Is Cait a Good Companion in Fallout 4? A Deep Dive

Yes, Cait is an excellent companion in Fallout 4, offering a unique blend of combat prowess, lockpicking expertise, and compelling personal narrative. While her initial predilection for negative behavior might not suit every player, her character arc and the benefits she provides make her a rewarding and powerful ally for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Cait: More Than Just a Raider

Cait is a complex character with a troubled past. Found in the Combat Zone, near Goodneighbor, her initial personality reflects a life shaped by hardship and addiction. She is a skilled fighter, comfortable with violence, and seemingly embraces morally questionable actions. However, this rough exterior hides a vulnerability and a desire for change, which the player can influence through their actions and choices.

Combat Prowess

Weapon Versatility: While Cait starts with a double-barrel shotgun and a baseball bat, she doesn’t have a specific weapon preference. This allows you to equip her with virtually any weapon that suits your playstyle. Give her a powerful rifle for long-range support or a devastating melee weapon for close-quarters combat.
Melee Specialist Potential: Many players find Cait excels with melee weapons, particularly after investing in relevant perks. Her aggressive nature and willingness to get up close and personal make her a formidable hand-to-hand combatant.
Aggressive AI: Cait is not afraid to charge into battle, making her an effective distraction and damage dealer. This can be invaluable when facing hordes of enemies or powerful bosses.

Utility and Skills

Expert Lockpicker: Cait’s natural aptitude for lockpicking is a significant asset. She can open doors and containers that would otherwise require significant skill points or perks from the player, granting access to valuable resources and hidden areas.
Carry Capacity: Like all companions, Cait increases your carry capacity, allowing you to loot more items and stay in the field longer.
Personal Quest: Benign Intervention: Completing Cait’s personal quest, Benign Intervention, not only cures her of her chem addiction but also unlocks her unique perk, Trigger Rush. This perk significantly improves Action Point regeneration when your health is low, providing a valuable combat advantage.

Moral Ambiguity and Romance

Affinity System: Cait’s affinity system responds to your actions, shaping her perception of you and unlocking personal dialogue. While she initially approves of actions that might be considered “evil,” like stealing and using chems, guiding her towards a healthier lifestyle and more ethical choices can deepen your bond and lead to a more meaningful relationship.
Romance Option: Cait is a romanceable companion. After completing Benign Intervention, you can pursue a romantic relationship with her by passing Charisma checks during conversations. Confessing your love will cement the relationship, providing access to additional perks and dialogue.
Complex Character Arc: Cait’s journey from a drug-addled raider to a potentially reformed individual is one of the most compelling character arcs in Fallout 4. Her story allows players to explore themes of addiction, redemption, and personal growth.

Considerations

Initial Disapproval: Cait initially disapproves of altruistic actions, such as helping settlers in need or siding with factions like the Minutemen. This can be frustrating for players who prefer a more “good” aligned playthrough.
Post-Quest Sensitivity: While Cait likes Chem usage before her quest completion, it is generally not ideal behavior. Afterwards, using chems in front of her after completing Benign Intervention can result in disapproval.
Faction Preferences: Cait dislikes the Institute and generally disapproves of helping Synths. She also has mixed feelings about the Brotherhood of Steel, liking some of their actions but also appreciating illegal activities.

Overall, Cait is a valuable and engaging companion. Her combat skills, utility, complex backstory, and potential for romance make her a compelling choice for players willing to navigate her initial moral ambiguity and guide her towards a better future. The nuanced character and engaging gameplay mechanics offered by Fallout 4 highlight the importance of understanding game design and its implications. The Games Learning Society fosters a deeper understanding of these elements through research and collaboration within the gaming community. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cait

1. What happens if I fail to flirt with Cait?

You’ll get another chance! All romanceable companions in Fallout 4 have a “second chance” dialogue that will eventually trigger, allowing you to revisit the final affinity topic and try again. Don’t worry, one failed attempt won’t ruin your chances forever.

2. What does Cait love in Fallout 4?

Before completing her personal quest, Cait likes lockpicking, chem usage, and other morally questionable actions. After completing Benign Intervention, she still likes lockpicking but will disapprove of chem use and appreciate more altruistic behaviors.

3. What does Cait dislike in Fallout 4?

Cait initially dislikes altruistic actions, such as helping settlers during Minutemen quests. She also disapproves of supporting the Institute or helping Synths. After completing Benign Intervention, she will disapprove of chem use.

4. How do I get Cait to idolize me?

Before her personal quest, the fastest way to increase Cait’s affinity is by using chems, drinking alcohol, lockpicking, and pickpocketing. After completing Benign Intervention, focus on positive actions, like helping others and avoiding chem use. Completing quests that help others without the use of Chems will help.

5. Who is the best companion for the Institute in Fallout 4?

Aside from X6-88 (who is specifically designed for an Institute playthrough), Curie is arguably the most suitable companion. As a scientist, she can understand the value of the Institute’s research, even if she doesn’t fully agree with their methods.

6. What faction does Cait like the best?

Cait’s faction preferences are a bit contradictory. She appreciates actions that help the Brotherhood of Steel but also enjoys illegal activities like pickpocketing and stealing, which the Brotherhood wouldn’t approve of. She dislikes the Minutemen and the Institute.

7. What weapons is Cait best with?

Cait doesn’t have a strong affinity for any specific weapon type. She’s effective with a variety of weapons, including shotguns, rifles, and melee weapons. Experiment to find what works best for your playstyle and her skill set.

8. Can Cait get pregnant in Fallout 4?

No, you cannot make your character pregnant in the unmodified game. Pregnancy is not a feature of the base game, and you would need to use mods to add that functionality.

9. Can you marry Cait in Fallout 4?

While there is no formal marriage system in Fallout 4, you can establish a romantic relationship with Cait and sleep with her, which is the closest equivalent to marriage in the game.

10. Is Nick Valentine a Synth?

Yes, Nick Valentine is a Synth. He is a prototype detective Synth who escaped from the Institute and became a well-respected member of the Diamond City community.

11. Does Cait steal from you in Fallout 4?

Cait, along with MacCready, is unique in that they can steal items for you without any negative consequences. This can be a useful way to acquire resources or items you need.

12. How to make Cait hate you?

After completing Benign Intervention, the easiest way to make Cait hate you is by repeatedly using chems in front of her. This will contradict her efforts to overcome her addiction and cause her to disapprove of your actions.

13. How old is Cait in Fallout 4?

Cait is estimated to be in her mid-20s, likely around 26 years old. This is based on her backstory of being sold to raiders at 18, freeing herself at 21, and spending a few years in the Combat Zone.

14. Is Dogmeat or Codsworth a better companion?

The choice depends on your playstyle. Codsworth is a better fighter, can carry more items, and provides you with purified water daily. Dogmeat, however, doesn’t count towards the Lone Wanderer perk, allowing you to benefit from its bonuses while still having a companion.

15. Who can you sleep with in Fallout 4?

You can establish romantic relationships and “sleep with” several companions, including Paladin Danse, Preston Garvey, Curie, MacCready, Piper, Cait, and Hancock. The availability depends on your character’s gender and choices.

Is Cait a good companion?