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All Companions in Fallout 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Fallout 3, the groundbreaking entry in the post-apocalyptic RPG series, isn’t just about exploring the desolate Capital Wasteland and battling mutated creatures. It’s also about the people you meet along the way. These characters, known as companions, can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, providing combat support, carrying your burdens, and offering unique perspectives on the world. Understanding all companions in Fallout 3 is crucial for maximizing your survival and enjoyment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of each available companion, their strengths, weaknesses, and how to recruit them.

Why Companions Matter in Fallout 3

Companions aren’t just bullet sponges; they’re valuable assets. Here’s why you should consider recruiting all companions in Fallout 3:

Combat Support: Companions can significantly increase your firepower, drawing enemy fire and dealing damage.
Carry Weight: They can carry a substantial amount of loot, allowing you to explore longer without being encumbered.
Unique Perks: Each companion offers a unique perk that benefits your character in different ways.
Story and Dialogue: Companions have their own backstories, motivations, and dialogue, adding depth to the game’s narrative.
Moral Compass: Some companions react differently to your actions, influencing your karma and the overall tone of your playthrough.

The Companions of Fallout 3: A Detailed Look

Let’s delve into the specifics of all companions in Fallout 3, providing you with the information you need to choose the right allies for your journey.

Dogmeat

Dogmeat is arguably the most iconic companion in Fallout 3. He’s a loyal German Shepherd who can be found at the Scrapyard, located southwest of Vault 101. He’s the first companion many players encounter. His primary function is combat, and he’s surprisingly effective at taking down enemies, especially early in the game.

How to Recruit: Simply approach him at the Scrapyard. He will automatically join you.
Perk: Dogmeat does not provide a specific perk, but his loyalty and combat prowess are invaluable.
Strengths: Excellent at distracting enemies, early-game combat support, loyal and endearing.
Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable to stronger enemies, especially later in the game.
Notes: Dogmeat can be killed, so it’s essential to keep him safe. The Puppies! perk (acquired through the Broken Steel DLC) allows you to get a new Dogmeat if the original one dies.

Star Paladin Cross

Star Paladin Cross is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel. She can be found at the Citadel, the Brotherhood’s headquarters in the Capital Wasteland. She’s a powerful combatant specializing in heavy weapons and energy weapons. She is a powerful ally, but her allegiance to the Brotherhood means she may disapprove of certain actions.

How to Recruit: You must have good karma and reach a certain point in the main questline to recruit her. After completing the quest “Liberty Prime”, speak to Elder Lyons in the Citadel and he will assign her to you.
Perk: Provides +10 to Big Guns skill and +25% Radiation Resistance.
Strengths: High health and damage output, proficient with heavy weapons and energy weapons, provides radiation resistance.
Weaknesses: Strict moral code, disapproves of evil actions.
Notes: Star Paladin Cross is one of the strongest companions in the game, but her rigid adherence to the Brotherhood’s ideals might not align with every player’s style.

Butch DeLoria

Butch DeLoria is the leader of the Tunnel Snakes, a gang from Vault 101. He can be found in the Muddy Rudder bar in Rivet City after completing the quest “Trouble on the Homefront”. He’s a melee-focused companion who’s surprisingly resilient.

How to Recruit: After completing “Trouble on the Homefront”, find him in the Muddy Rudder in Rivet City. Convince him to join you.
Perk: +10 to Melee Weapons skill and +2 to Endurance.
Strengths: High health, proficient with melee weapons, resilient.
Weaknesses: Limited ranged combat capabilities.
Notes: Butch is a solid choice for players who prefer melee combat. His Endurance bonus is also helpful for increasing survivability.

Fawkes

Fawkes is a Super Mutant who can be found in Vault 87. He’s one of the most powerful companions in the game, capable of wielding heavy weapons and enduring significant damage. He’s also surprisingly intelligent and articulate for a Super Mutant.

