The Ultimate Question: Who is the Best Female Companion in Fallout 4?
Ah, the Commonwealth. A land of irradiated wonders and terrifying dangers. When the bullets start flying and the radroaches swarm, you’re going to want some backup. And when it comes to companions in Fallout 4, the ladies of the wasteland are more than capable of holding their own. But the burning question on every Sole Survivor's lips is: who is the best female companion in Fallout 4?
The answer, as with many things in Fallout 4, isn't a simple one. It depends heavily on your playstyle, your moral compass, and what you value in a wasteland partner. However, we can certainly break down the top contenders and their unique strengths and weaknesses to help you make the most informed decision for your journey.
Piper Wright: The Investigative Journalist
Piper is often the first companion many players meet, and for good reason. Her relentless curiosity and desire to uncover the truth make her a valuable ally, both in combat and in uncovering lore.
- Combat Prowess: Piper is a decent shot with her pistol and can hold her own in close quarters with her switchblade. Her combat style is straightforward and effective.
- Perk: Gift of Gab. This perk, earned by maxing out your affinity with Piper, grants you double experience points for discovering new locations and completing speech challenges. This is incredibly useful for leveling up quickly.
- Personality: Piper is outspoken, brave, and has a strong sense of justice. She dislikes dishonesty and cruelty, so be mindful of your choices around her if you want to maintain a high affinity. She's a great choice for players who value honesty and want to explore every nook and cranny of the map.
- Romance Option: Yes, Piper is a romanceable companion.
Danse: The Paladin of Steel
While technically a male character, Paladin Danse is often discussed in the context of powerful companions and is a stalwart defender of humanity. However, if you're specifically looking for a female companion, we'll focus on others. For completeness, though, his unwavering dedication to the Brotherhood of Steel and his combat effectiveness are undeniable. His perk, "Know Your Enemy," provides a damage bonus against ghouls, super mutants, and robots, making him a formidable force against common wasteland threats.
Cait: The Fiery Irish Brawler
Cait is a tough-as-nails raider with a penchant for chem use and a short fuse. She's not for the faint of heart, but her combat skills and unique dialogue can be very rewarding for the right player.
- Combat Prowess: Cait excels in close-quarters combat with her Irish charm and a formidable shotgun. She's aggressive and doesn't shy away from getting her hands dirty.
- Perk: Combat Stims. Upon reaching max affinity, Cait grants you the "Combat Stims" perk, which increases your Action Point (AP) regeneration rate by 25% and your damage resistance by 50 for a short duration after you use a stimpak. This is incredibly powerful for VATS users or anyone who finds themselves in a tight spot.
- Personality: Cait is cynical, sarcastic, and has a rough exterior. She has a complex past and struggles with addiction. She appreciates when you use chems and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty. If you're playing a more morally ambiguous character or enjoy a character with a deep, flawed backstory, Cait is a fantastic choice.
- Romance Option: Yes, Cait is a romanceable companion.
MacCready: The Cynical Mercenary
MacCready is a sharpshooter with a dark past and a cynical outlook on life. He's a loner who has seen too much, but his loyalty, once earned, is unwavering.
- Combat Prowess: MacCready is a master of the rifle, particularly effective at long range. His accuracy and ability to land critical hits make him a valuable asset in most combat scenarios.
- Perk: Killshot. Once you max out your affinity with MacCready, you'll unlock the "Killshot" perk. This grants you a 20% bonus to aiming down sights (ADS) accuracy and a 40% chance to hit a limb in VATS. This is a game-changer for players who rely heavily on VATS for precision targeting.
- Personality: MacCready is sarcastic, distrustful, and has a dry sense of humor. He doesn't mince words and often expresses his disdain for sentimentality. He appreciates when you're ruthless and don't hesitate to eliminate threats. If you enjoy a companion with a bit of edge and a pragmatic approach to survival, MacCready fits the bill.
- Romance Option: No, MacCready is not a romanceable companion.
Strong: The Mutant with a Dream
Strong is a Super Mutant who believes he is the last of his kind and is on a quest to find the "Milk of Human Kindness." His brutish strength and unique perspective on the world make him an interesting, albeit unconventional, companion.
- Combat Prowess: Strong is a melee powerhouse. He wields a Super Sledge with devastating force and can take an incredible amount of punishment. He's excellent for drawing enemy attention and wading into the thick of combat.
- Perk: Berserk. Maxing out your affinity with Strong unlocks the "Berserk" perk, which grants you a 20% increase in melee damage and 40% more limb damage when your health drops below 30%. This is ideal for melee-focused builds or for those who like to live on the edge.
- Personality: Strong is simple-minded but fiercely loyal. He detests ghouls and can be quite destructive. He appreciates when you are violent and when you consume certain foods and chems. If you enjoy a companion who is unapologetically strong and straightforward, Strong is your guy.
- Romance Option: No, Strong is not a romanceable companion.
Curie: The French Synth Doctor
Curie is a medical synth with a charming French accent and a desire to help others. She starts as a Mr. Handy robot but later transitions into a human synth body, becoming a truly formidable companion.
- Combat Prowess: In her initial robot form, Curie is a decent combatant with her laser gatling. As a synth, she becomes a skilled marksman with a powerful laser rifle and possesses a healing aura that can passively regenerate your health.
