Understanding Companion Perks
What are Companion Perks?
The harsh, unforgiving world of Fallout 4 demands more than just skill with a weapon. Survival in the Commonwealth hinges on cunning, resilience, and the right allies. Among the most valuable assets you can acquire are the companions scattered throughout the post-apocalyptic landscape. These individuals, each with their unique personalities, backstories, and combat abilities, can be the difference between life and death. But their true power isn’t just in their firepower; it lies in the unique Fallout 4 companion perks they offer.
This guide delves deep into the world of Fallout 4 companion perks, providing a comprehensive understanding of what they are, how to get them, and how to leverage them for a more successful and enjoyable wasteland experience. Prepare to transform your lone wanderer into a formidable force with the help of these loyal (and sometimes quirky) companions.
The Importance of Companion Perks
Companions in Fallout 4 are far more than just pack mules or distractions in combat. They are integral parts of your experience. Beyond their fighting prowess, each companion has a special perk, a bonus ability granted once you achieve a certain level of friendship, or “affinity,” with them. These Fallout 4 companion perks provide tangible benefits to your character, ranging from boosted damage resistance to enhanced critical hit chances.
The process of unlocking a companion perk is generally straightforward: you must foster a strong relationship with the companion. This involves making decisions they approve of, completing their personal quests, and generally behaving in a way that aligns with their values. As your bond grows, they’ll begin to trust you and you will then unlock their unique perk. These perks are permanent and active whenever you have that companion with you.
Why are these Fallout 4 companion perks so valuable? They significantly impact your gameplay by providing bonuses that can define your play style. Perhaps you favor stealth? Some perks will enhance your sneak attack capabilities. Do you rely on heavy weapons and brute force? Other perks will give you an edge in open combat. The right combination of companion perks can transform even the most difficult encounters into manageable challenges. They’re not just an addition, they’re a strategic advantage in the desolate wasteland.
Companion Perk Breakdown
Dogmeat: The Loyal Companion
Navigating the Commonwealth with the right crew can give you a significant advantage. Let’s take a look at each of the primary Fallout 4 companion perks and how to obtain them.
Dogmeat, the first companion you’ll encounter, offers a helpful perk from the start.
Attack Dog: This perk doesn’t have any activation requirements; it’s yours from the moment you meet the good boy. Dogmeat can assist in combat, and can also hold enemies giving you an opening to attack them.
Codsworth: The Resourceful Robot
This helpful robot is found early in the game and brings a level of civility to the wasteland. To earn his perk you must do the following:
Robot Sympathy: Increase your affinity with Codsworth, and he will grant you +10 Damage Resistance against robots. This perk can be invaluable when facing the numerous robot enemies scattered throughout the Commonwealth.
Piper: The Investigative Reporter
This feisty journalist is found in Diamond City. To earn her perk you must do the following:
Gift of Gab: Double XP for discovering new locations and succeeding at speech checks. This is an ideal perk for players who love exploring and talking their way through situations. Build affinity by being helpful.
Preston Garvey: The Resilient Leader
This minuteman is found in the Museum of Freedom in Concord. To get his perk, you must do the following:
United We Stand: +20% damage and +20 damage resistance when facing 3+ enemies. This perk is perfect for players who find themselves in the middle of large-scale combat situations. Build affinity by helping settlements and completing Minuteman quests.
Strong: The Super Mutant
This somewhat simple but very powerful companion comes with an unusual perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Berserk: +20% damage when health is below 20%. This perk makes Strong very useful for close-quarter combat. Build affinity by being generous and taking actions he approves of.
Cait: The Tough Fighter
Found in the Combat Zone, this companion requires careful handling to earn her perk. To get her perk, you must do the following:
Trigger Rush: +25 action points regenerate when health is below 25. This is a very useful perk that can help in any situation. Build affinity by being generous, completing quests and taking actions she approves of.
Danse: The Paladin
A stalwart member of the Brotherhood of Steel, Danse has a particular perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Know Your Enemy: +20% damage vs. Ghouls, Super Mutants, and Synths. This is a very helpful perk for players who find themselves in conflict with the wasteland’s biggest threats. Build affinity by being honorable, and helping the Brotherhood of Steel.
Hancock: The Ghoul Mayor
The mayor of Goodneighbor offers a unique perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Isodoped: +5 Rad Resistance, +25% critical hit chance if 250 Rads or greater. This perk makes Hancock valuable in radiation-heavy environments. Build affinity by being nice to other people, helping out with quests.
MacCready: The Sharpshooter
This former mercenary has a helpful perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Killshot: +20% chance to hit in V.A.T.S. This can improve the chances of a player who uses V.A.T.S. Build affinity by being nice and completing quests with him.
Curie: The Healing Robot
Curie, a unique robot, offers a valuable perk for all kinds of players. To get her perk, you must do the following:
Combat Medic: Heal 100 HP once a day. This is a useful perk that will always be helpful. Build affinity by being nice and completing quests with her.
