More Than Just Pack Mules: A Comprehensive Guide to Fallout 3 Companions

The Capital Wasteland is a desolate place, but you don’t have to face it alone. Fallout 3’s companions offer more than just firepower; they offer friendship, unique abilities, and a different perspective on the post-apocalyptic world. Wandering the ruins of Washington D.C. can be a lonely experience, fending off raiders, super mutants, and the ever-present threat of radiation. That’s where the companions of Fallout 3 come in, offering not just extra muscle but also a welcome reprieve from the solitude. These Non-Player Characters (NPCs) are more than just pack mules; they provide combat support, boost your carrying capacity, unlock unique quests and dialogues, and ultimately enrich your overall Fallout 3 journey. Choosing the right allies can significantly impact your survival and enjoyment of the game. This guide will delve into each of Fallout 3’s companions, offering insights into their backgrounds, skills, recruitment methods, and strategic value, helping you choose the best allies to navigate the dangers of the Capital Wasteland.

A Loyal Canine Companion: Dogmeat

Found early in your adventure, Dogmeat is arguably the most iconic companion in Fallout 3. This loyal German Shepherd is more than just a furry friend; he’s a valuable asset in the early game and can remain useful throughout your entire playthrough.

Recruiting Dogmeat

Recruiting Dogmeat is simple. Head to the Scrapyard, located southwest of Vault One-Zero-One. You’ll find him engaged in a fierce battle with a group of raiders. After dispatching the raiders, Dogmeat will automatically become your companion, eager to follow you into the perils of the Wasteland. His loyalty knows no bounds, making him a reliable and steadfast ally.

Dogmeat’s Combat Abilities

Dogmeat excels at drawing enemy fire and can hold them in place, giving you valuable time to strategize or unleash your own attacks. While he isn’t the toughest companion, his agility and speed allow him to effectively harass enemies. His bite attack is surprisingly effective, especially against weaker foes. One of Dogmeat’s key strengths is his ability to alert you to nearby enemies, providing crucial early warnings and preventing ambushes. This is especially valuable when navigating unfamiliar and dangerous locations. His keen senses can save your life time and time again.

Dogmeat’s Weaknesses

Unfortunately, without the Broken Steel downloadable content (DLC), Dogmeat can die permanently. This makes protecting him a priority, especially in the early game when you and he are both relatively vulnerable. Despite his fragility, Dogmeat’s unwavering loyalty and valuable abilities make him an indispensable companion, particularly in the initial hours of your adventure. Even later in the game, his ability to detect and distract enemies can be a lifesaver. Overall, Dogmeat is a fantastic early-game companion and remains a worthwhile ally even as you progress through the main quest.

The Vault Ten-One Rebel: Butch DeLoria

Butch DeLoria, the former greaser leader from Vault One-Zero-One, is a unique companion option, offering a glimpse into life within the vaults. He is only available to recruit after completing the “Trouble on the Homefront” quest, showcasing his loyalty and leadership potential.

Recruiting Butch DeLoria

To recruit Butch, you must choose to either help him or leave him to fend for himself during the quest. Depending on your choices, he can be found at the Muddy Rudder in Rivet City after completing the quest. Speaking with him there will open up the option of recruiting him. A key factor in being able to recruit him is karma, so ensure it aligns with the morality he seeks in a companion.

Butch DeLoria’s Combat Prowess

Butch excels in close-quarters combat, making him a formidable melee fighter. His preferred weapons are knives and other blunt instruments of destruction. Furthermore, traveling with Butch grants you a bonus to your melee weapon skills. This makes him an invaluable asset if you enjoy tearing apart your enemies in close range.

Butch DeLoria’s Limitations

His skills, however, are somewhat limited to melee. He lacks the versatility of other companions. Regardless, he offers a unique perspective on the Wasteland, shaped by his sheltered upbringing in Vault One-Zero-One. His overall value lies in his usefulness to melee-focused players.

A Knight in Shining Armor: Star Paladin Cross

Star Paladin Cross is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, located within the Citadel. Her recruitment requires a good karma alignment, reflecting the Brotherhood’s dedication to justice and order.

Recruiting Star Paladin Cross

Finding Cross is simple, just go to the Citadel. However, earning her trust and respect necessitates a reputation for righteousness, so players with a negative karma will struggle to win her over.

Star Paladin Cross’s Combat Expertise

Cross is a formidable tank, clad in Power Armor and wielding heavy weapons. She excels at soaking up damage, drawing enemy fire away from you and allowing you to deal damage from a safe distance. Her Power Armor provides exceptional protection against physical attacks and radiation. Furthermore, she is proficient with heavy weapons. This makes her a devastating force on the battlefield.

The Value of Star Paladin Cross

Cross’s steadfast dedication to the Brotherhood’s ideals and her unwavering loyalty make her a valuable asset to any player seeking to restore order to the Capital Wasteland. She offers protection and support in any combat situation, making her one of the best possible companions.

