- This article is about the creature. For the feat, see animal companion (feat).
Animal companions are loyal allies in any battle. As your character gains experience, his or her animal companion will also grow in power.
How to get an Animal Companion[]
Animal companions cannot be directly controlled by their master. They are essentially aggressive tanks. They become more powerful as the master advances. The only penalty the master suffers from the animal companion's death is that they cannot summon the companion again until they have rested. Animal companions can be named, but cannot be tinted. Most of the animal companion are True Neutral beasts. Their level increases by 2 per each 3 levels of their master. Once the master reaches epic levels animal companios stop increasing their skills and aquiring new feats but their overal stats continue to grow.[1]
- Druids get an Animal Companion at lvl 1
- Rangers get an Animal Companion at lvl 4
- Clerics with the Animal Domain get an Animal Companion at lvl 1
Note: Animal companion levels stack from different classes. For example a Druid 15/Cleric 15 (with animal domain) will have a full level companion. Tested and confirmed in final NWN2 version.
Creature types & special abilities[]
- Badger: Rage, high attack bonus, high AC, low damage
- Wolf: Knockdown attacks, low attack bonus (due to bug)
- Brown bear: High damage, high HP
- Boar: High HP, high damage, high AC
- Giant spider: Lowest HP, low attack bonus, high damage, poisonous attacks (1d6 STR). Is vermin instead of beast
- Panther: High AC, high damage, doesn't grow skills and thus is not very good at stealth despite what the feats suggest
- Deinonychus: Best stats overall, doesn't grow skills, requires a feat
- Blue/Bronze Dragon: High HP, highest attack bonus, highest number of attacks per round, dragon traits, breath attack, low AC, highest skills, requires an epic feat. Is dragon instead of beasts and is Lawful Evil (blue)/Lawful Good (bronze)
Side by side comparison for summoner level 30[]
| Creature | Final HP | Highest AC | Attack bonus | Max Damage | Unique abilities |
| Badger | 252 (276) | 40 (43) | +24/+22/+20 (+27/+25/+23/+21) | 1d2+4. 1d2+4, 1d3+4 | Weapon finesse, Iron will, Greater rage |
| Wolf | 252 (276) | 39 (42) | +21/+19/+17 (+24/+22/+20/+18) | 1d6+6 (1d6+7) | Knockdown, Weapon Focus (creature), Low-light vision, Fast movement |
| Brown Bear | 273 (299) | 39 (42) | +23/+21/+19 (+26/+24/+22/+20) | 1d8+8, 1d8+8, 1d8+8 (1d8+9, 1d8+9, 1d8+9) | Iron Will, Fast movement |
| Boar | 294 (322) | 41 (43) | +22/+20/+18 (+25/+23/+21/+19) | 1d8+7 (1d8+8) | Toughness, Alertness, Fast movement |
| Giant Spider | 189 (207) | 39 (42) | +21/+19/+17 (+24/+22/+20/+18) | 1d8+7 (1d8+8) | Darkvision, Poisonous attacks (1d6 STR), Iron will |
| Panther | 252 (276) | 40 (43) | +23/+21/+19 (+25/+23/+21/+19) | 1d6+8, 1d3+8, 1d3+8 | Alertness, Skill Focus (Hide), Skill Focus (Move Silently), Weapon Focus (creature), Low-light vision, Fast movement |
| Dinosaur Companion [1] | 345 (375) | 43 (46) | +27/+25/+23/+21 (+29/+27/+25/+23) | 1d3+10, 1d3+10, 2d4+10 (1d3+11, 1d3+11, 2d4+11) | Low-light vision |
| Blue/Bronze Dragon [2] | 364 | 36 | +31/+29/+27/+25/+23/+21 | 1d6+7, 1d6+7, 1d8+7 | Alertness, Power Attack, Low-light vision, Darkvision, Improved Initiative, Immunity to electricity, mind-affecting effects and paralysis, spell resistance 22, True Seeing, Lightning Dragon Breath, Fast movement |
- numbers in brackets require Epic Animal Companion feat
- [1] requires Dinosaur Companion feat
- [2] requires Dragon Companion epic feat, due to the requerements is always affected by Epic Animal Companion
Badger progression[]
The badger is a furry animal with a squat, powerful body. Its strong forelimbs are armed with long claws for digging. Badgers may be small, but they are capable of flying into a berserk rage, becomming a devastating whirlwind of teeth and claws.