Deacon: The Enigmatic Spy
A member of the Railroad, Deacon offers a stealth-based perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Cloak & Dagger: +20% sneak attack damage and +40% duration for Stealth Boys. A very good perk to have for players who like to use stealth. Build affinity by being nice and completing quests with him.
X6-88: The Courteous Synth
This Synth offers a unique perk for a very specific type of player. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Shield Harmonization: +20 Energy Resistance. This is useful for players who want to withstand energy-based attacks. Build affinity by taking actions he approves of.
Nick Valentine: The Detective
A valuable ally, Nick Valentine also provides a useful perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Close to Metal: +2% damage resistance and +1 extra attack in V.A.T.S. This can be very helpful in a pinch. Build affinity by being nice and helping out with quests.
Porter Gage: (Nuka-World DLC) The Raider
The Nuka-World DLC also provides a new companion with a perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Lessons in Blood: +5 damage and +10 damage resistance when you are facing multiple enemies. This is very useful in this DLC where the player will often find themselves up against several enemies. Build affinity by being nice to him.
Old Longfellow: (Far Harbor DLC) The Wanderer
The Far Harbor DLC also provides a new companion with a perk. To get his perk, you must do the following:
Hunter of the Fog: +5% damage to creatures of the fog and +5% damage resistance against creatures of the fog. A useful perk if you spend time in Far Harbor. Build affinity by helping him.
Obtaining Companion Perks
Building Affinity
Building strong relationships with your companions is the key to unlocking these valuable perks.
The core mechanic of getting a Fallout 4 companion perk is building up your friendship with the companion. Each companion has different preferences and reactions to your actions. Some may approve of helping others, while others might admire acts of ruthlessness. Others might be more supportive of particular faction affiliations. Understanding each companion’s personality and values is crucial. To increase affinity, pay close attention to their reactions during conversations, when completing quests, and in the actions you take throughout the Commonwealth. Companions will often comment on your choices, providing immediate feedback on whether they approve or disapprove. Experimenting with different approaches can help you understand how to influence their opinions.
Quests and Personal Stories
Most companions have personal quests, or quests that are unique to them, that must be completed to reach maximum affinity. Completing these quests is often necessary to unlocking their perk. The specific content of these quests varies widely. Some involve helping them confront their past, seeking revenge, or dealing with personal dilemmas. Successfully completing these quests not only unlocks their perks but also strengthens your bond, offering a deeper understanding of the companion’s backstory and motivations. These unique quest lines are integral to experiencing the full depth of each companion.
Best Companion Perks (and How to Choose)
Choosing the right combination of Fallout 4 companion perks is a matter of personal preference and play style. Here’s a guide to selecting the best perks.
Matching Perks to Play Styles
For stealth-oriented characters, perks like Deacon’s “Cloak & Dagger” and MacCready’s “Killshot” are invaluable. They enhance sneak attack damage and improve V.A.T.S. accuracy, turning you into a lethal shadow.
For melee builds, Strong’s “Berserk” offers a significant damage boost when your health is low, turning you into a devastating close-quarters combatant.
If you’re playing a ranged build, Preston’s “United We Stand” and MacCready’s “Killshot” can significantly increase your damage output in combat.
Situational Perks
Some perks are particularly effective in specific situations. For example, Danse’s “Know Your Enemy” is highly effective against synths, ghouls, and super mutants, making him a great choice for missions that involve those enemies. Curie’s “Combat Medic” is useful in nearly every situation, as it provides a helpful heal once a day. Hancock’s “Isodoped” is ideal for exploring areas with high radiation levels.
Utilizing Companion Perks Effectively
To truly maximize the benefits of your Fallout 4 companion perks, consider these strategies.
Synergy and Combination
Some perks complement each other, creating powerful combinations. Combining Deacon’s “Cloak & Dagger” with stealth-based perks in your character build creates a truly devastating stealth character.
Timing and Optimization
Learn to recognize when to use a companion perk. For example, if you are about to enter a large fight, having Preston with you will let you take full advantage of the damage resistance bonus.
Companion Strategies and Team Building
Choosing the best companions for your team is about more than just perks. Consider these factors.
Building a Well-Rounded Team
Don’t just look at perks; consider the skills and combat styles of the companions themselves. A versatile team combines ranged attackers, melee specialists, and support characters.
Managing Companions
Companions, unfortunately, are not perfect. Learning how to utilize their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses will go a long way. Be aware of their line of sight, their tendency to charge head-first into combat, and their potential to trigger traps.
Conclusion
Fallout 4 companion perks are not just minor enhancements; they are essential components of a successful playthrough. By understanding how these perks work, how to obtain them, and how to use them effectively, you can transform your lone wanderer into a formidable force in the wasteland. The key is to experiment with different companion combinations and find the perks that best suit your preferred playstyle. Embrace the power of your companions, and the Commonwealth will be yours to conquer. You’ll be more prepared to take on any challenge the wasteland throws your way.
