Talking to Hancock in Fallout 4: A Comprehensive Guide
The charismatic ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor, John Hancock, is one of Fallout 4’s most compelling companions. However, triggering dialogue with him isn’t always straightforward. The most reliable way to initiate a conversation with Hancock is to ensure he is your active companion and then select the “Talk” option when interacting with him. The availability and specific dialogue options will depend on your progress in his companion quest, “The Big Dig,” and any active quests involving him, such as “The Silver Shroud.” Sometimes, a simple change of location, such as dismissing him and recruiting him again, can reset any dialogue glitches.
Unlocking Hancock as a Companion
Before you can even think about conversing with Hancock as a regular traveling buddy, you need to unlock him as a companion. This is achieved by completing “The Big Dig” quest in Goodneighbor.
Starting “The Big Dig”
- Travel to Goodneighbor: This is the first and most important step. Goodneighbor is located east of Diamond City.
- Locate Bobbi No-Nose: Find Bobbi No-Nose in Goodneighbor. She’s usually found near the market area.
- Accept the Quest: Bobbi will offer you “The Big Dig” quest, which involves a daring heist. Agree to help her.
Completing “The Big Dig” and Gaining Hancock
Work your way through the quest, making choices that align with your character. There’s a point where you can side with Bobbi or betray her. No matter who you side with at the end of the quest, Hancock will offer his services as a companion. Once the quest is complete, Hancock will offer his services to the player. After accepting him as a companion, you can initiate dialogue as described earlier.
Talking to Hancock as The Silver Shroud
One unique dialogue scenario involves interacting with Hancock while dressed as The Silver Shroud. This interaction is only possible in the first version of the dialogue. The opportunity only appears during the “Silver Shroud” quest and before the Big Dig. If you miss this specific interaction, you won’t be able to trigger it later. To make sure you get this special dialogue:
- Start “The Silver Shroud” quest by listening to the radio frequency.
- Follow the quest until you are ready to confront a specific enemy.
- Equip the Silver Shroud costume that the quest gives you.
- Make Hancock your current companion.
- Talk to Hancock. You should see unique Silver Shroud dialogue options.
Maximizing Your Relationship with Hancock
Beyond the initial recruitment, developing a strong rapport with Hancock unlocks unique perks and deepens your understanding of his character.
Actions That Hancock Likes
- Using Chems: Hancock has a fondness for chem usage. Using chems in his presence will increase his affinity towards you.
- Becoming Addicted: Surprisingly, becoming addicted to chems also earns you points with Hancock.
- Nudity: Traveling to new locations without clothes is a strange but effective way to gain his approval.
- Generosity: Being generous and helpful to others generally pleases Hancock.
Actions That Hancock Dislikes
- Greed: Selfish and greedy actions will decrease his affinity.
- Murdering Innocents: Killing non-hostile NPCs is a sure way to lose his respect and potentially turn him hostile.
The “Isodoped” Perk
Achieving maximum affinity with Hancock grants you the “Isodoped” perk. With 250 rads or higher, you get criticals 20% faster.
Romance with Hancock
For players interested in romance, Hancock is a viable option. Build up your relationship by completing quests together, making choices he approves of, and generally being a supportive companion. Eventually, romance options will appear in your dialogue. Fallout 4 offers a variety of romantic partners for those so inclined. They say love is blind, but they never say whether it has a sense of smell.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Hancock Won’t Talk: If Hancock refuses to engage in dialogue, try dismissing him and then re-recruiting him. Fast traveling to a new location can also sometimes reset his dialogue options.
- Hancock is Hostile: Ensure you haven’t accidentally harmed any non-hostile characters in his vicinity. Review your recent actions and reload a previous save if necessary.
FAQs About Interacting with Hancock
1. How do I meet John Hancock in Fallout 4?
To unlock Hancock as a follower in Fallout 4, the player must first travel to Goodneighbor and undertake The Big Dig quest. After which, Hancock will offer his services to the player.
2. How do you talk to Hancock as the shroud?
To initiate the dialogue and continue the quest, Hancock must be the active companion. Talking to Hancock as The Shroud is only possible in the first version.
3. How do you befriend Hancock in Fallout 4?
To obtain him as a companion, you will need to do a miscellaneous quest for him, Investigate Pickman Gallery, and do two other Goodneighbor side quests, The Big Dig and The Silver Shroud. He likes it when you use chems and when you travel to different locations wearing no clothes.
4. How do you get Hancock to idolize you?
The easiest way is by using chems in his presence; becoming addicted to chems is also an action that Hancock likes.
5. Can you romance Hancock in Fallout 4?
From Cait to Hancock, Fallout 4 features a variety of romantic partners for those so inclined.
6. What happens if you take Hancock to Diamond City?
If either John Hancock or Billy Peabody are brought into Diamond City, they won’t be attacked and are very much allowed inside. This is an interesting detail about Diamond City, considering their strict no-Ghouls-allowed attitude.
7. How do I get Hancock to like me?
He likes it when you use chems and when you travel to different locations wearing no clothes. After reaching the highest affinity with Hancock, you will gain the Isodoped perk, which at 250 rads or higher, you get criticals 20% faster.
8. Can you get Hancock as a companion if you side with Bobbi?
You need to work with Bobbi, yes. You do not have to side with her at the end of that quest, however.
9. Is Hancock a synth in Fallout 4?
During most of the timeline of the game’s events, he is a synth, but he wasn’t always.
10. How old is Hancock in Fallout 4?
Hancock, 40 – Ghoul faces don’t show age well, but he’s McDonough’s brother, so we can estimate based on how old he appears.
11. Can you sleep with Piper in Fallout 4?
Sex and romance plays a substantial role in Fallout 4, and it gets you started on the road to building relationships and flirting with every available companion. At this time, Piper, Magnolia, and Preston are confirmed romantic options.
12. Is Deacon a synth?
Deacon in Fallout 4 says that he is a synth and founder of the Railroad, a man who married a synth who was murdered, and a liar.
13. Who was Hancock before the war in Fallout 4?
Before he was the ghoul and mayor, John Hancock, he was John McDonough. He lived a simple life with his parents and older brother in a shack by the waterfront near Diamond City.
14. Can you do the big dig with Hancock?
For Hancock, this isn’t the case. The Big Dig is actually Hancock’s companion quest since he becomes available as a companion after its completion.
15. Should I choose Hancock or Bobbi?
There is no “should” to this one. Either choice works out more or less the same as the other, with no permanent bridge burning of any significance.
Understanding how to effectively communicate with Hancock not only enhances your gameplay experience but also allows you to fully appreciate his complex character and backstory. Fallout 4’s companions are a huge part of the gaming experience, and are just one of the things that make this game so addictive. For more information on gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.