Companions are a central part of the immersive experience in Fallout 4. From their engaging backstories to their unique abilities, these allies are more than just side characters—they’re valuable partners who can make wasteland survival much more manageable (and fun!). But with so many companions to choose from, and sometimes the unfortunate issue of losing track of them, you might wonder how to find, recruit, and manage your companions effectively.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including how to find lost companions, where to locate potential recruits, and how to fully leverage companion mechanics in one of Bethesda’s most beloved RPGs.
Short Answer
To find and recruit companions in Fallout 4, you’ll need to explore the wasteland, engage with various characters, and complete quests to gain their trust. Lost a companion? Don’t panic. You can track them down by returning to their original location or using the Companion Whistle Mod to call them back. For console players, using the correct companion ID can also help resolve the issue.
Now, let’s dig deeper into everything you need to know about companions in Fallout 4.
Overview of Fallout 4 Companions
Companions in Fallout 4 aren’t just walking, talking NPCs—they’re integral to gameplay, providing both narrative depth and mechanical advantages. Here’s an outline of some of the most notable companions you can recruit, their unique traits, and how to get them:
1. Dogmeat
- Skills: Tracks enemies and supplies, acts as a loyal combat partner (and also the cutest critter in the wasteland).
- How to Recruit: You meet Dogmeat early on at the Red Rocket Truck Stop near Sanctuary Hills in the main storyline. Simply engage with him, and he’ll join you.
2. Codsworth
- Skills: Acts as a skilled fighter and adds whimsical commentary to your adventures.
- How to Recruit: Codsworth can be found in Sanctuary Hills. He’s your faithful robot butler and joins you early in the game after you’ve completed a few tasks.
3. Piper Wright
- Backstory: A gutsy journalist with a knack for uncovering the truth.
- Unique Skills: Piper’s Gift of Gab perk increases XP gained by succeeding in speech challenges and discovering new locations.
- How to Recruit: Piper can be found in Diamond City, where you’ll interact with her as part of the quest “Story of the Century.”
4. Nick Valentine
- Backstory: A synth detective with a heart of gold and a talent for sleuthing.
- Unique Skills: Nick’s expertise in hacking makes him indispensable for bypassing terminals.
- How to Recruit: You’ll meet Nick during the “Unlikely Valentine” main quest line. Complete his rescue mission, and he’ll join your team.
5. Paladin Danse
- Backstory: A loyal member of the Brotherhood of Steel, Paladin Danse is a powerful and disciplined warrior.
- Unique Skills: His combat expertise and power armor make him a force to be reckoned with in battles.
- How to Recruit: Join the Brotherhood of Steel and complete the “Call to Arms” quest to recruit him.
6. Curie
- Backstory: Curie begins as a Miss Nanny robot with a curious mind and eventually becomes one of the most empathetic companions.
- Unique Skills: Her medical expertise makes her one of the best support companions.
- How to Recruit: Curie can be found inside Vault 81 once you complete the “Hole in the Wall” quest.
7. Deacon
- Backstory: A sarcastic, undercover agent of the Railroad.
- Unique Skills: Master of disguise and stealth missions.
- How to Recruit: Meet Deacon during the “Tradecraft” quest by joining the Railroad faction.
8. Strong
- Backstory: A super mutant with a surprising philosophical side.
- Unique Skills: Exceptional melee combat abilities.
- How to Recruit: Complete the “Curtain Call” quest at Trinity Tower to unlock Strong as your companion.
9. Cait
- Backstory: A tough-as-nails fighter with a troubled past and a strong Irish accent.
- Unique Skills: Masterful lock-picking abilities.
- How to Recruit: Find Cait at the Combat Zone in Boston and complete a small mission to win her trust.
These are just a few of the companions available in Fallout 4. Each brings something unique to the table, so don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your preferred playstyle.
Fallout 4 Unique Companion ID
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, companions can wander off or get stuck. Don’t worry—there are solutions! Here’s how to locate your lost companion in Fallout 4.
How to Find Lost Companions in Fallout 4
If you’ve misplaced a companion, try these steps:
- Return to Their Last Location: Companions will often return to the last settlement or area you assigned them to.
- Visit Their Original Location: For example, Dogmeat may return to the Red Rocket Truck Stop, or Codsworth might be back in Sanctuary Hills.
- Look in the Companion Tracker (for Mod Users): Download a mod like the Companion Whistle Mod or Companion Locator Beacon for a seamless solution. These tools allow you to ping their location on the map.
Fallout 4 Console Commands
For PC users, console commands provide a quick way to locate companions using their unique Companion ID. Simply press the `~` key to bring up the console and type:
“`
player.moveto <CompanionID>
“`
Replace `<CompanionID>` with the unique ID of your lost companion. For example:
- Dogmeat ID: `1d162`
- Piper ID: `02f50`
This will teleport you directly to your lost companion.
Maximizing the Fallout 4 Companion Experience
Companions add more than just gameplay benefits—they enrich the story and create unique role-playing opportunities.
Want your teammates to like you? Pay attention to their personal values:
- Deacon loves stealthy approaches.
- Nick Valentine admires acts of justice and selflessness.
- Cait respects independent and assertive behavior.
Building strong relationships with companions can unlock special perks and deepen the immersive experience.
Bring Your Fallout 4 Adventures to Life with Companions
Whether they’re cracking jokes, hacking terminals, or saving you in combat, companions make Fallout 4 an unforgettable experience. Recruiting the right allies doesn’t just make navigating the wasteland easier—it enriches the storytelling in one of Bethesda’s most celebrated open-world RPGs.
Now it’s your turn—what’s been your favorite Fallout 4 companion moment? Share your stories (or tips!) in the comments below. And if you’re struggling to locate a lost companion, we hope the tips above help you reunite with your trusty sidekick soon.
Happy scavenging in the wasteland!
