in the game:
| Serial Number | Name | Best Feature(s) | Role or Expertise | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarah Morgan | Versatility, Combat Prowess, Character Depth | Astrodynamics, Botany, Laser weapons | Best Narrative. |
| 2 | Sam Coe | Adept Pilot, Combat Excellence, Intriguing Backstory | Piloting, Rifle Certification, Payloads, Geology | Best Rifle Skills. |
| 3 | Andreja | Stealth Prodigy, Ship Combat Expertise, Moral Flexibility | Stealth, Particle Beams, Pickpocketing | Best Romance Option. |
| 4 | Barrett | Starship Maestro, Robotic Counter, Gourmet Craftsman | Starship Engineering, Particle Beam Weapon Systems, Robotics | Best Ship Support. |
| 5 | Marika Boros | Combat Focus, Specialized Skills | Ballistics, Shotgun Certification, Particle Beam Weapon Systems | Best Combat Ablities. |
| 6 | Simeon Bankowski | At A Distance Playstyle, Undisputed Combat Expertise | Sniper Certification, Sharpshooting & Marksmanship | Best Long Distance Fighter. |
| 7 | Ezekiel | Affordable Expertise, Survivability First, Economical Exploration | Energy Weapon Dissipation, Shield Systems, Scavenging | Best Survival Skills. |
| 8 | Rosie Tannehill | Medical Mastery, Enhanced Durability, Financial Flexibility | Medicine, Wellness | Best Medic. |
1. Sarah Morgan
- Why I Chose This: She will offer you great skills to work with while keeping you engaged with her interesting personality and rich narrative.
Sarah Morgan, the first companion you unlock in Starfield, offers unparalleled advantages.
| Faction | Affiliation | Role | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| United Colonies |
|
Chair of Constellation (2325 – present) | Astrodynamics, Lasers, Leadership and Botany | Sarah Morgan can be recruited as a companion right when you start the main story mission known as The Old Neighborhood. | Players develop a romantic relationship with Sarah, culminating in a marriage officiated by Aja. |
In comparison with Sam Coe, while he’s an excellent ranged fighter due to his Rifle Certification, in my opinion, Sarah’s broad skill set, rich backstory, and central role in Starfield’s narrative make her the best companion choice in Starfield. Here’s why she stands out:
Versatility
Her skills cater to both exploration and combat. Her expertise in Astrodynamics extends jump drive ranges by 15%, allowing players to explore the galaxy’s vastness with ease. Coupled with her Botany skill, players can harvest valuable resources, cultivating a diverse range of flora at their outposts.
Combat Prowess
Sarah’s proficiency with Laser weapons makes her invaluable in combat scenarios. Even though laser weapons might be rare initially, having a companion who maximizes their potential can be a game-changer. Her background in Starfield as a former soldier ensures she is adept in battle, standing toe-to-toe with other companions like Sam Coe.
Character Depth
Beyond her skills, Sarah’s character is intricate. She’s central to Starfield’s narrative and is a familiar voice from the trailers. With a unique companion quest and a romance option, players can immerse themselves in her story, enriching their gameplay experience.
Leadership
Her leadership skill ensures faster affinity gains with companions, making team synergy and collaboration smoother.
- Amazing combat potential.
- Romance options.
- Strong opinions by Sarah Morgan might not be for everyone.
2. Sam Coe
- Why I Chose This: I found myself very interested in the way he cared for his daughter. Not to mention all the rifle and piloting skills he offers.
| Faction | Affiliation | Role | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| Freestar Collective |
|
Pilot | Piloting, Rifle Certification, Payloads & Geology | At the start of the main story mission titled The Empty Nest, you can enlist Sam Coe as a companion | To romance Sam, develop affinity through flirts, alignment with values, Cora praise, and completing quests. |
In comparison to other companions, Sam’s balanced skill set and rich personal history make him a valuable asset both in gameplay mechanics and narrative depth. When evaluating companions in Starfield, Sam Coe stands out distinctively, and here’s why:
Adept Pilot
In the vast expanse of space, having an efficient pilot is indispensable. With Sam’s expertise in Piloting, players benefit from increased ship maneuverability, ensuring quicker reactions to threats and efficient exploration. This trait alone can make your journeys in the cosmos a smoother experience.