How to Recruit: After completing the quest “Finding the Garden of Eden”, you encounter Fawkes in Vault 87. He will help you escape and then offer to join you.
Perk: Provides immunity to radiation.
Strengths: Extremely high health and damage output, immune to radiation, proficient with heavy weapons.
Weaknesses: Can be too powerful, making combat less challenging.
Notes: Fawkes is a game-changer. His radiation immunity is invaluable for exploring irradiated areas, and his combat prowess is unmatched.

Jericho

Jericho is a former raider who can be found in Megaton. He’s a ruthless mercenary who’s willing to fight for caps. He’s a versatile companion who can handle a variety of weapons, but his moral compass is questionable.

How to Recruit: Pay him 1000 caps (or 500 with a Speech check) in Megaton. You must have evil karma to recruit him.
Perk: Provides +10 to Small Guns skill.
Strengths: Versatile weapon skills, effective in combat.
Weaknesses: Evil karma requirement, may disapprove of good actions.
Notes: Jericho is a good choice for players pursuing an evil playthrough. His Small Guns bonus is also useful for players who prefer those weapons.

RL-3

RL-3 is a Mister Gutsy robot who can be found at Canterbury Commons. He’s a powerful combatant equipped with a laser gatling and a flamethrower. He’s also immune to radiation and poison.

How to Recruit: Complete the quest “The Superhuman Gambit” by siding with the Mechanic, then purchase RL-3 from him for 2000 caps (or 1000 with a Speech check).
Perk: Provides +10 to Energy Weapons skill.
Strengths: High damage output, immune to radiation and poison, proficient with energy weapons.
Weaknesses: Can be expensive to acquire.
Notes: RL-3 is a formidable companion, especially for players who focus on energy weapons. His immunities are also a major advantage.

Sergeant RL-3 (Broken Steel DLC)

This is the same RL-3 as above, but after the Broken Steel DLC is installed, his level cap increases, making him even more powerful.

Clover

Clover is a slave who can be purchased at Paradise Falls. She’s a melee-focused companion who’s skilled with knives and other close-quarters weapons. She’s a controversial character due to her background, but she can be a valuable asset in combat.

How to Recruit: Purchase her from Eulogy Jones at Paradise Falls for 1000 caps (or less with a Speech check). You must have evil karma to recruit her.
Perk: Provides +2 to Luck.
Strengths: Proficient with melee weapons, high Luck bonus.
Weaknesses: Evil karma requirement, controversial character.
Notes: Clover is a good choice for players who want to increase their Luck stat. However, her recruitment requires an evil playthrough.

Choosing the Right Companion

Selecting the best companion depends on your playstyle, karma, and the challenges you face. Consider the following factors when choosing all companions in Fallout 3:

Combat Style: Do you prefer melee, ranged, or energy weapons? Choose a companion who complements your combat style.
Karma: Some companions require good or evil karma to recruit.
Perk: Consider the perk each companion offers and how it benefits your character.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, choose a companion you enjoy traveling with. Their dialogue and personality can significantly impact your gaming experience.

Losing a Companion

Companions can be dismissed at any time by speaking to them and selecting the appropriate dialogue option. They will then return to their original location. However, companions can also die in combat, especially if you’re playing on a higher difficulty setting. It’s essential to equip your companions with good armor and weapons to keep them alive.

Essential Tips for Managing Companions

Here are some tips for effectively managing all companions in Fallout 3:

Equip them with appropriate gear: Give them weapons and armor that suit their skills and the challenges you face.
Monitor their health: Keep an eye on their health bar and heal them when necessary.
Be mindful of their moral alignment: Avoid actions that they strongly disapprove of, as this can lead to them leaving your party.
Use them strategically in combat: Position them effectively and utilize their strengths to your advantage.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Companionship in Fallout 3

Companions are an integral part of the Fallout 3 experience. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of all companions in Fallout 3, you can build a formidable team that enhances your combat capabilities, expands your inventory space, and enriches your gameplay experience. Whether you prefer the loyalty of Dogmeat, the firepower of Fawkes, or the unique skills of the other companions, choosing the right allies can significantly impact your journey through the Capital Wasteland. So, explore, recruit, and conquer the wasteland with your trusted companions by your side. [See also: Fallout 3 Best Weapons] [See also: Fallout 3 Karma System Explained]