5 Most Loyal Sidekicks in Video Game History

As much as protagonists take the spotlight, sometimes the stakes are too high to not have a loyal sidekick by your side. Just like in real life, having someone who’s got your back through thick and thin often propels you to success. But some sidekicks have it out for themselves. Others will leave you hanging with no solid safety net to fall back on.

Even though it’s always great to have strength, wits and harmless mischief here and there, ultimately fierce loyalty is what carries the day. So when you’d think all hope is lost, here’s five most loyal sidekicks in video game history every player should want by their side. Read on.

5. Tails – Sonic the Hedgehog

As far as loyal sidekicks go, we’re rooting for Tails all the way! You’ve probably already played alongside Tails from Sonic the Hedgehog. If not, Miles ‘Tails’ Prower is not your ordinary sidekick. He’s a fox who’ll in the real world make a delicious meal out of a hedgehog. However, he’s nothing but friendly and supportive to Sonic, creating a beautiful friendship with him across the series. 

Tails is known for spinning his extra tail fast enough to lift himself off the ground and help Sonic reach higher grounds. Above all, Tails has got a loving, kind-heartedness to him that makes him gullible to exploits. But it’s this very personable quality that makes him the best sidekick out there. He’s always willing to stretch his limits, and help Sonic whenever he can, thus propelling him to heights only a genuinely loyal sidekick can do.

4. Dog – Fable II

Dogs are such loyal cute hounds to have, aren’t they? And Dog from Fable II is no exception. Well, he’s no ordinary pet as this particular one is willing to live and die by your side. In fact, you may have to face a grueling choice to let him die, and he’ll be very much willing to do so. 

So when players get the choice to sacrifice your faithful canine companion for the greater good, or save him at a great cost, tearing up could just be the only heart-wrenching thing to do. But hey, all isn’t lost as you could sacrifice the villager later on to resurrect him back to life. Yay for Dog, and you!

Admittedly, Dog is a tactfully designed sidekick aimed at tugging right at the heartstrings. But what more can you expect from having a loyal companion tracking down treasure, barking to warn you of unprecedented danger, and fighting off enemies for you? In return, all he needs from you is a play partner to maintain his morale. Overall, the character is just so emotionally grueling yet well worth the experience of a sidekick acting purely out of his heartfelt desire to keep you safe.

3. Krillin – Dragon Ball

Any anime fan knows the effort designers put in building devoted and loyal characters, especially in a protagonist’s companion. Consequently, most anime protagonists always have a best bud to confide in and rely on. In Dragon Ball, Krillin nails the loyalty test to the bone with an impressive resume of being dependable to Goku. So even though he may come off as a character who brings in the fun, Krillin has stuck with Goku through tons of quests to the point of risking his own life. 

He also maintains the same loyalty to the other Dragon Ball warriors like Gohan and Goten, thus further building his dependability of the team. It’s no surprise that his death made Goku turn Super Saiyan in his rage towards losing his best friend. Overall, Krillin is a memorable sidekick who exemplifies showing loyalties beyond his sidekick duties.

2. Donald and Goofy – Kingdom Hearts

Get yourself a Donald and Goofy friendship pair because you’d be in for a wild ride. In Kingdom Hearts, the two happily decide to search for King Mickey out of their loyalty to the king. However, on their journey they grow so close, teaming up with Sora and consequently, having her back no matter what comes their way.

The coolest charm to the group is Goofy’s goofiness and always wanting to spark optimism and calmness in the face of chaos. On the other hand, Donald Duck is a powerful sorcerer and wields a staff. He’s the volatile pea in the group, and brings a spice of wit, rash, and aggressiveness. Touch it up with loyalty and the three form a close friendship built on trust and teamwork while on their search for the king.

1. Clank – Ratchet and Clank

Now, lets look at our top pick of the most loyal sidekicks in video game history.

They say team work makes the dream work and in Ratchet and Clank, it works spectacularly well. For most of the series, Clank has been a close confidant, friend, and sidekick to Ratchet. In Ratchet and Clank (2002), Clank would literally piggy-back on Ratchet speaking to his essential role in helping Ratchet get out of tight spots. Perhaps it’s their close interdependence that has seen Clank stick to Ratchet’s side for as long as we can remember. 

Across the galaxies, and tons of adventure, Clank has helped Ratchet defeat evil. Whether it’s through his inventions, that sometimes lands in the wrong hands, he’s helped pull his weight to great lengths. Additionally, he has a charming personality and always takes up opportunities to show off his sharp sense of humor. 

Through a great balance between sharing lead and side character roles, the two have become such a staple to the gaming community that it’s hard to imagine playing as Ratchet without Clank fighting alongside you. Ultimately, the series shows off a great balance between protagonist and sidekick roles that simply speaks to excellent sidekicks sticking by you and taking whatever comes head-on.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our top five most loyal sidekicks in video game history?? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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