Annihilated: Best Starting Companion and All Four Rescue Routes Guide

Here's a quick guide on the best starting companion and all four rescue routes in Annihilated.

Your first big decision in Annihilated isn't about which weapon to carry. It's about who you rescue. Four members of the missing party are waiting, but you can take only one along.

And that choice sticks. Different companion, different conversations, different story. If you're staring at the options, here's what each one brings.

Start With the Hero for a Safer Run

The Hero has lost almost all their speech. Most of what you'll hear is "Yes" or "No," so don't expect much help piecing together what's happened. It's a strange setup, but it fits the game.

The Hero's biggest advantage is toughness. They can withstand attacks that would put other companions in serious trouble. When you're still figuring out how fights work, that breathing room matters.

Choose the Mage for Her Story

The Mage's problem is cruelly simple: she's lost her magic. Imagine spending years learning something, only to wake up and find you can't do it anymore. That's what she's dealing with.

Don't pick her expecting an easy spellcasting build, because her old powers aren't available. Pick her if you're interested in how she handles that loss. Her route feels different from the Hero's.

The Warrior and Priest Have Stranger Stories

The Warrior's soul is trapped inside a doll, which sounds horrific. Somehow, he's still cheerful. If the game's mix of awful circumstances and weird humor appeals to you, he's an interesting pick.

Then there's the Priest. He's a powerful healer, but his shattered sanity and connection to the Great One make him less straightforward than he seems. I'd avoid reading spoilers before trying his route.

Your Choice Changes the Whole Run

You can't rescue the entire missing party in one playthrough. Whoever you choose gets their own dialogue and possible endings. You're picking a story route, not just someone to help in fights.

There's no need to find the "correct" companion immediately. Take whoever catches your interest, see where their story goes, and save the others for later. You'll have more fun that way.

For a first playthrough, the Hero is a sensible pick if you want survivability. Otherwise, choose whoever's story grabs you.

FAQ

Q. Can I rescue all four companions in one run?
A. No. You choose one companion per route.

Q. Does the Mage still use her old magic?
A. No. Losing her magic is part of her story.

Q. Do companions have different endings?
A. Yes. Each companion has a separate route with possible endings.