Fallout 4: Which Companions Despise the Institute? A Comprehensive Guide

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It’s a wasteland out there, and choosing your allies carefully is paramount in Fallout 4. When it comes to the shadowy, technologically advanced Institute, a faction steeped in secrecy and ethically questionable practices, many companions will actively disapprove of your association with them. Simply put, the companions who hate the Institute are: Cait, Danse, Deacon, Hancock, MacCready, Piper, and Nick Valentine. These characters have strong moral compasses or personal experiences that clash violently with the Institute’s goals and methods. Choosing to side with Father and his synths will sever ties with these valuable allies. Let’s dive deeper into why each companion feels this way and how it affects your gameplay.

Fallout 4’s Institute: A Faction Divisive

The Institute is one of the major factions in Fallout 4, representing advanced technology and a desire to rebuild society from the shadows. However, their methods – including kidnapping, experimentation, and the creation of synths – spark widespread fear and hatred throughout the Commonwealth. This negative perception directly impacts how certain companions react to the Sole Survivor aligning with them.

Companions Who Loathe the Institute

• Cait: Though somewhat morally ambiguous and fond of illicit activities, Cait has no love for the Institute. She dislikes synths in general and opposes aiding the Railroad. Her distaste stems from a distrust of authority and a general cynicism towards those who abuse power, which the Institute embodies.
• Paladin Danse: This is a complicated case. While initially a staunch Brotherhood of Steel member and seemingly aligned with their anti-synth agenda, the truth about Danse’s identity as a synth himself creates a significant conflict. Siding with the Institute effectively betrays the Brotherhood, leading to a difficult choice and the likely loss of Danse as a companion. Though he will stay at settlements, it’s more as a common settler than a true ally.
• Deacon: As a dedicated member of the Railroad, Deacon’s opposition to the Institute is unwavering. His entire purpose revolves around freeing synths from Institute control. Aligning with the Institute means betraying the Railroad and everything Deacon stands for, resulting in his immediate departure. He has a reason that is obvious later in the game.
• John Hancock: As the mayor of Goodneighbor, a haven for outcasts and those rejected by polite society, Hancock values freedom and self-determination. The Institute’s controlling nature and disregard for individual rights are anathema to him. He views them as oppressive and despises their experiments on the Commonwealth’s population.
• MacCready: While MacCready is motivated by self-interest, he dislikes groups with unchecked power. Though he doesn’t vocalize his hatred for the Institute directly, his appreciation for individual liberty makes him less inclined to trust them.
• Piper Wright: The intrepid reporter of Diamond City, Piper is dedicated to uncovering the truth and exposing corruption. She sees the Institute as secretive and dangerous, actively preying on the Commonwealth. Piper vehemently hates the Institute, fearing and loathing its practices. While she supports synths’ rights and admires the Railroad, aligning with their oppressors is unacceptable to her.
• Nick Valentine: As a synth detective with a strong moral compass, Nick is deeply empathetic to the plight of other synths. He supports the Railroad’s efforts to liberate them and harbors a strong animosity toward the Institute. Siding with the Institute is a direct betrayal of Nick’s principles and the very essence of his being. He loves when the Railroad fights the Institute.

Companions Who Might Tolerate or Approve the Institute

Not every companion will actively hate your decision. Here’s a look at who might be more neutral:

• Codsworth: As a pre-war robot, Codsworth is generally obedient and doesn’t possess strong political opinions. He’s more concerned with your well-being than the Institute’s agenda. He will follow the Sole Survivor.
• Curie: While Curie appreciates scientific advancement, she detests the Institute’s unethical practices, like those with Super Mutants. However, you can transplant her into a synth body.
• Strong: The Super Mutant companion dislikes weakness and appreciates strength. He might initially be drawn to the Institute’s power and technological prowess.
• X6-88: As a Courser, X6-88 is loyal to the Institute and approves of actions that further their goals. He is specifically programmed to support them and will be a steadfast ally.
• Automatron DLC Companions (Ada, Buildable Robots): Similar to Codsworth, these robots are typically programmed to follow your orders and don’t have inherent biases against the Institute. They can be customized to fit your needs.

