Though humans usually tend to be the stars of most video games, they will occasionally get to share that spotlight with some rather fuzzy cohorts. Whether it be wandering the post-apocalyptic wastes, taking on covert operations, or playing some radical new jams on guitar, video game dogs are every bit as lovable as their real-life counterparts. Here, we’re counting down the 10 best dogs in gaming.
10 coolest dogs in video games
Riley- Call of Duty: Ghosts
We were torn between placing Riley on this list or Rush from the Mega Man franchise . However, after we learned more about Riley’s history, we had to give throw this dog a bone.
Riley was, in many ways, a pioneer for pups in modern gaming. The stalwart Riley garnered a fair bit of attention when Call of Duty: Ghosts hit the scene, and since then dogs in gaming have seen a bit of a renaissance. This stalwart German Shepherd acted as an indispensable companion to the Ghost unit, keeping pace through all manner of dangerous missions. That’s not the best part, though: Riley is a real dog, or more accurately, two dogs. Real-life Navy SEAL canines Ruger and Colin provided motion-capture performances for the fictional Riley.
That Dog- Resident Evil 4
Although the Silent Hill dog did not make this list, another pooch from another great horror franchise did!
Early on in Resident Evil 4, way before you start encountering bloodthirsty villagers and disturbing bioweapons, Leon S. Kennedy will run into a heartbreaking sight. A whimpering wild dog has his back leg caught in a rusty bear trap. Though you do have the option to just walk on past (but seriously, why would you?!), freeing this poor creature will net you some serious good karma. After freeing the dog, he’ll let out a happy bark and limp off into the woods, but will return later to help you in the boss battle against the colossal El Gigante.
Seeing the white-furred pup appear at the bleakest moment of the fight makes us wonder if maybe Gandalf has a secret dog form?
Sif- Dark Souls
Sif is what some experts might call a “chonky boi,” or alternately, a “big chungus.” This rather large wolf’s size isn’t something to be scoffed at, though. That giant sword that Sif carries around like a chew toy can do some serious damage. Jokes aside, Sif has a tragic backstory: Sif’s master, Artorias, sacrificed himself to protect his loyal companion from the corruption of the Abyss. After rescuing the trapped wolf, you can summon Sif to fight by your side later on.
K.K. Slider- “Animal Crossing”
He’s a dog. He’s got a guitar. He plays some sweet tunes. Is there honestly anything better? K.K. Slider’s legendary jams and smooth attitude have turned him into one of the most iconic characters in the Animal Crossing series. He also uses his music as a tool to fight the man, railing against “industry fat cats” and trying to keep his music as authentic as possible. So, not only is K.K. Slider one groovy pup, but he also might be one of the last musicians with any integrity.
Amaterasu- “Okami”
Amaterasu is a dog god… or maybe god dog? Either way, she’s based on an actual figure from Japanese mythology. The star of the colorful and iconic Okami, Amaterasu is trying to put a troubled past behind her, traveling the land to protect the innocent from the demonic forces of darkness. Not only that, but she creates some truly remarkable artwork along the way.
Also, if anyone from Nintendo is listening, we would love to see Amaterasu in Super Smash Bros.
Barbas- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
When we first loaded up Skyrim on our Xbox 360, we never would’ve guessed that we would be making a new canine bestie.
Barbas is everyone’s dream made a reality: a bonafide talking dog . Not only does this boy talk, but he’s also got jokes. His sarcasm is about as dry as it comes , and you’ll need to keep some Resist Fire potions on hand to deal with his steady stream of burns.
Sense of humor aside, Barbas is a good friend and companion, but unfortunately, you can’t keep him for long. Eventually, you’ll need to return him to his true master: the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile, a god-like being who’s basically Skyrim’s version of Loki.
Boomer- Far Cry 5
Boomer is four-legged proof that dogs really are man’s best friend. Whether it’s grabbing ammo and supplies from fallen foes, spotting enemies from afar, or ripping their throats out like he’s going after the squeaker in a new toy, Boomer is just about the best furry companion you could ask for. Though Far Cry 5 boasts an animal menagerie that includes a grizzly bear and a puma that you can keep as companions, Boomer is truly the leader of the pack. Such a good boy.
Chop- Grand Theft Auto V
When you first meet Chop he’s a bit… rough around the edges. Franklin’s animal companion is about as in-touch with his “baser instincts” as an animal can get. That said, Chop grows as Franklin does, following him from his cramped room at his aunt’s house to a swanky new pad in Vinewood. Chop stays the same lovable goof at heart, though, and he’s always down for a walk around the block or a rousing game of fetch. If you run into any annoying joggers or vapid celebrities along the way, Chop will be there to show them what it means to be top dog in Vinewood.
D.D.- Metal Gear Solid V
Though Riley may be the original special ops canine, D. Dog is the Big Boss. This scrappy mutt is found by Venom Snake in the dusty deserts of Afghanistan. The elite soldier rescues the one-eyed puppy and he soon becomes the beloved mascot of the Diamond Dogs, sporting an eyepatch just like his master.
You can dress him up in a whole wardrobe’s worth of sweet tactical gear , chance his appearance and coat, and give him all the head skritches you want even if you’re in the middle of a dangerous mission. There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing an entire base full of hardened mercenaries acting like delighted little kids when they see D. Dog. He’s a good boy who will be by your side no matter what!
Dogmeat- Fallout series
Honestly, is there any virtual dog out there that can top Dogmeat? Appearing in more than his fair share of Fallout titles, Dogmeat is your loyal companion throughout your expeditions in the post-apocalyptic wastelands of America. Dogmeat is down for just about any task that might come his way, from facing down super mutants to scavenging for supplies. You can even talk to this intelligent fellow, and though he may not be able to speak, he can offer some riveting insights into the world around him. Best of all, y ou can even give him his own doghouse as part of your buildable settlements in Fallout 4. You won’t want to go anywhere in the post-apocalypse without Dogmeat at your side.
Wrapping up
So, were there any pixelated pups that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back with Softonic for more Top Lists and other gaming-related goodness.
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