Who Can Carry the Most Loot? Unpacking Companion Carry Weight in Fallout 4
The post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 4 is a dangerous place, but it’s also overflowing with valuable loot. From precious scrap to powerful weapons, there’s always something to scavenge. However, the Sole Survivor can only carry so much, making companions an invaluable resource. But which companion is the best pack mule? While many companions have a base carry weight of 150 pounds, there are variations. The companion with the highest base carry weight in Fallout 4 is Paladin Danse, who boasts an impressive 210 pounds due to his power armor. However, with some clever strategies and a little understanding of game mechanics, others can rival and even surpass Danse in their hauling capabilities.
Understanding Carry Weight Mechanics
Before we dive into specific companions, let’s establish how carry weight works in Fallout 4.
- Base Carry Weight: The Sole Survivor begins with a base carry weight, which is influenced by their Strength stat. Every point in Strength increases the base weight limit by 10 pounds.
- Perks: The Strong Back perk is crucial for increased carrying capacity, adding 50 pounds to your limit at its base level.
- Temporary Bonuses: Consumables like chems, alcohol, and even specific food items (like Radstag meat, which gives a +25 pound boost) can provide temporary increases to carry weight.
- Companion Carry Weight: Each companion has their own base carry weight, which can vary, as we’ve seen with Danse.
Paladin Danse: The Carry Weight Champion (Initially)
As mentioned earlier, Paladin Danse starts with a base carry weight of 210 pounds, thanks to his ever-present power armor. This makes him the companion with the highest default carry capacity in Fallout 4. This makes him a prime candidate for those heavy scavenging runs, able to haul more than most.
Strength-Based Companion Carry Capacity
While Danse leads in base carry weight, there are some other companions that gain carry capacity with increased strength. The article you referenced noted that Cait, at Strength level 10, has a carry weight of 200 pounds. This is just a straight calculation (10 strength + 100 from 10 strength and a base of 100). This means she has an effective base of 100 pounds. However, with the player having the potential to set companion strength (and gear to increase carry capacity) other companions can also reach higher limits.
Strong: A Brute with a Decent Load
The super mutant Strong starts with a base carry weight of 200 pounds. While not as high as Danse, his brute strength means he’s another excellent choice for carrying heavy items. His starting value of strength is 12.
The Rest of the Pack
Most other companions, including Dogmeat, Codsworth, and even Preston Garvey, typically have a base carry weight of 150 pounds, though some have minor variations possibly due to their base strength values. This makes it apparent that Danse, Cait and Strong have the highest values by default. It is important to note that even at 150 pounds, all companions can be valuable pack mules when compared to the player’s base weight.
Bypassing Limits: The Importance of the Command Option
Even when companions are encumbered, there’s a vital exploit to know. Using the “Command” function will still allow you to ask a companion to pick up items, even if they are over their carry weight limit. Using this technique, you can essentially continue to add to a companion’s inventory regardless of their current encumbrance. They will just move slower. This is key to maximizing their hauling potential.
Maximizing Your Companion’s Carrying Capacity
Here are a few tips to make the most of your companion’s carrying capacity:
- Boost Strength: While you can’t directly control their base stats, certain gear can provide temporary increases to strength, boosting their carry capacity.
- Use the Command Function: Even when encumbered, companions can still pick up items using the Command function.
- Optimize Inventory: Give your companion items with the most weight per value ratio. Weapons, armor and rarer resources are generally the best.
- Utilize the Strong Back Perk: This allows you to manage your own weight, but it does not boost your companion’s weight limit.
- Chems and Food: Use consumables to boost the player’s carry capacity, which allows the player to move the items to your companion later.
Companion Carry Weight FAQs
1. Can Dogmeat carry items?
Yes, Dogmeat can carry items like any other companion, despite being a dog. He has a base carry weight of 150 pounds, making him useful for carrying loot.
2. Does Dogmeat benefit from the “Inspirational” perk?
Yes, the Inspirational perk does affect Dogmeat. It enhances his combat capabilities by giving him a damage boost and a defense boost.
3. Can Codsworth be romanced?
No, Codsworth is one of the companions you cannot romance in Fallout 4. He is coded as a robot.
4. Is Nick Valentine a synth?
Yes, Nick Valentine is a Synth, a second-generation, self-aware android.
5. Does Dogmeat drop a synth component?
No, despite being referred to as a possible synth by some characters, Dogmeat does not drop a synth component when killed using console commands.
6. Can you romance Nick Valentine?
No, Nick Valentine is a companion you cannot romance due to his tragic backstory and personal beliefs about his own nature.
7. Can Dogmeat die?
Yes, Dogmeat can die, however the player can load a previous save file to bring him back. If you have the “Puppies!” perk, from the Fallout 3 Broken Steel DLC, you can have a replacement.
8. Does Dogmeat ruin the “Lone Wanderer” perk?
No, Dogmeat does not affect the “Lone Wanderer” perk. You still receive the damage and carry weight bonuses even when traveling with Dogmeat.
9. Can Cait be romanced?
Yes, Cait can be romanced after completing her companion quest, “Benign Intervention.” You’ll need to pass a Charisma check during a personal conversation.
10. How old is Cait?
Cait is believed to be in her mid 20s, approximately 26 years old, based on her backstory.
11. Does Cait like the Minutemen?
No, Cait does not like the Minutemen due to her history and distrust of authority. She does not like the institute or synths either.
12. Who is the easiest companion to romance?
Many players consider Piper to be the easiest companion to romance due to her positive personality and dialogue options.
13. Who is the “tankiest” companion in Fallout 4?
Paladin Danse is considered to be one of the “tankiest” companions due to his power armor and decent HP.
14. How do I increase my carry capacity in Fallout 4?
You can increase your carry capacity by raising your strength, using the Strong Back perk, and consuming temporary buffs like Radstag meat or chems.
15. What is the best power armor in Fallout 4?
The Overboss Power Armor set is generally considered one of the best power armor sets in Fallout 4 due to its high damage resistance and customizable pieces. Other notable sets include the Nuka T-51 and the Quantum X-01 armor sets.
Conclusion: Hauling Heavy in the Wasteland
While Paladin Danse starts with the highest base carry weight of 210 pounds, other companions like Strong and Cait can be excellent haulers too with player input. However, it is important to utilize the “command” option, to allow your companion to continue to carry items past their weight limit. By understanding carry weight mechanics and maximizing the unique attributes of each character, the player can be successful with a companion as they navigate the Commonwealth.