
Fallout 4 is a post-apocalyptic action role-playing game (ARPG) set in a retro-futuristic world still recovering from a nuclear war. The game takes place in the year 2287 within a post-apocalyptic Boston and its surrounding areas. Fallout 4 companions add a layer to this narrative by bringing in a reliable ally who journeys with you.
Through branching storylines and an instantly recognizable aesthetic, Fallout 4 has made quite a name for itself as one of the highest-grossing games ever created. The game’s robust crafting system also adds depth to its gameplay mechanics, blending multiple subgenres to make for a huge game that’ll keep you busy for hours.
Note: Minor spoilers for certain companions and their questlines ahead
Fallout 4 Companions
Role-playing games have a reputation for customizable aspects. While RPG classes are important, it’s also essential to consider the stats of your companion as you progress through the game.
Fallout 4 followers have unique skills, storylines, and potential perks. As you travel with them, you increase your affinity, maximizing the bond between you. Fallout 4 companions’ likes and dislikes are equally important to keep in mind.
Companion | Location | Affinity Perk |
Paladin Danse | Cambridge Police Station | Know Your Enemy: +20% damage against Feral Ghouls, Synths, and Super Mutants |
Robert MacCready | The Third Rail, Goodneighbor | Killshot: +20% accuracy in V.A.T.S. when targeting an enemy’s head |
Cait | Combat Zone, Boston | Trigger Rush: Faster AP regeneration when health is below the 25% mark |
Deacon | Old North Church (Railroad HQ) | Cloak & Dagger: 20% sneak attack damage and 40% Stealth Boy duration |
Piper Wright | Diamond City | Gift of Gab: Double XP for successful Charisma checks and discovering locations |
Nick Valentine | Vault 114 (after the “Unlikely Valentine” quest) | Close to Metal: +1 terminal hacking guess and 50% faster terminal cooldowns |
Curie | Vault 81 (after the “Hole in the Wall” quest) | Combat Medic: Heal 100 HP when health drops below 10%, once per 24 hours |
Preston Garvey | Museum of Freedom, Concord | United We Stand: +20% damage and +20% Damage Resistance when facing three or more enemies at once |
John Hancock | Goodneighbor (after “The Big Dig” quest) | Isodoped: 20% faster Critical Hit accumulation when rads are at 250 or higher |
Codsworth | Sanctuary Hills | Robot Sympathy: +10 Energy Resistance against robot energy weapons |
X6-88 | Libertalia (during the “Synth Retention” quest) | Shield Harmonics: +20 Energy Resistance |
Dogmeat | Red Rocket Truck Shop | Does not grant any perks |
Strong | Trinity Tower | Berserk: +20% melee damage when health is below 25% |
Ada (Automatron) | Wattz Consumer Electronics (from the Automatron DLC) | Does not grant any particular perks |
Automatron Robot Companion | Constructed at a Robot Workbench | Does not grant any particular perks |
Old Longfellow (Far Harbor) | Far Harbor (after the “Walk in the Park” quest) | Hunter’s Wisdom: -25% Damage and Energy Resistance of animals and sea creatures |
Porter Gage (Nuka-World) | Nuka-World (after “An Ambitious Plan” quest) | Lessons in Blood: +5% XP per kill and +10 Damage and Energy Resistance |
1. Paladin Danse

Location | Cambridge Police Station |
Abilities | Expert in Power Armor combat, proficient with energy weapons |
Loadout | quipped with T-60 Power Armor and a unique laser rifle |
Affinity Perk | Know Your Enemy: +20% damage against Feral Ghouls, Synths, and Super Mutants |
Questline | “Blind Betrayal”: Explores Danse’s identity crisis and his loyalty to the Brotherhood |
How To Recruit | Help him during “Fire Support,” complete “Call to Arms,” and “Semper Invicta.” He becomes available as a companion after “Shadow of Steel.” |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 8 Charisma: 6 Intelligence: 8 Agility: 10 Luck: 7 |
Likes | Power Armor use, weapon and armor mods, and honorable decisions |
Dislikes | Chem usage, violence towards innocents, hacking, and lockpicking |
Of all the companions Fallout 4 has to offer, Paladin Danse may just be the most honorable. He’s defined by discipline, strength, and a lot of conviction. While his no-nonsense philosophy is a big part of his personality, his identity crisis during the quest “Blind Betrayal” reveals a deeper layer to his psyche.
Danse shines in open firefights, thanks to his Power Armor and laser-based weapons. He’s best utilized on the frontline, where his offensive capabilities can be put to great use. He’s a great companion for those who enjoy using energy weapons.
2. Robert MacCready

