You've just finished a brutal contract on Hutta. Your pockets are heavy with credits, and your Great Hunt journey is just starting to heat up. But honestly, the real heart of the game isn't just the blasters or the power tech; it's the crew sitting on your Mantis-class patrol ship. Star Wars The Old Republic bounty hunter companions are a weird, eclectic bunch of misfits that range from literal monsters to professional killers, and choosing who to bring on a mission changes the vibe of your playthrough entirely.
Some players just pick whoever has the highest influence level. That's a mistake. You're missing out on some of the best writing BioWare ever put into an MMO if you don't pay attention to who’s walking behind you.
Mako: The Moral Compass You Didn't Ask For
Mako is usually the first person people think of when they talk about Star Wars The Old Republic bounty hunter companions. She's your first recruit. She's a tech genius, a cybernetic expert, and she’s basically the only reason your hunter doesn't end up dead in a ditch in the first ten levels.
But here is the thing: Mako is "light side" leaning. If you're out here trying to play a bloodthirsty psychopath who kills every NPC for an extra ten credits, Mako is going to hate your guts. She wants professionalism. She wants you to be the "honorable" hunter—the Boba Fett type who follows a code, not the monster who leaves a trail of unnecessary bodies. Her backstory involving the 0-1-0 clones and her search for identity is actually one of the more grounded personal quests in the game. It’s not about saving the galaxy; it’s about a girl trying to find out where she came from.
If you are romancing her, keep in mind she values honesty. Don't try to play her. She’s too smart for that.
Gault Rennow and the Art of the Con
If Mako is the conscience, Gault Rennow is the guy whispering in your ear to take the shortcut. He’s a Devaronian swindler. You literally meet him because he’s your target. Instead of turning him in, you end up bringing him along because he’s just that charmingly annoying.
Gault is polarizing. Some players find his constant sarcasm and schemes grating. I think he’s hilarious. He brings a much-needed levity to the grim-dark "I'm a professional killer" atmosphere. In the post-expansion content, especially during Knights of the Fallen Empire, Gault’s interactions with Hylo Visz show a side of him that isn’t just about the next credit. He’s a survivor.
✨ Don't miss: Teenager Playing Video Games: What Most Parents Get Wrong About the Screen Time Debate
The Powerhouse Problem: Torian Cadera
Then we have Torian. Torian is the fan favorite for a reason. He’s a Mandalorian. He speaks Mando'a. He lives by the Resol'nare. If you want to feel like you’re part of a clan, Torian is your guy.
He’s quiet. Serious. Unlike the flashy arrogance of Gault or the bubbly tech-talk of Mako, Torian is all business. He provides a fascinating look into Mandalorian culture that isn't just "we wear cool armor." He’s a warrior looking for redemption for his father’s sins.
Pro Tip: If you're playing a female Bounty Hunter, Torian’s romance is widely considered one of the best in the game because it’s built on mutual respect and warrior tradition rather than just "love at first sight" nonsense.
Blizz: Why Every Hunter Needs a Jawa
Look, if you don’t like Blizz, I don’t know what to tell you. Blizz is a Jawa who somehow found his way into a mercenary crew and decided he’s the lead engineer. He’s pure chaos in a brown robe.
What makes Blizz one of the most unique Star Wars The Old Republic bounty hunter companions is his mechanical utility (at least back when roles were locked) and his infectious optimism. He loves "boss." He loves "gadgets." He’s the only companion who seems genuinely happy to be shot at as long as he gets to see how the enemy’s weapons work.
He’s also surprisingly brave. While Gault might suggest running away, Blizz is already building a rocket launcher out of scrap metal to solve the problem. He’s a reminder that the SWTOR universe is vast and weird.
🔗 Read more: Swimmers Tube Crossword Clue: Why Snorkel and Inner Tube Aren't the Same Thing
Skadge: The Companion Everyone Loves to Hate
We have to talk about Skadge. Honestly? Most players can't stand him. He’s a Houk thug who basically bullies his way onto your ship on Belsavis. He’s rude, he’s ugly, and he has zero respect for your authority.
Why did BioWare include him? Because a Bounty Hunter’s life isn’t always about loyal friends and honorable warriors. Sometimes you just need a brute. Skadge represents the "underworld" side of the job—the dirty, greasy, violent part that doesn't care about codes or clans. He’s the guy you send in when you don't want to get your hands dirty, or when you want to make a point that you're the baddest person in the room.
But yeah, I still leave him on the ship most of the time.
How Companion Roles Changed (And Why It Matters)
In the early days of SWTOR, your companion choice was dictated by their role. Mako was your healer. If you didn't have her out, you died. Torian was your melee DPS. Skadge was your tank. It was restrictive.
Since 4.0, any companion can be any role. This changed the game. Now, you can pick Star Wars The Old Republic bounty hunter companions based on their personality and how they react to your choices rather than just their healing output.
- Set to Tank: Use this if you’re a Mercenary (DPS) who wants to sit back and unload missiles while someone else takes the heat.
- Set to Healer: Essential for Powertechs who are diving into the thick of it and need constant green beams to stay alive.
- Set to DPS: Great for burning through "trash mobs" during planetary heroics when you just want to get the mission done fast.
Maximizing Your Crew's Potential
Influence is the name of the game now. Gone are the days of "Affection" where companions would leave you if they got too mad. Now, Influence levels up to 50, and it drastically affects their performance in combat and their speed at Crew Skills.
💡 You might also like: Stuck on Today's Connections? Here is How to Actually Solve the NYT Grid Without Losing Your Mind
- Mako loves Technology and Underworld Goods.
- Torian responds best to Trophy and Weapon gifts.
- Gault is all about Luxury and Underworld Goods (obviously).
- Blizz goes crazy for Technology and Maintenance items.
- Skadge... well, give him Underworld Goods or Weapons, if you must.
The Narrative Impact of Your Crew
The Bounty Hunter story is unique because it's the most "disconnected" from the Republic vs. Empire war initially. You’re a freelancer. Your companions reflect that. They aren't soldiers following orders; they are people who chose to follow you.
When you get to the later expansions like Onslaught or Legacy of the Sith, the game tracks who you stayed loyal to. If you chose to save Torian over Vette in the KOTET expansions, the game remembers. Those choices have weight. The bond you build with these characters during the 1-50 leveling process pays off years later in the narrative.
Real Talk: Who is the "Best"?
If we are being objective, Mako is the most vital for the story's emotional core. She provides the "rookie" perspective that makes your rise to fame feel earned. However, Blizz is the soul of the ship.
Don't just stick to one. Swap them out. Listen to their ambient dialogue when you enter different cantinas or spaceports. BioWare hid a lot of flavor text in those interactions that most players skip because they are rushing to the next quest marker.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Playthrough
- Farm Influence early: Buy the cheap Grade 1 and Grade 2 gifts from the vendor on the Fleet. You can get a companion to level 20 for almost nothing, which makes the early game a breeze.
- Unlock the Legacy Perk: Get the "Legacy of Altruism" perks to increase the influence gained from gifts. It saves you a fortune in the long run.
- Do the conversations: Don't skip the ship conversations. They grant massive chunks of Influence and are the only way to unlock the companion's personal missions.
- Mix and Match: If you’re playing a "Light Side" Imperial, try bringing Gault along to see how he reacts to your mercy. It’s often funnier than you’d expect.
The Bounty Hunter isn't just a class; it's a lifestyle. Your companions are your tools, your friends, and sometimes your biggest headaches. Treat them right—or don't—but definitely don't ignore them. The galaxy is a cold place, and it's better to have a Jawa with a rocket launcher at your back than to go it alone.