In the sprawling, post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4, companions play a crucial role in enhancing your gameplay experience. From assisting in combat to providing valuable quests and lore, each companion has unique traits that can significantly influence your journey through the Commonwealth. This article provides an in-depth Fallout 4 Companion Tier List, evaluating each companion’s strengths and weaknesses to help you make informed decisions about who to bring along on your adventures.
Understanding Companions in Fallout 4
Companions in Fallout 4 are not just there for company; they offer various benefits that can aid you in combat, exploration, and role-playing aspects of the game. Here's a brief overview of what companions bring to the table:
- Combat Assistance: Companions engage enemies during fights, drawing fire away from you and dealing damage.
- Quests and Lore: Each companion has a backstory that adds depth to the game. They often have side quests that reveal more about their history.
- Special Abilities: Some companions have unique abilities that can benefit you. For example, they may increase your carrying capacity or help you unlock doors.
The Companion Tier List Breakdown
To create the Fallout 4 Companion Tier List, we categorize companions into different tiers based on their combat effectiveness, utility, and overall synergy with the player. Here’s how the companions rank:
S-Tier Companions
1. Piper Wright
- Perk: Gift of Gab - Double XP for speech challenges.
- Strengths: Great for players who enjoy a diplomatic approach. Offers both combat support and valuable conversation bonuses, making her excellent in many situations.
2. Curie / Ada
- Perk: Robo-Assistant (once you upgrade Curie into a synth).
- Strengths: Incredibly versatile, providing health regeneration and damage output. Curie can be transformed into a combat-ready synth with even more utility.
A-Tier Companions
1. Paladin Danse
- Perk: Know Your Enemy - Deals 20% more damage against Super Mutants and Ghouls.
- Strengths: Highly effective in combat with heavy weapon proficiency. His Brotherhood of Steel background offers unique insights and questlines.
2. Dogmeat
- Perk: Dogmeat has no special perk but is invaluable.
- Strengths: Excellent for searching for items, distracting enemies, and he can take a lot of damage without dying. His loyalty is unmatched, and he’s a perfect companion for those who value companionship.
B-Tier Companions
1. MacCready
- Perk: Inspirational - Increases the player’s charisma when he’s present.
- Strengths: Strong in combat and offers significant dialogue interactions. Ideal for players looking for charisma boosts in the game.
2. Cait
- Perk: Trigger Rush - 10% chance of gaining AP back when hitting an enemy.
- Strengths: Effective in combat, especially for sneaky builds due to her stealth capabilities. Her backstory and quest add depth to her character.
C-Tier Companions
1. Preston Garvey
- Perk: Systematic - Increases damage against enemies with more health.
- Strengths: Good for completing quests and providing assistance, but his focus on settlements can be annoying for some players.
2. Deacon
- Perk: Cloak and Dagger - Increases sneakiness.
- Strengths: A decent companion for stealth builds, but he doesn’t excel in combat as much as others.
D-Tier Companions
1. MacCready (if not the former mayor)
- Perk: N/A
- Weaknesses: While MacCready can be useful, he can sometimes get in the way, and his high demands for attention can be a hassle.
2. Dance (if his ideology conflicts)
- Perk: N/A
- Weaknesses: Although his combat skills are strong, his rigid ideology can create friction depending on player choices.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Companion
In Fallout 4, choosing the right companion can dramatically change your gameplay experience. Whether you prefer direct combat support, story-driven engagements, or strategic advantages in sneaking and dialogue, the companion tier list is designed to guide you. Here are some final tips for choosing the perfect companion:
- Assess Your Playstyle: Do you need combat support or someone who boosts your dialogue? Pick accordingly.
- Interact with Companions: Each has unique stories. Engage with them to unlock quests and enhance your experience.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to switch companions. Different missions may benefit from various companions based on their perks.
With this Fallout 4 Companion Tier List, you'll be better equipped to navigate the harsh realities of the Commonwealth. Happy adventuring!