Location | VIP Lounge of The Third Rail in Goodneighbor |
Abilities | An expert marksman who specializes in long-range combat and excels at using sniper rifles |
Loadout | Equipped with a Sniper Rifle, MacCready’s Duster, and MacCready’s Hat |
Affinity Perk | Killshot: +20% accuracy in V.A.T.S. when targeting an enemy’s head |
Questline | “Long Road Ahead”: A personal quest that involves MacCready’s past and his efforts to find a cure for his ill son |
How To Recruit | You can hire him for 250 caps (or 200, if you have a successful Charisma check) after speaking with him in The Third Rail. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 9 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 7 Agility: 10 Luck: 8 |
Likes | Lockpicking doors/containers, stealing, passing speech checks that include intimidation or requests for more caps |
Dislikes | Chem addiction, killing non-hostile NPCs, donating items, and peaceful dialogue choices |
A lot of Fallout 4 companion perks feature important stat boosts, and Robert gets those through his sharpshooting skills. While he is a seasoned mercenary, he has a complex past that plays into the game’s narrative. During his personal quest, he delves deeper into his motivations, which in turn give the player a reason to venture deeper into the game.
In combat, Robert excels at long-range engagements, making him the perfect companion for those who prefer stealth and sniping tactics rather than aggressive attacks. To maximize his efficiency, make sure you engage in activities that he approves of while also honing your precision-based build.
3. Cait

Location | Combat Zone, east of Diamond City |
Abilities | Skilled in melee combat and lockpicking, can pick locks of any difficulty, as long as she has with bobby pins |
Loadout | Usually equipped with a double-barrel shotgun, can also use chems from her inventory |
Affinity Perk | Trigger Rush: Faster AP regeneration when health is below the 25% mark |
Questline | “Benign Intervention”: Cait seeks your help to overcome her chem addiction by finding a cure in Vault 95 |
How To Recruit | Clear out all the raiders in Combat Zone, and speak to Tommy to acquire Cait’s contract. She then becomes available as a companion |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 7 Agility: 10 Luck: 7 |
Likes | Lockpicking, using chems (before completing the “Benign Intervention” quest, drinking alcohol, and assertive dialogue choices |
Dislikes | Generous or peaceful actions, helping ghouls or mutants, getting addicted to chems |
A story like Cait’s makes Fallout 4 a special RPG. She had an abusive childhood and later became a cage fighter in the Combat Zone. While she has a tough exterior, her deeply troubled past lets her seek redemption and a better life. Helping her personal journey lets you form a deeper bond with her, unlocking her unique abilities.
She excels at close-quarters combat, making her an ideal companion for players who rely on melee-based combat mechanics. Her ability to pick locks of any difficulty can be a highly efficient skill when accessing restricted areas and loot. To maximize her abilities, engage in activities she approves of and help her complete her personal quest.
4. Deacon

Location | Old North Church (Railroad HQ) |
Abilities | Master of disguise and stealth, excels in infiltration |
Loadout | Equipped with a silenced sniper rifle, wears a variety of disguises |
Affinity Perk | Cloak & Dagger: 20% sneak attack damage and 40% Stealth Boy duration |
Questline | “Tradecraft”: Dives into the player’s deeper involvement with the Railroad and showcases Deacon’s espionage skills |
How To Recruit | Join the Railroad once you complete the “Road to Freedom” quest, and assist Deacon in the “Tradecraft” quest. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 9 Intelligence: 8 Agility: 10 Luck: 8 |
Likes | Hacking terminals, picking locks, and making morally flexible choices |
Dislikes | Harming innocents, working with the Brotherhood of Steel, or the Institute |
As you complete Fallout 4 companion quests, you’ll uncover a lot of lore regarding the organizations that exist in the game. This is akin to playing a massively multiplayer online (MMO), and Deacon is a great example of a character who links different stories. He often shares conflicting stories about his past, making it difficult for you to truly understand his origins. However, he is deeply committed to the Railroad’s values.
During gameplay, he excels at stealth-based roles. He’s an incredible companion to have if you’re approaching Fallout 4’s combat with a stealthy perspective. To maximize his efficiency, engage in activities that align with the Railroad’s objectives, such as freeing synths and undermining the Institute.
5. Piper Wright

