The Ultimate Nuka-World Companion Showdown: Who Reigns Supreme?

The scorched earth of Nuka-World demands a companion who’s as tough as nails and twice as clever. So, who is the absolute best companion to bring along on your raider-filled romp through this dangerous amusement park? The answer, unequivocally, is Porter Gage. While other companions might offer glimpses of moral support or unique skills, Gage is the only one who truly understands and appreciates the Nuka-World experience. He’s a combat-hardened veteran, intimately familiar with the park’s inner workings, and, most importantly, he approves of your raider ambitions.

Why Gage is the King of Nuka-World Companions

Gage isn’t just a strong fighter; he’s a strategist, a schemer, and a survivor. He was the mastermind behind the Nuka-World power structure before the Sole Survivor arrived, and his insights are invaluable for navigating the treacherous politics of the raider gangs. Here’s a deeper dive into why Gage is the perfect companion for Nuka-World:

• Combat Prowess: Gage is a formidable combatant with high damage output and a knack for flanking enemies. His experience as a mercenary makes him adept at using a variety of weapons and adapting to different combat situations.
• Unique Perks: Gage offers the unique perk “Lessons in Blood,” which grants +5% XP per kill and +10 damage resistance. This perk is incredibly useful for leveling up quickly and surviving the brutal encounters in Nuka-World.
• Story Integration: Gage is deeply woven into the Nuka-World narrative. He provides crucial information about the gangs, the park’s history, and the best ways to exploit its resources. His dialogue is engaging and offers a unique perspective on the raider lifestyle.
• Moral Alignment (or Lack Thereof): Unlike most other companions who disapprove of morally questionable actions, Gage encourages your raider ambitions. This makes him the ideal companion for players who want to embrace the dark side and fully immerse themselves in the Nuka-World experience. He doesn’t judge you for extorting settlements or raiding innocent caravans; in fact, he actively assists you in these endeavors.
• Relationship Benefits: Maxing out your affinity with Gage unlocks a romance option (if that’s your thing) and provides additional insights into his backstory. Getting to know Gage better reveals a complex character with a hidden depth, making him more than just a disposable sidekick.

Comparing Gage to Other Potential Companions

While Gage is the clear winner, it’s worth briefly considering other potential companions and why they fall short:

• Preston Garvey: Bringing Preston to Nuka-World is a recipe for disaster. He hates the raiders and will constantly disapprove of your actions. His presence will significantly hinder your ability to progress through the Nuka-World storyline and enjoy the raider experience. Furthermore, continuing with Nuka-World quests past a certain point will lock Preston out as a companion forever.
• Curie: While Curie is a powerful companion with a high health pool, her moral compass clashes with the raider lifestyle. She will disapprove of many of your actions in Nuka-World, making her an unsuitable choice for players who want to fully embrace the raider experience.
• Strong: Strong, the Super Mutant, might seem like a natural fit for Nuka-World due to his brute strength. However, Strong’s simple-mindedness and constant search for the “milk of human kindness” make him ill-suited for the complex political landscape of Nuka-World. Plus, he still disapproves of actions such as using chems and picking locks.
• Dogmeat: While Dogmeat is always a loyal and helpful companion, he doesn’t offer the unique story integration or combat expertise that Gage provides. He’s also not particularly effective against the tougher enemies in Nuka-World.
• Nick Valentine: Nick’s moral compass points in a different direction from the raiders, so his constant disapproval makes him an unsuitable choice to take with you.

Embracing the Raider Life with Gage

Ultimately, the choice of companion comes down to personal preference and playstyle. However, for players who want to fully immerse themselves in the raider experience and make the most of Nuka-World, Porter Gage is the undisputed champion. He’s a powerful combatant, a strategic advisor, and a fellow raider who understands and appreciates your ambitions. With Gage by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer Nuka-World and build your raider empire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it really possible to complete Nuka-World without alienating Preston Garvey?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. The key is to complete the Nuka-World quests before you officially become General of the Minutemen. If you haven’t taken on the role of General, Preston won’t hate you for your raider activities. After you have completed Nuka World, you can wipe out all the raiders, making Preston available as a companion again, but permanently locking you out of raider-related questlines.

