What Weapon Should I Give MacCready in Fallout 4? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer: A powerful, non-automatic, high-damage sniper rifle using .308 rounds is the ideal weapon to equip MacCready in Fallout 4. While his default Hunting Rifle is decent, upgrading him with a better sniper will drastically enhance his combat effectiveness, making him a fearsome ally on the wasteland. The .50 caliber rifles are often tempting, but given their rare and expensive ammo, sticking with .308 ammunition is a more practical and sustainable solution for the long game.

Why a Sniper Rifle for MacCready?

MacCready’s character is built around the archetype of a mercenary sniper. This isn’t just for show; his AI is designed to position him at a distance during combat, leveraging his proficiency with long-range engagements. Giving him an appropriate weapon maximizes his natural tendencies and makes him incredibly valuable.

The Power of the .308 Sniper Rifle

The .308 rounds offer a sweet spot between damage output and ammunition availability. Unlike the scarce and pricey .50 caliber rounds, .308 ammunition is much more common, allowing you to supply MacCready consistently without breaking the bank or constantly scavenging. A well-modded sniper rifle using these rounds can hit hard enough to one-shot many enemies, and provide critical damage, which adds additional powerful capabilities to MacCready.

Advantages Over Other Weapon Types

While companions are sometimes better with automatic weapons, that isn’t true for MacCready. Here’s why a sniper rifle is best:

• Synergy with Playstyle: If you, as the player, prefer stealth or long-range combat, MacCready will be in sync with your strategy. His effectiveness is increased the further away he is from enemies, and he will naturally seek those ideal locations while fighting.
• Accuracy: Sniper rifles have inherent accuracy, which means less wasted ammo and more critical hits, making MacCready a reliable damage dealer.
• Consistent Damage Output: Automatic weapons often have a spray-and-pray effect when used by companions, resulting in lower effective damage. Sniper rifles, with their high single-shot damage, provide a more consistent and impactful contribution.
• Role Fulfillment: Giving MacCready a sniper rifle complements his role as a long-range support character, freeing you up to focus on other combat roles. It’s also how his character was originally intended, as his default weapon is a hunting rifle.

Choosing the Right Sniper Rifle

When selecting a sniper rifle, consider:

• Damage Per Shot: Look for weapons with high base damage.
• Modifications: Prioritize rifles that can be extensively modified with scopes, barrels, and stocks for increased accuracy, range, and damage.
• Legendary Effects: A legendary sniper rifle with effects like instigating or two-shot can make MacCready an absolute monster on the battlefield. Look for weapon parts that increase damage, range, and accuracy.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are some mistakes to avoid when equipping MacCready:

• Automatic Weapons: While tempting, avoid automatic weapons for MacCready unless he is using his default hunting rifle, as they undermine his strengths as a sniper and often lead to wasted ammunition when given to companions.
• Low-Damage Weapons: Don’t settle for just any sniper rifle. Make sure to prioritize high damage output.
• Ignoring Ammo Availability: Don’t equip a weapon with a rare ammunition type. Stick with the more easily attainable .308 rounds.

Final Recommendation

The best weapon to give MacCready in Fallout 4 is a powerful, heavily-modified sniper rifle that uses .308 ammunition. Focus on modifications that enhance damage and accuracy. Using a legendary version of the weapon, if you can obtain one, will make MacCready a force to be reckoned with. This choice maximizes his effectiveness, complements his role as a long-range fighter, and keeps your ammo supply manageable. This will allow him to take advantage of his AI, which naturally keeps him at a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What weapon does MacCready start with?

MacCready starts with a Hunting Rifle, which is a decent but basic sniper rifle.

2. Why are .50 caliber sniper rifles not the best choice for MacCready?

While powerful, .50 caliber ammunition is rare and expensive, making it unsustainable to keep MacCready equipped. The .308 ammunition offers a more balanced and readily available alternative.

3. Can MacCready use any type of weapon?

Yes, MacCready can use any weapon you give him; however, a sniper rifle is the most effective because his AI is designed to be a sniper.

4. Do companions like MacCready use up ammo?

No, companions do not use up their special companion ammo. However, you must supply them with the normal ammunition for any weapon you give them. However, the game only requires one round of ammunition, which it will not consume, acting as an infinite supply.

5. What are some good legendary effects for MacCready’s sniper rifle?

Good legendary effects include Instigating (double damage on full health targets), Two-Shot (fires an additional projectile) and Assassin’s (increased damage against humans).

6. Does MacCready benefit from combat perks?

While MacCready does benefit from base weapon damage, he does not use player perks. So do not spec into sniper perks thinking they will affect MacCready, as they will not.

7. Are automatic weapons bad for MacCready?

Yes, automatic weapons are generally not recommended for MacCready, as they don’t leverage his strengths as a sniper. His AI will use them ineffectively, which results in lower damage than his intended weapons.

8. What is MacCready’s preferred fighting style?

MacCready prefers long-range combat, staying at a distance and sniping enemies from afar.

9. How do I give a weapon to MacCready?

You can give a weapon to MacCready by trading with him and then equipping it in his inventory.

10. What is MacCready’s Companion Perk?

MacCready’s companion perk is called Killshot, which gives you a +20% boost to hit probability in V.A.T.S when targeting the head.

11. How do I maximize MacCready’s affinity?

MacCready’s affinity is increased by picking locks, choosing dialogue options that are morally gray, and completing quests that appeal to his mercenary nature.

12. Does MacCready like using Chems?

No, MacCready dislikes using Chems. Avoid using them in front of him, as this will decrease his affinity.

13. What should I avoid when making choices with MacCready?

Avoid making peaceful or overly generous choices in dialogue, as he is not a fan of peaceful interactions.

14. How does MacCready’s affinity benefit me?

Achieving high affinity with MacCready unlocks the Killshot perk, which is extremely useful for long-range engagements.

15. Can MacCready be killed permanently?

No, MacCready cannot be permanently killed. If he takes too much damage in combat, he will fall unconscious and recover after the fight.