Location | Outside the gates of Diamond City |
Abilities | Proficient with small firearms, offers insightful commentary and moral perspectives |
Loadout | Equipped with a 10mm Pistol, Press Cap, and Trench Coat |
Affinity Perk | Gift of Gab: Double XP for successful Charisma checks and discovering locations |
Questline | “Story of the Century”: As Piper interviews the Sole Survivor (you, the protagonist), she becomes available as a companion |
How To Recruit | Meet her at Diamond City’s entrance, assist her in gaining entry, and then visit her office to complete the interview quest. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 10 Intelligence: 8 Agility: 10 Luck: 4 |
Likes | Helping innocents, joining the Minutemen or Railroad, peaceful resolutions, and picking unowned locks |
Dislikes | Stealing, lying, and supporting the Institute or Brotherhood of Steel, picking owned locks |
Piper Wright is a reporter dedicated to uncovering the truth in Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic world. She runs a newspaper alongside her younger sister, Nat. Her commitment to exposing corruption often puts her in a difficult position against the authorities, notably Mayor McDonough. Her will and determination make her one of Fallout 4’s best companions early on in the game, especially since many players are determined to know the truth behind everything that happened before they arrived.
She serves a balanced role during gameplay, providing support in combat while also enhancing the player’s acquired experience thanks to her Gift of Gab perk. To build a strong relationship with her, you need to be committed to helping others as well as reflect honesty and generosity in your behavior. If you play your cards right, Piper can also be open to a romantic relationship.
6. Nick Valentine

Location | Vault 114 |
Abilities | Skilled hacker, possesses high durability and resilience in combat |
Loadout | Equipped with a unique 0.44 revolver and his signature outfit |
Affinity Perk | Close to Metal: +1 terminal hacking guess and 50% faster terminal cooldowns |
Questline | “Long Time Coming”: Involves tracking down Eddie Winter’s holotapes in order to confront Nick’s past |
How To Recruit | Rescue him during the quest “Unlikely Valentine” and complete the “Getting a Clue” quest. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 8 Charisma: 8 Intelligence: 16 Agility: 10 Luck: 8 |
Likes | Hacking terminals, donating items, helping others, and making morally good choices |
Dislikes | Stealing, pickpocketing, and killing non-hostile characters |
Nick is a pre-war prototype synth who embraces his role as a detective. He operates in the Valentine Detective Agency in Diamond City, assisting those who need his help. His unique perspective as a synth (with a human touch) allows him to empathize with others and helps him make compassionate choices, especially when he acts as your companion.
During gameplay, he thrives as a hacker and ranged combatant. Thanks to his perk, you can focus on terminal hacking with the help of extra guesses that reduce lockout times. To maximize his efficiency, engage in actions that reflect kindness and integrity. The more empathetic you are, the better your bond with Nick.
7. Curie

