The Lands Between remains, even in 2026, a notoriously unforgiving realm where monstrous beasts and grotesque bosses lurk behind every crumbling archway. FromSoftware's reputation for crafting nightmarish adversaries is well-earned, yet there's an underappreciated facet to their design genius: the creation of utterly endearing critters. These are the creatures that make players pause their quest for the Elden Throne, their hearts melting faster than a Tarnished facing Malenia. Forget the Spirit Ashes—these are the permanent companions we yearn for, the squad members who would make the journey not just epic, but downright wholesome.

10. The Oracle Envoys 🫧

The initial confrontation with an Oracle Envoy sparks a moral crisis. How does one ethically combat a sentient, ambulatory snowman comprised of two giant, wobbling bubbles? The dilemma only deepens when they begin their primary attack: cheerfully blowing more bubbles. It's hard to maintain the grim resolve of a would-be Elden Lord when your opponent is essentially hosting a backyard party. Their slow, bumbling movement might not be tactically optimal, but their sheer friend-shaped aesthetic guarantees them a spot in any adventurer's party. They'd provide moral support, if nothing else.

9. Every Single Dog (Yes, Every One) 🐕

Let's be clear: every canine in the game, from the mangy mutts of Limgrave to the spectral wolves of the Mountaintops, will attack on sight. This is an objective fact. Does this stop the primal, human urge to scratch behind their ears? Not in the slightest. The cognitive dissonance is real. Here we have a game with an extensive emote system—bows, waves, dramatic poses—yet no option to simply pet the dog. It's a glaring oversight. Our affection extends to all members of the extended family: wolves, direwolves, and even the comically proportioned Monstrous Dogs. We'd advocate for Runebears to receive honorary canine citizenship if it meant we could give one a treat.

8. The Merchant's Donkey 🐴

Torrent is a loyal spirit steed, but let's face it, his inventory management skills are nonexistent. Enter the unsung hero of The Lands Between: the Merchant's Donkey. This stoic, patient creature is the ultimate pack animal, a walking treasure chest with a soulful gaze. While Alexander the Warrior Jar is a noble companion, he lacks the practical storage space of this four-legged logistics expert. Having a donkey to organize the mountains of loot—Golden Runes, Smithing Stones, fifty-seven varieties of mushroom—would be a game-changer. Plus, Torrent seems lonely; he needs a pal who appreciates the simple joy of a quiet graze.

7. Small Living Jar (Jar Bairn) 🏺

Alexander's quest is the stuff of legend, a tale of perseverance and pot-based heroism. But imagine that same epic journey undertaken by someone a fraction of the size. Jar Bairn, Alexander's diminutive nephew, represents the next generation of jar-kind. Watching this tiny, determined vessel vow to become a great warrior is arguably more inspiring than felling any demigod. If we can't have him as a permanent companion, tirelessly rolling after us, then the demand is clear: a standalone Jar Bairn adventure game. The pitch writes itself: a 3D platformer starring a courageous little jar. The world is ready, Miyazaki.

6. The Scarabs 🪲

These insects are the proletariat heroes of the realm. Cursed to an eternal, rolling commute, they diligently distribute precious ashes and spells across the landscape. Theirs is a noble, if repetitive, existence. Having a personal Scarab companion would revolutionize exploration. We'd send it on adorable fetch quests: 'Go find me a Somber Smithing Stone [7], little buddy!' It would scuttle off, having its own mini-adventures with other wildlife before rolling back with the prize. In a pinch, it could also just bowl over lesser enemies. A versatile and dedicated ally.

5. The Blue Worm :o

Few creatures in gaming history have mastered the art of facial expression like the Blue Worm from the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Its permanently surprised ":o" visage is so potent it forces the player to mimic it instinctively. Staring contests with this subterranean noodle could provide hours of distraction from the usual graft. But behind that adorable facade lies immense, untapped power. Currently stuck peeking from the earth, one can only dream of the day it breaks free. A fully mobile Blue Worm, whistling in joy as it thrashes through enemy ranks, would be a sight to behold and a formidable ally.

4. Lookout Stones 👁️

Confession: it took an embarrassingly long time to notice the single, unblinking eye on the front of these floating stone caterpillars. This realization makes them either the only marginally normal creature in Elden Ring (they blink!) or the creepiest. We're leaning toward oddly charming. Their mastery of gravity magic is undeniable, and their shape—a string of rocks—hints at latent shape-shifting potential. A Lookout Stone companion could be the ultimate scout and infiltrator, perhaps even reshaping itself to unlock secret Evergaols or create makeshift bridges. A useful, if somewhat stony, friend.

3. Giant Lightning Sheep ⚡🐑

The standard rolling sheep of the Lands Between were already a highlight of absurdity. Then FromSoftware, in a moment of divine (or perhaps chaotic) inspiration, created their supercharged cousins: the Giant Lightning Sheep. The questions are endless. Why are they so large? How do they generate electricity? What physics-defying technique allows their perpetual roll? The answers don't matter. What matters is the spectacle of deploying the Lightning Ram Ash of War alongside one of these majestic, woolly capacitors. The synergy would be electrifying, in every sense of the word.

2. The Man-Serpent 😁

Behold, the life of the party! The Man-Serpent's wide, toothless grin is a beacon of pure, unadulterated joy in the grim depths of Volcano Manor. That smile could disarm the most paranoid Tarnished. Our first encounter was met not with weapon drawn, but with the eager activation of the Warm Welcome gesture, fully expecting a scaly hug in return. Beyond the charisma, their practical abilities are impressive. That stretchy, elastic body isn't just for show—it would be invaluable for scaling cliffs, retrieving items from high ledges, or giving enemies a surprisingly flexible smackdown.

1. The Albinaurics 👽

Topping our list are the undeniable champions of cute: the Albinaurics. These creatures are a masterful blend of blobfish, extraterrestrial visitor, and serene meditator. They look like they were stitched together from spare parts by a mad scientist with a heart of gold, and their only desire is a group hug. Don't let their placid appearance fool you; they are acrobatic powerhouses. An Albinauric cartwheeling toward you is a blur of joyful momentum. Most importantly, they understand community. They're always found in groups, leaning on each other, embodying the friendship and loyalty we seek in our own journey. They are battle-ready, agile, and full of love—the perfect companions for the Tarnished who values heart over mere horsepower.