How to Max Out Strong Affinity in Fallout 4: A Comprehensive Guide
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The key to maximizing Strong’s affinity in Fallout 4 lies in understanding his likes and dislikes. He’s a straightforward companion who values justice, generosity, and violent solutions to problems, especially when aimed at evil-doers. To max out his affinity, consistently perform actions he approves of: be generous to the innocent, act violently towards enemies (especially Super Mutants), and never use power armor.
Understanding Strong’s Affinity: Likes and Dislikes
Gaining a companion’s perk in Fallout 4 requires reaching maximum affinity with them. For Strong, a Super Mutant with a surprisingly moral compass (at least according to his own perspective), this involves navigating a specific set of actions that either please or displease him. Understanding these is crucial for a smooth affinity-building experience.
Strong’s Likes: The Path to Approval
- Hating Super Mutants: This is the most reliable and consistent way to gain Strong’s approval. Killing Super Mutants, Super Mutant Suiciders, and Super Mutant Brutes will almost always net you a positive reaction. It’s practically his favorite pastime.
- Acts of Generosity and Kindness: While Strong’s violent tendencies might suggest otherwise, he appreciates acts of selfless generosity, particularly towards innocent individuals. Giving to beggars, helping settlers in need, and being generally charitable will earn you points with him.
- Violent Solutions Against Evil-Doers: Strong approves of resolving conflicts through violence when the target is genuinely malevolent. This includes raiders, Gunners, and other hostile factions.
- Picking Locks (Sometimes): This is a tricky one. While not a guaranteed like, Strong will sometimes approve of lockpicking, especially in locations deemed “evil” or when it benefits the underdog.
Strong’s Dislikes: What to Avoid
- Power Armor: This is Strong’s biggest aversion. Entering power armor will almost always result in a negative reaction and a significant affinity loss. He considers it a sign of weakness and reliance on technology, which he despises.
- Using Chems: As a Super Mutant, Strong has a strong (pun intended) disdain for chems. Taking any form of drug, from Mentats to Jet, will upset him.
- Acts of Violence Against Innocents: Attacking or killing innocent people, even accidentally, will drastically decrease your affinity with Strong. He has a clear sense of right and wrong, and hurting the defenseless is unacceptable.
- Lockpicking (Sometimes): As mentioned before, lockpicking can be a double-edged sword. If he perceives the act as selfish or malicious, it will lead to disapproval.
- Acts of Peacefulness: He generally dislikes peaceful solutions. He prefers solving problems with brute force and bloodshed.
Strategies for Maximizing Affinity
Now that you understand Strong’s preferences, here’s how to efficiently max out his affinity and unlock his unique companion perk:
- Always Travel with Him: This is the most obvious, but also the most crucial. You can’t gain affinity if he’s not with you. Keep him as your active companion.
- Focus on Super Mutant Hunting: Actively seek out locations teeming with Super Mutants. This will provide a constant stream of approval and is the most reliable method. Good locations include Trinity Church, Mass Pike Interchange, and various military checkpoints.
- Complete Quests That Align with His Values: Prioritize quests that involve helping settlers, fighting raiders, or generally upholding justice in the Commonwealth.
- Avoid Power Armor at All Costs: Seriously, just don’t do it. It’s the easiest way to lose a substantial amount of affinity.
- Be Mindful of Your Actions: Always consider how your choices will impact Strong’s opinion. Think before you pick a lock, use a chem, or resolve a situation peacefully.
- Save Before Important Decisions: If you’re unsure how Strong will react to a particular decision, save your game beforehand. If he disapproves, you can reload and choose a different path.
- Exploit “Affinity Farming” (Use with Caution): There are some methods of “affinity farming” which use repetitive actions that Strong likes. One such method involves entering a building, killing an enemy inside, exiting, and re-entering the building to repeat the process. However, these methods can feel somewhat exploitative and detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- Reach “Idolized” Status: Once you have successfully garnered maximum affinity, he will give you his companion perk, Berserk.
Strong’s Companion Perk: Berserk
Upon reaching maximum affinity with Strong, you unlock his unique companion perk, Berserk. This perk grants you an additional +20% melee weapon damage when your health is below 25%. This synergizes well with a melee-focused build, allowing you to deal devastating damage when on the brink of death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I recruit Strong as a companion?
You can find Strong locked in a cell at the top of Trinity Tower. Completing the quest “Curtain Call,” which involves freeing him and Rex Goodman, will make him available as a companion.
2. Can I still max out Strong’s affinity even if I’ve made some choices he dislikes?
Yes, it’s still possible. Affinity loss can be offset by consistent positive actions. Just focus on actions he approves of to gradually rebuild your relationship.
3. Does Strong have any romance options?
No, Strong is not a romanceable companion.
4. Does Strong care about my character’s gender?
No, Strong‘s affinity is not affected by your character’s gender.
5. Is there a way to see my current affinity level with Strong?
Unfortunately, there’s no in-game meter that explicitly shows your affinity level. However, you can gauge it by his dialogue. As your affinity increases, he will express more positive sentiments and become more trusting. When he hits maximum affinity, the associated quest will be triggered.
6. What happens if my affinity with Strong drops too low?
If your affinity with Strong drops significantly, he may become hostile and leave your service. You will then need to regain his trust through actions he approves of to re-recruit him.
7. Does Strong have any unique dialogue options based on location or situation?
Yes, Strong has various unique dialogue options depending on your location and the events that unfold. He’ll often comment on the people you encounter and the choices you make.
8. Is there a level requirement to recruit Strong?
No, there’s no level requirement to recruit Strong. You can recruit him as soon as you reach Trinity Tower, regardless of your character’s level.
9. Does Strong’s affinity affect his combat abilities?
No, Strong‘s affinity level does not directly affect his combat abilities. However, a higher affinity will make him more loyal and willing to follow your commands.
10. How long does it take to max out Strong’s affinity?
The time it takes to max out Strong‘s affinity varies depending on your play style and how consistently you perform actions he approves of. Focusing on Super Mutant hunting and avoiding power armor will significantly speed up the process. It typically takes several hours of dedicated gameplay.
11. Does Strong have a favorite weapon type?
While not explicitly stated, Strong excels in melee combat. Giving him a powerful melee weapon like a Super Sledge or a Grognak’s Axe will allow him to maximize his effectiveness in battle.
12. Can I use console commands to max out Strong’s affinity?
Yes, you can use console commands to adjust your affinity with Strong. However, this is generally discouraged as it can detract from the intended gameplay experience. The command would be, setrelationshiprank player [Strong's RefID] 4. You can find his RefID online, and the 4 indicates max affinity.
13. Does the “Idiot Savant” perk affect Strong’s affinity gains?
No, the “Idiot Savant” perk, which grants bonus XP for random actions, does not directly affect Strong‘s affinity gains.
14. What are some alternative companions if I don’t want to travel with Strong?
If you prefer a less violent companion, consider Curie, Piper, or Deacon. These companions have different preferences and may be more aligned with a peaceful or diplomatic play style.
15. Can I still get Strong’s companion perk if I dismiss him?
Yes, you can still get Strong’s companion perk even if you dismiss him. As long as you reach maximum affinity with him before dismissing him, the perk will be permanently unlocked for your character.