Highlights
Companions in Resident Evil games can vary in usefulness and player reception, offering both helpful abilities and potential for annoyance.
Characters like Natalia, Krauser, and Sherry bring unique dynamics to gameplay, from sight abilities to narrative impact in the series.
While some companions like Sheva and Billy offer combat support, others like Ashley have evolved in personality and gameplay mechanics over time.
Resident Evil is a series with a load of characters, both major and minor. As a result, there are a ton of options for what characters to appear in a game, be it either as a playable character, or a different role.
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Companions are one such role that has been explored in the series multiple times. While Resident Evil isn’t a franchise best known for companions, and some characters have suited the role better than others. Not everyone is a fan of a companion system either, with many players holding criticisms against companions due to their character, and/or removing horror tension. However, companions can bring forth helpful gameplay, be it either with individual abilities or helping the player with combat, proving their usefulness to progression.
8 Natalia Korda
Resident Evil: Revelations 2
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 Released February 24, 2015 Genre(s) Survival Horror
Resident Evil has dabbled in rescuing children from unspeakable nightmares before. A core part of Resident Evil 2 was Sherry’s story, with Claire helping her escape from Raccoon City. Natalia shares a similar role, being a companion in Barry’s portions of Resident Evil: Revelations 2.
Some players were frustrated with Natalia, disliking how she would frequently point out things. However, she also brought a cute side to Resident Evil rare for the series. Additionally, her unique abilities allowed her to be useful in gameplay instead of just being a follower, such as being able to see enemies through walls. Although, it still remains to be seen if she will reappear if there is a third Revelations game.
7 Jack Krauser
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Released November 17, 2009 Genre(s) Shooter
Without background information, Krauser is a character in Resident Evil 4 clearly from Leon’s past. The Darkside Chronicles shines some light on their past relationship, with the two fighting alongside each other during Operation Javier.
He’s able to shoot enemies, although not as effectively as the player. He follows alongside the player as they make their way through the story, with a minor part of the narrative revealing what caused the man to go down the road he did before ending up in Resident Evil 4.
6 Sherry Birkin
Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6 Released October 2, 2012 Genre(s) Third-Person Shooter
Sherry was first introduced in Resident Evil 2 as a child, with Claire’s campaign mainly focusing on her. She then became a companion and/or playable character in Resident Evil 6, as a decade had passed and she was now an adult.
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She was the companion in Jake Muller’s campaign, trying to escort him to achieve a vaccine for the C-Virus while being pursued by the B.O.W Ustanak. The gameplay wasn’t anything too crazy, as Sherry would attack enemies in the vicinity and help Jake with sections that required teamwork from the two.
5 Piers Nivans
Resident Evil 6
As Resident Evil has been around for decades at this point, the old-school Resident Evil characters are all middle-aged. There have been attempts at a successor, such as with Piers, the companion in Chris’ campaign of Resident Evil 6.
He managed to pull Chris back into the BSAA and this is a reason why Chris is present even in recent titles. During gameplay, he wasn’t anything too memorable, as he would kill enemies, follow Chris, and be needed for any mechanics requiring both characters. However, his sacrifice to save Chris left its impact, both in-game and on fans.
4 Sheva Alomar
Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 Released March 5, 2009 Genre(s) Survival Horror
Resident Evil 5 wasn’t the first to introduce companions, but it was the first to introduce companions that fight alongside the player for the entirety of the game. Sheva can be a playable character, but Chris is generally seen as the protagonist of Resident Evil 5.
The game isn’t as fast-paced as Resident Evil 6, so Sheva can save the player out of some sticky situations if they get too overwhelmed. Certain parts require both characters in order to progress, such as certain doors or puzzles. However, some players aren’t too fond of Sheva, something that could potentially be fixed in a remake of the game.
3 Rebecca Chambers
Resident Evil 0
Resident Evil 0 Released November 12, 2002 Genre(s) Survival Horror
Resident Evil 0 is a divisive Resident Evil game, but one that technically features both characters as companions. Rebecca Chambers is initially the only character players can control, but Billy Coen soon enters the picture. Players can choose who they want to play whenever they want.
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Rebecca is the physically weaker of the two, taking more damage as a result. She also has less proficiency with weapons, with Billy being more suited for combat. However, out of the two, she is able to combine health items, a must in Resident Evil, making her invaluable.
2 Billy Coen
Resident Evil 0
As Resident Evil 0’s gameplay revolves around the player being able to control both main characters, they can both be companions. Billy is better suited for combat, making him a better choice when primarily playing the game.
However, due to his proficiency at handling guns, he can be a reliable companion, able to help Rebecca if they are stuck fighting enemies. He also has more health, so controlling Rebecca to make sure she specifically doesn’t get hit, and leaving Billy as the companion where he can tank some damage, can be the smarter move.
1 Ashley Graham
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake Released March 24, 2023 Genre(s) Survival Horror
Ashley is arguably the most well-known companion in Resident Evil. In the original Resident Evil 4, many fans disliked her due to her personality, but the remake rectified this.
She now has an improved personality, no longer being annoying or ungrateful, with many new great dialogue moments with Leon. Her gameplay isn’t much different, as players should hide her when a fight breaks out. However, she has particular moments where she interacts with fights, such as when she controls the wrecking ball.
More Resident Evil: Best Character Arcs Across The Games, Ranked The Resident Evil franchise sees the development of several recurring characters, but the following arcs remain the most memorable among fans.