Notes: Overall the Badger is an excellent choice if you want a pet that has a high armor class that hits very often with his attacks. His hit points are a healthy average and should last an extra long time when coupled with Bark Skin and Cat's Grace to increase his armor class. Unfortunately they do poor damage compared to other pets except when raging--and even then, it's only for a temporary period. That said, a savvy player can best take advantage of the Badger's very high hit chance by increasing his damage through full buffing (e.g. Bull's Strength or Awaken, and Greater Magic Fang. [Jagged Tooth is bugged and does not work]).
- Badger's attacks deal slashing/piercing, slashing/piercing and slashing damage respectively.
- A badger can Rage up to 3x/day starting from 9th creature level.
- During Rage, he temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength, a +4 bonus to Constitution, and a +2 morale bonus on Will saves, but he takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class.
- Rage lasts for 3 + Constitution bonus (including bonus from rage) rounds.
- After rage expires, the badger is tired and suffers -2 Strength, -2 Dexterity, and a -10% movement penalty for 5 rounds.
- Starting from 13th level badger's Rage upgrades to Greater, providing +6 to Strength and Constitution and +3 morale bonus on Will saves. Other effects are unchanged.
- All buffs cast on the Badger will stack with his Rage abilities.
- His Will save is slightly above average thanks to the Iron will feat.
- Badger moves slower than most animal companions.
| Badger | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Beast Level | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| Armor Class | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 33 | 35 | 38 | 40 | 43 |
| Hit Points | 13 | 36 | 60 | 84 | 108 | 132 | 156 | 180 | 204 | 228 | 252 | 276 |
| Special | Weapon finesse, Barbarian rage, Weapon Proficiency (Creature) | Evasion, (Rage vanishes) | Iron will, (Rage is back, 2/day) | Multiattack, (Rage vanishes) | (Rage is back, 3/day) | Improved evasion, (Rage vanishes) | Greater rage (3/day) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +4 | +7 | +8 | +11/+6 | +12/+7/+2 | +15/+10/+5 | +16/+11/+8 | +19/+17/+15 | +20/+18/+16 | +23/+21/+19 | +24/+22/+20 | +27/+25/+23/+21 |
| Damage | 1d2, 1d2, 1d3 | 1d2-1, 1d2-1, 1d3-1 | 1d2, 1d2, 1d3 | 1d2, 1d2, 1d3 | 1d2+1, 1d2+1, 1d3+1 | 1d2+1, 1d2+1, 1d3+1 | 1d2+2, 1d2+2, 1d3+2 | 1d2+2, 1d2+2, 1d3+2 | 1d2+3, 1d2+3, 1d3+3 | 1d2+3, 1d2+3, 1d3+3 | 1d2+4, 1d2+4, 1d3+4 | 1d2+4, 1d2+4, 1d3+4 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Dexterity | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Constitution | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Intelligence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wisdom | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Charisma | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| BAB | +0 | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 |
| Fortitude | +5 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 |
| Reflex | +5 | +7 | +8 | +10 | +11 | +13 | +14 | +16 | +17 | +19 | +20 | +22 |
| Will | +1 | +2 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +10 |
| Skills | Hide 4, Listen 3, Move Silently 4, Spot 3 | Hide 6, Listen 3, Move Silently 6, Spot 3 | Hide 9, Listen 3, Move Silently 9, Spot 3 | Hide 12, Listen 3, Move Silently 12, Spot 3 | Hide 15, Listen 3, Move Silently 15, Spot 3 | Hide 18, Listen 3, Move Silently 18, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 |
Bug Notes:
- HD 1 badger wrongly has higher Strength and Constitution that it should - 10 and 16 instead of 8 and 15 respectively.