Factions Reacting to the Institute

• The Minutemen: The Minutemen are unique. They won’t turn hostile if you join the Institute, offering a safety net. They care less about the big picture and more about settlements’ immediate safety.
• The Railroad: Siding with the Institute means certain conflict and the Railroad’s end. This is detrimental to companions like Deacon and Nick.
• The Brotherhood of Steel: This faction’s destruction is often a condition to stay loyal to the Institute. This directly opposes companions such as Danse (initially).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Companions and the Institute

1. Can I still use companions who hate the Institute after siding with them?
   No, once you become an enemy of their aligned faction (like the Railroad or Brotherhood of Steel), they will leave your service. You might encounter them as enemies later.

2. Does siding with the Institute lock me out of certain quests?
   Yes, it will lock you out of quests associated with the Railroad and the Brotherhood of Steel. These factions will become hostile to you.

3. Does the Institute ending affect my settlements?
   Not directly. The Institute doesn’t typically interfere with settlements unless ordered to by you within specific quests.

4. Can I betray the Institute after joining them?
   Yes, it’s possible to betray the Institute and side with the Minutemen. This allows you to destroy the Institute while maintaining a degree of neutrality.

5. Does Piper like the Institute in any way?
   No, Piper has a deep-seated hatred for the Institute. Her support for synths as individuals doesn’t translate into approval of the Institute’s methods.

6. What happens to Danse if I destroy the Brotherhood of Steel for the Institute?
   The exact outcome for Danse depends on whether you completed his personal quest, Blind Betrayal, beforehand. If you saved him, he will dislike you destroying the Brotherhood, but can still be found at a settlement where he will act as a settler.

7. Does siding with the Institute affect my relationship with Preston Garvey?
   While Preston doesn’t become outright hostile initially, his approval of you will plummet. Completing quests for the Institute will further damage your relationship. But the Minutemen are not hostile with you.

8. Will Curie like me more if I transfer her into a synth body while siding with the Institute?
   Yes, Curie will generally approve of this decision. It aligns with her desire to experience life more fully.

9. Is it possible to keep X6-88 as a companion if I destroy the Institute with the Railroad?
   Yes, if you complete the Nuclear Option by siding with the Railroad and without being banished from the Institute, X6-88 will remain available as a companion.

10. Does Nick Valentine hate the Brotherhood of Steel as much as he hates the Institute?
    Nick has animosity toward the Brotherhood of Steel due to their anti-synth prejudice, but his hatred for the Institute runs deeper due to their direct role in creating and controlling synths.

11. What are the moral implications of siding with the Institute?
    Siding with the Institute presents numerous ethical dilemmas due to their questionable experiments, disregard for individual freedom, and secretive nature. Your choices will have a significant impact on the Commonwealth.

12. Does MacCready like or dislike the Institute?
    It’s unclear, as MacCready’s motivations are very self-serving. However, given his independent nature, he is probably neutral at best towards the Institute.

13. If Sturges is a Synth does he like the Institute?
    There is no confirmation in the game that Sturges is a synth. His pre-war knowledge could be attributed to other factors, and he expresses no particular allegiance to the Institute.

14. What are the benefits of siding with the Institute?
    The benefits of siding with the Institute include access to advanced technology, the opportunity to rebuild society in your own vision (albeit a controversial one), and the chance to be reunited with your son, Shaun.

15. Can I learn more about how games affect people’s learning?
    Absolutely! The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org studies the intersection of games and education, providing valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development. Check out their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/

Choosing your faction in Fallout 4 is a pivotal decision that shapes your gameplay experience and affects your relationships with your companions. If you value the company of Cait, Danse, Deacon, Hancock, MacCready, Piper, and Nick Valentine, siding with the Institute will come at a steep cost. Weigh your options carefully and consider the consequences before aligning yourself with this controversial faction.