Can You Keep Danse if You Side with the Minutemen in Fallout 4?
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Yes, you absolutely can keep Paladin Danse as a companion if you side with the Minutemen in Fallout 4, but it requires careful navigation of the main storyline and a nuanced understanding of the faction dynamics. The key is to maintain a non-hostile relationship with the Brotherhood of Steel while progressing with the Minutemen. This delicate balancing act is what separates a successful playthrough from one riddled with regret and a lost companion.
Understanding the Danse Dilemma
The “Danse Dilemma,” as many players call it, revolves around the quest “Blind Betrayal.” During this quest, the Brotherhood discovers Danse is a synth and orders you to execute him. This is the critical juncture. Your choices here dictate Danse’s fate and your relationship with the Brotherhood.
To keep Danse alive and potentially continue with the Minutemen, you MUST convince Elder Maxson to spare Danse during “Blind Betrayal”. This requires passing a speech check. Refuse to kill Danse, and then utilize persuasive dialogue options like “Maxson’s Wrong,” “Losing A Friend,” and “Coward’s Way Out.” Successfully persuading Maxson will result in Danse being exiled rather than executed.
After Danse is exiled, he will relocate to a remote location. You can then take him as a companion again, and he’ll remain with you even as you progress with the Minutemen storyline.
Navigating the Faction Choices
The true trick lies in how you progress with the Minutemen after “Blind Betrayal.” You need to avoid actions that turn the Brotherhood of Steel hostile. This means that you can take the Minutemen to the end of the game and still keep Danse alive.
Avoiding Hostility
Here’s what not to do to ensure that you can keep Danse as a follower:
- Do not initiate the quest “Ad Victoriam” if you plan to side with the Minutemen. This quest leads to the Brotherhood actively destroying the Railroad and becomes irreversible.
- Do not choose the Railroad or Institute ending. These endings will force the player into conflict with the Brotherhood.
The Minutemen Solution
The Minutemen ending allows you to retain cordial relationships with both the Brotherhood and the Railroad. To achieve this, focus on the following:
- Progress the Minutemen storyline until you’re tasked with building a teleporter to infiltrate the Institute.
- Inform the Brotherhood of Steel about your plans to infiltrate the Institute. This keeps them in the loop without fully committing to their agenda.
- Complete the Minutemen’s “With Our Powers Combined,” quest line to bring the Railroad into an alliance against the Institute.
- Use the Minutemen teleporter to infiltrate the institute, and trigger The Nuclear Option.
- Complete The Nuclear Option, siding with the Minutemen to destroy the Institute. The Brotherhood does not need to be hostile in this scenario.
Affinity and Perks
It’s highly advisable to max out your affinity with Danse before “Blind Betrayal.” This not only strengthens your bond but also unlocks his unique companion perk, “Know Your Enemy.” This perk grants you a 20% damage bonus against synths, ghouls, and super mutants. Maxing out his affinity involves performing actions he approves of (such as acts of kindness, generosity, and upholding justice) while traveling with him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about keeping Danse as a companion while siding with the Minutemen, providing further clarity and helpful tips:
Can I complete Brotherhood quests before “Blind Betrayal”?
Yes, you can complete Brotherhood quests up to the point before “Ad Victoriam.” Doing so will provide you with valuable resources, experience, and improve your standing within the faction. Just be mindful of the potential consequences of each quest and avoid any actions that directly conflict with your desire to maintain a good relationship with the Railroad.
What happens if I accidentally make the Brotherhood hostile?
If the Brotherhood becomes hostile before you’ve completed “Blind Betrayal” and secured Danse’s exile, he will also become permanently hostile. There’s no easy way to reverse this without reloading an earlier save. So, be cautious in your actions and dialogue choices.
Does Danse like the Minutemen?
While Danse isn’t initially enthusiastic about the Minutemen, he respects their honorable intentions. He even mentions they remind him of Elder Lyons’ Brotherhood, highlighting their charitable and community-focused nature. His core values align with justice and protecting the innocent, so he will ultimately approve of your decisions to help the settlements.
Can I romance Danse if I side with the Minutemen?
Yes, you can absolutely romance Danse even if you side with the Minutemen. The romance is dependent on your affinity level with him, not your allegiance to a specific faction. Just be sure to reach maximum affinity before making any decisions that could jeopardize your relationship with him.
What happens if I take Danse to the Railroad headquarters?
Taking Danse to the Railroad won’t automatically trigger hostility, but certain Railroad quests can make the Brotherhood permanently hostile, which will in turn make Danse hostile. Therefore, it’s best to avoid taking Danse to the Railroad unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Can I get the Sentinel rank in the Brotherhood without killing Danse?
Yes, you can become a Sentinel in the Brotherhood without killing Danse. Saving him during “Blind Betrayal” doesn’t preclude you from achieving the highest ranks within the Brotherhood. It simply means you made a difficult, morally sound decision.
Is Sturges a synth?
This is a common theory among players, but there is no explicit confirmation within the game. While Sturges drops a synth component if killed using console commands, this is likely a game mechanic rather than concrete evidence. His synth status remains ambiguous.
Can I still use X6-88 as a companion if I side with the Minutemen?
X6-88 is a companion affiliated with the Institute. So, If you side with the Railroad or Minutemen and destroy the Institute, X6-88 will no longer be available as a companion.
What happens if I dismiss Danse after “Blind Betrayal”?
If you dismiss Danse after “Blind Betrayal,” he will typically relocate to a remote location, such as a settlement. You can always recruit him again as long as he remains alive and you haven’t turned the Brotherhood hostile.
Does Danse hate me if I side with the Railroad?
If siding with the Railroad makes the Brotherhood of Steel permanently hostile, Danse will hate you. This is because he is loyal to the Brotherhood’s ideals and cause. He sees the Brotherhood as the best hope for humanity in the wasteland.
Can you get synth Shaun if you side with the Institute?
No, if you side with the Institute, Shaun stays there. Shaun ultimately dies after this ending. He does not stay with you.
Can you max affinity with Danse without siding with the Brotherhood?
Yes, you can max affinity with Danse without fully siding with the Brotherhood. Actions he approves of, such as entering power armor, crafting, and performing noble deeds, will increase his affinity. However, maintaining a neutral or friendly relationship with the Brotherhood is crucial for keeping him as a companion.
What is the “Danse Dilemma” mod?
The “Danse Dilemma” mod aims to add cut content and resolve inconsistencies related to Danse’s storyline. Some versions of the mod allow you to save Danse and side with the Railroad, offering an alternative resolution that isn’t available in the base game.
Is the Sole Survivor a synth?
No, the Sole Survivor is not a synth. The game makes it clear that you are the “Sole Survivor” of Vault 111, and your pre-war memories and experiences are authentic.
What is the best approach to balancing faction allegiances for a successful playthrough?
The best approach is to plan your choices carefully. Focus on completing quests for each faction up to the point where their goals begin to clash. Maximize your affinity with Danse and other companions before making any irreversible decisions. Remember that the Minutemen ending offers the most flexibility in terms of maintaining amicable relationships with other factions.
By carefully navigating the faction dynamics, completing the right quests, and passing those crucial speech checks, you can successfully keep Paladin Danse as a companion while leading the Minutemen to a brighter future in the Commonwealth. Just remember that choices have consequences, and planning your moves strategically is essential for a fulfilling Fallout 4 experience.
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