- Negative strength modifier of HD 3 badger causes visual bug with statscreen showing damage as just "-1, -1, -1".
- HD 3, 7 and 11 badgers lack Barbarian Rage.
Wolf progression[]
Wolves are pack hunters known for their persistence and cunning. In combat, wolves possess the capability to knock down an opponent.
Notes: Wolves are a little more of a strategic pet than the other animal companions. Their armor class, health and damage are all considered average and their attack bonus - low; but his strength lies in his ability to Knockdown a foe. When successful, this will of course temporarily incapacitate an enemy leaving you and your party free to continue attacking or do other things, such as casting a heal spell, for a short period of time.
- Wolf's attacks deal slashing damage.
- Wolf has lower Spot and Listen skills compared to other animal companions.
- Like the Giant Spider, players can take advantage of the Wolf's strengths by playing them strategically.
- For example, use the "Guard Me" command to make the wolf defend the player. In doing so, the wolf will auto-change targets, thus giving it a chance to knockdown multiple enemies in a fight.
| Wolf | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Beast Level | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| Armor Class | 14 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 32 | 34 | 37 | 39 | 42 |
| Hit Points | 12 | 36 | 60 | 84 | 108 | 132 | 156 | 180 | 204 | 228 | 252 | 276 |
| Special | Knockdown, Weapon Focus (Creature), Weapon Proficiency (Creature), Low-light vision, Fast movement (112,5% of normal) | Evasion | - | Multiattack | - | Improved evasion | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +1 | +4 | +5 | +8/+3 | +9/+4/-1 | +12/+7/+2 | +13/+8/+3 | +16/+14/+12 | +17/+15/+13 | +20/+18/+16 | +21/+19/+17 | +24/+22/+20/+18 |
| Damage | 1d6+1 | 1d6+2 | 1d6+2 | 1d6+3 | 1d6+3 | 1d6+4 | 1d6+4 | 1d6+5 | 1d6+5 | 1d6+6 | 1d6+6 | 1d6+7 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Dexterity | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Constitution | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Intelligence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wisdom | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Charisma | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| BAB | +0 | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 |
| Fortitude | +4 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 |
| Reflex | +4 | +6 | +7 | +9 | +10 | +12 | +13 | +15 | +16 | +18 | +19 | +21 |
| Will | +1 | +2 | +2 | +3 | +4 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +8 |
| Skills | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 6, Listen 2, Move Silently 6, Spot 2 | Hide 9, Listen 2, Move Silently 9, Spot 2 | Hide 12, Listen 2, Move Silently 12, Spot 2 | Hide 15, Listen 2, Move Silently 15, Spot 2 | Hide 18, Listen 2, Move Silently 18, Spot 2 | Hide 21, Listen 2, Move Silently 21, Spot 2 | Hide 21, Listen 2, Move Silently 21, Spot 2 | Hide 21, Listen 2, Move Silently 21, Spot 2 | Hide 21, Listen 2, Move Silently 21, Spot 2 | Hide 21, Listen 2, Move Silently 21, Spot 2 | Hide 21, Listen 2, Move Silently 21, Spot 2 |
Bug Notes:
- Weapon Focus (creature) is bugged and doesn't work, lowering wolf's attack bonus from intended and making it lowest among animal companions.
Brown Bear progression[]
These immensely strong creatures can weigh more than 1,800 pounds and can stand nearly 9 feet tall when they rear up on their hind legs. As animal companions, bears don't have any special abilities, but they make up for it with sheer brute strength.
Notes: The brown bear is for players who want a pet that is a little bit better in most respects, but has no special abilities. His armor class is average but the brown bear's hit points and attack bonus is the second highest of all the companions. His Will save is slightly above average thanks to the Iron will feat. And his damage steadily increase over time from 1d4+3 to 1d8+6 placing the brown bear as the winner of the highest damage award; but only by only a hair.
- Bear's attacks deal slashing, slashing/piercing and slashing damage respectively.
