Who is the Strongest Companion in Fallout 4? A Definitive Guide
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The Commonwealth is a harsh place, and having a reliable companion by your side can make all the difference between survival and becoming just another pile of bones for a Raider to pick clean. When it comes to pure combat effectiveness, there’s a lot of debate. However, based on a combination of health, damage output, unique perks, and overall survivability, the strongest companion in Fallout 4 is arguably Paladin Danse. He comes equipped with Power Armor and a Laser Rifle making him an absolute powerhouse.
Paladin Danse: The Steel Knight
Danse, a devoted member of the Brotherhood of Steel, brings several advantages to the table that make him a formidable ally.
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Power Armor: Danse is nearly always clad in Power Armor, significantly boosting his damage resistance and health. This makes him incredibly resilient in combat, able to withstand massive amounts of damage that would instantly cripple other companions.
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High Base Stats: Danse starts with impressive base stats, especially in Strength and Endurance, contributing to his high health pool and melee damage.
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Laser Rifle Proficiency: He’s proficient with Laser Rifles, delivering consistent and accurate ranged damage. While you can equip him with other weapons, his default Laser Rifle is more than capable.
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Know Your Enemy Perk: Upon reaching maximum affinity with Danse, you unlock the “Know Your Enemy” perk, granting a 20% bonus damage against ghouls, synths, and super mutants. This is exceptionally valuable, as these enemy types are extremely common throughout the game.
While other companions may excel in specific niches or offer unique utility, Danse’s raw combat prowess and resilience are unmatched. Curie in her synth form also represents a strong contender. In her Synth form, her combination of high health, damage output, and abilities makes her quite effective in combat.
Analyzing Other Top Contenders
While Danse takes the crown, let’s examine other companions who deserve mention:
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Curie (Synth Form): As mentioned, Curie, after transferring her consciousness to a synth body, becomes a force to be reckoned with. She boasts a large health pool, can equip various weapons and armor, and possesses the “Combat Medic” perk, which heals you when your health drops below 10%. While not as consistently durable as Danse in Power Armor, Curie offers excellent healing utility and high damage output.
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Strong: A Super Mutant with a penchant for melee combat. While Strong hits hard, his lack of ranged options and reliance on melee make him vulnerable in certain situations. His affinity perks are also less universally useful than Danse’s.
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X6-88: The Institute Courser is another powerful choice, particularly if you are siding with The Institute. He comes with decent armor and a decent laser rifle, making him useful in combat.
Why Not Dogmeat?
While Dogmeat is a beloved companion for many, his strength lies in utility rather than raw power. He’s excellent for scouting, distracting enemies, and providing companionship, but his damage output and health are comparatively low. Dogmeat’s advantage is that he doesn’t negate the Lone Wanderer perk, meaning you can benefit from its bonuses while still having a companion.
Choosing the Right Companion for You
Ultimately, the “best” companion depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you prioritize pure combat strength and resilience, Paladin Danse is the clear winner. If you value healing utility and versatility, Curie is a great choice. Dogmeat makes a good companion if you are trying to sneak around. If you prefer a melee-focused companion, consider Strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can companions die in Fallout 4?
No, unlike previous Fallout games, companions in Fallout 4 cannot permanently die. When their health reaches zero, they become incapacitated and will recover after the battle.
2. How do I improve my companion’s combat effectiveness?
Equipping them with better weapons and armor is the most direct way to boost their combat prowess. Also, certain perks, like Lone Wanderer, will increase the survivability of both you and your canine companion.
3. Can I customize my companion’s gear?
Yes, you can equip companions with different weapons and armor, allowing you to tailor their loadout to your playstyle. Keep in mind that some companions have preferences or restrictions on what they can equip.
4. Do companions have unlimited ammo?
Yes, companions have unlimited ammo for their default weapon and any weapon you give them that matches the ammo type. However, for weapons with unique ammo types (like the Railway Rifle), they will need a supply of that specific ammo.
5. What are affinity perks, and how do I get them?
Affinity perks are unique bonuses granted to you by your companions when you reach maximum affinity with them. To increase affinity, perform actions that they approve of and avoid actions they dislike.
6. How do I romance a companion in Fallout 4?
To romance a companion, you must consistently perform actions they approve of until you reach a certain affinity level. This will unlock dialogue options that allow you to initiate a romantic relationship. Fallout 4 allows you to engage in multiple romances at the same time.
7. Can I marry a companion in Fallout 4 without mods?
No, the vanilla version of Fallout 4 does not allow you to marry your companions. However, mods are available that enable this feature.
8. Is Preston Garvey a synth?
While there are theories, there is no definitive evidence in the game to suggest that Preston Garvey is a synth. He is a human.
9. Does Dogmeat count as a companion for the Lone Wanderer perk?
No, Dogmeat does not count as a companion for the Lone Wanderer perk, allowing you to benefit from its bonuses even while traveling with him.
10. Who is the best companion for a stealth build?
For a stealth build, Dogmeat is an excellent choice. He doesn’t break stealth like human companions, and he can distract enemies, allowing you to sneak past them.
11. Who is the best companion for an Institute playthrough?
Aside from X6-88, Curie is a suitable companion for an Institute playthrough because she’s a scientist that would understand the value of the Institute’s research.
12. Can synths get pregnant in Fallout 4?
The game doesn’t explicitly confirm or deny this, but the implication is that synths can reproduce because they were created from Shaun’s DNA.
13. Who is the strongest Super Mutant in Fallout 4?
In terms of companions, Strong is the only Super Mutant available. Strong makes up for his lack of intelligence with strength and loyalty.
14. What is the best armor in Fallout 4?
Marine Armor is the best armor set in Fallout 4, providing superior protection from damage and radiation.
15. How can video games impact learning and education?
Video games, including Fallout 4, can positively impact learning and education. Video games can provide a more engaging and interactive way to learn about difficult topics. More information can be found on the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By carefully considering your playstyle and the strengths of each companion, you can choose the perfect ally to help you survive and thrive in the harsh world of Fallout 4.