MMO Friday Fight Round 27: Companions

MMOs are all about adventuring through sprawling worlds, the bigger the better. But no hero travels alone. Whether it’s a loyal battle pet or a trusty mount, companions add personality, utility, and a sense of pride to your journey. But if you had to pick just one, which companion truly enhances your MMO experience?

In one corner, we have the pet lovers, players who want a sidekick even if it’s just there to bounce along beside you. In the other corner, we have the mount collectors, players who not only feel the need for speed but also want to travel in style. Both types of companions add a unique sense of style to your character and possibly add some sort of functionality to your skillset. But, just like every Friday Fight, in the battle to be the ultimate companion, there can be only one winner.

Pets

Pets are more than cute. They're tactical allies, fashion statements, and emotional support all rolled into one. From healing familiars to DPS-boosting battle companions, pets bring utility and flavor to your character build. Games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV offer entire class mechanics and mini-games centered around pets.

They also offer customization, collection challenges, and sometimes even combat assistance. Nothing says “veteran player” like showing off a rare raid drop or exclusive event pet that others can only dream of. Plus, pets are with you all the time. They’re your ever-present little buddy, not just a tool for travel.

Mounts

Mounts redefine how you experience the game world. They're not just faster transportation, they are freedom. Whether you are gliding across desert dunes, galloping through elven forests, or piloting a spaceship across galaxies, mounts make exploration fluid and exhilarating. From Guild Wars 2’s dynamic mount skills to the airborne dragons of World of Warcraft, mounts often unlock entire new layers of movement and verticality.

Mounts also bring big personality. Whether it’s a giant turtle, motorcycle, or glowing spectral beast, your ride says a lot about your style. And let’s be honest, nothing beats summoning your favorite mount for a mid-combat escape or dramatic entrance to a raid.

My Take

While pets are lovable and sometimes helpful, mounts take the crown. They’re not just cosmetic. They enhance gameplay on a fundamental level by making the world more navigable and fun to traverse. A well-designed mount system circumvents the need for a fast-travel system, transforming an MMO’s geography from a slog into an adventure. Whether it's flying, swimming, gliding, or wall-climbing, mounts turn travel into an experience. And for players who value freedom and visual flair, they’re the ultimate flex.