- Bear's natural weapons uniquely increase their damage dice at HD 7, 11 and 13.
| Brown Bear | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Beast Level | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| Armor Class | 14 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 32 | 34 | 37 | 39 | 42 |
| Hit Points | 13 | 39 | 65 | 91 | 117 | 143 | 169 | 195 | 221 | 247 | 273 | 299 |
| Special | Weapon Proficiency (Creature), Fast movement (112,5% of normal) | Evasion | Iron will | Multiattack | - | Improved evasion | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +3 | +6 | +7 | +10/+5 | +11/+6/+1 | +14/+9/+4 | +15/+10/+5 | +18/+16/+14 | +19/+17/+15 | +22/+20/+18 | +23/+21/+19 | +26/+24/+22/+20 |
| Damage | 1d4+3, 1d4+3, 1d4+3 | 1d4+4, 1d4+4, 1d4+4 | 1d4+4, 1d4+4, 1d4+4 | 1d6+5, 1d6+5, 1d6+5 | 1d6+5, 1d6+5, 1d6+5 | 1d8+6, 1d6+6, 1d6+6 | 1d8+6, 1d8+6, 1d8+6 | 1d8+7, 1d8+7, 1d8+7 | 1d8+7, 1d8+7, 1d8+7 | 1d8+8, 1d8+8, 1d8+8 | 1d8+8, 1d8+8, 1d8+8 | 1d8+9, 1d8+9, 1d8+9 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Dexterity | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Constitution | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| Intelligence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wisdom | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Charisma | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| BAB | +0 | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 |
| Fortitude | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 | +16 |
| Reflex | +3 | +5 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 | +18 | +20 |
| Will | +1 | +2 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +10 |
| Skills | Hide 4, Listen 3, Move Silently 4, Spot 3 | Hide 6, Listen 3, Move Silently 6, Spot 3 | Hide 9, Listen 3, Move Silently 9, Spot 3 | Hide 12, Listen 3, Move Silently 12, Spot 3 | Hide 15, Listen 3, Move Silently 15, Spot 3 | Hide 18, Listen 3, Move Silently 18, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 | Hide 21, Listen 3, Move Silently 21, Spot 3 |
Bug Notes:
- HD 5 version has 16 dexterity instead of intended 15.
Boar progression[]
Boars are tough, tenacious opponents, able to continue fighting when most other creatures would already be dead. Boars are harder to kill than any other (default) animal companion.
Notes: While not the prettiest thing to look at, the boar is the toughest of all the default animal companions. They have the highest armor class and the second highest damage overall and the highest hit points among regualr companion options. They are also a little harder to sneak up on due to their Alertness feat which gives them a +2 bonus to Spot and Listen checks.
- Boar's attacks deal piercing damage
- At early levels boar has the highest damage among animal companions
- Boar puts a few additional skill points in Spot and Listen at earliest levels (on top of getting Alertness) but soon abandons them
| Boar | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Beast Level | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| Armor Class | 16 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 36 | 38 | 41 | 43 |
| Hit Points | 14 | 42 | 70 | 98 | 126 | 154 | 182 | 210 | 238 | 266 | 294 | 322 |
| Special | Weapon Proficiency (Creature), Toughness, Alertness, Fast movement (112,5% of normal) | Evasion | - | Multiattack | - | Improved evasion | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +2 | +5 | +6 | +9/+4 | +10/+5/+0 | +13/+8/+3 | +14/+9/+4 | +17/+15/+13 | +18/+16/+14 | +21/+19/+17 | +22/+20/+18 | +25/+23/+21/+19 |
| Damage | 1d8+2 | 1d8+3 | 1d8+3 | 1d8+4 | 1d8+4 | 1d8+5 | 1d8+5 | 1d8+6 | 1d8+6 | 1d8+7 | 1d8+7 | 1d8+8 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Dexterity | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| Constitution | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| Intelligence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wisdom | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Charisma | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| BAB | +0 | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 |
| Fortitude | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 | +16 |
| Reflex | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +16 | +17 | +18 |
| Will | +1 | +2 | +2 | +3 | +4 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +8 |
| Skills | Hide 4, Listen 4, Move Silently 4, Spot 4 | Hide 6, Listen 7, Move Silently 6, Spot 5 | Hide 9, Listen 7, Move Silently 9, Spot 5 | Hide 12, Listen 7, Move Silently 12, Spot 5 | Hide 15, Listen 7, Move Silently 15, Spot 5 | Hide 18, Listen 7, Move Silently 18, Spot 5 | Hide 21, Listen 7, Move Silently 21, Spot 5 | Hide 21, Listen 7, Move Silently 21, Spot 5 | Hide 21, Listen 7, Move Silently 21, Spot 5 | Hide 21, Listen 7, Move Silently 21, Spot 5 | Hide 21, Listen 7, Move Silently 21, Spot 5 | Hide 21, Listen 7, Move Silently 21, Spot 5 |
Giant Spider progression[]
While not the strongest and hardiest of animal companions, the giant spider makes up for it with agility and a poisonous bite.
