Darkest Dungeon II
Darkest Dungeon II

Pets & Companions

Find the best Pets and Companions in Darkest Dungeon II. Gain passive bonuses and unique utility that can turn the tide of battle and support your heroes.

·Multi-source verified (85/85)

Pets & Companions

In the grim world of Darkest Dungeon II, you'll often find yourself outnumbered and outmatched. While your core party of four heroes is essential, the right Pet or Companion can provide crucial support, turning the tide of battle or offering invaluable utility on your journey. Unlike heroes, Pets and Companions are not directly controlled but offer passive bonuses or activate unique abilities under specific conditions.

Acquiring Pets & Companions

Pets and Companions are not simply "recruited" like heroes. They are often found through specific events or purchased from unique vendors. Keep an eye out for these opportunities:

  • The Hoarder's Shop: Occasionally, the enigmatic Hoarder will offer a Pet for sale alongside trinkets and combat items. These are often high-tier and come with a significant cost in Relics. Prioritize these if you have the resources, as they can be game-changers.
  • Road Encounters: Certain road encounters, particularly those marked with a '?' on the map, can lead to events where a Pet might join your party. These are less predictable but can yield powerful early-game companions.
  • Shrines of Reflection: While primarily for hero backstories, some Shrines can trigger events that introduce a Companion with unique story-driven benefits.
  • Lair Boss Drops: Defeating certain Lair bosses, especially those in the later regions, has a small chance to reward a rare Pet. For example, the Dreaming General in the Shroud might drop the "Whispering Skull" companion.

Managing Your Companions

You can only have one Pet active at a time. Once acquired, a Pet will occupy a dedicated slot on your party screen. To swap Pets, you must visit an Inn. There, you'll find a "Companion Management" option, allowing you to select from any Pets you've acquired during your current expedition. Remember, you cannot swap Pets mid-road or during combat.

Key Pets & Their Strategies

Each Pet offers distinct advantages. Understanding their strengths and how they synergize with your party composition is vital for success.

The Ravenous Maw

  • Effect: On Round Start, 25% chance to apply 1 Blight to a random enemy. If the enemy is already Blighted, 25% chance to apply 1 Vulnerable.
  • Strategy: Excellent for blight-focused teams, especially with heroes like the Plague Doctor or Jester. The added Vulnerable can set up massive damage turns. Pair with Blight-applying trinkets like the "Blight Charm" for maximum effect.

The Loyal Hound

  • Effect: On Ally Hit, 15% chance to grant 1 Block to that ally. On Ally Crit, 15% chance to grant 1 Block+ to that ally.
  • Strategy: A defensive powerhouse. Ideal for protecting squishier heroes or tanks that need to absorb multiple hits. Works exceptionally well with high-crit heroes like the Highwayman or Leper, turning their offensive prowess into defensive stability.

The Whispering Skull

  • Effect: On Enemy Death, 20% chance to grant 1 Stress Heal (1) to a random hero. On Hero Death's Door, 100% chance to grant 1 Dodge to that hero.
  • Strategy: Provides crucial stress relief and a last-ditch defensive boost. Particularly useful in longer expeditions or against enemies that inflict high stress. The Dodge on Death's Door can save a hero from an untimely demise, buying you another turn to heal.

The Glimmering Moth

  • Effect: On Round Start, 20% chance to grant 1 Speed to a random hero. On Light above 75, 10% chance to grant 1 Crit to a random hero.
  • Strategy: Best suited for aggressive, high-light parties. The extra Speed can allow your damage dealers to act before enemies, while the Crit buff can lead to devastating early-round burst damage. Ensure you maintain high Light levels by using "Laudanum" or "Medicinal Herbs" at Inns.

Companion Synergies

Consider your party's strengths and weaknesses when choosing a Pet. A Blight-focused team will thrive with the Ravenous Maw, while a party struggling with stress might find the Whispering Skull invaluable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different Pets across multiple runs to discover which ones best complement your preferred hero compositions and playstyle.