Best Open-World RPGs with Animal Companions

Geralt of Rivia rides Roach through a beautifully detailed war-torn continent, but the true animal companion is the pack of wolves you can summon. These wolves assist in combat and investigation, adding strategic depth to the expansive Eastern European fantasy setting.

Arthur Morgan forms deep bonds with his horse, which is treated as a living character with memory and personality. The game also features wolves and coyotes that can be befriended, offering a realistic and immersive open-world experience with dynamic wildlife interactions.

Aloy is joined by Sylens' drone and later her own robotic wolf, Nora, though the core gameplay revolves around taming and riding massive mechanical dinosaurs. The unique blend of post-apocalyptic storytelling and robotic animal companions creates a distinctive RPG experience.

Players recruit Pawns who may have specific traits, including animal-like agility or strength, and can summon Griffin companions for aerial traversal. The game emphasizes physical combat and exploration in a high-fantasy open world where animal allies play a tactical role.

While minimalist, the protagonist Wander rides Agro, a loyal steed that follows him across forbidden lands. The bond with Agro is central to the emotional weight of the game, making every journey across the vast, empty world feel personal and poignant.

Henry can befriend dogs who act as hunting companions and alerts you to nearby dangers. The realistic medieval setting makes these interactions feel grounded, enhancing the survival aspects of the open-world RPG through tracking and stealth mechanics.

Though not a traditional companion in the sense of dialogue, players can summon spectral wolves and other spirit ashes to aid in battle. The game also allows the player to ride Torrent, a spectral steed that can climb walls, facilitating exploration of the Lands Between.

Players can hire an Astalos or other Palamute creatures that fight alongside them and traverse the map faster. These dog-like companions are integral to hunting large monsters, providing unique attacks and mobility options in a seamless open zone.

Set in the Stone Age, players tame wolves and saber-toothed tigers to hunt and fight alongside them. The animal companions are not just tools but integral to the tribal survival gameplay, offering distinct abilities in combat and exploration.

Alexios or Kassandra can befriend a pet wolf named Lykaon who assists in stealth takedowns and tracking. This companion adds a layer of personal connection to the mythological Greek open world, enhancing the RPG elements of choice and consequence.

Link can befriend various animals, including wolves and dogs, by leaving them food. While they do not fight, these interactions add life to Hyrule, and the player can ride wolves for faster traversal in certain contexts, enhancing the sense of wilderness.

While primarily a shooter, the open zones feature robotic dogs and bio-mechanical pets that follow players. These companions can distract enemies and provide additional firepower, fitting into the sci-fi RPG framework of skill-based combat and exploration.

Aloy continues her journey with new mechanical companions and the ability to ride various robotic creatures. The expanded open world allows for deeper interactions with both organic and machine life, enhancing the RPG progression and exploration mechanics.

Players can befriend various aquatic creatures, including fish and larger beasts, in the underwater open world. While not combat-focused, these companions add to the immersion and survival aspects of exploring the alien ocean planet.

Taming dinosaurs and creatures is a core mechanic, allowing players to ride and fight with a vast array of animal companions. The open world is filled with opportunities to domesticate wildlife, which provides transportation, protection, and resources.

Players can tame wolves and dogs to guard their bases and assist in combat. Although primarily a survival game, the social and base-building elements create an open-world RPG experience where animal companions are valuable assets for defense.

Deacon St. John can befriend dogs who act as combat allies and scent trackers in the post-apocalyptic open world. These companions provide a sense of loyalty and utility, helping navigate the dangerous environments filled with human and infected threats.

The Palamute dog companions are even more integral here, offering dash attacks and unique abilities. Players can customize their Pals, making them a central part of the open-world hunt and exploration experience in the vibrant Kamura Village.

While primarily a cooperative pirate adventure, players can tame parrots and cats to accompany them. These companions provide aesthetic variety and minor gameplay benefits, adding character to the open-sea RPG experience.

Players can ride horses across the island of Aeternum, which acts as a primary mount for traversal. While not unique companions, the horse mechanic is deeply integrated into the open-world RPG combat and exploration, allowing for dynamic mobility.