Location | Vault 81 |
Abilities | Equipped with laser weaponry at first, later with armor and a wide range of weapons as a synth |
Loadout | Equipped with laser weaponry at first, later transitions into a synth body |
Affinity Perk | Combat Medic: Heal 100 HP when health drops below 10%, once per 24 hours |
Questline | “Emergent Behavior”: Curie wishes to transfer her consciousness into a synth body to experience human emotions and sensations |
How To Recruit | As a robot, through a built-in laser and buzzsaw. As a synth, customizable through any weapons and armor provided by you |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 4 (as synth: 5) Perception: 4 Endurance: 4 Charisma: 4 Intelligence: 11 (as synth: 4) Agility: 4 Luck: 4 |
Likes | Helping others, resolving conflicts peacefully, healing Dogmeat, joining the Brotherhood of Steel or the Minutemen |
Dislikes | Stealing, pickpocketing, chem addiction, killing non-hostile characters, supporting the Institute |
Curie is a Miss Nanny robot with a passion for science and discovery. After years of isolation in Vault 81, she yearns for novelty and wishes to further her research. Her transformation into a synth body during the “Emergent Behavior” quest leads her to experience what it feels like to be human, adding much more depth to her character and interactions, and adding a layer to the game’s narrative.
When in combat, Curie is quite versatile. As a robot, she makes the best of her built-in laser and buzzsaw. However, after her transformation, she is equipped with a variety of weapons and armor. In order to build an efficient relationship with her, engage in altruistic actions and resolve conflicts peacefully.
8. Preston Garvey

Location | Museum of Freedom in Concord |
Abilities | Proficient with laser muskets, useful in rebuilding the Minutemen faction |
Loadout | Equipped with a Laser Musket and a Minutemen General’s uniform |
Affinity Perk | United We Stand: +20% damage and +20% Damage Resistance when facing three or more enemies at once |
Questline | “Taking Independence”: When retaking the Castle, an important moment when restoring the Minutemen’s presence in the Commonwealth |
How To Recruit | Assist him during the “When Freedom Calls” quest, then complete “The First Step” quest, and he will offer his companionship. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 9 Intelligence: 8 Agility: 10 Luck: 8 |
Likes | Helping others, donating items, making peaceful decisions, and modifying weapons |
Dislikes | Stealing, chem addiction, pickpocketing, and killing non-hostile characters |
Preston is a dedicated soldier who has been through the rise and fall of the Minutemen. His unwavering commitment to protecting the innocent and rebuilding the Commonwealth’s communities makes him an important character in Fallout 4. He seeks your assistance several times throughout the game. If he annoys you with the words, “Another settlement needs your help,” avoid shooting him in the face.
During gameplay, Preston’s focus on settlement-building and community support helps shape the game’s narrative. His perk helps you in situations involving multiple enemies. In order to build a stronger relationship with him, you must avoid morally questionable behaviors and assist settlements that need it.
9. John Hancock

Location | Old State House in Goodneighbor |
Abilities | Proficient with energy weapons, has high resilience due to being a ghoul, and provides unique dialogue during certain situations |
Loadout | Equipped with a Double-Barrel Shotgun |
Affinity Perk | Isodoped: 20% faster Critical Hit accumulation when rads are at 250 or higher |
Questline | “The Big Dig”: Confrontation with Hancock leads to his companionship |
How To Recruit | Complete the quest “The Big Dig” in Goodneighbor after resolving the situation with Bobbi No-Nose. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 10 Endurance: 8 Charisma: 9 Intelligence: 14 Agility: 10 Luck: 8 |
Likes | Peaceful and generous decisions, helping the Railroad, using chems, freeing synths |
Dislikes | Killing innocent NPCs, stealing, and any action that may harm innocents |
John is often disillusioned by his brother’s anti-ghoul policies, and ended up transforming himself into one by going through experimental drug use. As a self-appointed mayor of Goodneighbor, he actively supports individuality and freedom, providing a safe haven for those who feel like outcasts in the world of Fallout 4.
During gameplay, he acts as a versatile companion who excels at combat and offers unique insights to many of the game’s moral dilemmas. His perk is quite beneficial for those who wish to engage in radiation-heavy gameplay strategies. To make the most of his companionship, engage in actions that promote freedom and aid the oppressed.
10. Codsworth