Notes: The giant spider is definitely not a pet choice for the faint hearted. His armor class is only average, and his attack bonus and hit points are the lowest of all the pets, as are Fortitude and Reflex saves. That said, his Will save is slightly above average thanks to the Iron will, they do above average damage, and have a chance to do an additional 1d6 strength damage with their debilitating poison.
- Spider's attacks deal slashing damage.
- Like the Wolf, players can take advantage of the giant spider's strengths by playing them strategically.
- For example, use the "Guard Me" command to make the spider defend the player. In doing so, the spider will auto-change targets, thus giving it a chance to poison multiple enemies in a fight.
- Spider's poison does not scale in any way, so while it can be pretty useful early, eventually it will become irrelevant.
- Giant Spider moves slower than most animal companions.
- Spider companion has surprisingly high intelligence score, equal to an average human. Quite interesting roleplay-wise, even through it bears no effect in game.
- Unlike other pets, Giant Spider has no ranks in Listen at all. This is especially strange, considering how incredibly sensitive to sounds spiders are.
| Giant Spider | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Vermin Level | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| Armor Class | 14 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 32 | 34 | 37 | 39 | 42 |
| Hit Points | 9 | 27 | 45 | 63 | 81 | 99 | 117 | 135 | 153 | 171 | 189 | 207 |
| Special | Weapon Proficiency (Creature), Darkvision, Poisonous attacks (DC 13, 1d6 STR), Immunity to mind-affecting effects and Web | Evasion | Iron will | Multiattack | - | Improved evasion | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +1 | +4 | +5 | +8/+3 | +9/+4/-1 | +12/+7/+2 | +13/+8/+3 | +16/+14/+12 | +17/+15/+13 | +20/+18/+16 | +21/+19/+17 | +24/+22/+20/+18 |
| Damage | 1d8+2 | 1d8+3 | 1d8+3 | 1d8+4 | 1d8+4 | 1d8+5 | 1d8+5 | 1d8+6 | 1d8+6 | 1d8+7 | 1d8+7 | 1d8+8 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Dexterity | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Constitution | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Intelligence | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Wisdom | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Charisma | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| BAB | +0 | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 |
| Fortitude | +3 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 |
| Reflex | +3 | +5 | +5 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +12 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +16 |
| Will | +0 | +1 | +3 | +4 | +5 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +9 |
| Skills | Hide 4, Move Silently 4, Spot 4 | Hide 6, Move Silently 6, Spot 4 | Hide 9, Move Silently 9, Spot 4 | Hide 12, Move Silently 12, Spot 4 | Hide 15, Move Silently 15, Spot 4 | Hide 18, Move Silently 18, Spot 4 | Hide 21, Move Silently 21, Spot 4 | Hide 21, Move Silently 21, Spot 4 | Hide 21, Move Silently 21, Spot 4 | Hide 21, Move Silently 21, Spot 4 | Hide 21, Move Silently 21, Spot 4 | Hide 21, Move Silently 21, Spot 4 |
Panther progression[]
Panthers are the stealthiest of the animal companions, capable of approaching within striking distance before their intended prey is even aware of them. By then, it's usually too late.
