Can You Romance Sturges in Fallout 4? The Definitive Answer
No, you cannot romance Sturges in Fallout 4 without the use of mods. While the game offers a handful of companions and NPCs for romantic relationships, Sturges, the helpful and ever-optimistic builder, is sadly not one of them. He remains a friendly NPC focused on helping rebuild settlements, offering his skills as a settlement builder and fixer, not a romantic partner. It is important to note that although it is impossible without mod, that does not stop modders from creating romantic interactions with the character for those players that wish to explore the option.
Digging Deeper: Romance in Fallout 4
Fallout 4 took a step forward in offering players more freedom when it came to relationships in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Unlike previous installments, the game allows for same-sex relationships and non-exclusive romances, meaning you can pursue multiple partners simultaneously. This added a layer of complexity and realism to the game’s social interactions, letting players explore their character’s desires and attachments more freely.
However, the availability of romance options is limited to a specific set of characters, most of whom are companions who join you on your journey through the Commonwealth. Affinity plays a vital role in triggering romance options. You need to build a strong relationship with a companion by performing actions they approve of and engaging in meaningful conversations. Only then can you unlock the possibility of a romantic relationship, leading to perks like the Lover’s Embrace perk.
Why No Sturges Romance?
The decision to exclude Sturges as a romance option is likely a design choice. Sturges is primarily presented as a functional NPC, integral to the settlement building mechanic but not designed for deeper, personal interactions. His dialogue and storyline focus on his skills and his eagerness to help rebuild the Commonwealth, not on personal relationships or romantic interests.
While some players might find this disappointing, the character’s primary role within the game narrative explains his non-romanceable status. The game developers likely wanted to keep the focus on his utility and contribution to the player’s settlement building experience.
Fallout 4 Romance Options: A Recap
For those looking for love in the wasteland, here is a list of companions and NPCs that can be romanced (without mods):
- Paladin Danse: A dedicated and honorable Brotherhood of Steel soldier.
- Preston Garvey: The enthusiastic leader of the Minutemen.
- Porter Gage: The raider boss from the Nuka-World DLC.
- Curie: A pre-war medical robot with a unique perspective on humanity.
- MacCready: A cynical but skilled mercenary.
- Piper Wright: An inquisitive journalist with a knack for uncovering secrets.
- Cait: A tough Irish fighter with a troubled past.
- John Hancock: The charismatic ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor.
- Magnolia: A smooth-voiced singer in Goodneighbor.
- Gilda Broscoe: A character during The Silver Shroud quest.
Each of these characters has their own unique personality, backstory, and preferences, making the romance aspect of Fallout 4 both interesting and engaging. Building affinity with these characters requires understanding their values and making choices that align with their beliefs.
Exploring the Modding Community
While Sturges isn’t romanceable in the base game, the active Fallout 4 modding community has created numerous mods that introduce new romance options, expand existing ones, or alter the game in significant ways. If you’re adamant about pursuing a romance with Sturges, exploring Nexus Mods or other similar platforms for relevant mods is your best bet.
However, keep in mind that using mods can potentially affect your game’s stability and performance. Always read the mod descriptions and installation instructions carefully and consider the potential consequences before adding any mods to your game.
FAQs: Romance and Relationships in Fallout 4
1. Can I have multiple romances at the same time in Fallout 4?
Yes, Fallout 4 allows you to have multiple concurrent romances. There are no penalties for romancing several characters simultaneously, allowing you to explore different relationships without consequence.
2. Does gender matter for romance options in Fallout 4?
No, gender does not matter when it comes to romance options. Every romanceable character is open to relationships with both male and female player characters.
3. How do I know if a companion likes me in Fallout 4?
You can monitor your companion’s affinity level by observing their dialogue and actions. When you perform an action they approve of, a notification will appear indicating that they liked it. Higher affinity levels unlock new dialogue options and eventually lead to romance possibilities.
4. What is the “Lover’s Embrace” perk in Fallout 4?
The Lover’s Embrace perk grants you a temporary experience bonus when you sleep in the same bed as your romantic partner. This perk encourages players to maintain a close relationship with their chosen companion.
5. Can I romance all companions in Fallout 4?
No, not all companions can be romanced. Characters like Dogmeat, Codsworth, Strong, Nick Valentine, Deacon, and X6-88 are not available as romance options.
6. Can you get married in Fallout 4?
While there isn’t a formal marriage system in Fallout 4, you can develop deep romantic relationships with certain characters and consider them your partners. There is also a quest called “Human Error” that allows you to marry the character Amelia Stockton. Some players also consider giving your wedding ring or the deceased spouse ring to a companion as a form of marriage.
7. Are there any consequences for breaking up with a companion in Fallout 4?
Breaking up with a companion can negatively impact their affinity level. They may become unhappy and less cooperative, potentially losing any perks or bonuses they previously provided.
8. Can synths reproduce in Fallout 4?
The game touches upon the topic of synths and their capacity for reproduction. The consensus is that Generation 3 synths, due to their organic construction using Shaun’s DNA, can reproduce although this is never directly shown in the game.
9. Is Sturges a synth in Fallout 4?
Yes, according to some interpretations and fan theories, Sturges is indeed a synth. This is supported by the fact that he drops a synth component if killed with console commands, although the lore remains ambiguous.
10. Can I get pregnant in Fallout 4?
Without mods, the player character cannot get pregnant in Fallout 4. However, various mods introduce pregnancy mechanics for both the player character and their companions.
11. Can I romance Deacon in Fallout 4?
No, Deacon cannot be romanced in Fallout 4. Despite being a compelling character with a hidden past, he is not one of the available romance options.
12. Can you play as the wife in Fallout 4?
Yes, at the start of the game, you can choose to play as either the male or female Sole Survivor. If you choose to play as the female character, you will be playing as the wife.
13. Can you have a baby in Fallout 4?
Without the use of mods, you cannot have a baby in Fallout 4. Mods can add this element to the game, including mechanics such as baby cribs, time skips, and companion pregnancies.
14. Does Dogmeat drop a synth component in Fallout 4?
No, Dogmeat does not drop a synth component. Only Synths will have Synth Components after being killed.
15. Is it better to be a boy or girl in Fallout 4?
Both genders are viable choices in Fallout 4. Playing as a female character allows you to take advantage of the Black Widow perk, which grants bonus damage against male enemies. Playing as a male character allows you to take advantage of the Lady Killer perk.
Final Thoughts
While Sturges might not be a romance option in the vanilla version of Fallout 4, the game offers a rich and diverse range of characters to connect with. Whether you’re interested in the loyalty of Paladin Danse, the enthusiasm of Preston Garvey, or the rebellious spirit of Cait, there’s a romance option to suit a variety of playstyles. And if you’re truly set on romancing Sturges, the modding community provides ample opportunities to customize your game and fulfill your desires.
Remember, the beauty of Fallout 4 lies in its freedom and flexibility. Whether you’re exploring the wasteland, building settlements, or forging relationships, the choices are yours to make.
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