Location | Sanctuary Hills |
Abilities | Immune to radiation and poison, it can provide purified water periodically |
Loadout | Equipped with a built-in flamethrower and buzzsaw |
Affinity Perk | Robot Sympathy: +10 Energy Resistance against robot energy weapons |
Questline | “Out of Time”: Assists you during the early hours of the game |
How To Recruit | Speak with Codsworth once you exit Vault 111, and he becomes a companion after the initial conversation. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 9 Perception: 10 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 16 Agility: 10 Luck: 7 |
Likes | Helping others, lawful actions, crafting weapon and armor modifications, healing Dogmeat |
Dislikes | Stealing, lying, chem use, killing innocents, asking for additional rewards |
Fallout 4’s interactive storytelling encourages you to meet fascinating personalities — robots and humans — who help you understand the world better. Codsworth is one of the first companions you’ll meet in the game, who faithfully maintained the protagonist’s home for over two centuries following the Great War. His unique charm and insightful commentary on the changed world will lighten up the narrative as you progress. What a wholesome robot!
When in combat, Codsworth makes use of his built-in flamethrower and buzzsaw, best suited for close-combat scenarios. While he may not excel at more serious combat encounters, his innate resistances and abilities make him a worthwhile companion. Just make sure you engage in altruistic actions and avoid morally questionable choices when he’s around.
11. X6-88

Location | The Institute |
Abilities | Highly skilled in ranged combat, proficient with energy weapons, with impressive perception and endurance |
Loadout | Equipped with a Courser Uniform, Patrolman Sunglasses, and an Institute Rifle |
Affinity Perk | Shield Harmonics: +20 Energy Resistance |
Questline | “Synth Retention”: Assists in retrieving a runaway synth “The Nuclear Option” – Involved if you side with the Institute |
How To Recruit | Complete the quest “Mankind – Redefined” and attend the Directorate meeting in the Institute. That’s where X6-88 will be available as a companion. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 16 Perception: 18 Endurance: 17 Charisma: 8 Intelligence: 10 Agility: 18 Luck: 8 |
Likes | Entering Power Armor, hacking terminals, modifying armor and weapons, and assisting the Institute |
Dislikes | Using chems, donating items, and entering Vertibirds |
As a third-generation synth, X6-88 serves as one of the Institute’s most elite operatives. He’s trained for high-risk retrieval missions and practices the Institute’s ideals of efficiency and order. He’s often stoic and mission-focused, rarely displaying any kind of emotion, but he can be a trustworthy and formidable ally.
When in combat, he excels at using energy weapons, and his perk lets you enjoy resistance to energy damage. In order to build a stronger bond with him, you must align with his values. This involves utilizing Power Armor, avoiding behaviors he disapproves of, such as using chems or engaging in altruistic acts.
12. Dogmeat

Location | Red Rocket Truck Shop |
Abilities | Exceptional tracking skills (can locate enemies and items), capable of pinning enemies |
Loadout | Can wear dog-specific gear like bandanas, armor, or goggles for aesthetic purposes |
Affinity Perk | Does not grant any perks |
Questline | Assists in the “Reunions” quest by tracking Kellogg, and plays a role in the “Getting a Clue” quest |
How To Recruit | Approach and interact with Dogmeat when you reach the Red Rocket Trust Stop. He will immediately become your companion. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 4 Perception: 14 Endurance: 4 Charisma: 4 Intelligence: 8 Agility: 14 Luck: 4 |
Likes | Being petted, following you around, assisting in combat, and exploration |
Dislikes | None. Dogmeat does not judge! |
At the beginning of Fallout 4, you meet Dogmeat, a German Shepherd who becomes one of the first companions in the game. His unwavering loyalty and combat assistance make him an incredible ally, especially in the dangerous landscapes of the Commonwealth. Remember, Dogmeat is immortal and does not require you to manage his affinity levels. Even some of the best MMORPGs don’t have a reliable companion like him!
In combat, Dogmeat can distract and pin enemies, giving you the opportunity to strike when the time is right. His ability to detect hidden items and threats improves your overall exploration in the game. Fortunately, his compatibility with the Lone Wanderer perk offers you the benefits of increased damage resistance and carry weight without sacrificing the companionship.
13. Strong

