Table of Contents

Can Companions Be Killed in Fallout: New Vegas? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, companions in Fallout: New Vegas (FNV) can be killed, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. The game’s design makes companion death a relatively rare occurrence, especially outside of specific circumstances. The key factor determining if a companion can permanently die is whether you are playing in Hardcore mode. In regular mode, companions will simply fall unconscious when their health reaches zero, and they will recover after a brief period. However, Hardcore mode introduces a significant risk: permanent companion death. This article will delve into the nuances of companion mortality in FNV, answering the burning question and addressing many related frequently asked questions.

Hardcore Mode: The Real Threat to Companions

The primary distinction to understand is that companions are mortal in Hardcore mode. If you’re playing on a standard difficulty, you mostly don’t have to worry about permanently losing your companions in battle. They will go into an injured state when their health depletes, but they will recover on their own. This makes companions reliable allies.

However, when you switch to Hardcore, all bets are off. The increased danger level applies to your companions just as much as it applies to you. This means that they can be killed during battles, and once dead, they are gone for good. They will not respawn. If a companion falls in combat, you’ll see the dreaded “companion died” message. This adds a layer of realism and risk to the game.

Companion Death Outside Hardcore Mode

Even outside of Hardcore mode, it is still possible for a companion to die, but only if they are deliberately killed by the player or while dismissed.

Pre-Recruitment Deaths: Companions can be killed before they are recruited. If you stumble across a companion in their home location before they join you and they are killed by you or an enemy, they will be gone permanently, whether in Hardcore mode or not.
Post-Dismissal Deaths: Once you dismiss a companion by telling them “I think we should part ways for now” through the dialog option, they are no longer under your protection. While dismissed, they can be killed by any foe, including yourself.

Factors That Don’t Affect Companion Death in FNV

It’s important to understand what doesn’t impact companion mortality. In Hardcore mode, unlike the player character, companions do not require food or drink, and they are not affected by radiation or drowning. This makes them a little more hardy in some regards. Their survival hinges mainly on their health and combat capabilities during encounters.

Dismissing Companions and Re-Enlistment

You must dismiss a companion to get another. The game only allows you to have one human and one non-human companion at a time. If you decide to part ways with a companion, you can return to them later and re-enlist them, so long as they are not permanently dead in Hardcore mode. The only exception is if they were killed by you or an enemy before being recruited or while dismissed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Companion Death in FNV

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about companion deaths, designed to cover all your concerns about companion mortality in Fallout: New Vegas.

1. Can Companions Die If I Accidentally Hit Them?

Yes, in Hardcore mode, if you accidentally deal the final blow to a companion, whether it’s a stray bullet or a wayward melee attack, they will die. In normal mode, they would just be downed, but in Hardcore, friendly fire can have dire consequences.

2. Are There Any Immortal Companions in New Vegas?

No, there are no truly immortal companions in Fallout: New Vegas. While companions are very resilient in normal mode, and essential to gameplay in that they are always present and never die outside of deliberate actions, the Hardcore mode makes them all vulnerable to permadeath.

3. What Happens if a Companion Dies in Combat on Hardcore Mode?

If a companion dies in combat in Hardcore mode, they are gone for good. You will receive a notification of their death. They will not respawn, and their spot on the companion roster will be permanently empty.

4. Can Rex Die?

Yes, Rex can die in Hardcore mode, the same as any other companion. Outside of Hardcore mode he will fall unconscious when his health reaches zero, but will not die.

5. Who Are All the Companions in Fallout: New Vegas?

The permanent companions in FNV are:

ED-E (non-human)
Rex (non-human)
Rose of Sharon Cassidy (human)
Arcade Israel Gannon (human)
Veronica Renata Santangelo (human)
Craig Boone (human)
Raul Alfonso Tejada (human)
Lily Marie Bowen (human)

6. Who Is The Strongest Companion in FNV?

While it’s subjective and depends on your playstyle, Lily is often considered one of the strongest due to her high health pool, powerful melee attacks, and unique companion perk. In addition Boone and Veronica are great options for combat oriented characters.

7. Who Is The Easiest Companion to Recruit?

Veronica is widely regarded as the easiest companion to recruit. All you need to do is speak to her near the 188 Trading Post and ask her to join you. There are no prerequisite quests, skills, or items needed for her to come along.

8. Who is the best Non-Human Companion?

ED-E is considered by most to be the best non-human companion. Although Rex is very helpful, the ranged capabilities of ED-E far outpace Rex. In addition, a DLC makes ED-E extremely powerful.

9. Who is The Best Human Companion?

This also depends on the user’s play style. However, due to his usefulness for both combat and maintenance Raul is regarded as one of the best human companions. He will help extend the life of your equipment.

10. Can I Have More Than One Human Companion?

No, you can only have one human and one non-human companion at a time. You must dismiss one to recruit another of the same type.

11. Can I Re-Recruit a Dismissed Companion?

Yes, you can usually re-recruit a dismissed companion by going back to their original location and asking them to rejoin your party. However, if they died while dismissed, you will not be able to re-recruit them.

12. Can Companions Have Relationships with the Player Character?

Yes, some companions, like Veronica and Cass, can be romanced. However, these are more like friendship routes and do not include explicit sexual content.

13. Are All Companions Missable?

Yes, all companions are technically missable, meaning if you don’t recruit them before certain quests or events transpire, they might not be available later. However, most are located at fixed locations and can be recruited at any time.

14. What is the Benefit of Using Companions in FNV?

Companions provide additional firepower in combat, can carry items, and offer unique perks when traveling with them. Their abilities and skillsets can complement your gameplay style, offering a well-rounded experience.

15. What is The Best Way to Keep Companions Alive in Hardcore Mode?

The best way to keep your companions alive in Hardcore mode is to equip them with the best gear available, be mindful of the environment, and to provide them with covering fire and support. Additionally, you can also move into an area and clear out most of the enemies before bringing your companions in.

Conclusion

Companions in Fallout: New Vegas can indeed be killed, especially when playing in the demanding Hardcore mode. Understanding the mechanics behind their mortality and taking precautions can help you preserve your trusted allies. By learning how companions are affected by various game rules, you’ll be better prepared for your journey through the Mojave Wasteland.

Can companions be killed in FNV?