Can You Juggle Two Loyalties? Exploring the Two-Companion Myth in Fallout 4
The wasteland can be a lonely place, and in Fallout 4, you’re usually limited to bringing only one companion along for the ride. So, the burning question on many Sole Survivors’ minds is: Is it possible to have two companions in Fallout 4 simultaneously? The straightforward answer is: Not in the unmodded base game. Fallout 4 restricts you to one human/robot companion at a time. However, there’s a crucial caveat: Dogmeat. He’s coded differently. Let’s dive deeper into this canine conundrum and other ways to potentially skirt the rules.
Dogmeat: The Exception to the Rule
Dogmeat is a special case. He is, in effect, “the only companion not a companion”. He occupies a unique space in the game’s coding. While other companions prevent you from recruiting another, Dogmeat doesn’t. This allows you to travel with Dogmeat and another companion such as Piper, Nick Valentine, or Paladin Danse.
Why is this? It’s likely a design choice. Dogmeat’s combat abilities aren’t as potent as other companions, and he fills a role more akin to a helpful scout and inventory mule than a heavy hitter. Giving players the option to bring him along without sacrificing a proper combat companion makes the wasteland a little less treacherous.
The other major advantage is with the Lone Wanderer perk. This perk normally becomes inactive with a companion. However, it continues to function as long as Dogmeat is your only companion, giving the best of both worlds.
Bending the Rules: Mods to the Rescue
If you’re playing on PC (and, to a lesser extent, on Xbox One, which supports mods but with more limitations), you can break the one-companion barrier with mods. There are several mods available that allow you to have multiple companions, including the aforementioned Dogmeat plus another.
These mods typically work by altering the game’s scripts to remove the restriction on the number of companions. Be aware that using mods can sometimes lead to instability or unexpected behavior, so always read the mod descriptions carefully and back up your save files before installing anything new.
You can explore the endless possibilities that mods provide. By breaking free of the game’s design limitations, you can customize your experience to match your own playstyle and preferences. These mods can also greatly enhance your exploration, combat, and overall story experience.
The Nick Valentine Exception
There is also one exception baked into the base game. During Nick Valentine’s personal questline, he will have Dogmeat join you as a temporary companion. However, this is merely part of the questline and does not persist after the quest is over.
FAQs: Clearing Up the Companion Confusion
1. Can I have Dogmeat and another companion Fallout 4 without mods?
Yes. Dogmeat doesn’t count as a “regular” companion, so you can bring him and another companion.
2. Is Dogmeat worth keeping around?
At lower levels, absolutely! He provides valuable early-game combat support and can carry items. At higher levels, other companions might offer more damage output, but Dogmeat’s utility and the Lone Wanderer perk synergy still make him a solid choice.
3. Does Dogmeat ruin the Lone Wanderer perk?
Nope! The Lone Wanderer perk remains active when Dogmeat is your only companion. This is a huge advantage.
4. How many companions are there in Fallout 4?
There are 13 potential companions in the base game, each with their own unique personalities, quests, and perks.
5. Who is the best companion in Fallout 4 for combat?
Many players favor Paladin Danse due to his high damage resistance, power armor, and strong weapon proficiency.
6. Is Nick Valentine a Synth?
Yes, Nick Valentine is a second-generation Synth, a type of advanced android created by the Institute.
7. Can you romance companions in Fallout 4?
Yes, you can romance several companions, including Piper, Curie, and Paladin Danse. This unlocks special perks and bonuses.
8. Is the Sole Survivor a Synth?
No, the Sole Survivor is not a Synth. The game establishes them as a pre-War human.
9. Can you get Dogmeat back if he dies?
Dogmeat cannot permanently die in Fallout 4. If he loses all his health, he’ll enter a “bleedout” state and eventually recover.
10. Does Dogmeat drop a synth component?
No, only Synth enemies drop synth components. Dogmeat is not a Synth.
11. What happens if you romance two companions in Fallout 4?
Most companions are fairly tolerant of polyamory. Only a few might express disapproval. The Commonwealth is a surprisingly forgiving place when it comes to romantic relationships!
12. Who is the tankiest companion in Fallout 4?
Again, Paladin Danse is a solid choice. He can equip power armor and withstand significant damage.
13. Is Preston Garvey a Synth?
There’s no definitive in-game evidence that Preston Garvey is a Synth. This is just a fan theory.
14. Is Dogmeat immortal?
Yes, Dogmeat is essentially immortal in the sense that he can’t permanently die.
15. Are there any educational applications of gaming and virtual reality?
There are endless educational possibilities for using gaming and virtual reality. GamesLearningSociety.org provides countless opportunities for expanding the horizon of gaming. The Games Learning Society is an ideal source for education and the use of gaming. You can check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
The Verdict: Embrace Dogmeat and Maybe Mod
While the base game of Fallout 4 limits you to one “real” companion, Dogmeat provides a loophole. He’s a loyal and useful companion who doesn’t interfere with the Lone Wanderer perk. If you want to experience the game with a whole squad of companions, mods are the way to go. Just remember to proceed with caution and back up your saves! Now go out there and make the Commonwealth a little less lonely!