Can You Romance McCready in Fallout 4? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can romance Robert Joseph MacCready in Fallout 4. This gruff, sarcastic mercenary, with a surprisingly tender heart beneath his hardened exterior, is a popular companion option for those seeking a romantic connection in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. This article will delve into the specifics of romancing McCready, covering everything from building affinity to understanding his likes and dislikes, and answering some frequently asked questions about this intriguing character.
Romancing McCready: A Step-by-Step Guide
Romancing McCready requires a strategic approach, as he has specific preferences that dictate how quickly you build a relationship with him. Unlike some companions, you can’t just rely on being a good person; McCready is drawn to a pragmatic, often selfish, but ultimately kind of character.
Building Affinity: Earning McCready’s Approval
The key to romancing McCready lies in understanding what actions he approves of. Generally, he likes:
- Selfish Actions: He approves of choosing caps over altruism, accepting payment for quests, and generally prioritizing personal gain.
- Violent Solutions: While not a bloodthirsty maniac, McCready appreciates a decisive approach to problems, even if it involves violence. He likes it when you are aggressive in dialogue and take steps that end in combat.
- Lockpicking and Hacking: He approves of picking locks and hacking terminals, especially when it benefits you.
- Generosity (Sometimes): While generally self-serving, he occasionally appreciates generosity towards children or those in need, as it reminds him of his past.
Conversely, he disapproves of:
- Acts of Charity and Selflessness: Consistently helping others without expecting anything in return will lower his affinity.
- Peaceful Solutions (Often): Trying to resolve conflicts peacefully, especially when violence seems like a viable option, will often result in disapproval.
- Addiction: He disapproves of your character using chems and not trying to get clean.
Reaching Maximum Affinity: The “Mercenary” Perk
Once you’ve consistently acted in ways that McCready approves of, you’ll reach maximum affinity. He’ll then have a personal quest for you to complete. This quest is crucial for unlocking his romance. Upon completion of the quest and a few dialogues, you will unlock the “Mercenary” perk, which gives you a 25% accuracy bonus to headshots in V.A.T.S. This perk alone makes him a worthwhile companion, even if you’re not interested in romance.
The Romance Option: Unlocking the Dialogue
After completing his personal quest and achieving maximum affinity, you’ll have the option to engage in a romantic dialogue with McCready. This involves several conversations where you can express your feelings for him. Successful navigation of these dialogues will lead to the romantic relationship.
Benefits of Romancing McCready
Beyond the emotional connection, romancing McCready offers a significant gameplay advantage:
- “Lover’s Embrace” Perk: Sleeping near McCready after a successful romance grants you the “Lover’s Embrace” perk, which provides a temporary +15% experience gain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Romancing McCready
1. Is McCready Gay/Lesbian?
No, McCready is bisexual. Fallout 4’s romance system is gender-blind, meaning you can romance McCready regardless of your character’s gender.
2. Where Can I Find McCready?
You can find McCready in The Third Rail bar in Goodneighbor. He’s usually sitting at a table, waiting to be hired.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Hire McCready?
McCready initially costs 250 caps to hire. However, if you have high Charisma or pass certain speech checks, you can negotiate the price down.
4. Does McCready Have Any Special Abilities?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, he grants the “Mercenary” perk when you reach maximum affinity. This perk is incredibly useful for players who rely on V.A.T.S.
5. What Happens if I Disappoint McCready?
Repeatedly acting in ways that McCready dislikes will lower his affinity. If his affinity drops too low, he may refuse to travel with you or even become hostile.
6. Can I Romance Other Companions After Romancing McCready?
Yes, Fallout 4 allows you to romance multiple companions simultaneously. However, this may lead to complications or disapproval from certain companions.
7. What is McCready’s Background?
McCready has a tragic backstory. He’s a former child soldier and a father who lost his son to illness. This explains his hardened exterior and his appreciation for pragmatism.
8. Does McCready Have Any Unique Dialogue Options?
Yes, McCready has unique dialogue options related to his past and his experiences in the wasteland. These dialogues add depth to his character and provide insights into his motivations.
9. Can I Break Up With McCready?
Yes, you can break up with McCready by initiating a dialogue and choosing the appropriate option. However, this will likely result in a significant drop in affinity.
10. Does McCready Comment on My Actions After the Romance?
Yes, McCready will continue to comment on your actions and provide feedback based on his personality. He’ll also express affection and concern for your character.
11. What are Some of the Best Perks to Have When Romancing McCready?
Charisma-based perks, such as “Intimidation,” “Black Widow/Lady Killer,” and “Cap Collector,” can be helpful for passing speech checks and negotiating better prices, which McCready approves of.
12. Does McCready Approve of Using Chems?
No, McCready disapproves of using chems, especially if your character becomes addicted. He values self-control and dislikes seeing others succumb to addiction.
13. Can I Cure McCready’s Addiction?
McCready has a personal quest that requires you to find a cure for his son’s illness, and his addiction. Completing this quest increases his affinity drastically and is a step towards the romance.
14. What Happens if McCready Dies?
If McCready dies while traveling with you, he’s gone permanently. However, if you’ve romanced him, you’ll still retain the “Lover’s Embrace” perk when sleeping in your own bed. Always keep your companions in good gear and have plenty of stimpaks.
15. Does Romancing McCready Affect the Game’s Ending?
No, romancing McCready does not directly affect the game’s ending. However, your choices throughout the game, including your relationship with McCready, can influence your overall experience and the tone of the ending.
Final Thoughts
Romancing McCready in Fallout 4 is a rewarding experience. He’s a complex character with a compelling backstory, and building a relationship with him adds depth to the game. By understanding his likes and dislikes, completing his personal quest, and engaging in meaningful dialogues, you can unlock a romantic connection that enhances your wasteland adventures. Remember to prioritize your character’s own values and choices, even when pursuing a romance.
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