So, I just finished my latest playthrough of Avowed and wow, the companion system is still one of my favorite parts! ๐ It's 2026, and I'm still discovering new synergies. The key thing to remember? You can't change their gear, so those four ability choices for each buddy are EVERYTHING. You get about 8 upgrade points total per companion by the time you hit the level cap, so you gotta choose wisely. But don't stressโyou can always respec for a bit of gold if your build isn't hitting right! ๐ฐ

My Go-To Kai Build: The Unbreakable Tank ๐ก๏ธ
Kai was my ride-or-die during my Ranger playthrough. I built him to be an absolute damage sponge so I could snipe from afar. ๐ฏ
My Must-Have Abilities & Upgrades:
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Second Wind (with Refreshing Wind upgrade): This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. It's his get-out-of-death-free card. The Refreshing Wind upgrade is clutch because when he revives, his other abilities come off cooldown instantly. Lifesaver! ๐
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Fire and Ice: This wasn't just for the sweet Stun damage (which paired perfectly with my arquebus). It's an amazing repositioning tool! Kai teleports to your target and often pulls aggro right off you. I used it for crowd control when my own skills were cooling down.
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Unbending Defense: More tankiness? Yes, please. Kept him standing longer.
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Leap of Daring (with Leap of Faith upgrade): Good for moving him around, though a bit slower than Fire and Ice. The upgrade gives him a health boost, which is perfect right after a Second Wind revival.
Playstyle Synergy: Perfect for any ranged build (Ranger, Wizard) who needs a sturdy frontline.

Crafting the Perfect Marius for Crowd Control ๐ฟ
If you're a glass cannon caster or archer, Marius is your best friend. He's all about controlling the battlefield.
My Must-Have Abilities & Upgrades:
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Binding Roots (with Grasping Roots upgrade): This is his star power! It's like the Ranger's Tanglefoot but on a buddy. The upgrade lets it hit multiple enemies, creating SO much breathing room. Essential for locking down those big, scary bosses. ๐ญ
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Wounding Shots (Passive): A solid damage boost for his attacks.
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Shadow Step: Great for mobility and setting up attacks. The Assassinate upgrade is fantastic if you focus on Stun damage (like I did), but if you're melee, swap it for Maiming Shots.
Playstyle Synergy: Ideal for Rangers and Wizards who need enemies held still.
Giatta: The Ultimate Support Queen ๐
I'll be honest, I used Giatta the least on my first run because I was hoarding healing potions like a dragon. ๐ But her support kit is unreal, especially for melee fighters!
My Must-Have Abilities & Upgrades:
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Acceleration: SPEED. This ability is god-tier for ANY class. Faster move and attack speed, PLUS shorter cooldowns? It lets you unleash a relentless assault. ๐โโ๏ธ๐จ
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Purification: Keeps you cleansed and in the fight, perfect for when you're tanking hits.
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Barrier (with Medic Shielding upgrade): I slept on this initially, but for a melee build, getting this upgrade is a game-changer. Extra protection is always welcome.
Playstyle Synergy: The best companion for Fighters and any melee-focused build. She turns you into an unstoppable, fast-paced duelist.

Unleashing Yatzli's Offensive Power ๐ฅ
Yatzli became a permanent member of my party once I got her. I swapped out Marius because her raw damage output is just so satisfying.
My Must-Have Abilities & Upgrades:
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Minolettaโs Missile Battery & Essence Explosion: My favorite combo for weakening groups. As an arquebus user, this was perfect for softening up crowds so I could pick them off with one big shot. ๐ฅ
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Arduous Delay of Motion: HER BEST SKILL, HANDS DOWN. Slowing enemies is incredible for kiting as a Ranger, making it easy to target weak points. For melee fighters, it lets you dash in, get hits, and dash out safely.
Playstyle Synergy: Amazing for Rangers who love big single-target damage and need crowd control, but also great for Wizards wanting extra AoE punch.

Final Thoughts & Pro Tips for 2026 ๐ฎ
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Specialization is Key: You can't max all four abilities, so focus on the 2-3 that best complement YOUR playstyle.
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Respec is Your Friend: Don't like how it feels? Change it! The gold cost is worth it to find your perfect synergy.
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Class Matchmaking:
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Ranger/Wizard: Kai (Tank) or Yatzli (Damage/Control).
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Fighter/Melee: Giatta (Support) is a match made in heaven.
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Need Control? Marius is your guy.
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The beauty of Avowed's companions is how they shape your adventure. These builds got me through as a Ranger, but part of the fun is mixing and matching to find what works for YOU. Happy adventuring in the Living Lands! โจ

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