Notes: This pet is intended to be a good choice if you can take advantage of its stealth skills. The Panther receives +3 to Hide and Move Silently from skill focus feats, in addition to benefitting from high dexterity. They are also a little harder to sneak up on due to their Alertness feat which gives them a +2 bonus to Spot and Listen checks. Unfortunately, bugs prevent the panther from utilizing its skills past early game. The Panther is an average combatant with high AC being the only noticable trait. It is intended to have high attack bonus as well but bugged feat prevents it. If you are looking for a pure tank, the Brown Bear or Boar would be better choices.
- Panther's attacks deal slashing, slashing/piercing and slashing/piercing damage respectively.
- Panther has lowest skills among animal companions (shared with Wolf).
| Panther | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Beast Level | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| Armor Class | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 33 | 35 | 38 | 40 | 43 |
| Hit Points | 12 | 36 | 60 | 84 | 108 | 132 | 156 | 180 | 204 | 228 | 252 | 276 |
| Special | Alertness, Low-Light Vision, Skill Focus (Hide), Skill Focus (Move Silently), Weapon Proficiency (Creature), Weapon Focus (Creature), Fast movement (112,5% of normal) | Evasion | - | Multiattack | - | Improved evasion | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +3 | +5 | +7 | +9/+4 | +11/+6/+1 | +13/+8/+3 | +15/+10/+5 | +18/+16/+14 | +19/+17/+15 | +22/+20/+18 | +23/+21/+19 | +26/+24/+22/+20 |
| Damage | 1d6+3, 1d3+3, 1d3+3 | 1d6+3, 1d3+3, 1d3+3 | 1d6+4, 1d3+4, 1d3+4 | 1d6+4, 1d3+4, 1d3+4 | 1d6+5, 1d3+5, 1d3+5 | 1d6+5, 1d3+5, 1d3+5 | 1d6+6, 1d3+6, 1d3+6 | 1d6+6, 1d3+6, 1d3+6 | 1d6+7, 1d3+7, 1d3+7 | 1d6+7, 1d3+7, 1d3+7 | 1d6+8, 1d3+8, 1d3+8 | 1d6+8, 1d3+8, 1d3+8 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| Dexterity | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| Constitution | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Intelligence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wisdom | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Charisma | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| BAB | +0 | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 |
| Fortitude | +4 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 |
| Reflex | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 | +18 | +20 | +21 | +23 |
| Will | +1 | +2 | +2 | +3 | +4 | +4 | +5 | +6 | +6 | +7 | +8 | +8 |
| Skills | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 | Hide 4, Listen 2, Move Silently 4, Spot 2 |
Bug Notes:
- Weapon Focus (creature) is bugged and doesn't work, lowering panther's attack bonus from intended.
- Panther's skills never grow, making its theoretical stealth focus non-functional past starting levels.
Deynonichus progression[]
Notes: This pet requires an extra feat but is significantly stronger than others, partially due to always being one HD tier above. This also allows Deynonichus to get 4 attacks per round without Epic Animal Companion. That said, the dinosaurus companion is focused entirely on brute force and has no special abilities beyond it. It is also abysmal at hiding, not having a single point in stealth skills (normally favoured by animal companions). Being both terrible at ambushes and having speed of a regular human, Deynonichus propably rely at teamwork for hunting - and indeed, with a few buffs the dinosaur companion can become quite formidable. At low levels it is also good at spotting hiding enemies.
- Deynonichus' attacks deal slashing/piercing, slashing/piercing and slashing damage respectively.