- Perk:itumor. Upon completing her personal quest and reaching max affinity, Curie grants you the "itumor" perk. This perk offers a passive health regeneration of 5 points per minute. While not as immediately impactful as other perks, it's a constant, unobtrusive benefit that adds up over time.
- Personality: Curie is kind, compassionate, and has an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. She is fascinated by emotions and experiences. She approves of helping people and making ethical choices. If you play a more benevolent character, Curie will be your staunchest ally.
- Romance Option: Yes, Curie is a romanceable companion.
X6-88: The Enclave Synth Enforcer
X6-88 is a highly trained Courser, an advanced synths created by the Institute. He is a deadly combatant and a loyal operative of his creators.
- Combat Prowess: X6-88 is a master of energy weapons and is incredibly accurate. He can deal significant damage and is a formidable opponent against any foe.
- Perk: Shield Harmonics. When you max out your affinity with X6-88, you'll unlock the "Shield Harmonics" perk. This perk grants you a 25% bonus to energy weapon damage resistance. This is particularly useful if you find yourself facing a lot of laser-wielding enemies.
- Personality: X6-88 is cold, logical, and dedicated to the Institute's goals. He is not one for emotional displays and views most wastelanders with disdain. He approves of efficiency and the Institute's agenda. If you are aligned with the Institute, X6-88 is an unquestioningly loyal and deadly companion.
- Romance Option: No, X6-88 is not a romanceable companion.
Longfellow: The Drunken Fisherman
Longfellow is a grizzled, old fisherman who resides in the Commonwealth's coastal region of Far Harbor. He's seen it all and has a healthy dose of cynicism to prove it.
- Combat Prowess: Longfellow is proficient with his harpoon gun and shotgun, making him a decent combatant in close to medium range.
- Perk: Brother's Embrace. Upon reaching max affinity, Longfellow bestows the "Brother's Embrace" perk. This perk grants you 10% extra damage against Super Mutants and a 10% bonus to your damage resistance when fighting them. This is a niche but valuable perk if you find yourself constantly battling these hulking brutes.
- Personality: Longfellow is gruff, sarcastic, and has a fondness for alcohol. He is initially distrustful of outsiders but can warm up to those he deems worthy. He disapproves of those who are overly pious or hypocritical. If you enjoy a character with a dry wit and a no-nonsense attitude, Longfellow is a solid choice.
- Romance Option: No, Longfellow is not a romanceable companion.
Gage: The Arena Champion
Gage is a raider from Nuka-World who thrives on combat and glory. He's a charismatic and skilled fighter who can be a loyal companion if you earn his respect.
- Combat Prowess: Gage is a skilled fighter who excels in melee combat and with his laser pistol. He's aggressive and unafraid to charge headfirst into danger.
- Perk: Combatant. Gage's perk, "Combatant," grants you 10% extra damage in VATS and 15% more damage resistance. This is a fantastic all-around perk that benefits most playstyles.
- Personality: Gage is boastful, confident, and enjoys a good fight. He respects strength and a willingness to engage in conflict. He disapproves of those who are weak or hesitant. If you're embracing the raider lifestyle or enjoy a companion who is always ready for a brawl, Gage is your guy.
- Romance Option: No, Gage is not a romanceable companion.
So, Who is the *Best*?
Ultimately, the "best" female companion in Fallout 4 is subjective. Here's a quick rundown to help you decide based on common preferences:
- For fast leveling and exploration: Piper Wright is your top pick with her "Gift of Gab" perk.
- For VATS users and precision: MacCready's "Killshot" perk makes him invaluable.
- For aggressive melee builds or high-risk play: Cait's "Combat Stims" and Strong's "Berserk" are game-changers.
- For a constant passive benefit: Curie's "itumor" perk provides steady health regeneration.
- For energy weapon resistance: X6-88's "Shield Harmonics" is a specialized but potent buff.
- For those who enjoy a grizzled, cynical character: Longfellow and his anti-mutant perk are a good fit.
- For embracing the Nuka-World experience: Gage's "Combatant" perk is a strong all-around choice.
Consider your character build, your moral alignment, and what kind of personality you want to have by your side. Each of these women brings something unique to the table, and the journey through the Commonwealth is often best shared with a trusted ally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get a companion to like me more?
To increase your affinity with a companion, you need to perform actions they approve of. Generally, companions approve of actions that align with their personality and backstory. For example, Piper likes honest actions and discovering new places. Cait approves of chem use and combat. Curie likes compassionate and ethical behavior. Pay attention to their dialogue and comments; they'll often hint at what they like or dislike.
Why is my companion not following me anymore?
There are several reasons why a companion might stop following you. They might have reached their personal quest limit, or you may have accidentally dismissed them. If you haven't completed their personal quest, make sure you're performing actions they approve of to raise their affinity. You can also check your Pip-Boy under the "Aid" section for any "Dismiss Companion" options you might have accidentally triggered.
How do I change my companion's outfit?
Once a companion trusts you, you can trade items with them by interacting with them and selecting the "Trade" option. From their inventory screen, you can equip them with armor, weapons, and clothing. Note that some companions may have restrictions on what they can wear, particularly robots like Codsworth in his early form.
Why can't I romance certain companions?
In Fallout 4, only a select few companions are romanceable. These typically include Piper Wright, Cait, and Curie. Companions like MacCready, Strong, X6-88, Longfellow, and Gage are not romanceable, though you can still achieve maximum affinity with them and gain their powerful perks.
