Companion AI & Behavior
Throughout your journey in Ashen, you'll often be accompanied by an AI companion, a fellow Wanderer who can offer invaluable assistance in combat and exploration. Understanding their behavior and how to best utilize them can significantly ease your path through the game's challenges.
Companions in Ashen generally exhibit a proactive combat style. They will engage enemies independently, often drawing aggro and creating openings for you to attack. Their effectiveness can vary depending on their equipped gear and your own combat approach. If you find your companion struggling, consider drawing enemy attention yourself to allow them to recover or reposition.
While companions are generally competent, their AI isn't always perfect. They may occasionally get stuck on geometry or fail to react optimally to certain enemy patterns. In such instances, a simple sprint away and back towards them can sometimes reset their pathfinding. Additionally, some companions have unique abilities or combat styles. For example, some might be more defensive, while others are aggressive damage dealers. Pay attention to their actions to learn their strengths.
When navigating treacherous terrain or areas requiring specific actions, like assisted climbs, your companion will often prompt you or be available to help. Always ensure they are nearby when such opportunities arise. If you're facing a particularly tough boss, try to position yourself so that your companion can flank the enemy or draw its attention away from you during critical moments. While you can't directly control their actions, a well-coordinated approach, where you react to their engagement and vice versa, is key to maximizing their utility.
It's also worth noting that some companions might be more effective against certain enemy types. Experiment with different companions if the opportunity arises to see who best complements your playstyle and the challenges you're facing. Their presence can be a significant advantage, turning a difficult encounter into a manageable one.