- Deynonichus moves slower than most animal companions.
| Deinonychus | Class level | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3rd–5th | 6th–8th | 9th–11th | 12th–14th | 15th–17th | 18th–20th | 21th-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Beast Level | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| Armor Class | 18 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 36 | 38 | 41 | 43 | 46 |
| Hit Points | 45 | 75 | 105 | 135 | 165 | 195 | 225 | 255 | 285 | 315 | 345 | 375 |
| Special | Weapon Proficiency (creature), Low-Light Vision | Evasion | - | Multiattack | - | Improved Evasion | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Attack Bonus | +7 | +9 | +11 | +13/+8/+3 | +15/+10/+5 | +17/+12/+7 | +19/+17/+15 | +21/+19/+17 | +24/+22/+20 | +25/+23/+21 | +27/+25/+23/+21 | +29/+27/+25/+23 |
| Damage | 1d3+5, 1d3+5, 2d4+5 | 1d3+6, 1d3+6, 2d4+6 | 1d3+6, 1d3+6, 2d4+6 | 1d3+7, 1d3+7, 2d4+7 | 1d3+7, 1d3+7, 2d4+7 | 1d3+8, 1d3+8, 2d4+8 | 1d3+8, 1d3+8, 2d4+8 | 1d3+9, 1d3+9, 2d4+9 | 1d3+9, 1d3+9, 2d4+9 | 1d3+10, 1d3+10, 2d4+10 | 1d3+10, 1d3+10, 2d4+10 | 1d3+11, 1d3+11, 2d4+11 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 |
| Dexterity | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Constitution | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Intelligence | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wisdom | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Charisma | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| BAB | +2 | +3 | +5 | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 | +18 |
| Fortitude | +8 | +9 | +10 | +11 | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 | +16 | +17 | +18 | +19 |
| Reflex | +6 | +8 | +9 | +11 | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 | +18 | +20 | +21 | +23 |
| Will | +3 | +3 | +4 | +5 | +5 | +6 | +7 | +7 | +8 | +9 | +9 | +10 |
| Skills | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 | Listen 11, Spot 11 |
Bug Notes:
- Deynonichus' skills never grow, making its unique spotter role non-functional past early levels.
- Its Weapon Proficiency (creature) may be "invisible" in its character sheet. This is a common visual bug, shared by some summoned creatures/animal companions/familiars.
Blue/Bronze Dragon progression[]
Notes: This pet is unlocked by an epic feat with propably the highest total requirements in the game: Wild Shape 8x/day, 29 Wisdom, two other epic feats (Dragon Shape and Epic Animal Companion). To satisfy those a character must have atleast 26 levels of druid, maxed Wisdom and either: be Swirfneblin/Aasimar/Gray Orc with Great Wisdom +3 and character level 28, be Swirfneblin/Aasimar/Gray Orc with Great Wisdom +2 and character level 29, or, for other races, have Great Wisdom +4 and character level 29. Needing 5-7 epic feats in total and being available near the epic level cap, Dragon Companion is essentially set as the ultimate (near-) pure druid achievement. But is it in practice? Little Dragon has the highest number of attacks per round, highest AB, pretty good Hit Points and saving throws (including by far the best Will), some nice immunities and a strong breath attack. On the other hand, none of those stats is truly epicly impressive, AC is somehow the worst of all animal companions, he has no spell-like abilites one would expect from a dragon, and due to patching oversight he can't be buffed with Nature's Avatar, making his maximized damage the worst. All in all, little Dragon is terribly overpriced for what he provides.
- Dragons' attacks deal slashing/piercing, slashing/piercing and slashing damage respectively.
- Unlike other animal companions, Blue Dragon is Lawful Evil and Bronze Dragon - Lawful Good.
- Stat-wise Bronze Dragon is strictly better than Blue, having higher mental abilities and Will saving throw without any downsides.
- Little dragons have by far the highest skills among animal companions. Most of them have no pratical use for the player through. That said, dragons can atleast serve as spotters.
- As Dragon Companion feat require Epic Animal Companion, Blue/Bronze Dragon will always be affected by it. In combination with all the requirements, this means that only HD 24 and HD 26 are actually available in game.
