Best Open-World Games Where Your Companions Can Die, Ranked

Open-world games have become all the rage in modern times. Players love the idea of getting invested in these sandboxes as they engage in a central gameplay loop that consists of combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, and more. This is especially entertaining when players can explore the world with a bevy of beloved companions to make things easier and more fun.

However, there are times when the dangers in the world are so immense that companions can die, leaving players without any help as they make their way through a hostile landscape. Unless players are total degenerates, most will want to ensure that their companions are safe and sound at their side, instead of leaving them to the wolves at the first sign of trouble.

Related

6 Most Relaxing Side Activities In Open-World Games

When players get worn out by the intensity of an open-world story campaign, these relaxing side activities are there to give them a break.

5

State Of Decay 2

At Higher Difficulties, Companions Can Die Easily

Players who want to simulate surviving in the zombie apocalypse and forming close-knit communities will love what State of Decay 2 brings to the table. As hard as the game can be, players can safely explore the world with a survivor as their companion on normal difficulty, giving them more confidence as they power their way through the many challenges.

However, things take a turn for the worse in hard mode. The enemies in the world are so relentless that the player’s companion is bound to die. This is why many veterans recommend that players scavenge solo when playing at these difficulties. The AI can be all over the place and can lead to the community losing a member out of sheer stupidity.

4

Kenshi

Prepare For Companion Deaths When Traveling In A Big Group

Kenshi

Released

December 6, 2018

• 

Kenshi is one of the best open-world games for players who enjoy freeform gameplay. Based on the main character’s background, they are unceremoniously dropped into this post-apocalyptic world without any knowledge of how to make progress. This is by design, with the player’s umpteenth death at the hands of a Bonedog making it clear that they can’t explore this hostile world without improving at least some of their stats.

Players must also find companions willing to accompany them. Barring a few good Samaritans, most of these mercenaries require money, and players will have their work cut out for them as they try to grind out as much cash as possible to afford just a single companion. This is why losing a partner early on can be brutal. Most players hope that their companions get crippled after losing their health instead of being decapitated by a group of bandits who swarm the player out of nowhere.

3

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

Players Will Hate Losing Heroes They’ve Built Up

Bannerlord is an excellent sequel that Mount & Blade fans will feel right at home with. Players start from humble beginnings, before eventually serving a liege and fighting in their name. However, the progression doesn’t stop here. Some advanced players can break off and form a group of their own that can eventually take over entire kingdoms.

4:40

Related

8 Best Open-World Games With Extensive End-Game Content, Ranked

These open-world games offer near-infinite playtime with content that goes beyond the main quests.

As a result, players are bound to find a ton of people to accompany them on their journey. Kitting them out in optimal gear is a must to improve their effectiveness in battle, which is why it’s always a major loss when one of these loyal companions ends up falling in combat. This is why players must manage their assaults wisely and ensure that the most valuable troops in their army don’t come into harm’s way too often.

The Dragonborn Can Snuff Out A Companion’s Life

Skyrim is a legendary RPG full of loyal companions that will accompany the player after they complete certain tasks for them. Beating someone in a challenge, becoming the Thane of a city, or aiding people by completing quests ensures that numerous companions will line up to accompany the player in their travels. While they can be harmed in combat, most companions will just take a knee and enter rest mode, healing up before rejoining the fray.

The only person who has the power to kill a companion is the Dragonborn themselves. This can happen either by accident, or if players are asked to sacrifice one of their companions in a twisted ritual. It’s not nice to see the player character wail on their friend until they suffer a permanent death, making it one of the most inhumane actions players can carry out in Skyrim.

1

Fallout: New Vegas

A Stellar RPG Where A Companion’s Life Is Guaranteed

Fallout: New Vegas is one of the greatest RPGs of all time. Fans love Obsidian Entertainment’s magnum opus for respecting the Fallout universe and the player’s time as they allow them to engage with complex and rewarding role-playing mechanics. As one would expect, the Mojave is full of people who can accompany the player on their travels, ranging from Eyebots to Ghouls.

It helps that all of these characters are a blast to interact with, which is why players will hate it if one of their friends dies. This is a huge threat in Hardcore mode, but there are other ways for players to permanently lose and kill their companions. Players can sell Arcade Gannon to Caesar’s Legion, or lure Sharon Cassidy into the Silver Rush to meet her end at the hands of people who hate her. These are just some of the ways players can be absolutely monstrous towards their companions.

3:55

More

8 Best Open-World Games Where Exploration Is Intense, Ranked

These open-world games may look sunny in their screenshots, but they are filled with dangers that make exploration a stressful affair.