The Slave from Paradise Falls: Clover

Clover can be found in Paradise Falls, a settlement built on slavery. Her recruitment is restricted to players with evil karma, reflecting her past as a slave and her willingness to work for less-than-reputable individuals.

Recruiting Clover

To recruit Clover, you must purchase her from Grouse in Paradise Falls. Her availability underscores the moral choices present in Fallout Three and caters to players embracing the darker side of the Wasteland.

Clover’s Combat Skills

Clover is skilled in melee combat, preferring close-quarters engagements over ranged attacks. While not the strongest companion, she is a reliable fighter in a pinch. She is available exclusively to players with negative karma. This further reinforces her status as a morally ambiguous character.

The Appeal of Clover

Clover’s appeal lies in her unique story and her suitability for evil playthroughs. She is not the most powerful companion, but she offers a compelling alternative for players embracing the darker side of the Wasteland.

The Intelligent Super Mutant: Fawkes

Fawkes, a super mutant with a sharp mind and surprising compassion, is a compelling and powerful companion found deep within Vault Eighty-Seven.

Recruiting Fawkes

Recruiting Fawkes involves navigating the treacherous depths of Vault Eighty-Seven and assisting him in his escape. This quest requires courage, skill, and a willingness to confront the horrors of the vault. He can then be located at the Museum of History. He will offer to join you at this point.

Fawkes’s Strengths

Fawkes is a formidable combatant, excelling in both melee and ranged combat. His immunity to radiation makes him invaluable in irradiated areas. He can also carry a significant amount of gear, relieving you of inventory management burdens.

The Value of Fawkes

Fawkes is one of the strongest companions in Fallout Three, offering exceptional combat abilities and practical benefits. He can even enter the purifier for you, sacrificing himself for the greater good. His intellect and compassion set him apart from other super mutants, making him a truly unique and memorable companion.

The Mister Gutsy Robot: Sergeant RL-Three

Sergeant RL-Three, a Mister Gutsy robot brimming with personality and firepower, can be found at RobCo Production Facility.

Recruiting Sergeant RL-Three

Recruiting RL-Three requires a payment of caps to his former owner. This transaction unlocks his potential as a companion.

Sergeant RL-Three’s Combat Capabilities

RL-Three excels in combat, utilizing his laser weaponry to devastating effect. He is particularly effective against robots and other mechanical enemies. His high damage output makes him a valuable asset in any firefight. His versatility and combat prowess make him a valuable addition to any team.

The Raider from Megaton: Jericho

Jericho, a hardened raider with a cynical worldview, resides in Megaton.

Recruiting Jericho

His recruitment is contingent on your karma alignment. He is only willing to join forces with players who possess evil or neutral karma. This reflects his ruthless nature and his preference for morally ambiguous individuals.

Jericho’s Combat Style

Jericho prefers assault rifles and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. His darker perspective on the Wasteland can be both insightful and disturbing. He is only available to players with evil or neutral karma.

The Value of Jericho

Jericho’s overall value depends on your playstyle. He is an asset during evil playthroughs.

Companion Mechanics and Management

Karma plays a significant role in companion recruitment. Good companions, like Star Paladin Cross, require positive karma, while evil companions, like Clover, necessitate negative karma. Your actions and decisions throughout the game can influence their loyalty, so choose wisely.

Companion Perks and Benefits

Each companion offers a unique perk or benefit. Butch gives a melee weapon bonus, Dogmeat helps detect enemies, and Fawkes is immune to radiation. Utilize these perks to your advantage.

Equipping Your Companions

You can equip your companions with better weapons and armor to improve their combat effectiveness. Manage their inventory carefully to ensure they have the necessary supplies.

Companion Healing

Companions heal themselves over time, but you can also use stimpacks to expedite the healing process. Keep a supply of healing items on hand, especially during difficult encounters.

Companion Death

Companions can die in combat, though some are temporarily incapacitated. Protect them from harm and utilize tactics to keep them alive. The death of a companion can have emotional and strategic consequences.

Companion Strategies and Synergies

Experiment with different companion combinations to discover their strengths and weaknesses. Fawkes and Dogmeat make a formidable tank and damage-dealing duo, while RL-Three and Jericho provide ranged firepower.

Matching Companions to Your Playstyle

Match your companions to your playstyle. Stealth characters might prefer Dogmeat for his early warning abilities, while melee-focused characters might benefit from Butch.

Companion Quests and Dialogue

Some companions have unique quests or dialogue options. Explore these interactions to deepen your understanding of their backgrounds and motivations.

Conclusion

Fallout Three’s companions are more than just extra firepower; they are essential to surviving the Wasteland and experiencing the game’s rich story. They provide combat support, offer unique perspectives, and enrich the overall gameplay experience. Choosing the right companions can make all the difference in your journey through the Capital Wasteland. Experiment with different companions, discover their unique strengths, and build the perfect team to conquer the Capital Wasteland! The wasteland awaits, and with the right allies by your side, you’ll be ready to face any challenge.