Fallout 4, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world. One of its standout features is the vast array of companions players can recruit throughout their journey. These companions assist in combat and add depth to the narrative with their unique backstories, personalities, and abilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the companions in Fallout 4, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and how to maximize their potential.
Why Companions Matter in Fallout 4
Companions in Fallout 4 serve multiple purposes:
- Combat Assistance: They help fend off enemies, making encounters less daunting.
- Narrative Depth: Each companion has a unique storyline that can enrich the player’s experience.
- Utility and Skills: Companions have unique abilities and skills that can aid in lockpicking, hacking, and more.
- Romance: Certain companions can be romanced, adding another layer of interaction.
List of Companions in Fallout 4
- Dogmeat
- Codsworth
- Preston Garvey
- Piper Wright
- Nick Valentine
- Paladin Danse
- MacCready
- Curie
- Hancock
- Cait
- Strong
- X6-88
- Deacon
Detailed Companion Profiles
Dogmeat
- Introduction: The faithful German Shepherd, Dogmeat is often the first companion players encounter.
- Strengths: Excellent at finding hidden items and sniffing out enemies.
- Weaknesses: Lacks ranged combat abilities.
- How to Recruit: Automatically joins you after leaving Vault 111.
Codsworth
- Introduction: Codsworth is your pre-war robot butler who survives the nuclear fallout.
- Strengths: Proficient with melee attacks and can provide purified water.
- Weaknesses: Limited dialogue options compared to human companions.
- How to Recruit: After speaking with him in Sanctuary, you can be recruited.
Preston Garvey
- Introduction: A member of the Commonwealth Minutemen.
- Strengths: Excellent with laser muskets and provides settlement missions.
- Weaknesses: His radiant quests can become repetitive.
- How to Recruit: After completing the quest “When Freedom Calls.”
Piper Wright
- Introduction: An investigative journalist from Diamond City.
- Strengths: High charisma, which can help in dialogue checks.
- Weaknesses: Her combat skills are average.
- How to Recruit: I learned about Diamond City, so I followed her quest to recruit her.
Nick Valentine
- Introduction: A synth detective with a heart of gold.
- Strengths: Expert hacker, useful for bypassing terminals.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to energy-based attacks.
- How to Recruit: Rescue him during the quest “Unlikely Valentine.”
Paladin Danse
- Introduction: A Brotherhood of Steel Soldiers.
- Strengths: Highly durable and skilled with energy weapons.
- Weaknesses: Strict moral code that can conflict with specific player actions.
- How to Recruit: Available after completing the quest “Call to Arms.”
MacCready
- Introduction: A sharpshooter with a troubled past.
- Strengths: Exceptional with long-range weapons.
- Weaknesses: Limited melee combat abilities.
- How to Recruit: Hire him in Goodneighbor.
Curie
- Introduction: A Miss Nanny robot with a passion for science.
- Strengths: Healing abilities and scientific knowledge.
- Weaknesses: Initially limited in combat until transformed into a synth.
- How to Recruit: Found in Vault 81, complete her questline.
Hancock
- Introduction: The ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor.
- Strengths: High radiation resistance and good with melee weapons.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to non-radiation damage.
- How to Recruit: Complete the quest “The Big Dig.”
Cait
- Introduction: A cage fighter with a rough past.
- Strengths: Excellent in close combat and lockpicking.
- Weaknesses: Her drug addiction can impact her abilities until cured.
- How to Recruit: Rescue her from the Combat Zone.
Strong
- Introduction: A super mutant with a love for violence.
- Strengths: High strength and melee combat prowess.
- Weaknesses: Limited intellectual dialogue options.
- How to Recruit: Found during the quest “Curtain Call.”
X6-88
- Introduction: A synth courser working for the Institute.
- Strengths: Skilled with energy weapons and stealth.
- Weaknesses: His loyalty to the Institute may conflict with player choices.
- How to Recruit: Complete the quest “Mankind – Redefined.”
Deacon
- Introduction: A spy for the Railroad.
- Strengths: Excellent at stealth and disguises.
- Weaknesses: His story changes often, making it hard to gauge his true intentions.
- How to Recruit: Join the Railroad and complete their missions.
Maximizing Companion Potential
- Building Affinity: Each companion has likes and dislikes. Engaging in actions they approve of will increase your affinity, unlocking unique perks.
- Combat Strategy: Utilize companions’ strengths in combat. For example, Nick Valentine can hack terminals, and Cait for lockpicking.
- Equip Gear: Equip companions with better armor and weapons to enhance combat effectiveness.
- Romance Options: Some companions can be romanced, providing unique dialogue options and additional gameplay benefits.
FAQs
Q:1 How many companions are there in Fallout 4?
There are 13 companions in Fallout 4, including Dogmeat, who are not considered complete companions by some but can accompany you just like the others.
Q:2 Can you romance companions in Fallout 4?
Yes, you can romance particular companions in Fallout 4. These include Piper, Preston Garvey, Curie, Paladin Danse, MacCready, and Cait. Building a solid relationship through dialogue and actions can lead to romance.
Q:3 How do you recruit companions in Fallout 4?
Companions can be recruited through various quests and encounters in the game. Each companion has a unique way of joining you, often involving a specific quest or set of actions.
Q:4 Can companions die in Fallout 4?
Companions in Fallout 4 cannot die permanently. They can be hindered during combat but recover after the battle is over or can be revived by the player using a Stimpak.
Q:5 How do I change my companion in Fallout 4?
To change your companion, talk to your current companion and choose the “Dismiss” option, then go to another companion and ask them to join you. You can find and recruit companions at their respective locations.
Conclusion
Companions in Fallout 4 are more than just sidekicks; they are integral to the game’s depth and immersion. Each brings unique abilities, stories, and dynamics that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you need a sharpshooter like MacCready or a hacker like Nick Valentine, knowing how to utilize each companion’s strengths and mitigate their weaknesses will help you thrive in the wasteland.
With this comprehensive guide, you can make the most out of your Fallout 4 companions, ensuring a richer and more engaging journey through the post-apocalyptic world. Happy adventuring!
