Fallout 4 Companion Affinity Guide: Maximize Relationships & Unlock Ultimate Perks

Navigating the Commonwealth: Mastering Companion Relationships in Fallout 4

In the expansive and often desolate world of Fallout 4, companions are more than just pack mules or extra firepower; they are integral to the narrative, providing moral compasses, unique perspectives, and powerful passive perks. Understanding what pleases and displeases each companion is crucial for forging strong bonds, unlocking their personal quests, and ultimately, gaining their invaluable unique abilities. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the intricate affinity system of Fallout 4, providing players with the strategic insights needed to cultivate maximum loyalty from every ally across the Commonwealth and beyond.

The companion affinity system is a cornerstone of Fallout 4’s role-playing mechanics. Every action you take, from picking a lock to engaging in dialogue, is observed by your current companion. Positive actions increase their affinity, while negative ones decrease it. Reaching certain affinity thresholds triggers special dialogue, often revealing backstory, and eventually culminates in a companion quest. Completing this quest and reaching maximum affinity (1000 points) unlocks a powerful unique perk that remains active even when the companion is not with you. Mastering this system not only enriches the gameplay experience but also provides tangible advantages in combat and exploration.

The Core Mechanics of Companion Affinity

Before diving into individual preferences, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental mechanics. Actions typically award +15 or -15 affinity. Some actions, especially quest-related ones or significant dialogue choices, can have larger impacts. Affinity gains and losses are not immediate; there’s often a cooldown period (usually a few minutes) before the same action can impact affinity again. This prevents players from spamming simple actions. Saving and reloading frequently is a time-honored strategy for experimenting with dialogue choices without permanent negative consequences. Remember, even Dogmeat, while not having a personal affinity system or perk, reacts to certain situations and forms an undeniable bond with the Sole Survivor.

Detailed Companion Likes and Dislikes

Cait: The Raider with a Heart of Gold (Eventually)

Hailing from the Combat Zone, Cait starts as a cynical, drug-addicted raider. Her journey is one of redemption, and her affinity reflects this transformation. Initially, she appreciates ruthlessness but grows to favor more compassionate choices after her personal quest.

• Likes:
  Selfish choices: Prior to her personal quest, actions that benefit only the Sole Survivor.
  Violence: Any aggressive or violent act.
  Drinking alcohol: Consuming alcoholic beverages.
  Pickpocketing: Successful acts of theft.
  Lockpicking: Especially master-level locks.
  Chem use: Consuming chems (prior to her personal quest).
• Dislikes:
  Generous actions: Giving caps or items to others.
  Peaceful solutions: Avoiding combat when possible.
  Chem addiction: After completing her personal quest, she dislikes chem use.
• Best Strategy: Be self-serving and aggressive initially. Complete her ‘Benign Intervention’ quest, then pivot to more heroic, compassionate actions as she recovers from chem addiction.

Codsworth: The Loyal Robotic Butler

Your faithful pre-war robotic butler, Codsworth embodies loyalty and the nostalgic charm of pre-war domesticity. He values kindness, civility, and a generally good-natured approach to the Commonwealth’s inhabitants.

• Likes:
  Generosity: Helping settlers or giving items.
  Kindness: Being polite and considerate in dialogue.
  Moral choices: Helping those in need.
  Modifying armor/weapons: Crafting and upgrading equipment.
• Dislikes:
  Selfishness: Prioritizing personal gain over others.
  Violence towards innocents: Harming non-hostile NPCs.
  Chem use: Consuming chems.
• Best Strategy: Play as a benevolent hero. Codsworth is relatively easy to please for players who enjoy helping others.

Curie: The Curious Robot/Synth Scientist

Initially a French-accented Miss Nanny combat robot, Curie can eventually transfer her consciousness into a synth body. She is deeply curious, intellectual, and values scientific advancement, compassion, and non-violent solutions.

• Likes:
  Peaceful solutions: Resolving conflicts without bloodshed.
  Generosity: Helping others, especially through scientific means.
  Healing Dogmeat: Giving stimpaks to the canine companion.
  Research/intellectual pursuits: Showing interest in science and knowledge.
• Dislikes:
  Violence towards innocents: Unprovoked aggression.
  Selfish choices: Prioritizing personal gain.
  Chem use: Consuming chems.
• Best Strategy: Embrace your inner scientist and humanitarian. Curie is a fan of thoughtful, kind actions.

Paladin Danse: The Staunch Brotherhood of Steel Knight

A dedicated soldier of the Brotherhood of Steel, Danse embodies their core tenets: order, discipline, and the eradication of dangerous technology. He respects loyalty to the Brotherhood and decisive action against threats.

• Likes:
  Brotherhood of Steel allegiance: Favoring the Brotherhood in dialogue and actions.
  Honesty: Being truthful, even if harsh.
  Courage: Standing up to enemies.
  Modifying power armor/weapons: Shows appreciation for technical prowess.
• Dislikes:
  Joining the Railroad/Institute: Any actions that aid rival factions.
  Chem use: Disapproves of illicit substances.
  Mercy: Especially towards synths or super mutants.
• Best Strategy: Align with the Brotherhood, be direct, and show no quarter to enemies of humanity.