Location | Trinity Tower |
Abilities | Excels in melee combat, proficient with heavy weapons (like missile launchers and miniguns) |
Loadout | Equipped with a Super Sledge, can only wear super mutant armor |
Affinity Perk | Berserk: +20% melee damage when health is below 25% |
Questline | “Curtain Call”: Assists in rescuing Rex Goodman from Trinity Tower |
How To Recruit | Complete the “Curtain Call” quest, and Strong will offer his companionship. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 24 Perception: 12 Endurance: 8 Charisma: 1 Intelligence: 6 Agility: 18 Luck: 1 |
Likes | Violent and aggressive actions, helping settlers through combat, using the Cannibal perk |
Dislikes | Stealing, pickpocketing, using Power Armor, and non-violent solutions to problems |
Strong is a super mutant who believes that by finding and consuming the “milk of human kindness,” super mutants can gain the strength of humans. This leads him on a quest to ally with you, the Sole Survivor, in hopes of uncovering the secret of human strength.
When in combat, Strong is an impressive melee fighter, capable of dealing significant damage with heavy weapons. His perk enhances his capabilities when his health is low, making him even more dangerous in close-combat scenarios. However, instead of doing things calmly like in a turn-based RPG, Strong prefers a direct approach. In order to strengthen your relationship with him, avoid non-violent ways of approaching situations.
14. Ada (Automatron)

Location | Outside Wattz Consumer Electronics |
Abilities | Fully customizable at the Robot Workbench |
Loadout | Can be equipped with various weapons and utility modules, which include lockpicking and hacking capabilities |
Affinity Perk | Does not grant any particular perks |
Questline | An important personality in the Automatron DLC quests: “A New Threat,” “Mechanical Menace,” “Headhunting,” and “Restoring Order” |
How To Recruit | Once you assist her during the “Mechanical Menace” quest, she will join you to stop the Mechanist. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 9 Perception: 5 Endurance: 1 Charisma: 1 Intelligence: 7 Agility: 10 Luck: 1 |
Likes | Neutral to your actions |
Dislikes | Neutral to your actions |
Ada is a heavily modified Assaultron, originally serving as a caravan guard and mechanic. After her caravan is destroyed by the Machinist’s forces, she seeks your help to stop the ongoing robot attacks. Her unique design allows you to customize her arsenal and use her functions extensively as you explore the game.
During gameplay, her custom features take the spotlight. You can modify her with all sorts of armor, weaponry, and utility modules to suit the playstyle you want to implement. Since she’s neutral to your in-game choices, her companionship does not require you to constantly manage affinity levels.
15. Automatron Robot Companion

Location | Constructed at a Robot Workbench |
Abilities | Highly customizable |
Loadout | Can be equipped with various armor, weapons, and utility modules, including hacking and lockpicking capabilities |
Affinity Perk | Does not grant any particular perks |
Questline | Important part of the Automatron DLC quests: “A New Threat,” “Mechanical Menace,” “Headhunting,” and “Restoring Order” |
How To Recruit | Once you’ve completed the “Mechanical Menace” quest, you can build this companion at any Robot Workbench. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Depends on the chosen parts and configuration during construction |
Likes | No preferences |
Dislikes | No preferences |
Automatron companions are robotic allies you can design and build using the Robot Workshop introduced in the Automatron DLC. These reliable companions offer a lot of customization — everything from equipping powerful weaponry to adding modules of your liking.
During gameplay, this companion excels at adaptability. You can choose which kind of playstyle you prefer to excel at, and use parts that can be sourced from different robot models, such as Sentry Bots, Protectrons, and Assaultrons. Being one of the top ARPGs ever created, Fallout 4 thrives at this kind of open-ended approach to combat, and Automatron adds to that flexibility.
16. Old Longfellow (Far Harbor)

Location | The Last Plank bar in Far Harbor |
Abilities | Skilled marksman, provides unique insights into the Island’s dangers, and offers guidance through the Fog |
Loadout | Equipped with a Lever-Action Rifle, wears a Hunter’s Long Coat |
Affinity Perk | Hunter’s Wisdom: -25% Damage and Energy Resistance of animals and sea creatures |
Questline | “Shipbreaker”: Assists in tracking and defeating a strong sea creature |
How To Recruit | Speak with him at The Last Plant and complete the “Walk in the Park” quest. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 5 Perception: 7 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 7 Agility: 10 Luck: 7 |
Likes | Drinking alcohol, asking for additional caps during quests, helping settlements, and healing Dogmeat |
Dislikes | Using chems, stealing, pickpocketing, killing, or harming non-hostile characters |
Old Longfellow is a legendary hunter and a guide native to the Island. His deep knowledge of the region and its perils make him a valuable companion. Even with his obsession with whiskey and rough personality, his sense of responsibility and desire to pass down knowledge make him a reliable character.
He excels at ranged combat during gameplay. His perk is particularly useful when facing wildlife threats on the Island. To build a better relationship with him, engage in actions he approves of (like drinking alcohol, except for beer), assist settlements, and make assertive dialogue choices.
17. Porter Gage (Nuka-World)

