What Inspired Dogmeat in Fallout 4?
Dogmeat, the canine companion in Fallout 4, was inspired by River, a German Shepherd that belonged to two developers, with the game’s developers basing Dogmeat’s model on River and replicating her brown eyes. The inspiration from River helped create a beloved and loyal companion in the Fallout series, making Dogmeat an integral part of the game’s narrative and gameplay.
Understanding Dogmeat’s Origins
To dive deeper into what inspired Dogmeat, it’s essential to explore the character’s origins and features within the Fallout universe.
FAQs About Dogmeat
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Dogmeat, providing more insights into this iconic character:
-
What is Dogmeat based on? Dogmeat’s model in Fallout 4 was based on River, a German Shepherd that belonged to two developers, with his brown eyes being a replication of River’s own eyes.
-
Where did Dogmeat Fallout come from? Dogmeat first appeared in the original Fallout by Black Isle Studios and Interplay Entertainment, where the protagonist encounters him in Junktown.
-
What is Dogmeat a reference to? The name “Dogmeat” is a reference to a common slang term for food or an inferior item, reflecting the dog’s role as a loyal but disposable asset to the player.
-
Why is Dogmeat called Dogmeat? The name “Dogmeat” was chosen because it reflects the dog’s utility and loyalty, with the original name being “Dogshit” for another dog before Scott Bennie came up with “Dogmeat”.
-
What dog inspired Dogmeat? River, the real-life dog, inspired Dogmeat from Fallout 4, with Joel Burgess, a former developer, announcing her passing and its impact on the game.
-
Why is Dogmeat not mutated? Dogmeat is not mutated because he wasn’t exposed to large amounts of radiation, which causes forced evolution in the Fallout universe.
-
Is Dogmeat immortal in Fallout? Dogmeat is considered immortal across all time, with any apparent death being an illusion unless the player intentionally turns off his essential status.
-
Can Dogmeat heal himself? To heal Dogmeat, a stimpak must be used manually, unlike human companions who can heal themselves if they have a stimpak in their inventory.
-
Is Dogmeat gone if he dies? If Dogmeat was not recruited or was killed before befriending, he will regenerate where he died, allowing the option to befriend him again.
-
Does Dogmeat trigger Lone Wanderer? The “Lone Wanderer” perk is not affected by keeping Dogmeat as a companion, allowing players to benefit without penalties.
-
Is Dogmeat a synth in Fallout? There’s a theory suggesting Dogmeat could be an Institute Synth with a greater mind than actual dogs, possibly acting as a spy for the Institute.
-
Is Dogmeat a mutant? Dogmeat is not a mutant because dogs are among the few animals not mutated by the FEV (Forced Evolutionary Virus) in the Fallout universe.
-
What are the theories about Dogmeat in Fallout 4? Theories suggest Dogmeat could be an Institute Synth, acting as a spy or aiding people in need, making him a Wasteland legend according to Mama Murphy.
-
Is Dogmeat a settler? Dogmeat is considered a settler but cannot work, affecting settlement happiness differently than other dogs.
-
Can you give Dogmeat a collar? Players can find and equip Dogmeat with a dog helmet, dog armor, and a chain dog collar, which he must have in his inventory and be directed to use.