Water is used and managed by stakeholders at different levels for diverse objectives, therefore understanding decision making and supporting coordination is crucial in achieving resilient water management. Companion Modeling (ComMod) is an interactive process facilitated by evolutionary models for knowledge generation and exchange, and for supporting collective decision-making. Role-playing games and computerized multi-agent simulations for focused group debates are complementary tools combined in a ComMod cycle and used at the field workshops. Agent-based modeling is used to understand how different processes in direct competition are coordinated, and to mediate the collective search for acceptable solutions to conflicting parties facilitated through exchanges. This paper compares the process of agent-based modeling applied in eight case studies with diverse natural and socio-economic conditions and different resource management problems in Bhutan, Thailand and Vietnam to show the creative thinking in developing and applying flexible ComMod modeling tools and provide lessons for their use in other situations.