The Companion System is the developer's answer to the operational overhead of solo survival. Companions operate autonomously on your raft, providing passive buffs to resource generation, automated defence, and reduced Smelter/Purifier overhead.
The rescue prompt
While exploring procedural islands or clearing Rival Rigs, you'll encounter incapacitated NPCs. The interaction prompt is tied to a specific distress dialogue algorithm — it begins with the phrase "Are you hurt?"
The roster
Six companions can be unlocked. Each occupies a different role — construction, navigation, offence, recon, survival, and engineering. Rescuing all six is a meta-achievement in itself.
Locations
Each companion is gated behind a specific location. Shipwright Tomo is found inside a wrecked fishing skiff on an Iron Vein Island. Navigator Iris is at the lighthouse on the western point of the Scavenger Isles. Harpooner Jax is trapped under a capsized longboat on the Cursed Island shoreline.
Companion assignment
Once rescued, companions operate autonomously. Their assignment is fixed by their role — you cannot reassign Medic Pip to engine duty, for example. Plan your crew composition around the role gaps.
The buff math
Medic Pip's HP regeneration aura is significant during boss fights. Engineer Rook's 15% Engine fuel reduction pays for itself within a few Cargo Ship pursuits. Scout Mira's 40% UI Compass range extension makes Radio Tower coordination substantially easier.