Bastion
Bastion

Companion Characters & Their Roles

Learn the roles of companion characters in Bastion. While not fighters, they offer crucial support, narrative depth, and vital services from the Bastion hub.

·Multi-source verified (51/51)

Companion Characters & Their Roles

While the Kid is the undeniable hero of Bastion, you won't be entirely alone in your journey through the shattered world. The Bastion itself serves as a hub for a few key characters who, while not directly fighting alongside you, provide crucial support, narrative depth, and essential services. Understanding their roles and how to best utilize their offerings is key to rebuilding the world and uncovering its mysteries.

The Narrator (Rucks)

Rucks is the disembodied voice that accompanies the Kid's every step, providing a running commentary on your actions, the world's history, and the unfolding events. He is the heart and soul of Bastion's storytelling, and his observations often reveal deeper lore and hints about the game's progression.

  • Role: Lorekeeper, Guide, Emotional Anchor.
  • Utility: Rucks' narration often subtly guides you towards objectives or points of interest. Pay attention to his descriptions of new areas or enemies; they sometimes contain tactical advice.
  • Progression: His dialogue changes dynamically based on your progress, the weapons you equip, and even your performance in combat. There are no specific "walkthrough steps" for Rucks, as he is ever-present. Simply play the game, and his story will unfold alongside yours.

Zulf

Zulf is the first survivor you encounter and a former Ura warrior. His journey is deeply intertwined with the game's central conflict and themes of prejudice and understanding. While he doesn't fight with you, his presence in the Bastion and his evolving narrative are significant.

  • Role: Narrative Catalyst, Moral Dilemma.
  • Location: Zulf is initially found in the Hanging Gardens. After his rescue, he resides in the Bastion.
  • Walkthrough Steps:
    1. Rescue Zulf: You'll find Zulf during the "Hanging Gardens" level. Navigate through the collapsing platforms and Ura enemies. After a brief encounter, he will join you back at the Bastion.
    2. Observe His Story: particularly after activating more Cores and Shards, Zulf's behavior and dialogue in the Bastion will change. He becomes increasingly distraught and eventually leaves.
    3. The Final Encounter: Zulf plays a pivotal role in the game's climax. Your choices regarding him in the final moments will determine one of the game's endings. There are no items to collect from him directly, but his story is a major part of the narrative reward.
  • Strategy: Engage with Zulf's dialogue whenever possible. His perspective offers crucial insight into the Ura and the Calamity.

Sikia

Sikia is a young woman you rescue who becomes the proprietor of the Distillery in the Bastion. She offers invaluable upgrades to the Kid's abilities through various "Spirits" (passive buffs).

  • Role: Ability Enhancer, Merchant (of sorts).
  • Location: Sikia is found in the Wilds. After her rescue, she operates the Distillery in the Bastion.
  • Walkthrough Steps:
    1. Rescue Sikia: During the "Wilds" level, you'll encounter Sikia trapped. Clear the surrounding enemies and interact with her to bring her back to the Bastion.
    2. Access the Distillery: Once Sikia is at the Bastion, the Distillery structure will appear. Interact with it to access her services.
    3. Purchase Spirits: Sikia sells various Spirits that provide passive bonuses. Each Spirit costs a certain amount of Fragments. Prioritize purchasing Spirits that complement your playstyle. For example, if you prefer melee, consider "Black Tonic" for increased damage or "Squirt Heart" for health regeneration. If you favor ranged combat, "Doppelganger" for a chance at extra projectiles or "Werewhiskey" for critical hit chance are excellent choices.
    4. Unlock More Spirits: More powerful Spirits become available as you activate additional Cores and Shards in the Bastion. Regularly check the Distillery after completing main objectives.
  • Key Items (Spirits):
    • Black Tonic: Increases damage dealt.
    • Squirt Heart: Regenerates health over time.
    • Doppelganger: Chance for projectiles to split.
    • Werewhiskey: Increases critical hit chance.
    • Lifewine: Increases maximum health.
    • Leachade: Grants health on enemy defeat.
  • Strategy: Experiment with different Spirit combinations to find what works best for specific challenges or boss fights. Don't be afraid to respec your Spirits at the Distillery if a different loadout is needed.

Voci

Voci is the final survivor you encounter, a Caelondian scholar who oversees the Shrine in the Bastion. He allows you to activate "Idols," which are difficulty modifiers that increase the challenge of the game in exchange for greater Fragment and experience rewards.

  • Role: Difficulty Modifier, Reward Enhancer.
  • Location: Voci is found in the Prosper Bluff. After his rescue, he manages the Shrine in the Bastion.
  • Walkthrough Steps:
    1. Rescue Voci: You'll find Voci during the "Prosper Bluff" level. Clear the area of enemies and interact with him to bring him back to the Bastion.
    2. Access the Shrine: Once Voci is at the Bastion, the Shrine structure will appear. Interact with it to activate Idols.
    3. Activate Idols: Each Idol represents a specific deity and applies a unique negative effect to the Kid or a positive effect to enemies. For example, activating the "God of the Ura" Idol makes Ura enemies tougher, while "God of the Lunkheads" makes Lunkheads explode upon death.
    4. Earn Greater Rewards: For each Idol activated, you receive a percentage bonus to Fragments and experience earned from defeated enemies. This is crucial for farming currency and leveling up faster.
  • Key Items (Idols):
    • God of the Ura: Ura enemies are tougher.
    • God of the Lunkheads: Lunkheads explode upon death.
    • God of the Peckers: Peckers are more aggressive and deal more damage.
    • God of the Squirts: Squirts leave behind damaging puddles.
    • God of the Stinkeyes: Stinkeyes have more health and shoot faster.
    • God of the Wallflowers: Wallflowers spawn more aggressively.
  • Strategy: Activating Idols is an excellent way to increase the challenge and rewards, especially if you're looking to fully upgrade all your weapons or reach higher levels. Start with one or two Idols that you feel comfortable with, and gradually add more as you become more proficient. Certain Idols can synergize with specific weapon loadouts or Spirit choices, so experiment to find effective combinations.