Who is the Strongest Companion in Fallout? A Comprehensive Guide
Deciding on the strongest companion in the Fallout universe is no easy feat. It’s a complex question that depends heavily on your playstyle, the specific Fallout game you’re playing, and what you consider “strong.” Are we talking raw damage output, survivability, utility, or a combination of all three? However, considering all factors across multiple games, the title often goes to Curie (after her transformation) in Fallout 4. While some companions excel in specific areas, Curie, once transferred into a synth body, boasts a potent mix of high health, significant damage potential, and the added bonus of being a genuinely likeable character with a compelling storyline. Let’s dive deeper into why Curie, and other contenders, are considered top-tier companions.
Fallout 4: The Powerhouse Companions
Fallout 4 arguably offers the most diverse and customizable companion options in the series. While Dogmeat remains a beloved choice for many, those seeking pure combat effectiveness have several strong candidates.
Curie: From Robot to Relentless
In her initial Mr. Handy form, Curie is far from a combat powerhouse. However, upon completing her personal quest, “Emergent Behavior,” players can transfer her consciousness into a synth body. This transformation unlocks her true potential. With access to better armor and weapons, Curie becomes a formidable force. Her combination of high health, energy weapon proficiency, and a unique perk (after reaching maximum affinity) make her incredibly resilient and deadly. She’s not just a tank; she can dish out significant damage as well.
Strong: The Super Mutant Muscle
As his name implies, Strong is a Super Mutant companion with immense physical strength and a love for melee combat. He excels at smashing enemies with powerful weapons and can withstand significant damage. However, Strong’s affinity for human behavior and distaste for certain actions can make him a less versatile companion compared to Curie. Also, he is not fond of power armor.
Paladin Danse: The Brotherhood’s Best
Paladin Danse, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, is a powerful companion specializing in energy weapons and power armor. He can provide considerable firepower and tanking ability. However, his rigid adherence to Brotherhood ideals and his own personal questline can restrict your choices and gameplay options.
Other Notable Fallout 4 Companions
- X6-88: A Courser companion ideal for Institute playthroughs. Strong stats but lacking in personality.
- Cait: A skilled melee fighter with a troubled past, making her engaging and capable in close-quarters combat.
- Preston Garvey: While often mocked, Preston’s Minutemen affiliation can be useful for settlement management and providing backup during attacks.
Fallout: New Vegas: Strategic Allies
Fallout: New Vegas presents a different style of companion gameplay. While individual strength is important, strategic positioning and utilization of unique perks are key.
Veronica Santangelo: The Brotherhood Brawler
Veronica is arguably the strongest combat-focused companion in New Vegas. Her access to Power Armor training and proficiency with the Power Fist make her a formidable melee fighter. Her connection to the Brotherhood of Steel also unlocks unique dialogue and quest opportunities.
Boone: The Sniper Specialist
Boone is an exceptional marksman with a knack for headshots. His spotter perk makes him invaluable for stealthy players, as he can identify enemies from a distance. However, Boone’s effectiveness is limited in close-quarters combat.
Raul Tejada: The Repairman’s Resilience
While not necessarily the strongest in direct combat, Raul’s ability to repair weapons and armor makes him incredibly valuable for long-term survival. His personal quest also unlocks a perk that further enhances his durability.
Fallout 3: Canine Loyalty and More
Fallout 3’s companion options are somewhat limited compared to later entries, but still offer valuable assistance.
Dogmeat: The Wasteland’s Best Friend
Dogmeat, a series staple, remains a popular choice in Fallout 3. While not the strongest in terms of raw damage, Dogmeat’s ability to detect enemies, hold them in place, and scavenge items makes him an invaluable asset. In the expansion Broken Steel, if Dogmeat dies, he can be replaced with an even stronger version, highlighting his continued importance.
Fawkes: The Super Mutant Tank
Fawkes, a Super Mutant companion, is a powerhouse with high health and strong combat skills. He can wield heavy weapons and withstand significant damage, making him a reliable tank in tough encounters.
