What Happens to X6-88 in Fallout 4? The Synth’s Fate Explained
X6-88, the Courser companion in Fallout 4, faces a complex fate heavily dependent on the player’s choices concerning the Institute and its ultimate destruction. After completing the Institute quest “Mankind Redefined,” X6-88 becomes available as a companion. If the player ultimately destroys the Institute, siding with factions like the Railroad or the Minutemen, X6-88’s fate hinges on how the Sole Survivor navigates their relationship with the Institute prior to its downfall. Crucially, if the Sole Survivor avoids becoming an enemy of the Institute before its destruction (i.e., avoiding banishment by refusing quests or killing key Institute members), X6-88 remains recruitable even after the Institute is gone. He can be found near the Nordhagen Beach settlement. Dismissing him sends him back to the now-destroyed Institute SRB, illustrating the unbreakable programming bond and logical inconsistencies in the game. If, however, the player becomes an enemy of the Institute before its destruction, X6-88 turns hostile and becomes unrecruitable. His allegiance is irrevocably tied to the Institute, making his survival and loyalty conditional on the player’s actions leading up to its destruction.
X6-88: More Than Just a Synth
X6-88 represents the Institute’s unwavering commitment to its goals. As a Courser, he’s a highly advanced synth designed for retrieval and combat. His personality is logical and mission-oriented, often prioritizing the Institute’s directives above all else. Gaining his affinity requires actions that align with his programming, such as hacking terminals, entering power armor, modifying weapons/armor, being selfish in conversations, or helping the Institute with radiant quests. His perk, Shield Harmonics, grants +20 Energy Resistance upon reaching maximum affinity, a testament to his technological prowess. Despite his programming, interactions with X6-88 reveal nuances, even if those are simply a logical execution of his directives. His reactions, even to ethically questionable choices, are valuable for understanding the Institute’s perspective and the complexities of the synth debate within Fallout 4.
Dealing with Factions
The most dramatic events surrounding X6-88 involve interactions with other factions. Bringing him to the Railroad immediately turns the entire faction hostile, emphasizing their diametrically opposed ideologies. Interestingly, confronting Virgil, whom X6-88 ordered Kellogg to kill, yields no unique dialogue or reaction, highlighting either a missed opportunity for character development or the constraints of the game’s narrative. The choices made during the main quest are what ultimately define his availability and allegiance. Aligning with the Brotherhood of Steel or the Railroad inevitably leads to the Institute’s destruction and impacts X6-88’s fate. However, a Minutemen playthrough allows for the destruction of the Institute without necessarily making X6-88 permanently hostile, provided the player never becomes an enemy of the Institute before this point.
The Importance of Choices
X6-88’s story underscores the weight of player decisions in Fallout 4. His presence, allegiance, and ultimate fate are dictated by the choices made regarding the Institute. While some interactions, such as his non-reaction to Virgil, feel like missed narrative opportunities, his character serves as a constant reminder of the Institute’s power, influence, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding synth technology. Understanding X6-88’s role deepens the player’s appreciation for the faction war and the complexities of the Commonwealth. As explored by the Games Learning Society, these choices and their repercussions on character relationships are crucial elements in crafting compelling narratives in video games. To learn more, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X6-88
1. Can I keep X6-88 as a companion after destroying the Institute?
Yes, but only if you didn’t become an enemy of the Institute before its destruction. If you maintained a neutral or friendly relationship until the very end, X6-88 can still be recruited.
2. What happens if I dismiss X6-88 after the Institute is destroyed?
He will teleport back to the Institute SRB area, even though the Institute no longer exists. This is due to his programming, highlighting the game’s limitations in accounting for the changed world state.
3. What faction should I side with to keep X6-88 as a companion?
The Minutemen offer the best chance. You can destroy the Institute with them without necessarily becoming an enemy of the Institute beforehand.
4. What actions make X6-88 like me?
He likes helping the Institute (radiant quests), hacking terminals, entering power armor, modding weapons/armor, being selfish in conversations, and being mean in conversations. Actions aligned with the Institute’s goals are favored.
5. What happens if I bring X6-88 to the Railroad HQ?
The entire Railroad faction will immediately become hostile towards you. Their hatred of the Institute and synths is absolute.
6. Does X6-88 react to meeting Virgil after I know he ordered Kellogg to kill him?
No, there is no unique dialogue or reaction from X6-88 when brought to Virgil. This is considered a missed opportunity for character interaction.
7. Where can I find X6-88 after completing “Mankind Redefined”?
You can find him in the Institute SRB area within the Institute.
8. What perk do I get from reaching maximum affinity with X6-88?
You receive the Shield Harmonics perk, which provides +20 Energy Resistance.
9. Can I romance X6-88?
No, X6-88 is not a romanceable companion in Fallout 4.
10. What happens if I become an enemy of the Institute before destroying it?
X6-88 will become hostile and unrecruitable. His allegiance lies solely with the Institute, and he will turn against you if you betray them beforehand.
11. Is X6-88 aware of his status as a synth?
Yes, X6-88 is fully aware of his synth identity. He considers himself a tool of the Institute.
12. Can I give X6-88 different armor and weapons?
Yes, you can equip X6-88 with different armor and weapons, just like any other companion.
13. Does X6-88 have any unique dialogue or commentary on the Commonwealth?
Yes, he frequently comments on the actions you take and the situations you encounter, often reflecting the Institute’s perspective. However, these comments rarely affect his affinity towards you.
14. How important is X6-88 to the Institute?
As a Courser, X6-88 is highly valued by the Institute for his combat skills and loyalty. He represents the Institute’s dedication to retrieving escaped synths and enforcing their will.
15. Does X6-88 have a backstory or any personal history revealed in the game?
While X6-88’s backstory is limited, his dialogue and actions reveal a commitment to the Institute’s ideals. He is portrayed as a highly effective and dedicated Courser, more of a tool than a character with a deep past.