In Dragon Age II, the player has little control over what armor Hawke's companions wear. Even though companion armor can be customized with a number of upgrades and may change appearance depending on certain story choices, it cannot be replaced or unequipped. On the upside, it improves with level-up and is among the best armor available in the game.

Armor Edit

Aveline's armor changes when she enlists in the guard and when she is promoted. Similarly, Bethany and Carver switch to the uniform of the faction they join. Fenris, Isabela and Merrill change appearance during Act 2 if romanced. Anders replaces his coat if the Act 3 quest Justice is completed. Varric's armor may change its name during the Act 3 quest Haunted, however, the appearance stays the same.

Upgrades Edit

There are four upgrades available for each character. In the first two acts they are usually sold in stores, while all of the Act 3 upgrades are found during quests. Bethany and Carver receive last three upgrades automatically when their armor changes.

The achievement "A Friend in Need" can be earned by upgrading any of the companions' armor once. "I Got Your Back" can be earned by completely upgrading the armor of one of the party members.

Upgrade	Act	Companion	Acquisition	Effect
Underpadding – Guardsman Pattern	1	Aveline	Available at Armor Stand for 0000018260 1 82 60	+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack
Heirloom Amell Protective Sigils	1	Bethany	Found in a Chest in the Amell Estate Cellar during Birthright	+10% magic resistance
Fereldan Girded Plating	1	Carver	Found in a Chest in the Amell Estate Cellar at the end of Birthright	+(10%) armor
Inscribed Leather Harness	1	Varric	Available at Apparel Shop for 0000018260 1 82 60	Extra rune slot
Lyrium Weave	2	Anders	Available at Mage Goods for 0000022825 2 28 25	+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack
Armor Struts	2	Anders	Available at Lirene's Fereldan Imports for 0000018260 1 82 60	+(10%) armor
Spirit Essence	2	Anders	Found in a crate in Gallows Dungeon during Dissent	+10% magic resistance
Flex-Chain – Guardsman Pattern	2	Aveline	Found on Fell Orden during Raiders on the Cliffs	Extra rune slot
Impact Plating – Guardsman Pattern	2	Aveline	Available at Armor Merchant for 0000018260 1 82 60	+(10%) armor
Lyrium Scales	2	Fenris	Available at Shady Merchandise for 0000016434 1 64 34	Extra rune slot
Reinforced Straps	2	Fenris	Found in a Chest in the Abandoned Slaver Den during A Bitter Pill	+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack
Tevinter Spirit Symbol	2	Fenris	Available at Robes by Jean Luc for 0000022825 2 28 25	Extra rune slot
Lambswool Insoles	2	Isabela	Found in the Lost-End Foundry during To Catch a Thief	+2% critical chance
Rigid Boning	2	Isabela	Available at Apparel Shop for 0000018260 1 82 60	+(0.25 * DEF(LVL)) defense
Supportive Corselet	2	Isabela	Available at Robes by Jean Luc for 0000022825 2 28 25	Extra rune slot
Carved Ironwood Buttons	2	Merrill	Available at Master Ilen's Shop for 0000022825 2 28 25	+(10 + 2 * LVL) health
Samite Lining	2	Merrill	Available at Robes by Jean Luc for 0000022825 2 28 25	Extra rune slot
Silver-Threaded Dalish Embroidery	2	Merrill	Found in a pile of bones on Sundermount, past the Sundermount Passage and east of the graveyard	+20 health regeneration rate
Enhanced Articulation	2	Sebastian	Available at Armor Shop for 0000022825 2 28 25	Extra rune slot
Mail Undertunic	2	Sebastian	Found in a chest in the Harimann Estate during Repentance	+2% critical chance
Reinforced Bracers	2	Sebastian	Available at Olaf's Armory for 0000022825 2 28 25	+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack
Coat Lining with Concealed Pockets	2	Varric	Available at Shady Merchandise for 0000016434 1 64 34	+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack
Silverite-Reinforced Buckles	2	Varric	Found in a chest in the Bartrand's Estate during Family Matter	Extra rune slot
Sigil of the Mage Underground	3	Anders	Found in a chest in the Docks warehouse during Best Served Cold	Extra rune slot
Deflecting Joints – Guardsman Pattern	3	Aveline	Found on Jeven during Favor and Fault	+(0.25 * DEF(LVL)) defense
Enchanted Resin	3	Fenris	Looted from the High Dragon at The Bone Pit during Mine Massacre	Extra rune slot
Boiled Leather Plates	3	Isabela	Found in a pile of bones in the Mountain Cave during A Murder of Crows	Extra rune slot
Halla Horn Buckles	3	Merrill	Looted from a pride demon in Pride's End during A New Path	Extra rune slot
Protection of the Faith	3	Sebastian	Found on Templar Lieutenant during Best Served Cold	Extra rune slot
Drakeskin Leg Straps	3	Varric	Found in a chest in the Deep Roads during Finding Nathaniel	Extra rune slot