Let’s gather info on the “new” companion equips system here.
I did some basic tests so far with the few equips I had on hand.
Number of Slots (from kToS thread)
Velheldr: 1 weapon slot
Hoglan: 1 weapon slot, 1 armor slot
Guinea Pig: 2 armor slot
Penguin (and other TP pets) : 2 weapon, 2 armor
Weapons
Anything considered a “weapon” can be equipped, including subweapons (pistols too).
Companions benefit only from physical attack, magic attack does nothing.
Gems and enhancement work fine, provided their stat influences the companion (red gems on subweapons for physical attack, green gems on main/sub for critical rate).
Note that Maximum Attack from red gems on main may not work.
Transcended can’t be used at all.
If the weapon includes a range (e.g. 50 - 100), the bonus reflected on the companion info is the average of that range (i.e. 75).
The damage from auto-attacks is consistent even with a weapon with a range equipped.
(At least some) Weapon effects do not seem to have any effect.
Catacombs Blade’s additional damage on plate armor does not work.
Ignition’s chance to inflict burn does not work.
[Help needed: Testing of more weapon effects, especially STR, attack ratio, and attack range?]
Armor
Only the 4 usual pieces of armor and shields can be equipped.
Their main stats seems to be all applied: physical defense, magic defense, accuracy, evasion.
Physical defense as a substat does not seem to apply while magic defense does… may be due to the exact equip, though?
The improved stats are naturally used to improve the stats gained when mounting, so mounted classes should focus on armor instead.
Both
Equipping any locked items removes the lock.
Equipping equipment with 0 durability still grants you the full bonus. It’s handy if you want to keep backup weapons around.
The weight from the equipment is included in your total weight (i.e. as though it’s in your inventory).
You can use the slots to transfer those applicable equipment between characters even without a token.
Certain stats from both weapons and armor seem to apply.
At the very least, both HP and Con do add to the companion’s HP.
Evade (from weapon) does not seem to do anything.
[Help needed: Test every and any type of stat?]
Hunter
Pet bonuses will apply only after getting the new Ground Companion attribute?
It’s non-toggleable.
I didn’t really check in detail before getting it, so if anyone didn’t get it yet, do some tests and confirm this, please.
Coursing, Retrieve, and Rush Dog benefit from the increased attack from weapons.
I didn’t bother testing Snatching, but it likely does as well.
On a pointless side note, each tick of Coursing relies on the current attack (i.e. unequipping / equipping during coursing will reduce/increase its damage).