Do Followers Count as Settlers in Fallout 4? The Definitive Guide

Yes, companions in Fallout 4 do count as settlers when you dismiss them to a settlement. Once sent to a settlement, they occupy a population slot and contribute to the overall happiness and defense of that location. However, there are nuances to this system. Not all companions behave exactly like standard settlers, and certain unique characters have special considerations. Let’s delve into the specifics of how companions interact with your settlements and address some common questions.

Understanding the Settler Dynamic

Fallout 4’s settlement system is a complex beast, and understanding how your companions fit into it is crucial for building thriving communities. While companions contribute to the settlement population, their roles and behaviors differ from those of randomly generated settlers.

Companions, once dismissed to a settlement, can be assigned tasks like guarding, farming, or manning shops. They offer unique benefits, often being more resilient in combat than typical settlers. However, there are also limitations. Some companions have specific quirks or cannot be assigned to certain roles. Understanding these differences is vital for effective settlement management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Companions and Settlements

1. Does Dogmeat Count as a Settler?

Dogmeat is a special case. While you can send him to a settlement, he does not count towards the settlement’s population limit. He also doesn’t require a bed and cannot be assigned to specific tasks like farming or guarding. Think of him as a permanent, unassigned resident, providing security and companionship without impacting your settlement’s resources.

2. Can Companions Work in Settlements?

Absolutely! After dismissing a companion to a settlement, you can assign them to work just like regular settlers. This includes tasks such as:

• Guarding: Assign them to guard posts for added security.
• Farming: Put them to work tending crops to boost your food production.
• Operating Shops: Assign them to trade stands to generate caps.
• Manning Artillery: This allows them to fire on targets from the settlement.

However, some companions might have preferences or limitations on the types of tasks they can perform.

3. Does Ada (Automatron DLC) Count as a Settler?

Ada, from the Automatron DLC, behaves a bit differently. If you dismiss her to a settlement without specifying a location, she’ll go to the Red Rocket truck stop, but won’t count towards its population. However, if you specifically send her to any settlement (including Red Rocket), she will count towards the population limit and can be assigned tasks.

4. How Many Settlers Can I Have in a Settlement?

The base settlement population limit is 10 + your Charisma score. So, if your Charisma is 5, you can have 15 settlers (including companions). There are ways to increase this limit further with certain perks and items. Vault 88, from the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC, is a unique case with a different calculation, as mentioned in the provided text.

5. Can I Romance Companions I Send to Settlements?

Yes, you can still romance companions even after assigning them to a settlement. Their affinity towards you is independent of their location. Continue performing actions that they approve of to progress the relationship.

6. What Happens if a Companion Dies in a Settlement Attack?

Companions are generally more resilient than regular settlers. Most named companions cannot be permanently killed. They might be downed during an attack, but they’ll recover after the battle. However, it’s still important to protect your settlements and provide adequate defenses to prevent them from being overwhelmed.

7. Does Preston Garvey Count as a Settler?

Unfortunately, yes. Preston Garvey, despite his constant quest-giving, occupies a settler slot in your settlements. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to maximize your population. You’ll need to assign him a bed to avoid happiness penalties.

8. Who is the Most Useful Companion to Send to a Settlement?

The “most useful” companion depends on your settlement’s needs and your playstyle. Paladin Danse is excellent for defense due to his high combat prowess and power armor. Codsworth provides purified water daily, which can be beneficial for survival playthroughs. Curie, in her synth form, is a resilient fighter and a valuable asset to any settlement’s defense.

9. Can I Assign Companions to Guard Posts Even If They Don’t Like It?

Yes, you can. Companions might have preferences, but you can override these and assign them to any available task. However, assigning them tasks they dislike might negatively impact their affinity towards you over time.

10. How Do I Dismiss a Companion to a Specific Settlement?

To send a companion to a specific settlement, simply talk to them and choose the “Dismiss” option. Then, you’ll be prompted to select which settlement you want them to go to.

11. Does Strong Count as a Settler?

Yes, Strong counts as a settler when dismissed to a settlement. Despite being a Super Mutant, he functions just like any other human companion in this regard.

12. What are the Benefits of Sending Companions to Settlements?

Sending companions to settlements offers several benefits:

• Increased Defense: They are generally stronger than regular settlers and contribute significantly to the settlement’s defense.
• Task Completion: They can be assigned to various tasks, improving resource production and overall settlement happiness.
• Uniqueness: They bring unique personalities and dialogue to your settlements.

13. Can I Have Multiple Companions in One Settlement?

Yes, you can. There’s no limit to the number of companions you can send to a single settlement, as long as you have available population slots.

14. If I have the Lone Wanderer perk, does that mean if I send companions to settlements it will stop working?

The Lone Wanderer perk is not affected by sending companions to settlements. The perk only applies when you don’t have an active companion traveling with you. So, feel free to populate your settlements without sacrificing the Lone Wanderer bonuses.

15. Can Settlers Ever Become Natives?

The idea of a “settler becoming a native” is a complex sociopolitical concept outside the game’s mechanics. However, as stated in the original article, “The transformation of the settler into the native cannot be legitimated through conquest but fundamentally must be based on consent.” This concept is more closely related to real-world historical and sociological discussions, for example those studied at the Games Learning Society, than gameplay mechanics. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for further information.

Optimizing Your Settlements with Companions

Integrating companions into your settlement system can significantly enhance your Fallout 4 experience. By understanding their strengths and limitations, you can create thriving, well-defended communities that reflect your own strategic choices. Remember to consider each companion’s unique abilities and preferences when assigning them tasks, and always prioritize their safety by building strong defenses. Happy building!