How to Woo Hancock in Fallout 4: A Wastelander’s Guide to Romance
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’ve got your eye on the charming ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor? Hancock, with his tattered chic and devil-may-care attitude, is a popular choice for a romantic partner in Fallout 4. But how do you actually win his affection and trigger that sweet, sweet romance?
The key to romancing Hancock lies in raising his affinity level to maximum. This is achieved by consistently making choices and performing actions that he approves of. Once you’ve reached the highest affinity, a dialogue option will unlock allowing you to initiate a romantic relationship. After that, it is all about maintaining the love!
Building Your Relationship with Hancock: The Affinity Grind
Hancock is a relatively easy companion to please, albeit with some rather unconventional tastes. Here’s a breakdown of what he likes and dislikes:
- What Hancock Loves:
- Chems: Hancock has a soft spot for the occasional (or frequent) use of chems. Popping a Buffout or Jet will almost always earn you his approval.
- Generosity and Kindness: He appreciates acts of kindness, especially when you’re helping others in need.
- Giving items to those who ask: If you can gift an item to someone, Hancock loves that.
- Nudity: Yes, you read that right. Traveling around in your birthday suit will surprisingly gain you affinity.
- What Hancock Dislikes:
- Violence Against Non-Hostiles: Hancock doesn’t take kindly to senseless violence or unnecessary aggression.
- Greed and Selfishness: He dislikes when you’re acting selfish, greedy, or generally unpleasant to others.
- Stealing: Pickpocketing and breaking into homes will often earn you a disapproving glare from Hancock.
The Chem Strategy: The Fastest Route to Romance
While there are many ways to naturally increase Hancock’s affinity, the quickest and most efficient method involves using chems. Here’s the exploit:
- Travel with Hancock: Make sure he is your active companion.
- Pop a Chem: Consume any chem (Buffout, Jet, Psycho, etc.).
- Quicksave: Immediately quicksave your game.
- Quickload: Immediately quickload that same save.
- Repeat: Continue this process. Each time you load the game and take the chem, Hancock will react as if it’s the first time, granting you a slight affinity boost.
This exploit can bring you from zero to max affinity in a relatively short amount of time. Be aware that it can feel a little repetitive, but it’s the fastest way to get Hancock’s Isodoped perk and unlock the romance option.
Beyond Chems: Roleplaying Your Way to Hancock’s Heart
While the chem strategy is efficient, it’s arguably less immersive. If you prefer a more organic approach, focus on making choices during quests and conversations that align with Hancock’s values. Help settlers, be generous, and stand up for the underdog. You should be able to romance him easily this way, if not a bit slower!
The Final Step: Unlocking the Romance
Once you’ve reached maximum affinity with Hancock, he will initiate a conversation where he opens up about his feelings. This is your opportunity to reciprocate his feelings and initiate a romantic relationship. Choose the dialogue option that expresses your attraction, and you’ll be officially dating the ghoul mayor!
Hancock Romance Perks
Once you start a romance, you can sleep with him in a bed to gain the Lover’s Embrace bonus. This temporary perk provides a +15% experience point gain for a limited time. It’s a nice boost to your leveling process and a great way to solidify your bond. In addition to this temporary bonus, reaching max affinity with Hancock grants the Isodoped perk. With 250 Rads or higher, your criticals increase 20% faster.
FAQs: Your Hancock Romance Questions Answered
1. Can you romance Hancock regardless of gender?
Yes! Fallout 4 allows you to romance any companion regardless of your character’s gender. Hancock is an equal-opportunity lover.
2. Does Hancock have a preferred dialogue style?
Yes, he likes when you are kind and charitable. He enjoys it when you give away items to people that need them.
3. What happens if I romance other companions besides Hancock?
Fallout 4’s romance options are not mutually exclusive. You can romance multiple companions simultaneously without any negative consequences. You are free to play the field!
4. Can I marry Hancock in Fallout 4?
Fallout 4 does not have formal marriage mechanics in the traditional sense. However, you can initiate a romantic relationship with Hancock and live with him in a settlement of your choosing. Some might consider that a marriage in its own way!
5. Does Hancock leave if I make him angry?
While Hancock will disapprove of your actions if you consistently act against his values, it is difficult to make him leave your side permanently.
6. Is there a way to check my affinity level with Hancock?
Unfortunately, the game doesn’t provide a direct numerical value for your affinity level. However, you can gauge your progress based on his comments and reactions to your actions. If he’s constantly praising you and expressing admiration, you’re on the right track.
7. What is the Isodoped perk, and how do I get it?
The Isodoped perk is a special perk you receive upon reaching maximum affinity with Hancock. It grants you 20% faster critical hits when you have 250 or more Rads.
8. Can I romance Hancock after completing the main storyline?
Yes, you can romance Hancock at any point in the game, regardless of your progress in the main storyline.
9. Does Hancock react to my choices in the DLCs?
Yes, Hancock will react to your choices and actions in the DLCs, just like he does in the main game. This provides additional opportunities to raise (or lower) your affinity with him.
10. Is Hancock a synth?
No, Hancock is not a synth. He is a ghoul, transformed by radiation exposure. You can discover more on Fallout Lore and gaming news from websites such as Games Learning Society, which explores the educational potential of games.
11. How old is Hancock?
The article stated that he is 40 – Ghoul faces don’t show age well, but he’s McDonough’s brother, so we can estimate based on how old he appears.
12. What is Hancock’s relationship to Diamond City?
Hancock is the brother of Diamond City’s mayor, McDonough. This connection provides some unique dialogue options and insights into both characters.
13. Can Hancock use power armor?
Yes, Hancock can wear and use power armor like any other companion. However, it can obscure his distinctive ghoul appearance.
14. Is Hancock a good companion in combat?
Yes, Hancock is a capable combatant, especially in close-quarters engagements. He favors shotguns and can be quite effective at dealing damage to enemies.
15. How does the time of day impact Hancock’s affinity?
There is no evidence to suggest that the time of day affects Hancock’s affinity. Your actions and choices are the primary factors.
Final Thoughts
Romancing Hancock in Fallout 4 is a rewarding experience. Not only do you gain a valuable companion and the powerful Isodoped perk, but you also get to experience a unique and engaging romance with one of the game’s most memorable characters. Whether you choose the quick chem route or prefer to roleplay your way to his heart, building a relationship with Hancock is a great way to enhance your Fallout 4 experience. Happy romancing! Remember to explore other resources such as GamesLearningSociety.org to deepen your knowledge of gaming and learning.