The Ultimate Fallout: New Vegas Companion Showdown: Who Reigns Supreme?

The Mojave Wasteland is a harsh place, and venturing out alone is a quick ticket to becoming a gecko’s dinner. Thankfully, Fallout: New Vegas offers a colorful cast of companions ready to watch your back (and maybe comment sarcastically on your questionable life choices). But with so many options, who is the best companion to bring along for the ride?

The answer, like most things in New Vegas, isn’t simple. It depends entirely on your playstyle, your priorities, and your character build. However, if I had to choose one companion to have by my side for every playthrough, it would be Raul Alfonso Tejada.

Raul isn’t the strongest in combat, nor does he unlock some hidden faction questline. But what he does offer is something invaluable: long-term resource management. His “Regular Maintenance” perk, which reduces weapon and armor degradation by 50%, is a game-changer. In a world where repairing gear can bankrupt even the most seasoned courier, Raul’s perk saves you a fortune in caps and repair kits. Think of it as free money, allowing you to invest in other essential perks, weapons, and ammo.

Beyond the mechanical advantages, Raul is also a well-written and engaging character. His backstory as a former ghoul gunslinger provides a unique perspective on the wasteland, and his dry wit is a welcome respite from the sometimes overly serious nature of the game. Plus, his companion quest, “Old School Ghoul”, is a genuinely interesting side story that lets you influence his character arc.

While combat prowess, moral alignment, and quest integration all factor into a companion’s value, Raul’s Regular Maintenance perk provides the most consistent, tangible, and universally beneficial advantage for any playthrough. He simply makes the game smoother, more economical, and ultimately more enjoyable. So, while the choice is subjective, Raul’s practical utility makes him, in my opinion, the best overall companion in Fallout: New Vegas.

Delving Deeper: Why Raul Edges Out the Competition

While I stand by my assessment of Raul, it’s important to acknowledge the strengths of the other companions.

• Boone: A damage-dealing powerhouse with his sniper rifle and companion perk, Boone is excellent for combat-focused playthroughs. His backstory is tragic, and his loyalty is unwavering. However, his perk is less useful for characters that are also focused on combat-based skills and can headshot most foes before Boone even has a chance to react. His story can be somewhat of a downer, so if you want a jovial companion he is not the best choice.

• Veronica: A skilled melee fighter and member of the Brotherhood of Steel, Veronica offers insight into one of the game’s most intriguing factions. She is easy to recruit, especially compared to other members of the Brotherhood.

• Arcade: A member of the Followers of the Apocalypse, Arcade is an excellent medic and provides unique dialogue options due to his background. He’s also crucial for unlocking a specific ending related to the Enclave.

• Cass: A tough-as-nails caravan owner with a drinking problem, Cass is a reliable combatant with a unique perk that benefits drinking alcohol. However, her perk is only good for those who actively use alcohol, and is rendered useless if that is not the case.

• Lily: A super mutant nightkin with anger management issues, Lily is a force of nature in combat. However, her constant muttering and aggressive personality can be grating for some players.

• ED-E: The versatile eyebot. ED-E acts as a mobile workbench, a damage dealer with powerful beams, and a detection device due to him pointing out enemies that are nearby.

• Rex: The cyberdog. Rex is an amazing companion for those who prioritize melee, although he can only do damage by biting enemies, and will often run straight into the fire.

Ultimately, the “best” companion is a matter of personal taste. But for consistent, long-term value, Raul is tough to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fallout: New Vegas Companions

1. Can I have more than one companion in Fallout: New Vegas?

Yes, you can have one humanoid companion and one non-humanoid companion at the same time. This allows you to bring along both a character like Raul and a creature like ED-E or Rex.

2. How do I recruit a companion in Fallout: New Vegas?

Each companion has different recruitment requirements. Some, like Veronica, simply require you to speak to them and ask them to join. Others, like Boone, require you to complete a specific quest first. Pay attention to their dialogue and follow the necessary steps.

3. Can companions die in Fallout: New Vegas?

Companions can only die in Hardcore Mode. In normal mode, they will simply be knocked unconscious during combat and recover after the fight.

4. How do I dismiss a companion?

Simply talk to them and select the dialogue option to tell them you want them to leave. They will return to their original location.

5. Can I get my dismissed companions back?

Yes, you can usually re-recruit a dismissed companion by returning to their original location and speaking to them again, provided you haven’t done anything to make them hostile towards you.

6. Do companions level up with me?

Yes, companions level up alongside you. Their stats and abilities will improve as you progress through the game.

7. Do companions require ammo?

No, companions have unlimited ammo for their default weapons. However, if you give them a different weapon, they will require ammo for it.

8. Do companions affect my Karma?

No, companions’ actions do not directly affect your Karma. However, their presence might influence your decisions, which can affect your Karma.

9. Which companion is the best for a melee-focused character?

Rex is the best companion for a melee-focused character.

10. Which companion is best for a stealthy character?

ED-E is often considered a good choice for stealthy characters, as it can detect enemies from afar and can be used to clear out enemies quietly. However, its constant beeping can sometimes compromise your stealth.

11. What are the companion quests in Fallout: New Vegas?

Each permanent companion has a unique quest line that can be followed to “upgrade” them, usually giving them new perks or improving their stats. These quests often delve into their backstories and provide opportunities for character development.

12. Does Charisma affect companions?

Charisma influences your initial interactions with companions, making it easier to persuade them to join you or influence their opinions.

13. Which companion is the easiest to recruit?

Veronica is often cited as the easiest companion to recruit. Simply find her at the 188 Trading Post, talk to her about the Brotherhood of Steel, and ask her to join you.

14. Are there any companions I should avoid?

There aren’t any companions that are inherently “bad,” but some may not mesh well with your playstyle or moral alignment. For example, if you’re playing a pro-NCR character, bringing along a companion with strong anti-NCR sentiments might lead to friction.

15. Does the difficulty setting affect companions?

Yes, the difficulty setting affects how much damage companions deal and how much damage they take. On higher difficulties, they become more vulnerable and may require more active management.

Remember, choosing the “best” companion in Fallout: New Vegas is a deeply personal decision. Experiment with different companions, explore their quests, and find the one that complements your playstyle and enhances your enjoyment of the game. And perhaps consider exploring the educational aspects of games like Fallout by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. After all, even in the wasteland, there’s always something new to learn.