You’re standing on the bridge of the Defender, staring at a crew that feels like a galactic misfit toy box. Playing a Jedi Knight in SWTOR isn't just about swinging a glow-stick or jumping into the middle of a Sith army. It's about the people standing behind you. Honestly, Star Wars The Old Republic Jedi Knight companions are a weird bunch. You have a literal droid, a tiny scientist with a giant ego, and a Padawan who might be more powerful than you are. Some of them make total sense for a Light Side hero. Others? They feel like they accidentally walked into the wrong game.
If you’re looking to min-max your influence or just want to know who won’t judge you for taking dark side points, you've gotta understand how these personalities clash. It’s not just about combat roles anymore. Ever since the 4.0 update (Knights of the Fallen Empire), any companion can tank, heal, or DPS. Now, the choice is purely about the vibes and the narrative payoff.
T7-01: The Little Droid That Could (And Does)
T7 is your first ride or die. You meet this astromech on Tython, and he stays loyal until the heat death of the universe. He’s basically the R2-D2 of the Old Republic era but with more sass and a weird habit of talking about himself in the third person. T7-01 is the moral compass of the crew. If you do something even slightly "un-Jedi," he’s going to beep sadly at you.
For players focusing on a pure Light Side run, T7 is the easiest companion to level up. He loves it when you're a hero. He loves it when you help people for free. He hates the Empire. Simple. He’s also crucial for the final boss fight in the base class story—something a lot of players forget until they’re standing in the Emperor’s throne room with a low-level droid and a look of pure regret. Keep his influence high. You'll thank me later.
Why Kira Carsen Is the Best (And Worst) Padawan
Kira is probably the most popular of the Star Wars The Old Republic Jedi Knight companions. Why? Because she’s actually interesting. She isn't a mindless follower. She’s snarky, she has a mysterious past involving the "Children of the Emperor," and she’s one of the few companions who feels like a genuine partner rather than a subordinate.
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Romancing Kira is a staple for male Jedi Knight players. It adds a layer of "forbidden love" that feels very Anakin-esque but without the whole "turning into a Sith Lord" vibe. But here’s the thing: Kira is incredibly opinionated. If you play a traditional, "no-emotions" Jedi, you’re going to bore her. She likes wit. She likes it when you stand up to the Council. She’s the bridge between the rigid Jedi Order and the reality of a galaxy at war.
- She values independence.
- Kira loves it when you mock arrogant Sith.
- She despises anyone who tries to control her mind or her destiny.
Doc: The Romance We Didn't Ask For
Then there’s Doc. Oh, Doc. He’s a flirtatious, overconfident medical genius you pick up on Balmorra. To some, he’s a charming rogue. To others, he’s the guy you wish you could leave at the spaceport. Doc is the primary romance option for female Jedi Knights, and let’s just say it’s an... acquired taste. He’s basically a parody of a ladies' man.
Despite the ego, Doc is useful. Back in the day, he was the only thing keeping Knight players alive during the leveling process. Now, he’s mostly there for comic relief. If you’re playing a Dark Side Knight, Doc is surprisingly tolerant. He doesn't care about your connection to the Force as much as he cares about getting paid and looking good. He’s the most "human" of the bunch, flaws and all.
Sergeant Rusk and the Issue of Personality
Rusk is the most controversial companion because, frankly, he’s kind of a brick wall. You get him on Hoth. He’s a Republic soldier who views everything through the lens of military efficiency. He doesn't care about Jedi philosophy. He doesn't care about your feelings. He just wants to blow stuff up for the Republic.
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Most players find him boring compared to Kira or T7. He feels like a leftover from a Trooper story. But if you’re playing a "Soldier of the Republic" style Jedi—someone who puts the war effort above the Force—Rusk is your man. He’s the only companion who won't blink if you decide that sacrificing a few civilians is necessary to win a battle. He’s cold. He’s professional. He’s... there.
Lord Scourge: The Sith on Your Sofa
This is where things get wild. Lord Scourge joining your crew is one of the biggest plot twists in the game. He was the Emperor’s Wrath! He’s a pureblood Sith! And now he’s standing in your cargo hold telling you what to do. Scourge is fascinating because he’s not "evil" in the cartoonish sense. He’s pragmatic. He’s seen the future, and he knows the Emperor has to die.
Interacting with Scourge is a masterclass in philosophical debate. He challenges everything the Jedi stand for. He thinks your mercy is weakness. He thinks your codes are chains. If you want to maximize your influence with him, you have to be ruthless. Not necessarily "kill everyone" evil, but "do what must be done" efficient.
Scourge is a heavy hitter. He’s a powerhouse in combat, and his insights into the Emperor’s psychology are indispensable. He’s the dark mirror to your Jedi light.
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Balancing Influence and Choices
Managing Star Wars The Old Republic Jedi Knight companions is a balancing act. You can’t please everyone. If you make Kira happy, Scourge will probably hate it. If you please T7, Rusk might think you’re being soft.
The secret? Don't try to make everyone like you. Use the "Companion Gifts" system to bridge the gap. You can buy gifts at the Galactic Trade Market or from vendors on the Fleet. It’s a bit of a cheese strategy, but if you want that Level 50 influence bonus without compromising your character’s morals, it’s the only way.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Playthrough
Stop sticking with just one companion for the whole game. I know, Kira is great. But you're missing out on unique dialogue triggers.
- Bring T7 to Tython and Coruscant. The dialogue there is specifically tailored to his backstory and the early Republic lore.
- Use Scourge for everything in Chapter 3. His commentary on the Sith worlds and the final assault is way more impactful than anyone else's.
- Feed Doc's ego. Even if you aren't romancing him, his side quests provide a nice break from the "save the galaxy" high-stakes drama.
- Check the Alliances window. Once you hit the expansions, some companions might leave or return based on your choices. Pay attention to the alerts.
The Jedi Knight story is often called "KOTOR 3" for a reason. It’s the quintessential Star Wars experience. But without the right crew, it’s just a guy in a bathrobe jumping around. Pick the companion that challenges your playstyle. If you’re a goody-two-shoes, take Scourge out for a spin. If you’re a Dark Side renegade, try to earn T7’s respect. That’s where the real game is played.