Night Swarm Companions Guide: All Characters, Unlock Methods & Reputation Costs

Companions are one of Night Swarm’s most impactful progression systems. Even though the game is a solo experience, companions act as permanent allies — each offering unique active abilities and passive buffs that shape how your runs play out. Some are available immediately, while others must be unlocked as you progress and collect Reputation Letters, the core currency tied to companion growth.

How companions work in Night Swarm

Before unlocking every ally, it helps to understand how they function. You may take one companion per run, and once selected, that companion follows you through every stage. Their abilities fall into two categories:

• Active ability – triggered skill that supports your combat style
• Passive ability – constant bonus that strengthens your build throughout the run

Companions can also be permanently upgraded using Reputation Letters. Both active and passive strengths improve with each enhancement, so your chosen partner grows alongside you over time.

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All companions in Night Swarm

The roster currently contains ten companions. Four begin unlocked, while six must be purchased with Reputation Letters — a reward earned by clearing runs and reaching milestones.

Default companions (available from the start)

These four companions allow you to experiment with early builds immediately. Their passives and actives form the base toolkit you’ll use to push deeper runs and begin earning Reputation Letters for new unlocks.

Companions unlocked with Reputation Letters

The remaining six require currency investment. These are long-term progression choices — ideal if one of their abilities aligns with your preferred build style.

Reputation Letters are used not only to recruit companions, but to upgrade them as well, so unlocking a new ally is only the first step. Players planning to specialize should prioritize companions that complement their favorite relics, weapons, or swarm-control strategies.

How to unlock Night Swarm companions

Companions are unlocked exclusively using Reputation Letters.

• Earned through completed runs and milestone achievements.
• Used to unlock new companions.
• Also required to upgrade companion abilities later.

You can unlock and upgrade companions using Reputation Letters earned across your runs. These are spent to recruit new allies and strengthen their passive and active effects over time.

Which companion should you unlock first?

Since the starter four are free, your first paid unlock should enhance what your build lacks — damage, cooldown efficiency, survivability, or enemy control. If you enjoy aggressive close-range play, choosing a companion with an offensive passive is often best. If you prefer heavy relic cycling or status-focused runs, a cooldown-centric companion unlock will feel stronger first.

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Night Swarm’s companion system adds depth that extends beyond the battlefield. Unlocking and upgrading companions slowly widens your tactical expression, allowing each run to feel more personalized. With smart investment of Reputation Letters and an understanding of each ally’s role, your roster becomes one of your strongest tools against the swarm.

As the game evolves, future updates may add new companions or balance existing ones — making this progression path one worth revisiting often. Play Now!