- Technically, there are separate 1st-20th and 21th-23th version of the Dragons, but they are completely identical.
| Blue Dragon | Class level | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Dragon Level | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Armor Class | 26 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 36 |
| Hit Points | 252 | 280 | 308 | 336 | 364 |
| Special | Weapon Proficiency (creature), Low-Light Vision, Darkvision, Evasion, Multiattack, Improved Evasion, Alertness, Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Immunity to electricity, paralysis and mind-affecting effects, Spell resistance 22, True Seeing, Lightning Dragon Breath (10d8 damage, DC 23), Fast movement (112,5% of normal) | Lightning Dragon Breath (12d8 damage, DC 25) | Lightning Dragon Breath (14d8 damage, DC 27) | - | Lightning Dragon Breath (16d8 damage, DC 29) |
| Attack Bonus | +21/+19/+17/+15 | +23/+21/+19/+17 | +26/+24/+22/+20/+18 | +28/+26/+24/+22/+20 | +31/+29/+27/+25/+23/+21 |
| Damage | 1d6+5, 1d6+5, 1d8+5 | 1d6+5, 1d6+5, 1d8+5 | 1d6+6, 1d6+6, 1d8+6 | 1d6+6, 1d6+6, 1d8+6 | 1d6+7, 1d6+7, 1d8+7 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Dexterity | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Constitution | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Intelligence | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Wisdom | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Charisma | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| BAB | +18 | +20 | +22 | +24 | +26 |
| Fortitude | +13 | +14 | +15 | +16 | +17 |
| Reflex | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 | +18 |
| Will | +12 | +13 | +14 | +15 | +16 |
| Skills | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 |
| Bronze Dragon | Class level | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st-23th | 24th-26th | 27th-29th | 30th-32th | 33th-35th | |
| Dragon Level | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Armor Class | 26 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 36 |
| Hit Points | 252 | 280 | 308 | 336 | 364 |
| Special | Weapon Proficiency (creature), Low-Light Vision, Darkvision, Evasion, Multiattack, Improved Evasion, Alertness, Power Attack, Improved Initiative, Immunity to electricity, paralysis and mind-affecting effects, Spell resistance 22, True Seeing, Lightning Dragon Breath (10d8 damage, DC 23), Fast movement (112,5% of normal) | Lightning Dragon Breath (12d8 damage, DC 25) | Lightning Dragon Breath (14d8 damage, DC 27) | - | Lightning Dragon Breath (16d8 damage, DC 29) |
| Attack Bonus | +21/+19/+17/+15 | +23/+21/+19/+17 | +26/+24/+22/+20/+18 | +28/+26/+24/+22/+20 | +31/+29/+27/+25/+23/+21 |
| Damage | 1d6+5, 1d6+5, 1d8+5 | 1d6+5, 1d6+5, 1d8+5 | 1d6+6, 1d6+6, 1d8+6 | 1d6+6, 1d6+6, 1d8+6 | 1d6+7, 1d6+7, 1d8+7 |
| Critical | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) | (20/x2) |
| Strength | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Dexterity | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Constitution | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Intelligence | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Wisdom | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| Charisma | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| BAB | +18 | +20 | +22 | +24 | +26 |
| Fortitude | +13 | +14 | +15 | +16 | +17 |
| Reflex | +12 | +14 | +15 | +17 | +18 |
| Will | +14 | +15 | +16 | +17 | +18 |
| Skills | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 | Concentration 16, Hide 11, Listen 30, Lore 14, Perform 20, Diplomacy 32, Search 28, Spellcraft 30, Spot 30, Bluff 28, Intimidate 30 |
3.5 DnD Animal companion progression[]
| Class level | Bonus hit dice | Natural armor adjustment | Str/Dex Adj. | Bonus tricks | Special |
| 1st–2nd | +0 | +0 | +0 | 1 | Link, share spells, Weapon Proficiency (Creature) |
| 3rd–5th | +2 | +2 | +1 | 2 | Evasion |
| 6th–8th | +4 | +4 | +2 | 3 | Devotion |
| 9th–11th | +6 | +6 | +3 | 4 | Multiattack |
| 12th–14th | +8 | +8 | +4 | 5 | - |
| 15th–17th | +10 | +10 | +5 | 6 | Improved evasion |
| 18th–20th | +12 | +12 | +6 | 7 | - |
See also[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 requires feat
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 requires Epic feat plus Wild Shape 8x/day and minimum 29 Wisdom for the prerequisite Dragon Shape. This means the earliest a Dragon Companion can be typically be picked up is Druid(28).