Arming Your Ace Reporter: Giving Piper a Better Gun in Fallout 4
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Yes, absolutely! You can definitely give Piper a better gun in Fallout 4. Equipping your companions with superior weaponry is a crucial part of optimizing their effectiveness in combat. Piper, with her penchant for truth and justice, can become an absolute powerhouse with the right firearm in her hands. Just keep in mind the nuances of companion ammo management.
Understanding Companion Weaponry in Fallout 4
Companions in Fallout 4, unlike the Sole Survivor, have a unique ammunition mechanic. They require only one unit of ammunition for their equipped weapon to function indefinitely…mostly. This applies to weapons you give them, not their default weapons. If you give them a new weapon, ensure they have at least one bullet (or fusion core, plasma cell, etc.) of the corresponding type. If you give them a Legendary 10mm Pistol, even though it’s better then her default, it is not going to work, as she would with her default weapon. If you don’t give her ammo for her new weapon, she defaults to her default weapon, or fists if you remove it.
Weapon Choices for Piper: Making the Right Call
When choosing a new weapon for Piper, several factors come into play:
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Ammunition Availability: Consider ammunition types that are easily sourced in the Commonwealth. Combat rifles using .45 rounds, or laser rifles using fusion cells, are great starting points. These ammo types are relatively common, allowing you to keep Piper well-supplied. As the article mentioned, avoid fully automatic weapons at first, since they are going to go through ammo much faster.
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Weapon Mods: Utilize the weapon modification system to enhance Piper’s chosen firearm. A well-modded combat rifle with a powerful receiver, scope, and suppressor can turn her into a deadly marksman.
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Combat Style: Piper tends to engage at mid-range. Weapons like the combat shotgun or a laser rifle equipped with a scope allow her to utilize this range effectively.
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Legendary Effects: If you have access to legendary weapons, prioritize effects that benefit companion AI. “Wounding” or “Instigating” effects can significantly increase her damage output.
Recommended Weapon Upgrades for Piper
Here are a few weapon load-outs to consider for Piper:
- Early Game: A modded pipe rifle or hunting rifle using readily available .38 or .308 rounds, respectively. Focus on damage mods for the pipe rifle.
- Mid-Game: A combat rifle with a scope and suppressor, using .45 ammo. The suppresser will allow her to act as a great stealth teammate.
- Late Game: An automatic laser rifle or plasma rifle with a high rate of fire and good accuracy. By this stage, you should have plentiful fusion cells or plasma cells.
Giving Piper Power Armor
The article also mentions Power Armor, while it may make her a tank, be sure to remember that she won’t get the experience for the extra damage from her affinity perk, if she is in power armor.
Piper’s Affinity Perk: Gift of Gab
Don’t forget that Piper has a fantastic perk called Gift of Gab, which gives you double XP for speech challenges and discovering new locations. To maximize this perk, bring her along when exploring new areas and engaging in dialogue.
FAQs: Equipping Piper for Success
1. What happens if I give Piper a weapon but no ammo?
She will revert to her default weapon, the Phantom 10mm pistol, or resort to unarmed combat if you remove her default weapon and don’t give her ammo for the new one.
2. Can I upgrade Piper’s default weapon?
Yes, you can modify Piper’s default weapon. However, even with modifications, giving her a completely different, more powerful weapon is generally more effective.
3. Does Piper use up ammo like the player?
No, companions require only one unit of ammunition for their equipped weapon to function indefinitely (excluding their default weapon, which requires no ammo).
4. What ammunition types are best for Piper?
Common ammunition types like .45, 5.56mm, fusion cells, and plasma cells are ideal, as they are easy to find or purchase.
5. Does Piper have any weapon preferences?
Piper does not have explicitly stated weapon preferences, but considering her character and combat style, she seems to excel with rifles and semi-automatic weapons.
6. Can I give Piper a melee weapon?
Yes, you can give Piper a melee weapon, but her AI is primarily geared towards ranged combat. She’ll likely be less effective with a melee weapon than a firearm.
7. Does Piper benefit from weapon perks like Rifleman or Commando?
No, companion weapon effectiveness is not directly affected by player perks. Focus on providing her with a powerful weapon and keeping her supplied with ammo.
8. How do I make Piper use a specific weapon?
Remove any other weapons from her inventory. She will automatically equip the most powerful weapon available to her.
9. Does Piper have infinite health?
No, Piper can be knocked down in combat. However, she cannot die and will eventually recover.
10. Can I give Piper grenades and mines?
Yes, you can give Piper grenades and mines, and she will use them effectively in combat. However, she will need to be re-supplied.
11. Does Piper like the Brotherhood of Steel?
Piper’s attitude towards the Brotherhood is neutral to positive. While she acknowledges their redeeming qualities, she also believes they could do more for the local population.
12. Does Piper like it when I steal things?
Piper dislikes it when you steal from owned containers or pick owned locks. She prefers it when you pick unowned locks or are generous.
13. Can Piper wear power armor?
Yes, you can command Piper to enter power armor. Just aim at the power armor frame and give the command. However, keep in mind that if she is in power armor, you won’t get experience for her affinity perk, which is extra damage.
14. What is Piper’s full name?
Piper Wright.
15. Is Piper a romance option?
Yes, Piper is a romance option in Fallout 4. Increase your affinity with her by being kind, generous, and opting for peaceful solutions.
By carefully selecting and equipping Piper with the right weapon, you can turn her into a valuable asset in your fight for survival in the Commonwealth. Remember to consider her combat style, ammunition availability, and the weapon’s modifications to maximize her effectiveness. Keep her well-supplied and she’ll keep those super mutants down.
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