Mastering MacCready: A Comprehensive Guide to Affinity in Fallout 4
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So, you want to get on MacCready’s good side in Fallout 4, eh? This wisecracking mercenary with a hidden soft spot is a valuable companion, offering not only deadly sniper skills but also a killer perk once you max out your relationship. But how do you win his favor? The key lies in understanding his somewhat morally ambiguous worldview. MacCready appreciates self-reliance, a bit of ruthlessness, and a healthy dose of pragmatism. Think less shining knight, more resourceful survivor.
Here’s the core strategy:
- Lockpicking: MacCready loves a good locked door. Whether it belongs to someone or not, picking locks is a surefire way to boost your affinity.
- Stealing: Similar to lockpicking, acts of theft are viewed favorably by MacCready. So go ahead, snag that bobblehead off the shelf!
- Selfish Charisma Checks: When using Charisma in dialogue, opt for options that involve lying, threatening, or demanding more caps. MacCready is all about looking out for number one.
- Minutemen Support (with caution): While he has some snide remarks regarding them, MacCready does appreciate actions that help the Minutemen. This offers a path to moral ambiguity, not necessarily saintly behavior.
- Complete his personal quest, “Long Road Ahead”: This quest is essential for reaching maximum affinity and unlocking his unique perk, Killshot.
Remember, consistent actions are crucial. A single act of kindness won’t negate hours of lockpicking. Be mindful of your choices and you’ll have MacCready singing your praises (or at least, making fewer sarcastic comments) in no time.
MacCready Affinity: Deeper Dive
Beyond the basics, understanding the nuances of MacCready’s approval is key. He’s a complex character shaped by a harsh past, and his preferences reflect that. Let’s explore this further to maximize your standing with MacCready and what this entails.
Actions That Please MacCready
- Unowned Lockpicking: As mentioned above, this one is a big winner! MacCready appreciates your initiative in accessing locked areas, regardless of who owns them.
- Stealing Items: This shows your resourcefulness and willingness to take what you need to survive.
- Threatening Dialogue Choices: Opting for aggressive or intimidating responses in conversations demonstrates strength and a willingness to get what you want.
- Lying Dialogue Choices: Dishonesty shows MacCready that you are able to manipulate people and situations to your advantage.
- Asking for More Money: Demanding more caps for quests or services reinforces the idea that you value your own worth.
- Helping the Minutemen: While he’s cynical, MacCready recognizes the Minutemen’s role in protecting the innocent. Helping them offers an interesting twist into his persona.
Actions That Displease MacCready
- Acts of Generosity: Giving away caps or supplies is seen as wasteful and foolish.
- Supporting the Railroad: MacCready distrusts synths and anyone who supports them. The Railroad’s mission to free synths directly clashes with his worldview.
- Peaceful Solutions (Sometimes): While he’s not a bloodthirsty maniac, MacCready prefers direct and decisive action. Choosing overly diplomatic solutions may irk him.
- Joining the Brotherhood of Steel: MacCready will say negative things about the Brotherhood of Steel, so steer clear of them.
- Being too “Nice”: MacCready prefers when you steal, lockpick, and generally look out for number one.
The “Long Road Ahead” Quest
Initiating and completing MacCready’s personal quest, “Long Road Ahead,” is crucial for several reasons. It:
- Allows you to reach maximum affinity with him.
- Provides valuable insight into his backstory and motivations.
- Unlocks his unique companion perk, Killshot, which grants a 20% increase in headshot accuracy in V.A.T.S.
To start the quest, simply travel with MacCready for a while and perform actions he likes. Eventually, he’ll open up to you about his son, Duncan, and his illness. This will trigger the quest line, which involves finding a cure for Duncan.
FAQs: Maximizing Your MacCready Relationship
Let’s tackle some common questions about building a strong relationship with MacCready:
1. How many “likes” does it take to get max affinity with MacCready?
Generally, you’ll need around 67 “likes” to reach maximum affinity. However, simply traveling with him also gradually increases affinity, and completing his personal quest is essential for reaching the final stages.
2. What’s the fastest way to increase MacCready’s affinity?
Lockpicking and stealing are the quickest routes. Find a location with multiple locked doors or easily stealable items and go to town. The more, the merrier.
3. What weapon should I give MacCready?
MacCready is skilled with a Hunting Rifle, so equip him with a powerful sniper rifle. .308 ammo is preferable given how common it is compared to .50 cal.
4. Does MacCready like it when I use chems?
No, MacCready dislikes chem use. Unlike some other companions like Hancock, he prefers a clean and clear mind.
5. Does MacCready like it when I build settlements?
Building settlements doesn’t directly impact MacCready’s affinity. However, supporting the Minutemen’s goals (which often involves building up settlements) can indirectly improve his opinion of you.
6. Does MacCready like Dogmeat?
MacCready doesn’t have a specific reaction to Dogmeat. His affinity is based on your actions and dialogue choices, not on your choice of animal companion.
7. Can I romance MacCready?
Yes, MacCready is a romanceable companion. After reaching high affinity and completing his quest, you can initiate a romantic relationship with him.
8. What happens if I romance MacCready?
Romancing MacCready primarily provides a deeper connection to his character and lore and allows further dialogue options. It also allows access to his extraordinary Killshot ability
9. Does MacCready like it when I give gifts?
Gifting items doesn’t directly affect MacCready’s affinity. Focus on actions and dialogue choices that align with his worldview.
10. What is MacCready’s perk, and why is it good?
MacCready’s perk, Killshot, grants a 20% increase in headshot accuracy in V.A.T.S. This is incredibly useful for any player who relies on V.A.T.S. for combat, making headshots significantly easier to land.
11. Does MacCready like joining the Railroad?
Absolutely not. MacCready disapproves of the Railroad and their mission to free synths. Supporting them will negatively impact your relationship with him.
12. Where does MacCready go when dismissed?
When dismissed, MacCready will return to where you first met him (the Third Rail in Goodneighbor) or to a settlement you’ve designated as his home.
13. Does MacCready like helping children?
MacCready isn’t particularly fond of children. He’s more neutral towards the topic, and helping kids won’t significantly boost his affinity.
14. Does MacCready like it when I wear power armor?
Wearing power armor doesn’t directly affect MacCready’s affinity. It neither pleases nor displeases him.
15. Why doesn’t MacCready swear?
This is a fun fact! Since his son was born, MacCready promised to clean up his act and be a better person (which is why he tries not to swear in Fallout 4).
Mastering MacCready’s affinity requires understanding his complex character. Stealing, lockpicking, demanding more money, and supporting the Minutemen on occasion are great ways to get on his good side. Once you win him over, the rewards are well worth the effort.
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