Can You Buy Dogs in Fallout 4? A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Companions
Yes, you absolutely can buy dogs in Fallout 4. While Dogmeat, the iconic German Shepherd, is a free and essential part of your initial wasteland experience, you can acquire additional canine companions to bolster your settlements’ defenses. The most common method is through Gene, a wandering vendor who offers a Junkyard Dog for sale. This article will explore all the ways to acquire dogs in Fallout 4, their benefits, and frequently asked questions about these furry friends.
Acquiring Your Canine Companions
Gene and the Junkyard Dog
The most straightforward method of obtaining another dog is by finding Gene. This dog vendor roams the wasteland, and his appearance is random. When you encounter him, he’ll offer to sell you a Junkyard Dog for around 250 caps. However, simply having the caps isn’t always enough. You may need to pass a persuasion check to convince him to part with his canine companion. Once purchased, you can send the Junkyard Dog to any of your settlements. They will contribute five points of defense and happily reside in a doghouse, just like Dogmeat.
Creation Club Content
For players seeking more variety, the Creation Club offers several additional dog breeds for purchase. These breeds typically cost real money and add a range of aesthetic options for your settlements. The available breeds include:
- Black Labrador
- Chocolate Labrador
- Yellow Labrador
- Shiba Inu
- Rottweiler
- Pitbull
- Husky
- Great Dane
- Golden Retriever
- Dalmatian
- Boxer
- Border Collie
These dogs function similarly to the Junkyard Dog, primarily serving as settlement defenders.
Cages and Domestication
Another method of acquiring canine companions involves the Wasteland Workshop DLC. This DLC allows you to build cages to trap various creatures, including Junkyard Dogs. Once trapped, you can potentially domesticate the dog and assign it to your settlement. This method requires resources and patience, but it can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing from Gene.
Dogmeat: The Unofficial Pack Leader
While you can’t buy Dogmeat (nor would you want to!), it’s important to remember he is the original and arguably the best canine companion. He is a German Shepherd and he’s unkillable. His combat skills and ability to sniff out items make him invaluable. While Dogmeat won’t defend your settlement while adventuring with you, he can be sent to settlements.
Benefits of Having Dogs in Your Settlements
Dogs offer several benefits to your settlements:
- Defense: Each dog adds five points of defense, helping to protect your settlers from raider attacks and other threats.
- Happiness: Pets in general, including dogs, contribute to the overall happiness of your settlers.
- Atmosphere: They add a touch of realism and charm to your settlements, making them feel more lively and welcoming.
FAQ: All Things Canine in Fallout 4
1. Where can I find Gene in Fallout 4?
Gene is a wandering vendor, meaning his location is random. He can be found traveling on roads and near settlements throughout the Commonwealth. Keep an eye out for a man accompanied by a dog.
2. How much does the Junkyard Dog cost from Gene?
The Junkyard Dog typically costs around 250 caps. However, be prepared for a persuasion check that can influence the final price.
3. Does Dogmeat count as a settler?
No, Dogmeat does not count as a settler. He won’t take up a bed or require resources, but he will happily patrol and protect your settlement. Like Hancock and other companions if you dismiss him to your settlement he will count as a settler and be auto assigned, and this can be disabled in the holotape.
4. Can I send Dogmeat to Sanctuary?
Yes, you can send Dogmeat to Sanctuary. When you dismiss him as a companion, you can choose a settlement for him to go to. Build a doghouse in Sanctuary for him to stay there.
5. What kind of dog is Dogmeat in Fallout 4?
Dogmeat in Fallout 4 is a German Shepherd. This design differs from previous Fallout games where he was a different breed.
6. Can Dogmeat die in Fallout 4?
No, Dogmeat cannot die in Fallout 4. He can be injured, but he will never permanently perish, making him a reliable companion.
7. What breeds of dogs are available through the Creation Club?
The Creation Club offers several dog breeds, including Labradors (Black, Chocolate, Yellow), Shiba Inu, Rottweiler, Pitbull, Husky, Great Dane, Golden Retriever, Dalmatian, Boxer, and Border Collie.
8. How much defense does a dog add to a settlement?
Each dog adds five points of defense to a settlement, helping to protect against attacks.
9. Can I equip armor on dogs in Fallout 4?
Yes, you can equip dog armor on both Dogmeat and other dogs in your settlements. The armor provides no actual defensive benefits, being purely cosmetic. The items are equipped via the trade screen.
10. Where can I find dog armor in Fallout 4?
Dog armor is often dropped by attack dogs that are commonly found in raider camps. You can also find it in specific locations depending on your level.
11. What is a doghouse for in Fallout 4?
A doghouse is a place for dogs to rest and reside in your settlements. Building a doghouse ensures your canine companions have a designated place to relax and boosts the overall atmosphere.
12. Does Dogmeat trigger the Lone Wanderer perk?
No, Dogmeat does not negate the Lone Wanderer perk. You can still enjoy the benefits of the perk while having Dogmeat as a companion.
13. Can I have multiple dogs in one settlement?
Yes, you can have multiple dogs in one settlement. There’s no limit to the number of pets you can have, as long as you have the space and resources to support them.
14. Besides dogs, what other animals can I get in Fallout 4 settlements?
Besides dogs, you can also acquire cats, brahmin, and potentially gorillas (through the cages) for your settlements. Cats contribute to happiness, brahmin provide fertilizer, and gorillas provide defense.
15. Why is Dogmeat called Dogmeat?
Dogmeat’s name comes from the 1975 film “A Boy and His Dog”. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the influence of pop culture in video game design. The dog in the movie, Blood, is often referred to as “Dogmeat”. This name was ultimately derived from the opening scene of the 1975 post-apocalyptic film A Boy and His Dog, in which the main character Vic calls his dog Blood “Dogmeat”. His initial name had been “Dogshit” and his ultimate name was derived from the opening scene of the 1975 post-apocalyptic film A Boy and His Dog, in which the main character Vic calls his dog Blood “Dogmeat”.**
Conclusion
Acquiring dogs in Fallout 4 is a rewarding experience that enhances both your settlements and your overall gameplay. Whether you’re relying on Dogmeat, purchasing from Gene, or utilizing the Creation Club content, these canine companions offer valuable defense and contribute to the immersive world of the Commonwealth. Understanding the different methods of acquiring dogs and their benefits will allow you to build stronger, happier, and more secure settlements in your Fallout 4 adventures. For more on the impact of games on learning and society, visit the Games Learning Society website.