Can I romance Gage?

Yes, you can romance Gage if you’re playing a male or female character. To do so, you need to perform actions that he approves of, such as being ruthless and taking what you want.

What are the best perks to take when playing through Nuka-World?

Useful perks include:

• Bloody Mess: Increases damage dealt and provides a chance to explode enemies.
• Demolition Expert: Increases the damage of explosives.
• Locksmith/Hacker: Allows you to access locked areas and terminals.
• Toughness/Lifegiver: Increases your survivability.
• Party Boy/Girl: Doubles the duration of alcohol effects, reducing addiction chances.

What’s the best way to earn Gage’s approval?

Gage approves of actions that demonstrate ruthlessness, cunning, and a willingness to exploit others. He likes it when you:

• Choose violent solutions to problems.
• Extort settlements.
• Use intimidation tactics.
• Pick locks and hack terminals.

What happens if I betray the Nuka-World raiders?

If you choose to betray the Nuka-World raiders, you’ll trigger the “Open Season” quest, which requires you to kill all the raider leaders. This will make Preston Garvey happy and allow you to reclaim the settlements that were taken over by the raiders.

What is the best weapon to use in Nuka-World?

While there are many powerful weapons in Nuka-World, some stand out:

• Aeternus: A Gatling Laser with unlimited ammo.
• The Problem Solver/Splattercannon: Two very similar handmade rifles.
• Nuka-Nuke Launcher: A Fat Man launcher that fires Nuka-Nukes.

How do I get the Aeternus?

You will obtain the Aeternus once you complete all 30 quests in the quest line “Amoral Combat”.

Is Nuka-World a difficult DLC?

Yes, Nuka-World can be challenging, especially at lower levels. The enemies are tough, and the environment is hostile. It’s recommended to be at least level 30 before venturing into Nuka-World.

What are the different raider gangs in Nuka-World?

The three raider gangs in Nuka-World are:

• The Disciples: Known for their brutality and love of violence.
• The Operators: Focused on wealth and control through careful planning.
• The Pack: Emphasizing strength and loyalty above all else.

Which raider gang should I side with in Nuka-World?

That depends on your playstyle. The Operators offer perks related to increased damage with silenced weapons and a bigger carry capacity. The Pack has perks related to melee damage and the effectiveness of consumables. The Disciples do not offer any unique perks. You can also work with all three until a certain point in the game.

How can I get the most out of the Nuka-World experience?

• Explore every corner of the park.
• Complete all the quests.
• Experiment with different weapons and armor.
• Don’t be afraid to embrace the raider lifestyle.
• Consider the impact your decisions have on the Commonwealth.

What is the ‘Good Ending’ of Nuka World?

The “good ending” involves eliminating all the raiders in Nuka World and freeing the enslaved settlers. This aligns with the moral compass of the Minutemen and other factions. To reach this ending, you must start the “Open Season” quest by speaking to Mackenzie Bridgeman in the Nuka-Town Market.

What level should I be to start the Nuka-World DLC?

It is generally recommended that you be at least level 30 before venturing into Nuka-World. The enemies and challenges are significantly tougher than those in the Commonwealth.

Are there any unique settlements to build in Nuka-World?

Yes, you can establish raider outposts in settlements throughout the Commonwealth. These outposts provide resources for the Nuka-World raiders but will negatively impact your relationship with the Minutemen.

Is Fallout 4 good for educational purposes?

Absolutely! While primarily entertainment, Fallout 4 and similar games can offer valuable learning opportunities in areas like resource management, decision-making, and even social studies. Exploring these aspects further can provide a richer gaming experience and potentially inform real-world skills. Learn more about the intersection of games and education at Games Learning Society.