Getting started

About 15 minutes, all in the setup window. Optional steps can be skipped and changed later.

Run the setup. At the end CompanionForge starts and opens its settings window with the setup steps.
Install speech recognition. One click; it downloads while you go on (about 4 GB with an NVIDIA card, under 1 GB without). Or let OpenAI do the listening instead.
Pick an avatar. Choose one of the bundled avatars, or (Premium) import your own (.vrm or .glb).
Names. Your name, your companion's name and everyone's pronouns.
Personality. Their persona and story, the languages they may speak and whether they swear. (Premium) Write their whole personality in your own words.
Reactions. Whether and how much your companion comments without being asked.
API keys and AI model. One key is needed, for the AI. With OpenRouter (recommended) it is one click: Connect with OpenRouter, sign in, Authorize. The other services have a step-by-step guide each. Then pick the AI model; our test results are right there. Keys are checked and stored encrypted on your PC.
Voice. Pick a voice and a speed. The Edge voices are free; ElevenLabs sounds best.
Game. Pick your World of Warcraft folder and click Install addon. Following a leveling guide (RestedXP's free guides or your own, or Ziro Guide) is free too.
Push-to-talk. Click Bind and press the button you want to hold while talking, or just say your companion's name instead.
Twitch. (Premium) Connect your Twitch account and viewers can ask your companion in chat.
On screen. Show your companion on your own screen (over the game; World of Warcraft in Windowed (Fullscreen) mode), on your stream (add the address shown as a Browser source in your streaming app, it has a transparent background), or both.
Place and test. Drag your companion where they should sit and press Test: they show up, fly to two spots and say a test line in their voice.

Premium

Open the Premium page in the settings window to see what it adds and to unlock it.