Deacon: The Elusive Railroad Spy

The enigmatic and often duplicitous agent of the Railroad, Deacon appreciates subtlety, espionage, and actions that further the cause of synth freedom. He dislikes overt violence and blatant disregard for the Railroad’s mission.

• Likes:
  Railroad allegiance: Favoring the Railroad in dialogue and actions.
  Sneaking/Lockpicking: Stealthy actions and infiltration.
  Sarcasm: Humorous, cynical responses.
  Hacking: Accessing terminals.
• Dislikes:
  Joining the Brotherhood/Institute: Opposing the Railroad’s goals.
  Violence towards innocents: Harming non-hostile synths or humans.
  Honesty: Sometimes, outright honesty can be detrimental to a spy’s mission.
• Best Strategy: Embrace stealth, choose sarcastic dialogue, and consistently support the Railroad.

Hancock: The Ghoul Mayor of Goodneighbor

The charismatic, chem-using mayor of Goodneighbor, Hancock values freedom, compassion for the downtrodden, and a rebellious spirit. He dislikes bigotry, oppression, and actions that harm innocent people.

• Likes:
  Generosity: Helping people, especially outcasts.
  Chem use: Consuming chems.
  Anti-authority actions: Defying oppressive forces.
  Violent justice: Punishing wrongdoers forcefully.
• Dislikes:
  Racism/bigotry: Expressing prejudice against ghouls or other groups.
  Selfishness: Ignoring the needs of others.
  Excessive greed: Being overtly focused on caps.
• Best Strategy: Be a vigilante with a heart of gold, willing to use chems and fight for the underdog.

MacCready: The Mercenary with a Soft Spot

A former Gunner turned mercenary from Fallout 3, MacCready is gruff and primarily motivated by money for his son’s medical treatment. He respects ruthlessness in business but secretly appreciates kindness, especially when it benefits children.

• Likes:
  Asking for more caps: Negotiating for better rewards.
  Stealing: Especially from hostile factions.
  Pickpocketing: Successful acts of theft.
  Lockpicking: Opening locked containers.
  Generosity (sometimes): Helping children or those in dire need.
• Dislikes:
  Giving caps away: Spending money without personal gain.
  Chem use: Though he is a mercenary, he dislikes chem abuse.
  Honesty in negotiations: Being too forthcoming.
• Best Strategy: Be a self-interested mercenary, but show occasional compassion when a child or a truly desperate person is involved.

Nick Valentine: The Synth Private Detective

A hard-boiled synth detective with a heart of gold, Nick Valentine values justice, helping the innocent, and solving mysteries. He dislikes corruption, unnecessary violence, and any actions that undermine the law or good intentions.

• Likes:
  Solving mysteries: Pursuing leads and uncovering the truth.
  Hacking: Accessing terminals to gather information.
  Generosity: Helping people, especially those in distress.
  Moral choices: Standing up for justice.
  Patience: Taking time to think through situations.
• Dislikes:
  Violence towards innocents: Harming non-hostile NPCs.
  Selfishness: Prioritizing personal gain over justice.
  Chem use: Disapproves of chems.
• Best Strategy: Act as a moral, intelligent detective. Prioritize helping victims and upholding a sense of justice in the wasteland.

Piper Wright: The Investigative Journalist

The intrepid journalist from Diamond City, Piper values truth, justice, and the pursuit of compelling stories. She appreciates curiosity, compassion, and standing up for what’s right, even against authority.

• Likes:
  Generosity: Helping people in need.
  Moral choices: Standing up for the truth and justice.
  Sarcasm: Witty, cynical remarks.
  Kindness: Being polite and helpful.
  Curiosity: Investigating anomalies and asking questions.
• Dislikes:
  Selfishness: Prioritizing personal gain.
  Violence towards innocents: Unprovoked aggression.
  Greed: Excessive focus on caps or material wealth.
• Best Strategy: Be a noble, curious hero who stands up for the common person and seeks the truth.

Preston Garvey: The Minuteman General

The steadfast leader of the revitalized Minutemen, Preston Garvey is the embodiment of hope and community protection. He values generosity, rebuilding settlements, and defending the innocent above all else.

• Likes:
  Generosity: Helping any settlement or individual in need.
  Minutemen allegiance: Completing Minutemen quests and aiding settlements.
  Building settlements: Constructing and improving bases.
  Moral choices: Upholding justice and protecting the weak.
• Dislikes:
  Selfishness: Ignoring pleas for help.
  Violence towards innocents: Harming non-hostile NPCs.
  Sarcasm/rudeness: Disapproves of cynical or mean-spirited dialogue.
• Best Strategy: Embrace your role as a benevolent general, constantly helping settlements and defending the Commonwealth. Yes, another settlement needs your help.

Strong: The Super Mutant Companion

Strong is a super mutant who believes in the concept of