Location | Nuka-Town USA |
Abilities | Skilled in ranged combat, can act as a vendor in Nuka-World |
Loadout | Equipped with Gage’s Armor, Gage’s Eyepatch, and a Handmade Rifle |
Affinity Perk | Lessons in Blood: +5% XP per kill and +10 Damage and Energy Resistance |
Questline | “An Ambitious Plan”: Assists in organizing the rader gangs in order to take over the Commonwealth |
How To Recruit | Completing “An Ambitious Plan” quest will make Gage available as a companion. |
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats | Strength: 7 Perception: 9 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 6 Agility: 8 Luck: 7 |
Likes | Stealing, lockpicking, modifying weapons, being selfish or violent in dialogue, and completing raider faction quests |
Dislikes | Helping settlements, using chems, donating items, being generous, or being peaceful in dialogue |
Porter Gage is a hardened raider who serves as the right-hand man to the Overboss in Nuka-World. After witnessing the chaotic nature of raider gangs, Gage seeks a leader who can bring efficiency and order to their workings. His pragmatic approach to survival and leadership shapes him as a reliable ally, perfect for players who wish to embrace the raider lifestyle.
While some companions make your action-adventure journey honorable, the same can’t be said for Porter Gage. He is proficient with automatic weapons, which are great for most close-range engagements. However, your actions must reflect his values if you want to build a solid bond with him. Choosing personal gain over altruism is the way to go.
How To Choose the Best Companion for Your Playstyle
In Fallout 4, your ideal companion depends on your preferred combat style and overall build. If you’re a stealth-focused player, go for Deacon! His Cloak & Dagger perk boosts your sneak attack damage, as well as Stealth Boy effectiveness. On the other hand, if you’re looking to play aggressively, Strong’s Berserk perk improves your damage when health is low.
For a hybrid playstyle, try Curie and Codsworth. Curie’s Combat Medic perk heals you automatically when you’re critically low on health. Codsworth offers a powerful early-game combat utility, thanks to his built-in flamethrowers. Dogmeat, your loyal fluffy friend, is also an amazing option for a companion during the early hours of the game.
In general, you should pick a companion who aligns with your values and the kind of assistance they provide. Some offer moral alignment, while others help you with the basics (such as picklocking or hacking). Ultimately, you want a companion who affects your journey and makes the world feel more alive.
Tips for Maximizing Companion Relationships
Different companions and their relationships may seem like MMO and MMORPG differences: distinguishable but with familiar traits written all over them. A hidden reputation system is common among most companions and tracks how much a companion likes or dislikes your actions. Whether you’re picking a lock, donating items, or simply taking a sip of that cold beer, they’re watching — even if it’s a little creepy to think about.
To max out affinity quickly, focus on repeatedly doing actions that favor a companion’s values. For instance, Preston loves it when you help settlements, while Nick likes it when you support synth freedom. On that note, when companions are ready to talk about their lives, engage in that conversation. The more you know about them, the better!
Dive Into Immersive Journeys Through Fantasy Worlds
Fallout 4 companions may just be the reason why the game is so enjoyable, even years after its release. The RPG mechanics in the game favor your actions and conversations with them, and it’s important for players to keep in mind how their companions play into the gameplay loop.
Fallout 4 can feel like a challenging solo gameplay experience, but you’re not alone when you have the right companion at your side. Remember that you can always switch between companions, even though you can only have one following you at a time.
As you venture through the realm of RPGs, make sure you check out a vast collection of games that offer similar, open-ended gameplay experiences.