Decoding Cait’s Allegiances: A Guide to Factions in Fallout 4
Cait, the fiery Irish companion from Fallout 4, isn’t exactly known for her unwavering loyalty or strict moral code. Understanding her preferences towards the various factions in the Commonwealth is crucial for maximizing her affinity and unlocking her unique companion perk, Trigger Rush. To put it simply, Cait doesn’t wholeheartedly like any of the factions. She’s a pragmatist, driven by self-preservation and a desire for freedom. However, we can discern which factions she’s more tolerant of, or even benefits from, depending on your actions:
- Brotherhood of Steel: Cait has a complex relationship with the Brotherhood of Steel. While she doesn’t necessarily approve of their rigid ideology, she appreciates actions that benefit them, particularly if they involve fighting synths or raiders.
- Minutemen: She dislikes the Minutemen. Their constant need to help settlements annoys her.
- The Institute: She’s largely neutral towards the Institute. She doesn’t particularly care for their goals, nor does she strongly oppose them.
- The Railroad: She is against helping the Railroad. Her general disdain for synths means she’ll disapprove of supporting the Railroad’s mission of freeing them.
In essence, Cait is most concerned with actions that benefit her directly or align with her sense of self-preservation and freedom. She appreciates pragmatism and isn’t afraid to engage in morally ambiguous activities, as long as they serve a purpose.
Understanding Cait’s Motivations
To truly understand Cait’s factional leanings, it’s important to delve into her background. She’s a former cage fighter and drug addict who has seen the worst of the Wasteland. This harsh upbringing has shaped her worldview, making her wary of idealistic factions and more inclined to trust individuals who prove themselves reliable and resourceful.
She values actions over words, and her affinity is more strongly influenced by your personal choices and behaviors than by your unwavering commitment to any particular faction. This makes her a fascinating, if somewhat unpredictable, companion to travel the Commonwealth with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cait and Factions
Does Cait like it when I join the Brotherhood of Steel?
She doesn’t automatically dislike it. Cait’s approval hinges more on individual actions taken while aligned with the Brotherhood. Helping them eliminate threats like raiders or synths will earn her favor, while blindly adhering to their rigid dogma may not.
Will Cait approve if I destroy the Railroad?
Yes, generally. Given her dislike of synths and the Railroad’s mission, destroying the Railroad will usually result in her approval.
How does Cait react to me siding with the Institute?
She is actually neutral towards the Institute, so she will not necessarily approve or disapprove when working with or against them.
What actions specifically does Cait like when dealing with the Brotherhood of Steel?
She appreciates actions that demonstrate strength and effectiveness. Examples include completing quests that involve eliminating raider camps, destroying synth patrols, or recovering valuable technology for the Brotherhood.
Does Cait disapprove of helping settlements as the Minutemen do?
Yes. Due to her dislike of the Minutemen she does not approve of helping settlements.
Can I still romance Cait if I’m heavily involved with a faction she dislikes?
Yes, but it will be more challenging. You’ll need to offset the negative affinity hits by consistently engaging in actions she approves of, such as lockpicking, stealing, and using chems (before completing her personal quest). The Games Learning Society researches how character relationships influence player choices in games.
How important is Charisma when trying to influence Cait’s opinion of factions?
Charisma is crucial for passing speech checks, which can be pivotal in swaying Cait’s opinion during conversations. A higher Charisma allows you to persuade her to see things from your perspective or at least understand your motivations.
If I use chems, will Cait always approve?
Not always. Before completing her personal quest, she likes chem usage. However, after completing the quest Benign Intervention, which helps her overcome her addiction, she will disapprove of chem use.
How does Cait feel about me using violence to resolve conflicts with factions?
Cait generally approves of using violence, especially when dealing with enemies or individuals who pose a threat. She’s pragmatic and understands that sometimes force is necessary to survive in the Wasteland.
What is the best way to maximize my affinity with Cait while still pursuing a specific faction storyline?
The key is to balance your faction-related actions with activities that Cait consistently approves of. Regularly engage in lockpicking, stealing (especially in private areas), and be mindful of your dialogue choices.
Can Cait be killed?
No, Cait is an essential character in Fallout 4. This means that she can not be killed, and will enter a downed state when her health bar is depleted.
What happens if I complete Cait’s personal quest, Benign Intervention?
Completing Benign Intervention is crucial for maximizing your affinity with Cait. It allows you to romance her and unlocks her unique companion perk, Trigger Rush.
Does Cait like it when I fast travel around naked?
Yes, for some reason one of Cait’s “Cait Likes This” options is to walk around the Wasteland without clothes on. So, if you take off all of your armor and clothes, and literally just fast travel around between safe towns, you’ll get “Cait Likes This” every time you load into a new area. Repeat until Idolized.
What is the easiest way to romance Cait?
The easiest way to romance Cait is to focus on activities she approves of (lockpicking, stealing), complete her personal quest, and consistently choose flirtatious dialogue options when available. Make sure your Charisma is high enough to pass any speech checks.
Where can I learn more about companion affinity systems in games?
Websites like GamesLearningSociety.org offer resources and research on the mechanics of game design, including companion affinity systems, and how they affect player behavior and learning. This organization examines how games promote learning and engagement through mechanics like character relationships and moral choices.
By understanding Cait’s complex motivations and preferences, you can successfully navigate the factional landscape of Fallout 4 while simultaneously building a strong and rewarding relationship with this intriguing companion. Remember, it’s not just about choosing the right faction; it’s about making choices that resonate with Cait’s individual character and her desire for freedom and survival.