# RPG companions need to be hateable, otherwise nobody’s going to love them

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/rpg-companions-need-to-be-hateable-otherwise-nobodys-going-to-love-them/
- Published: 2026-08-15T15:00:00+00:00
- Original publisher: PC Gamer
- Original article: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/rpg-companions-need-to-be-hateable-otherwise-nobodys-going-to-love-them/
- Topics: Gaming

## Key points

- Flawed companions can create stronger player attachment.
- Conflict and growth make party relationships feel human.
- Being hateable is not the same as being badly written.

## Summary

PC Gamer argues that memorable role-playing game companions should be capable of irritating, disappointing or alienating players, rather than being designed to be universally likeable. The author’s view is that this friction makes relationships feel more human and gives players a stronger reason to care when characters grow, reconcile or reveal deeper qualities.

The piece distinguishes deliberately challenging writing from simply poor characterisation: a companion needs understandable motives, personality and room to develop. It suggests that disagreement within a party, and the possibility that players may initially dislike someone, can create more lasting attachment than a cast made up entirely of agreeable allies.

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