Combat Excellence
For players who lean towards rifle gameplay, Sam’s Rifle Certification is a boon. Ensuring more damage per shot, he can effectively turn the tide in challenging combat scenarios, offering a strategic advantage.
Cargo And Resource Management
Sam’s skills in Payloads and Geology can transform your resource-gathering expeditions. His ability to expand ship cargo capacity ensures you carry more loot, and with his geology knowledge, mining becomes more fruitful, maximizing gains from planetary surfaces.
Intriguing Backstory
Beyond utility, Sam’s past with the Freestar Rangers and his dynamics with his daughter Cora adds depth to his character. Navigating his complex relations, especially avoiding the United Colonies, enriches the narrative experience.
Legacy Challenges
His desire to break free from his father’s shadow provides a compelling character motivation, adding layers to his interactions and quests.
- Massive advantage in battles.
- In-depth story.
- Some players might not enjoy Sam Coe’s personality.
Related to this: Best Major Factions in Starfield
3. Andreja
- Why I Chose This: She was the best marriage option for me because of her flexibility. She also offers a balanced skillset that can be extremely useful.
| Faction | Affiliation | Role | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| Constellation | Constellation | Astronomer and Navigator | Energy Weapon Systems, Particle Beams, Stealth & Theft | You can have Andreja as a companion once you reach the Into the Unknown main story mission. | Visit her room at The Lodge, and choose romantic dialogue options. |
Considering her balanced skill set, mysterious persona, and moral flexibility, Andreja emerges as the best choice for a companion in Starfield for diverse gameplay experiences. Among the myriad of companions in Starfield, Andreja stands out, offering a unique blend of skills and personality. Here’s why:
Stealth Prodigy
For players who prefer the silent approach, Andreja is unmatched. Her ability to turn invisible when crouched ensures covert operations are seamless. The added stealth meter, coupled with amplified sneak attack damage from suppressed weapons, makes her indispensable for stealth-based strategies.
Ship Combat Expertise
In space, Andreja’s proficiency in Particle Beams and Energy Weapon Systems gives players a significant edge. She enhances ship particle beams and reduces costs in Targeting mode, optimizing space combat encounters.
Thievery Skills
In a game with myriad mission types, Andreja’s pickpocketing skill can prove invaluable. This unique ability allows players to approach scenarios differently, often bypassing confrontations or procuring key items discreetly.
Complex Character
Andreja isn’t just a bundle of skills; she’s a riddle within the Constellation. Her enigmatic nature and unparalleled self-reliance add depth to her character, making interactions and quests with her more intriguing.
Moral Flexibility
For players who sometimes take the less virtuous route, Andreja’s leniency towards “evil” actions provides freedom in decision-making without risking companion affinity.
- Great thievery skills.
- Allows for some immoral actions.
- Merciless killing might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
4. Barrett
- Why I Chose This: He helped my ship become very durable while increasing the particle beam’s damage.
| Faction | Affiliation | Role | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| United Colonies | Constellation | Engineer | Starship Engineering, Particle Beam Weapon Systems, Robotics & Gastronomy | Barrett can be recruited at the commencement of the main story mission called Back to Vectera. | To romance Barrett, boost affinity through humor, non-violence, and aiding his investigation into his late husband’s death. |
While individual playstyles and preferences dictate the best companion choice in Starfield, Barrett is undeniably a boon for players who prioritize their starship’s prowess and longevity. Barrett, despite being unlocked later, brings a unique charm to the table, especially for players focused on their starship’s efficiency and integrity. Here’s the rationale:
Starship Maestro
With Barrett’s expertise in Starship Engineering, all ship systems repair at an accelerated rate. This ensures that prolonged space expeditions and skirmishes leave a minimal lasting impact on your vessel, reducing downtime.
Weapon Systems Specialist
Leveraging his knowledge in Particle Beam Weapon Systems, Barrett enhances ship particle beams’ efficiency. The reduced cost in Targeting mode and amplified damage give players a distinct edge in space dogfights.
Robotic Counter
In a universe filled with mechanized threats, Barrett’s proficiency in Robotics is invaluable. Not only does he amplify damage against Robots and Turrets, but his unique ability to neutralize a higher-level robot temporarily can drastically change the outcome of battles.
