Edge of Sanity Guide | The First Companions

Edge of Sanity tries and succeeds at being a good survival horror while expertly meshing in its Lovecraftian themes. The management and base-building aspects are also a highlight, as while you might not die to any errant monsters, you will rather succumb to hunger or thirst. Resource management is a pretty important aspect of the game, and this is highlighted by your base camp.

You also eventually get access to a few companions in the base camp after you progress through the game. These companions will manage a structure in your base or go on scouting missions with the potential to bring back resources.

The first few companions you get access to are Clair, Jackie, and Paul. The three characters have unique traits and skills that will help augment your game, but you must keep them supplied with food and water and keep them in good health. This means you will have to use medkits to heal them if they are injured. Aside from that, they also need rest.

All of these contribute to keeping their morale high. These companions can go on scouting missions, making specific areas accessible where you can gather resources. They can also stay at the base and manage one of the buildings, increasing production. You will only be able to save two of them in a playthrough, though, as you end up finding the third one too late. You save them by going to three different 'possible survivor locations.' These are the Forest, PRISM Base, and Mines.

Paul

Paul is described as someone who's only out to save themselves. A selfish and arrogant prick who sees people as tools. He treats others warmly enough, though, as in the current context, they benefit him. He is found in the PRISM Base.

Paul's ability is the scavenger master, making him a good scout as he has an increased chance of bringing back something from scouting. This honestly is a very niche skill, and you will rarely see it be useful, making him one of the least desirable companions to have and, sadly, the one left to die in many playthroughs.

Clair

An HR Manager, Clair is almost unlikeable as well, if not for the absurdity of her dialogues. Found in the Mines, she seems nearly oblivious or, worse, uncaring of the things unfolding around them. She is a stickler for the rules and has a by-the-books demeanor, almost to an emotional level. However, she is noted to be able to know her way around the camp and is also a logistics wizard.

This makes sense, as her skill is the water production master, making her produce one extra water per day. This is an essential skill as she will let you produce more than enough water to break even.

Jackie

The only companion you find in the early game who is actually likable. She is able to take care of herself, as when you find her, she has barricaded herself out of harm's way and has made traps all around the area. She seems to be a researcher but someone who can get her hands dirty if needed. She is found in the forest.

Her skill is the food production master, so you should put her to work in the Food Station. She will let you break even on food, saving you time going on expeditions to get more food.

You will come to rely on these companions through your game, but be careful, and they might die if you ignore their needs. You will also encounter other companions as you progress through the game. You can also do some side-quests for these characters.

Check out my Edge of Sanity Review and Edge of Sanity Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks.