The Value of a Friend in a Wasteland
The Mojave Wasteland. A brutal, unforgiving landscape born from nuclear fire. Survival in this environment demands more than just a strong will; it demands allies. Fallout: New Vegas, the beloved entry in the Fallout universe, understood this better than most. It gifted us a cast of companions, each with their unique personalities, combat prowess, and compelling stories, making the journey across the wasteland feel less solitary. But who are the Fallout: New Vegas best companion characters? Who truly deserves a spot by your side, assisting you in your quest for survival, vengeance, or simply, a cold Nuka-Cola?
This article delves into the very best companions offered in Fallout: New Vegas, evaluating them not only on their combat skills but also on their narrative contributions, their personalities, and how well they can complement your chosen playstyle. Prepare yourself to venture deep into the Mojave and discover who the ultimate sidekick might be!
Evaluating the Companions: What Makes Them Stand Out?
Choosing the Fallout: New Vegas best companion is not as simple as picking the biggest gun. Several factors contribute to their overall effectiveness and desirability:
- Combat Prowess: This is the most obvious consideration. How effectively can they eliminate threats? Are they durable enough to survive tough encounters? Their ability to deal damage, take hits, and strategize in combat is key.
- Narrative Impact: Do they have a compelling backstory? Are their quests and interactions meaningful? A companion’s ability to enhance the story, adding depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay, is crucial.
- Personality and Dialogue: Are they engaging? Do they have memorable lines and interactions? A companion who feels alive, with unique quirks and opinions, adds a layer of immersion.
- Unique Abilities and Perks: What special skills or advantages do they bring to the table? Do they offer passive buffs or special combat techniques? This adds another layer of utility.
- Synergy with Player Character: How well do they complement your chosen skills and playstyle? Do they excel in areas where you’re weak, creating a balanced team?
Now, let’s dive into the specific companions and determine who holds the title of Fallout: New Vegas best companion!
The Silent Sniper: Boone
Meet Craig Boone, a former NCR sniper stationed in Novac. Finding Boone is usually one of the first goals of players as they explore the Mojave Wasteland, making him one of the most common first-companion choices. Boone is a human embodiment of the expression “dead eye”. His combat effectiveness is undeniable. He is exceptionally proficient with sniper rifles, making him a devastating force at long range. He can quickly eliminate enemies before they even get close, effectively neutralizing threats. He’s a superb asset for any character who prefers a ranged combat approach. He can take down enemies with a single, well-placed shot.
While his dialogue isn’t as abundant as some companions, Boone is a compelling character. His stoic demeanor hides a deep grief over the loss of his wife, and his quest revolves around seeking revenge. Completing his personal quest, *”One for My Baby,”* is both heartbreaking and rewarding, adding an emotional depth to the gameplay. Boone’s quest brings you face to face with a complex dilemma of vengeance vs justice.
Boone’s perk, *Spotter*, which highlights hostile targets when using a scope, further enhances his value in combat, allowing you to eliminate enemies more effectively. He’s a solid pick for players of all persuasions.
Boone’s greatest weakness is his vulnerability in close-quarters combat. If enemies manage to close the distance, he can be overwhelmed. He also requires the player character to initiate conversations; this makes him a less reactive companion compared to some others.
The Sentient Satellite: ED-E, Eyebot Extraordinaire
ED-E, or Eyebot D-E, found in Primm, is a unique companion, a relic from the pre-war era. This little robotic companion is far more than just a floating eyeball. ED-E is, in essence, a pre-war reconnaissance drone, equipped with advanced sensors and weapons capabilities. His unique abilities make him an invaluable asset for any playthrough.
ED-E’s primary strengths lie in his reconnaissance capabilities. His sensors can detect enemies at great distances, even through walls, giving you a tactical advantage. He is also incredibly good at spotting hidden enemies, and can even highlight the placement of stealth-boys, making your ability to survive an attack, far greater. He provides targeting support with his weapon, offering an additional edge in combat.
The best part about ED-E? His unique quest line! ED-E’s quest is incredibly impactful to the story of the game, and the player’s actions have a deep and meaningful impact on how his story unfolds.
ED-E’s greatest weakness is his poor damage output. He is a support unit.
The Cyberdog: Rex, King’s Hound
Next up on our list of the Fallout: New Vegas best companion is Rex, a Cyberdog found in the King’s gang in Freeside. A true companion from the old world. Rex is a good boy, through and through.
Rex is a melee-focused companion. He rushes into combat and tears enemies apart with his powerful bite. His ability to quickly engage enemies makes him a valuable asset, especially for characters who prefer to keep their distance. Rex is also quite durable, able to withstand a fair amount of punishment.
Rex’s biggest contribution to the narrative is the personal quest. The player can help him find a suitable brain replacement, giving him a fighting chance at a new life.
The Brotherhood’s Emissary: Veronica
Veronica, found at the 188 Trading Post, is a true force to be reckoned with. She is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, and her knowledge of the Mojave Wasteland is unrivaled.
Veronica is a melee combatant who specializes in unarmed combat and energy weapons. She can quickly close the distance with enemies and unleash devastating attacks. Veronica’s personal quest involves her quest to reconnect with the Brotherhood of Steel, a faction that is central to many of the game’s themes. She provides valuable perspective on the Brotherhood and their place in the wasteland.
Her biggest weakness is her inability to fight at a distance. If you are in a ranged battle, she’ll get outflanked, and likely shot.
The Good Doctor: Arcade Gannon
Arcade Gannon is one of the more complex characters of Fallout: New Vegas. He is a follower of the Enclave, but his story is much deeper. Arcade can be found at the Old Mormon Fort.
Arcade excels in energy weapons and has a unique ability to heal the player during combat. His dialogue is some of the best in the game, with interesting commentary on the world. His personal quest has important implications for the history of the Fallout universe.
His biggest weakness is that he is slow to react. He will often wait too long before pulling the trigger.
Other Worthy Contenders
While the above companions are undoubtedly some of the best, other companions are worth considering.
- Lily is a Super Mutant companion. She excels at melee and provides powerful healing abilities, as well.
- Raul is a ghoul gunslinger who is available after you’ve completed a quest, *”Old World Blues.”*
Selecting the Right Companion: A Tailored Approach
Choosing the Fallout: New Vegas best companion depends heavily on your character build and your preferred playstyle. Consider these guidelines:
- For Combat-Focused Characters: Boone and Rex are great choices, offering exceptional damage output and tanking capabilities.
- For Stealthy Characters: Boone and ED-E provide valuable support for stealth builds, with their long-range combat and target detection abilities.
- For Roleplaying and Story-Driven Characters: Arcade and Veronica offer compelling narratives and interesting dialogue, enhancing the depth of your experience.
Remember to experiment with different companions and find the ones that best suit your preferred playstyle and make your experience in the Mojave Wasteland more enjoyable. The best companion is the one who is most compatible with your character and makes the game more immersive and fun!
The Enduring Legacy of Companions
Companions in Fallout: New Vegas are much more than just AI-controlled combatants; they are vital to creating a truly immersive experience. Their stories, personalities, and abilities contribute to a vibrant and engaging world. Choosing the right companion can transform your gameplay, making the challenges of the Mojave feel more manageable and the journey more rewarding.
Which Fallout: New Vegas best companion do you love the most? Let us know in the comments! Go forth, explore the wasteland, and forge your own alliances. The Mojave awaits!
