Exodus leans on well-written companions to shape player choices

In a post-Baldur's Gate 3 landscape, Exodus places heavy weight on its companions. Drew Karpyshyn, the narrative director, says the team wants them to feel like real people with pros and cons, to have conflicts among themselves and with the player, and to grow alongside Jun; their individual arcs sometimes complement and sometimes conflict with the player’s journey.

Only a few companions are public so far, but they are distinct. Tom Vargas is a former Traveler with a sordid history, Elise Charroux is an in-your-face merc who pilots a mech, and Salt is an Awakened octopus bounty hunter who snipes from a mech with a reinforced water tank—Chad Robertson says Salt’s one-liners consistently draw laughs and even inspired a bubbling custom statue during their visit.

Robertson also highlights Phaedra for her performances and combat synergies. Exodus’s game director, Chris King, frames companions as partners that create synergies with the player, so choices reflect both what you want and what companions like or are good at.

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