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Does Paladin Danse Have a Perk in Fallout 4?

Yes, Paladin Danse does indeed have a perk in Fallout 4. This perk, called “Know Your Enemy,” is a significant advantage to players, offering +20% damage against Feral Ghouls, Super Mutants, and Synths. However, acquiring this perk requires specific actions and completing certain quests within the game. Let’s delve into the details of how to obtain this valuable perk and other essential facts surrounding Paladin Danse.

Understanding the “Know Your Enemy” Perk

The “Know Your Enemy” perk is highly sought after because of its effectiveness against some of the most common and challenging enemies in the Commonwealth. Feral Ghouls are encountered frequently in urban areas, Super Mutants are a constant threat in the wilderness, and Synths are central to the game’s main storyline and the quests associated with the Institute. This perk provides a substantial damage boost, making combat encounters significantly easier.

How to Obtain the Perk

To unlock the “Know Your Enemy” perk from Paladin Danse, players need to fulfill a few key conditions:

Maximize Affinity: You must first reach maximum affinity with Danse. This involves traveling with him as your companion and consistently making choices he approves of. Acts of kindness, helping settlements, and supporting the Brotherhood of Steel’s ideals are generally favored by Danse.
Complete “Blind Betrayal”: This is Danse’s personal quest and a crucial part of the Brotherhood of Steel storyline. You absolutely cannot unlock his perk if you don’t already have it before completing or failing this quest. This quest revolves around the revelation that Danse is a synth, and your actions during this quest will directly influence his fate and your relationship with him.
Spare Danse: To keep him alive and potentially still be able to benefit from him as a companion, after finding out the truth, you can choose to convince Elder Maxson to let Danse live.

The Importance of Affinity and “Blind Betrayal”

Reaching maximum affinity with a companion in Fallout 4 is a process that involves understanding their values and making choices that align with their worldview. Danse is a devoted member of the Brotherhood of Steel, so supporting their goals and ideals will increase your affinity with him. Conversely, actions that undermine the Brotherhood or its members will lower his affinity.

The quest “Blind Betrayal” is the defining moment in Paladin Danse’s storyline. It forces the player to confront difficult moral choices and directly impacts Danse’s future. The outcome of this quest is critical to whether you can continue to benefit from his perk.

Additional Considerations

It’s crucial to remember that a companion’s perk is only active when they are traveling with you. If Danse is dismissed to a settlement or is no longer your active companion, you will not receive the “Know Your Enemy” bonus.

Here are some actions that he likes and dislikes:

Likes: Using power armor, entering vertibirds, being generous, being nice.
Dislikes: Hacking, stealing, killing non-hostile, giving drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paladin Danse and His Perk

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Paladin Danse and his perk, providing further clarity and valuable information:

Can I still get Danse’s perk if I side with the Institute or Railroad? No. Siding against the Brotherhood of Steel will likely result in the termination of your relationship with Danse and prevent you from achieving maximum affinity. To keep Danse, continue on either the Brotherhood or Minutemen storyline. The Games Learning Society encourages deeper exploration into such nuanced quest outcomes.
Does Danse know he’s a synth before “Blind Betrayal”? No, Danse is completely unaware of his synth identity until the Brotherhood of Steel discovers the information and confronts him.
What happens if I choose to execute Danse? If you execute Danse, you will receive a promotion within the Brotherhood of Steel and gain access to his quarters and possessions, including his power armor. However, you will not receive his perk.
Can I romance Paladin Danse? Yes, you can romance Paladin Danse. His romance is very similar to all other companions, with several conversation checks being done. Be careful with your progression.
How can I quickly increase my affinity with Danse? Perform actions that align with his values, such as using power armor, supporting the Brotherhood, and helping others. Completing Brotherhood quests alongside Danse will also significantly boost your affinity.
Does Dogmeat have a perk? Dogmeat does not have a unique, named perk like Danse. His “perk” (Attack Dog) is unlocked via the perk chart.
Does Dogmeat drop a synth component if killed? No, Dogmeat does not drop a synth component, which would be expected only from synths in the game.
What is the maximum affinity level with Danse? The maximum affinity level with Danse, as with other companions, is 1000. You’ll receive the perk once you reach this point after completing “Blind Betrayal.”
Does curing Virgil affect my relationship with Danse? Yes, Danse dislikes curing Virgil. He has a strong dislike for Super Mutants due to a past experience with his friend Cutler.
Can I complete “Blind Betrayal” and then dismiss Danse without getting the perk? Yes, you can complete “Blind Betrayal” and dismiss Danse. You’ll be able to get the perk after dismissing him and continuing to do things that he likes.
Is Deacon a synth? Deacon is not a synth, despite claiming so.
Was Danse a synth the whole time? Yes, he just wasn’t aware of it.
Can Paladin Danse be killed by other NPCs? Yes. If you save Danse and continue on the Brotherhood of Steel storyline, he will be attacked on sight.
What will happen if I don’t speak with Elder Maxson after helping Danse? When sparing Danse’s life, you must speak with Elder Maxson.
Can you become a Sentinel without killing Danse? Yes, you can! You are promoted regardless of sparing or killing Danse.

Conclusion

Paladin Danse’s “Know Your Enemy” perk is a valuable asset in Fallout 4, providing a significant damage boost against common enemy types. However, obtaining this perk requires careful planning and specific actions. Players must prioritize reaching maximum affinity with Danse and completing his personal quest, “Blind Betrayal,” while making choices that align with his values. By following these steps, you can unlock the full potential of Paladin Danse and reap the rewards of his unique perk. It is always crucial to consider the various factors that can impact a companion’s affinity in the game! If you’re interested in exploring the educational potential of games and learning more about game-based learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Does danse have a perk?