When it comes to Fallout 4, one of the most engaging aspects of gameplay is the companionship system. Companions not only provide essential support during your adventures in the Commonwealth but also add depth to the game's narrative. This article delves into the Fallout 4 Companions Tier List, categorizing each companion based on their effectiveness in combat, their unique abilities, and how they enhance the player’s experience.
Understanding Companions in Fallout 4
Before we dive into the tier list, it’s important to understand what makes companions valuable in Fallout 4. Each companion has unique traits and abilities that can be leveraged to suit different playstyles. They can assist in combat, carry additional items, and even contribute to dialogue options throughout the game.
The Importance of Companions
- Combat Assistance: Companions help fight enemies, drawing fire away from the player.
- Inventory Management: They can carry extra gear, helping manage weight.
- Story Engagement: Each companion has their own backstory and quest line, enriching the game.
- Morality and Affinity: Companions can influence the player’s actions and choices based on their personal beliefs and values.
Fallout 4 Companions Tier List: The Breakdown
S Tier - Elite Companions
These companions are considered the best in terms of combat abilities, utility, and story value.
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Piper Wright
- Skills: Charisma, helps with speech checks.
- Special Ability: When she is a companion, you gain a bonus to your action points (AP) in V.A.T.S.
- Quests: Engages in a series of interesting quests tied to journalism and the Railroad.
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Curie
- Skills: High intelligence, great for crafting.
- Special Ability: Can be converted into a synth, enhancing her combat effectiveness.
- Quests: Has a touching personal questline that adds emotional depth.
A Tier - Strong Companions
These companions are effective and provide unique advantages, though they may lack the extra utility of S-tier companions.
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Danse
- Skills: Heavy weapons, excels in direct combat.
- Special Ability: Grants a damage bonus against ghouls and super mutants.
- Quests: Involved in the Brotherhood of Steel narrative, rich in lore.
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MacCready
- Skills: Lockpicking, sneak, and ranged combat.
- Special Ability: Increases critical hit damage when he is a companion.
- Quests: His backstory connects to Fallout 3, adding nostalgia for long-time fans.
B Tier - Solid Companions
These companions are reliable but may not offer as many benefits or engaging storylines.
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Cait
- Skills: High lockpicking and sneaking abilities.
- Special Ability: Increases damage dealt when she is at low health.
- Quests: Her backstory involves a compelling struggle with addiction.
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Hancock
- Skills: Charisma and helpful in the Goodneighbor area.
- Special Ability: Grants a bonus to charisma when he is a companion.
- Quests: Has an interesting questline dealing with his political struggles.
C Tier - Average Companions
These companions can be useful, but they may have limitations compared to higher-tier companions.
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Preston Garvey
- Skills: Good at ranged combat and settlement building.
- Special Ability: Provides bonus experience when helping settlers.
- Quests: Involved in settlement-related quests that can become repetitive.
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Dogmeat
- Skills: Versatile in combat but lacks armor and weaponry.
- Special Ability: Can fetch items and distract enemies.
- Quests: Limited personal story; however, he holds nostalgic value for players.
D Tier - Underwhelming Companions
While all companions can add value, these ones tend to be less impactful in gameplay and story.
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Paladin Danse
- Skills: Strong combat abilities but lacks versatility.
- Special Ability: Only provides benefits related to Brotherhood missions.
- Quests: Limited backstory that does not deeply engage players.
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Gage
- Skills: Moderate in combat and unlocking perks.
- Special Ability: Offers bonuses in Nuka-World DLC but doesn’t shine outside of it.
- Quests: Limited narrative relevance outside of the expansion.
Conclusion
The Fallout 4 Companions Tier List reflects not only the effectiveness of each companion in combat but also their contribution to the overarching story and player engagement. While personal preference may influence which companions players prefer, this tier list can serve as a guide for those looking to optimize their gameplay experience.
Choosing Your Companion
Ultimately, the best companion for you might depend on your playstyle and the specific challenges you face within the game. Whether you prefer the fierce support of Piper or the crafty abilities of Cait, remember to take advantage of each companion's unique strengths to thrive in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4.
Explore the Commonwealth, build your settlements, and don’t forget to make the most out of your time with your companions—your adventure awaits!
