Laurefindel
Legend
Yes,The Artificer class has a much better companion mechanic than the PHB.
that's why my beast master rework is based on it.
Actually, I'm considering making all "minions" work like the steel defender (acts on your initiative taking its turn immediately after yours, requires your bonus action to make it use its action), be they familiar, animal companion, steed (assuming you are not mounted), summon creature, sidekicks and player-controlled NPCs, etc. Intelligent monster/creatures could act without the master's bonus action once the command is given however.