Every hero needs a good sidekick. In video games, these companions don’t just tag along—they make the journey memorable. They help, joke, carry, fight, and sometimes even outshine the main character.
From the loyal dog in the wasteland to the sarcastic robot in space, these are the top 10 greatest video game sidekicks who made gaming better, one quest at a time.
10. Dogmeat (Fallout 4)
Loyal, fearless, and ever-faithful, Dogmeat is more than a companion—he’s family. Across the Fallout series, this trusty canine embodies hope in a hopeless world.
Dogmeat doesn’t talk, but he never needs to. His devotion and usefulness (sniffing out loot, attacking enemies) make him unforgettable. In the radioactive ruins, he’s the heart that keeps you going.
9. Cortana (Halo Series)
Cortana is more than an AI voice in Master Chief’s helmet—she’s his anchor. Intelligent, witty, and emotionally complex, she’s a rare example of a digital companion who feels human.
Through every mission, her dialogue drives Halo’s story, balancing Chief’s stoicism with heart and humor. Their connection gives the series its soul.
8. Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog Series)
Miles “Tails” Prower, the twin-tailed fox, has been Sonic’s right-hand since 1992. His optimism and ingenuity make him indispensable—whether he’s flying Sonic to safety or building gadgets to save the day.
Tails represents what every great sidekick should: positivity, teamwork, and trust.
7. Yoshi (Super Mario Series)
Yoshi isn’t just a rideable companion—he’s a legend. Introduced in Super Mario World, the lovable green dinosaur brought new gameplay mechanics and endless charm.
His flutter jump, egg throwing, and self-sacrifice jumps (you know the one) made him a fan favorite. Yoshi adds joy, utility, and a lot of heart to every Mario adventure.
6. Luigi (Super Mario Series)
Mario’s taller, timid brother may have started as player two, but Luigi grew into a star. His nervous energy and comedic timing make him endearing, while his bravery in Luigi’s Mansion proves he’s more than a sidekick—he’s a hero who overcomes fear.
Luigi complements Mario perfectly—his flaws make him lovable, his loyalty makes him unforgettable.
5. Navi (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
“Hey! Listen!” Even if she sometimes grated on players’ nerves, Navi was vital to navigating Hyrule. She explained controls, hinted at puzzles, and gave Link his first real partner.
Behind the chimes and interruptions lies a genuine sense of care. Navi made Link’s lonely adventure feel guided, and her farewell remains one of gaming’s most emotional moments.
4. HK-47 (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)
This assassin droid doesn’t mince words. Known for calling organics “meatbags,” HK-47 mixes lethal efficiency with pitch-black humor.
He’s more than comic relief—he’s a philosophical and moral mirror to the player. His cynical worldview makes him one of BioWare’s most memorable creations, and one of gaming’s finest sidekicks.
3. Daxter (Jak and Daxter Series)
Sarcastic, loud, and endlessly loyal, Daxter balances Jak’s brooding nature with humor and chaos. His quips keep the tone fun, but he also proves his worth when it matters.
He’s the rare comic sidekick with real emotional beats—his friendship with Jak grounds the series.
2. Sully (Uncharted Series)
Sully isn’t just Drake’s partner—he’s his mentor, father figure, and comic foil. His gravelly voice and old-school swagger make him instantly likable.
Through every heist and betrayal, Sully provides both moral compass and comic relief. Few sidekicks feel this real, and that’s why fans adore him.
1. Clank (Ratchet & Clank Series)
Clank is the perfect sidekick: clever, capable, and genuinely endearing. He adds gameplay variety with gadgets, puzzles, and jetpack mechanics—and emotional weight with his friendship to Ratchet.
He’s the yin to Ratchet’s yang, the logic to his chaos. Across every entry, Clank proves that sidekicks can be co-stars.
What Makes a Great Sidekick
A great video game sidekick doesn’t just fill space. They:
- Enhance gameplay through skills, mechanics, or puzzles.
- Complement the hero’s personality—funny vs. serious, calm vs. bold.
- Contribute emotionally by giving the story warmth and connection.
- Create memorable moments players talk about years later.
From mechanical marvels to loyal animals, sidekicks remind us that even in a single-player world, we’re never truly alone.
Sidekicks give video games heart. They make stories resonate, add humanity to heroes, and keep us smiling through chaos. The ten listed here earned their place by helping heroes grow and players connect.
From Yoshi’s cheerful chirps to Cortana’s quiet concern, these characters prove that the best sidekicks aren’t just helpers—they’re legends in their own right.
Which sidekick would you add to the list? Drop your favorite in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going.
Fantastic Nerdom 