How Much Stuff Can Dogmeat Carry in Fallout 4? A Comprehensive Guide
Dogmeat, the loyal German Shepherd, is arguably the best companion in Fallout 4. He doesn’t judge your choices, he’s always happy to see you, and he’s surprisingly useful in combat and exploration. But one question always comes up: How much can Dogmeat carry? The answer, as with most things in the wasteland, is a little more complicated than it seems.
The Base Carry Weight and the Equipment Boost
Dogmeat’s carry weight operates on a dual system tied to his gear. In Survival mode, Dogmeat’s base carry weight is a paltry 25 pounds. This is barely enough to carry a few extra stimpaks or a handful of scrap. However, this changes dramatically the moment you equip him with anything – a bandana, armor, or even a simple dog collar. Slap on any of these and his carry capacity jumps to a much more respectable 150 pounds. That’s a significant increase and makes him a valuable pack mule for your looting expeditions.
It’s important to note that this 150-pound limit is the standard for Dogmeat when equipped. Unlike human companions, Dogmeat’s Strength stat doesn’t directly affect his carry weight. So, you can’t boost his capacity through perks or chems. The key is simply getting him some gear to activate the higher weight limit.
Maximizing Dogmeat’s Utility
While you can’t technically increase Dogmeat’s carry capacity beyond 150 pounds with the base game mechanics, there are ways to optimize his role as your pack animal:
- Prioritize high-weight, low-value items: Dogmeat is perfect for hauling those bulky items that you need but aren’t worth much in caps. Think scrap metal, concrete, and other building materials for settlement construction.
- Use him for quest items: If you’re burdened with quest items that weigh a lot, temporarily offload them to Dogmeat. This is especially useful when you need to fast travel to a quest location.
- Combine him with other carry weight boosts: Don’t forget about your own Strength stat, armor modifications, and perks that increase your carry capacity. Together, you and Dogmeat can become a walking arsenal and construction crew.
- Strategic Gearing: Always equip Dogmeat with some kind of apparel. Whether you find or buy dog armor, a helmet, or a bandana, having any gear will keep Dogmeat from being stuck at the Survival mode-only weight limit of 25.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dogmeat’s Carry Weight and Abilities
1. Is Dogmeat affected by the Lone Wanderer perk?
No! This is one of Dogmeat’s biggest advantages. The Lone Wanderer perk (Charisma 3) is NOT affected by having Dogmeat as your companion. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the perk – reduced damage taken, increased carry weight, and increased AP regeneration – while still having your furry friend by your side.
2. Can I give Dogmeat commands?
Yes. You can issue various commands to Dogmeat, such as “Go,” “Fetch,” and “Attack.” The “Fetch” command is particularly useful, as it allows you to direct him to search for items or enemies. These are issued via the companion command system.
3. What kind of armor can Dogmeat wear?
Dogmeat can wear dog helmets and dog armor. These can be looted from raider and mercenary mongrels, or sometimes found in containers. There are usually two versions of armor: Light and Heavy. Also dog bandanas and collars can be equipped.
4. Does Dogmeat’s armor provide any actual protection?
Yes. Equipping Dogmeat with armor increases his damage resistance, making him more resilient in combat. This allows him to take more hits before being downed, making him a more effective combatant.
5. Can Dogmeat die in Fallout 4?
Normally, Dogmeat is considered an “essential” character, meaning he cannot permanently die. He can be knocked unconscious in combat, but he will recover after the fight. However, if his affinity is dropped to extreme bottom levels, he can die.
6. How do I heal Dogmeat?
To heal Dogmeat, you must use a stimpack manually. Select the stimpak in your inventory while facing Dogmeat, and then use it on him.
7. Does Dogmeat have any special perks or abilities?
Yes. Besides not affecting the Lone Wanderer perk, Dogmeat can unlock the ‘Attack Dog’ perk (Charisma 4). This perk makes him even tougher in combat and allows him to disarm enemies.
8. How do I increase Dogmeat’s effectiveness in combat?
Equipping him with better armor is a start. Level up your own Charisma to get the Attack Dog perk. Focus on upgrading to heavy dog armor with a helmet!
9. Where can I find armor for Dogmeat?
You can often find armor for Dogmeat by looting it from enemy mongrels (the wild dogs encountered throughout the wasteland). Check near dog bowls in raider camps. Sometimes, vendors will sell them, but that is less reliable.
10. Is Dogmeat a Synth?
There is no definitive evidence to suggest Dogmeat is a Synth. This is a fan theory, and there are no in-game clues that explicitly support this idea. The game never officially labels him as a Synth.
11. Can I have Dogmeat and another companion at the same time?
No. Fallout 4 only allows you to have one human or humanoid companion (like Nick Valentine or Piper) at a time in addition to Dogmeat. The game was originally supposed to allow for two companions plus Dogmeat but the function was scrapped due to issues.
12. Can I send Dogmeat to a specific settlement?
Yes. You can send Dogmeat to any settlement you have unlocked. Simply dismiss him as a companion and choose the desired settlement as his destination.
13. What is Dogmeat’s origin story?
Dogmeat’s design and name are inspired by the dog in the 1975 film “A Boy and His Dog.” His initial name had been “Dogshit” before being changed.
14. Does Dogmeat’s breed affect his abilities?
No. Dogmeat’s breed (German Shepherd) is purely cosmetic and doesn’t impact his stats or abilities.
15. Where can I learn more about game mechanics and design?
Understanding game mechanics like carry weight and companion systems is a great way to appreciate the intricacies of game design. For deeper insights into game development, educational principles, and the impact of games on learning, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They bring together educators, researchers, and developers to explore games’ impact on learning.
Conclusion
Dogmeat is an invaluable companion in Fallout 4. By understanding his carry weight mechanics and how to equip him effectively, you can turn him into a furry pack mule, combat ally, and loyal friend all rolled into one. So grab some dog armor, load him up with scrap, and venture forth into the wasteland together!