Gourmet Craftsman
A touch of Barrett’s Gastronomy skill ensures players can craft specialty meals and beverages. This, in turn, might provide unique buffs or heal the player, adding another layer to gameplay strategies.
Versatile Adventurer
As an early encounter and a pivotal member of the Constellation team, Barrett’s engineering and mechanical aptitude ensures he remains relevant, especially for players focusing on ship-based gameplay.
- Buffs your ship’s repair speed.
- Gives an advantage to your ship’s particle beams.
- Will complain every time you kill.
5. Marika Boros
- Why I Chose This: She is completely focused on combat and will give you unparalleled buffs in Ballistics, Shotguns, and Particle Beams.
| Best Features | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| Combat Focus, Specialized Skills | Shotgun Certification, Ballistics & Particle Beam Weapon Systems | To hire Marika Boros, players can visit The Viewport in the Alpha Centauri star system. | No Romance option |
For players seeking a combat-centric playstyle, Marika Boros is easily the best companion in Starfield that stands as a force to be reckoned with, offering unmatched combat prowess in both terrestrial and celestial skirmishes.
In the expansive universe of Starfield, the threats are abundant. For players prioritizing raw combat strength, Marika Boros is an unparalleled asset. Here’s a breakdown:
Combat Focus
While other companions offer versatility, Marika is honed for battle. She brings a unique advantage in high-stakes combat situations, ensuring enemies both on land and in space are dealt with decisively.
Specialized Skills
- Ballistics: With her advanced skill in Ballistics, Marika supercharges the potency of ballistic ship weapons, making space encounters lean in the player’s favor.
- Shotgun Certification: On the ground, her expertise ensures shotguns deal significantly more damage, essential for close-quarters combat.
- Particle Beam Weapon Systems: Marika further bolsters the ship’s offensive capabilities, enhancing the damage and efficiency of particle beam weapons.
Accessible Early On
Found in Jemison’s Viewport, players can recruit Marika early in their journey, making challenging quests in the initial stages more manageable.
Negotiable Recruitment
Though her asking price is steep, adept players can leverage their persuasion skills to recruit her at a discounted rate, obtaining top-tier combat prowess without breaking the bank.
Focused Arsenal
While she might have fewer skills compared to other companions, Marika’s concentrated combat expertise ensures she’s invaluable during confrontations.
- All skills focus on ensuring a combat advantage.
- Easy to recruit during early-game.
- No skills other than combat.
6. Simeon Bankowski
- Why I Chose This: He is the strongest long-ranged combat option for you because of his Sniper Certification and Sharpshooting skills.
| Best Features | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| At A Distance Playstyle, Undisputed Combat Expertise | Sharpshooting, Sniper Certification & Marksmanship | To enlist Simeon Bankowski, players can visit The Viewport in the Alpha Centauri star system. | No Romance option |
Simeon Bankowski isn’t just another crew member; he’s a sniper aficionado, ensuring that in the vast expanse of Starfield, threats are neutralized before they even get close. If long-range engagements are your strategy, Simeon is the indisputable choice.
Navigating the galaxy, one comes across various challenges, and sometimes, the best offense is keeping a distance. This is where Simeon Bankowski, the master of long-range warfare, shines brightly in Starfield.
At A Distance Playstyle
Simeon’s entire skillset is crafted for those who prefer surgical precision from afar.
- Sniper Certification: Scoped weapons under Simeon’s expertise become incredibly stable, reducing sway and improving accuracy. This is invaluable for players who prioritize sniper gameplay.
- Sharpshooting & Marksmanship: These skills enhance damage output, ensuring enemies are dispatched efficiently. With a 50% increase in headshot critical damage and a heightened critical hit chance, Simeon’s marksmanship is unparalleled.
Immediate Asset
One can recruit Simeon early in their journey, making him an invaluable asset in early-game sniper engagements.
Undisputed Combat Expertise
While some companions offer versatility, Simeon’s combat-focused abilities make him the definitive choice for clearing enemy outposts and embarking on combat-heavy quests.
Negotiable Recruitment
Despite his high initial fee, savvy players can utilize persuasion boosts to negotiate and cut their asking price, obtaining an elite sniper companion without a hefty investment.
