Meet Your First Crew: Starfinder: Afterlight Unveils Two Compelling Companions

Epictellers Entertainment and Paizo have pulled back the curtain on two of the key companions you’ll recruit in the upcoming turn-based RPG, Starfinder: Afterlight. This exclusive reveal gives players a first look at the rich, character-driven narrative that will define the game. Far from being simple combat units, these companions are a motley crew of misfits, each with their own complex backstory and a unique perspective on the galaxy. Their personalities, moral dilemmas, and clashing motivations are set to be at the heart of the game’s branching narrative.

Set in the iconic Starfinder universe and using the ruleset of the newly released Starfinder Second Edition, Afterlight is poised to be a major title for fans of classic cRPGs. The focus on character-centric storytelling and tactical, turn-based combat is a clear nod to games like Baldur’s Gate 3, which is fitting, as the developers have also announced a major voice-acting talent joining the project. Neil Newbon, the voice of the fan-favorite Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, has been confirmed as the voice director for Starfinder: Afterlight, ensuring the companion dialogue is in expert hands.

Tycho: The Cynical Ysoki Operative

The first companion revealed is Tycho, a Ysoki Operative. The Ysoki are a fan-favorite race in the Starfinder universe, known as small, nimble, and highly intelligent humanoid rats with a penchant for technology. Tycho embodies this perfectly, with a punk aesthetic and a mechanical arm that hints at a troubled past.

Tycho’s personality is defined by his deep-seated trust issues, which stem from a history of deception and betrayal. He is a pragmatic and guarded character, always on the lookout for a double-cross. The developers describe him as the kind of person who would say, “Stop hugging each other, come on let’s get serious here.” This cynical attitude is a direct contrast to his companion, Kole, and is sure to create some memorable banter and moral conflicts within your crew. Tycho’s class, Operative, suggests he will be a master of stealth, a skilled inventor, and an invaluable asset for navigating the galaxy’s darker corners. He is voiced by actor Inel Tomlinson, known for his work in other major RPGs.

Kole: The Dream-Chasing Vesk Soldier

The second companion, Kole, is a Vesk Soldier. Vesk are a powerful, reptilian species, and Kole’s appearance—beefy and covered in scales—is a stark contrast to the diminutive Tycho. His backstory is equally compelling; he’s a soldier who abandoned his military family to pursue his dream of becoming an action film hero.

Kole is described as “decidedly unserious,” with a design inspired by 80s action movie stars. While he is a powerhouse on the battlefield, his true heart lies in his love for the dramatic, the heroic, and the cinematic. This optimistic and loyal nature makes him the perfect foil for the jaded Tycho. He is a character who anchors his strength in camaraderie and will likely serve as the emotional heart of the crew. Kole is voiced by the legendary Fred Tatasciore, a veteran voice actor whose credits include the likes of Soldier: 76 in Overwatch and characters in the Mass Effect series.

What This Means for Players and the Future of Starfinder: Afterlight

The reveal of Tycho and Kole is a promising sign of the game’s focus on deep, personal stories. The contrast between these two characters suggests that the companions will not just be party members but integral parts of the narrative, with their own quests and moral choices. Epictellers Entertainment has stated that the game will feature a branching narrative with hundreds of unique paths based on player choices, and the companions’ responses will likely be a core part of that system.

Starfinder: Afterlight is currently in development for PC, and a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign is scheduled for October 2025. This campaign will give fans a chance to support the project and potentially unlock additional companions and features. With the combined talents of veteran voice actors and a team dedicated to capturing the essence of the Starfinder universe, the game is shaping up to be a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.