Can You Keep Companion Perks in Fallout 4? A Comprehensive Guide
The Commonwealth is a lonely place, and the bonds you forge with your companions in Fallout 4 are vital, not just for survival, but also for the unique perks they offer. So, the burning question: Can you keep companion perks in Fallout 4? Absolutely! Once you’ve earned a companion’s perk by reaching maximum affinity with them, it’s yours to keep permanently. This perk remains active regardless of your affinity level with that companion afterward, whether they’re currently traveling with you, or if they’ve decided to part ways entirely.
Understanding Companion Perks in Fallout 4
Companions in Fallout 4 aren’t just pack mules and extra firepower; they’re integral to the game’s mechanics, influencing your gameplay through their unique perks. Each companion has a distinct personality and set of preferences. By acting in ways that align with their values, you build affinity. Reaching maximum affinity unlocks a special perk tailored to that companion’s strengths and backstory.
How Companion Affinity Works
The Fallout 4 companion system operates on an affinity scale. Your actions, dialogue choices, and even your crafting habits can either raise or lower a companion’s affinity towards you. This affinity level determines how they react to you, from simple banter to sharing personal stories. The ultimate goal is to reach maximum affinity, at which point they bestow their unique perk upon you.
The Permanence of Companion Perks
The beauty of these perks is their permanence. Unlike some role-playing games where perks can be lost or deactivated, once you unlock a companion perk in Fallout 4, it’s yours for the rest of the game. This encourages players to explore all companion options and tailor their character builds accordingly. It’s a great mechanic that adds a significant layer to the game!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Companion Perks
Here are some frequently asked questions about companion perks in Fallout 4, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the system and how to maximize its benefits. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of understanding game mechanics and learning through play, and these questions are a great way to do just that! You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
1. Can I lose a companion perk if my affinity drops?
No, thankfully! Once you’ve obtained a companion perk by reaching maximum affinity, you cannot lose it. Your affinity level with that companion can fluctuate afterward, but the perk remains active and permanent.
2. Can I get all companion perks in a single playthrough?
Yes, it is possible to get all companion perks in one playthrough of Fallout 4, but it requires careful planning. Some companions have conflicting moral alignments, and you might have to juggle your actions to maximize affinity with each one before potentially alienating them. For example, getting both Preston Garvey’s and a Raider companion’s perk requires doing the Minutemen quests first, then Nuka World.
3. How do I know when I’ve reached maximum affinity with a companion?
When you reach maximum affinity, your companion will initiate a special dialogue sequence. They will share a personal story or revelation with you. Afterward, they will grant you their unique perk. A notification will also pop up on your screen confirming you’ve received the perk.
4. Do companion perks affect Dogmeat?
No, companion perks do not affect Dogmeat directly. However, the Lone Wanderer perk (Charisma 3) is not affected by Dogmeat’s presence, allowing you to gain the benefits of both. Additionally, the Attack Dog perk (Charisma 4) specifically enhances Dogmeat’s combat abilities.
5. Can I romance a companion and still get their perk if I break up with them?
Yes. Gaining a companion’s perk requires reaching maximum affinity, which involves building a strong relationship with them. Romance is an option with some companions, but it’s not mandatory for obtaining their perk. You can break up with them later without losing the perk you’ve already earned.
6. Are companion perks affected by difficulty settings?
No, companion perks are not affected by the difficulty settings in Fallout 4. The effects of the perks remain constant regardless of whether you’re playing on Very Easy or Survival difficulty.
7. How do follower perks work?
The game article mentions follower perks which add modifiers to a follower’s attributes, but in actuality Fallout 4 does not have follower perks. This could possibly be a typo from another game’s wiki.
8. What is considered the best companion perk in Fallout 4?
The “best” companion perk is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, McCready’s Killshot perk is widely considered one of the strongest. It grants a 20% increased headshot accuracy in V.A.T.S., which is invaluable for any build that utilizes V.A.T.S. heavily.
9. Do companions get jealous if I romance multiple characters?
While the game allows you to romance multiple characters, it doesn’t feature a robust jealousy system. Companions may make a snarky comment if you dismiss one for another near them, but they generally don’t express strong negative reactions to your romantic choices. The “evidence” of polyamory is that if you flirt with most characters in front of other characters, nearly all will not express any reaction.
10. How do I maximize my affinity gain with a specific companion?
To maximize affinity gain with a specific companion, you need to act in ways that align with their moral compass. For example, Hancock approves of chem usage and generous actions, while Paladin Danse prefers upholding justice and supporting the Brotherhood of Steel. Pay attention to their reactions to your choices and tailor your behavior accordingly.
11. What happens if I become enemies with the Brotherhood of Steel after maxing out Danse’s affinity?
If you become an enemy of the Brotherhood of Steel after completing Danse’s personal quest, “Blind Betrayal,” and maximizing your affinity with him, he will not turn hostile towards you. However, you will no longer be able to have him as an active companion, as he will remain in exile. You’ll still keep his perk, though!
12. Does using chems affect all companions negatively?
No, not all companions disapprove of chem usage. Some, like Hancock, actually like it. Others, such as Piper and Preston Garvey, strongly disapprove. Be mindful of your companions’ preferences when using chems.
13. Is it possible to miss out on a companion perk due to story choices?
Yes, it is possible to miss out on a companion perk due to story choices, particularly those related to factions. For example, progressing too far with the Nuka-World raiders can lock you out of Preston Garvey’s perk. Similarly, decisions regarding the Brotherhood of Steel can prevent you from maximizing affinity with Paladin Danse.
14. Does crafting affect companion affinity?
Yes, crafting can affect companion affinity, depending on what you’re crafting and the companion’s values. Some companions might approve of you building settlements and helping settlers, while others might disapprove of wasting time on such endeavors.
15. Can a companion die permanently, and how does it affect their perk?
Companions in Fallout 4 are generally not permanently killable, but a companion might turn hostile if you do something they strongly disapprove of. If you’re playing in Survival Mode and you don’t heal them in time they can die permanently. If that is the case, companions are not permanently dead in normal difficulties. Even if a companion leaves your service permanently, you will still retain their perk.
Maximizing Your Companion Perk Potential
To truly maximize your companion perk potential in Fallout 4, consider the following tips:
- Plan your playthrough: Think about which companions offer perks that align with your desired character build.
- Pay attention to preferences: Learn each companion’s likes and dislikes to efficiently raise their affinity.
- Prioritize companion quests: Completing companion-specific quests is a guaranteed way to boost affinity.
- Utilize the affinity system: Understand how your actions and dialogue choices impact affinity levels.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different companions and playstyles to discover the full range of perks available.
In conclusion, understanding the Fallout 4 companion system is crucial for optimizing your gameplay experience. The permanence of companion perks allows for strategic character building and encourages exploration of the diverse personalities within the Commonwealth. So, go out there, make some friends, and reap the rewards!