Fallout 1 & 2: Early Edition Allies
The original Fallout games offered companions that were useful, but often fragile. Their strengths were often tied to specific skills and support roles.
Fallout 1: Ian of Shady Sands
Ian is a decent early game companion, but his usefulness falls off as the game progresses. He can provide extra firepower, but his low health makes him prone to dying.
Fallout 2: Sulik
Sulik, a tribal warrior, is a more robust companion in Fallout 2. His melee skills and higher survivability make him a valuable asset in combat.
Why Curie is a Strong Contender
Curie’s strength comes from her blend of survivability, damage output, and adaptability. Her ability to wield energy weapons effectively, combined with her high health and potential for healing, makes her a versatile companion for any playstyle. Furthermore, her personal quest and affinity perk offer additional benefits that enhance her overall effectiveness.
Ultimately, the “strongest” companion is subjective. It depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, Curie’s well-rounded abilities, engaging personality, and substantial stat growth make her a top contender for the title in Fallout 4, and a strong representative of powerful companions throughout the Fallout universe. To further explore topics in gaming and learn about how games can be used in educational contexts, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to expand your knowledge about Fallout companions.
1. Is Dogmeat better than other companions in Fallout 4?
Dogmeat offers unique advantages, like the ability to hold enemies and locate hidden items, and is the only companion that doesn’t negate the Lone Wanderer perk. Other companions, however, offer higher damage output and more specialized combat skills. The “best” choice depends on your playstyle.
2. Can companions die permanently in Fallout 4?
Most companions in Fallout 4 are essential NPCs, meaning they can be downed in combat but will recover. However, companions in earlier Fallout games could die permanently.
3. How do I increase my affinity with companions in Fallout 4?
To increase affinity, perform actions that align with a companion’s values and personality. For example, Piper appreciates generous and investigative actions, while Strong approves of violence and disdain for weakness.
4. What are companion perks in Fallout 4?
Companion perks are unique bonuses you receive upon reaching maximum affinity with a companion. These perks can offer stat boosts, damage resistance, or other special abilities.
5. Can I romance companions in Fallout 4?
Yes, Fallout 4 allows you to romance several companions, including Piper, Cait, Curie (after her synth transformation), MacCready, Hancock, and Paladin Danse.
6. Who is the best companion for a melee build in Fallout 4?
Strong and Cait are excellent choices for melee builds due to their proficiency in close-quarters combat and their ability to withstand significant damage.
7. Can I have multiple companions at once in Fallout 4?
Without mods, you can only have one human/synth/ghoul companion and Dogmeat at the same time. Mods allow you to recruit multiple companions.
8. Which companion is best for a stealth build in Fallout: New Vegas?
Boone’s ability to spot enemies from a distance makes him invaluable for stealthy players. His spotter perk provides crucial information for planning ambushes.
9. Can companions wear power armor in Fallout: New Vegas?
Yes, Veronica can wear power armor after the appropriate training.
10. What happens if a companion dies in Fallout 3?
Companions can die permanently in Fallout 3 (except for Dogmeat with the Broken Steel expansion). Be careful and equip them with the best gear.
11. Can I equip Dogmeat with armor in Fallout 4?
Yes, Dogmeat can wear dog armor, but it only has cosmetic purposes.
12. Is Nick Valentine a good companion in Fallout 4?
Nick Valentine is a valuable companion, especially for players who lack hacking skills, as he can hack terminals. He also has a compelling backstory and a likeable personality.
13. Who is the strongest enemy in Fallout 4?
The Mythic Deathclaw is considered one of the strongest and most challenging enemies in Fallout 4.
14. Can the Sole Survivor be a synth?
No, the Sole Survivor is not a synth.
15. Which Fallout game is considered the hardest?
Fallout 2 and Fallout 3 are often considered the hardest Fallout games due to their unforgiving gameplay mechanics and challenging combat.