- Buffs damage output.
- Very cool personality.
- No romance options.
More from eXputer: Best Traits in Starfield
7. Ezekiel
For those prioritizing survival and economic proficiency, Ezekiel is the go-to choice & the best companion in Starfield.
- Why I Chose This: He helped me gain extra credits while I was exploring. Not to mention you can save your existing credits because of Economical Exploration.
| Faction | Best Features | Skills | Current Location | Romance |
| Freestar Collective | Affordable Expertise, Survivability First, Economical Exploration | Scavenging, Shield Systems, and Energy Weapon Dissipation | Aggie’s Bar, Akila City | No Romance option |
His combination of defensive capabilities and treasure-hunting skills ensures a well-rounded, protective, and prosperous journey through Starfield. When exploring the vast universe of Starfield, having a companion who prioritizes survival and economic efficiency is invaluable. Enter Ezekiel, a standout choice for adventurers looking for just that.
Affordable Expertise
Unlike Simeon, recruiting Ezekiel won’t drain your wallet. In fact, he’s free! This financial leniency means players can utilize their credits elsewhere, enhancing their overall experience.
Survivability First
Ezekiel’s skills are tailored to keep players alive and thriving.
- Energy Weapon Dissipation: With a remarkable ability to reduce energy damage, Ezekiel ensures encounters with foes wielding energy weapons are far less threatening.
- Shield Systems: As space encounters can turn deadly, an increased ship shield capacity is a boon, offering players a buffer against potential space threats.
Economical Exploration
Adventuring can be costly. Ezekiel’s Scavenging skill is a solution to this. There’s a chance of finding extra credits when searching containers, optimizing the player’s financial gains, and ensuring they’re always equipped.
A Genuine Explorer
Beyond his skills, Ezekiel’s character embodies the essence of an explorer. His infectious love for traveling makes him a delightful companion on long journeys.
- Great option for explorers.
- Allows you to gather more credits.
- Not suited for pirates.
8. Rosie Tannehill
- Why I Chose This: She’s my go-to choice for a higher survivability chance during missions.
| Faction | Best Features | Skills | How to Recruit | Romance |
| Freestar Collective | Medical Mastery, Enhanced Durability, Financial Flexibility | Medicine & Wellness | To secure Rosie Tannehill’s services, players can visit The Hitching Post in Akila City. | No Romance option |
Rosie Tannehill is not just a companion; she’s your lifeline. Her unparalleled medical expertise and wellness enhancement make every Starfield mission a more viable and survivable endeavor.
When traversing the treacherous terrains and battling formidable foes in Starfield, the importance of survivability cannot be stressed enough. Rosie Tannehill shines brilliantly in this aspect, making her an indispensable ally.
Medical Mastery
Rosie’s proficiency in Medicine is an absolute game-changer. The 10% faster restoration of HP from Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits can be the pivotal difference between life and death during tense situations. Whether you’re on a combat mission or exploring hazardous environments, rapid health restoration is vital.
Enhanced Durability
Rosie’s Wellness skill elevates the difficulty in the Starfield threshold by a notch. An impressive 30% increase in max health allows players to face challenges head-on, providing a significant cushion against unexpected threats.
Financial Flexibility
While Rosie’s expertise is invaluable, players can haggle to recruit her at a bargain. Successfully persuading Rosie cuts the recruitment cost in half, granting you access to her exceptional skills at a fraction of the price.
Strategic Placement
Whether accompanying you into the heat of battle or stationed at outposts, Rosie’s health-enhancing skills guarantee optimized performance and longevity.
- Buffs your overall HP.
- Soothing voice.
- Can’t romance Rosie Tannehill.
Community Poll
My Verdict
I chose to go with Marika Boros not just because of her combat abilities, but also her great personality. She’s just fun and wholesome to be around. Although, I understand some players might prefer a more balanced companion.
To sum it up, navigating Starfield’s expansive cosmos demands a reliable ally. While each companion offers distinct advantages tailored to individual playstyles, Sarah Morgan consistently emerges as the frontrunner. Her multifaceted skillset, combat acumen, and central narrative role cement her position as the optimal choice for a well-rounded Starfield journey. While you’re also check out a similar guide for the best starting skills in Starfield.
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