Curie’s Arsenal: Gearing Up Your Favorite Synth Companion in Fallout 4
Curie, the endearing and inquisitive companion from Fallout 4, brings a unique blend of scientific curiosity and combat prowess to the Commonwealth. While she starts as a somewhat fragile Miss Nanny robot, her potential truly blossoms after her transformation into a synth. But what weapons work best with her? Let’s dive into the optimal armaments for this versatile companion. Curie is particularly effective with automatic weapons, especially the laser rifle, especially after her transformation. The laser rifle suits her because it aligns with her scientific background and can be modded to deal significant damage. Also, melee weapons are a good choice, turning her into a surprisingly effective tank.
Optimizing Curie’s Combat Capabilities
As mentioned, Curie’s weapon effectiveness largely depends on her current form. As a Miss Nanny robot, her combat abilities are limited. However, after completing her personal quest and transferring her consciousness into a synth body, she becomes a much more formidable fighter. Here’s a breakdown:
Laser Rifles: A Logical Choice
Curie begins with a laser rifle and a supply of Microfusion Cells (MF cells). While her initial weapon isn’t particularly powerful, upgrading it with modifications like a beam splitter, improved capacitor, and recoil compensation can significantly enhance its performance. Automatic laser rifles, in particular, allow her to leverage her relatively high health pool and dish out sustained damage. Just remember to keep her stocked with MF cells, as she doesn’t have infinite ammo!
Melee Weapons: Turning Curie into a Tank
Curie possesses a surprisingly high health pool for a companion, especially after becoming a synth. This, combined with her ability to wear armor, makes her a viable melee combatant. Consider equipping her with weapons like a Super Sledge, Grognak’s Axe, or even a Deathclaw Gauntlet. To maximize her effectiveness, equip her with sturdy combat armor or power armor and focus on perks that boost melee damage and survivability. This strategy turns her into a frontline tank, drawing enemy fire while you provide support.
The Importance of Armor
Regardless of your chosen weapon strategy, armor is crucial for Curie. Equipping her with the best available armor significantly increases her survivability, allowing her to stay in the fight longer and contribute more effectively. Look for armor pieces with high damage resistance and energy resistance. Legendary armor with beneficial effects like increased health, increased action points, or reduced damage from specific enemy types can further enhance her combat potential.
General Tips
- Ammo Management: Curie, unlike some companions, doesn’t have infinite ammo. Make sure she’s well-supplied with ammunition for her chosen weapon.
- Weapon and Armor Mods: Experiment with different weapon and armor modifications to find the optimal setup for your playstyle.
- Companion Perks: While Curie doesn’t have a direct perk that influences weapon damage, her companion perk, “Combat Medic,” restores 100 hit points if you fall below 10% health, once per day. This is an invaluable perk, particularly for a more aggressive build.
- Adapt to the Situation: The best weapon for Curie might change depending on the enemy you’re facing. Consider carrying a variety of weapons and switching them as needed.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best weapon for Curie is the one that complements your play style and that you enjoy using.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Curie in Fallout 4
1. What are Curie’s starting stats as a Miss Nanny robot?
As a Miss Nanny, Curie’s combat effectiveness is limited. Her health is lower, and her weapon proficiency is basic. Her real strength lies in her healing abilities and her potential for transformation.
2. How do I transform Curie into a synth?
To transform Curie into a synth, you must first reach a high enough affinity with her. Then, complete her personal quest, “Emergent Behavior,” which involves bringing her to Doctor Amari in the Memory Den in Goodneighbor.
3. Does Curie have a unique companion perk?
Yes, Curie’s companion perk is called “Combat Medic.” It restores 100 hit points to you if you fall below 10% health, once per day.
4. What armor can Curie wear after becoming a synth?
After transforming into a synth, Curie can wear any standard humanoid armor. This includes combat armor, leather armor, metal armor, and even power armor.
5. Is Curie a good companion for a melee build?
Yes, Curie’s high health and ability to wear armor make her a surprisingly effective melee companion. Equip her with a powerful melee weapon and durable armor, and she’ll be able to tank damage for you.
6. Does Curie like or dislike any specific factions?
Curie initially approves of the Brotherhood of Steel, but her opinion can change if you follow their ideologies too far. She generally dislikes actions that are selfish or violent. She is also not fond of the Railroad despite their help in transferring her to a synth body.
7. Can I romance Curie?
Yes, you can romance Curie. Successfully passing the Flirt challenges and completing the Romance challenge will allow you to gain the “Lover’s Embrace” perk.
8. What actions increase Curie’s affinity?
Curie likes it when you are kind, generous, and peaceful. She appreciates acts of charity, resolving conflicts non-violently, and helping others. Healing Dogmeat in her presence also increases affinity.
9. What actions decrease Curie’s affinity?
Curie dislikes selfish actions, violence (when unnecessary), and asking for increased rewards for quests.
10. How does Curie’s health compare to other companions?
As a synth, Curie has a fixed health pool of 670. This is remarkably high early in the game, often making her the most durable companion until much later levels. Other companions will eventually surpass this, generally around level 50, but she will surpass them again around level 107.
11. Can Curie use power armor?
Yes, after becoming a synth, Curie can use power armor like any other humanoid companion. This greatly enhances her survivability in combat.
12. Does Curie have infinite ammo for her laser rifle?
No, unlike some companions, Curie does not have infinite ammo. You need to provide her with a steady supply of Microfusion Cells (MF cells) to keep her laser rifle firing.
13. What is the best way to maximize Curie’s damage output?
Maximizing Curie’s damage output depends on your chosen weapon. For laser rifles, focus on modifications that increase damage and rate of fire. For melee weapons, focus on perks that boost melee damage and critical hits. Don’t forget to equip her with the best available armor and keep her supplied with ammo or Stimpacks!
14. Is Curie a good companion for an Institute playthrough?
Curie can be a suitable companion for an Institute playthrough. As a scientist, she appreciates the value of the Institute’s research, although her ethical compass might clash with some of their methods.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of games on learning?
You can learn more about game design and the impact of games on learning at the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore research, resources, and a community dedicated to the intersection of games and education.
By carefully selecting her weapons and armor, you can transform Curie into a powerful and versatile companion who can handle almost any challenge the Commonwealth throws her way. Her unique blend of scientific curiosity and combat potential makes her one of the most rewarding companions to journey with in Fallout 4.