The Mojave Wasteland. A sun-baked expanse of scorching deserts, dilapidated towns, and morally ambiguous factions. Venturing into this harsh landscape alone can be a truly isolating experience. Thankfully, Fallout: New Vegas offers a vibrant cast of companions to alleviate the loneliness, provide invaluable assistance, and even offer different perspectives on the conflicts shaping the region. Finding the right comrade can transform your New Vegas playthrough, not just making combat easier, but also enriching the narrative and providing unique insights into the game’s intricate world. I’ll never forget the time Boone’s keen eye saved me from a Legion ambush, his quiet rage a stark reminder of the brutality simmering beneath the Mojave’s dusty surface. Choosing a companion in New Vegas is more than just picking an extra gun; it’s about forging a bond and shaping your journey through the wasteland.
This guide aims to explore and rank the best companions in Fallout: New Vegas, based on a combination of factors including their combat effectiveness, unique perks, integration into the main storyline and side quests, and their overall personality and compelling character. While “best” is ultimately subjective and depends on your preferred playstyle and moral alignment, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each contender to help you make the most informed decision when choosing your wasteland allies. So, holster your weapon, grab a Sunset Sarsaparilla, and let’s dive into the ranking of New Vegas’s finest companions!
Boone: The Silent Sniper
Boone, the stoic and battle-hardened former NCR sniper, is arguably one of the most popular and effective companions in Fallout: New Vegas. Found in Novac, perpetually perched atop the dinosaur statue, Boone is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife. Unlocking his loyalty and recruiting him involves uncovering the truth behind this devastating event, adding a layer of intrigue and moral weight to your partnership.
To recruit Boone, you’ll need to investigate the disappearance of his wife and bring the culprit to justice. This involves a short investigation within Novac and a difficult choice regarding the truth and who to expose.
In combat, Boone excels as a ranged damage dealer. He favors sniper rifles and possesses exceptional accuracy, making him a deadly force against distant enemies. His greatest asset is his companion perk, “Spotter,” which automatically highlights hostile targets in your line of sight, providing a significant advantage in combat situations. This perk is especially valuable in the vast open spaces of the Mojave, where ambushes are common. Moreover, his quiet demeanor belies a deep hatred for the Legion, and having him in your party will trigger unique dialogue and reactions when encountering members of Caesar’s forces. Boone’s dedication to the NCR makes him a valuable asset when supporting the faction.
Boone’s strength lies in his combat prowess and his ability to detect enemies. However, his somber personality and unwavering loyalty to the NCR might not appeal to players who prefer a more lighthearted or morally flexible companion. He also reacts negatively to players with a high reputation with the Legion, possibly leading to confrontation. He also has very little dialogue once his companion quest is complete.
Boone makes this list because of his combat effectiveness, invaluable perk, and poignant backstory. He is a reliable and deadly ally whose presence adds a layer of depth to your New Vegas experience, particularly if you’re playing as a pro-NCR character.
Veronica Santangelo: Brotherhood Brawler
Veronica Santangelo, the resourceful and charismatic Brotherhood of Steel scribe, offers a refreshing contrast to the often-grim atmosphere of the Mojave. You can find her wandering around the 188 Trading Post. She yearns for a return to the Brotherhood’s original ideals of technological preservation, and her disillusionment with their isolationist policies forms the core of her personal quest.
To recruit Veronica, simply speak to her at the 188 Trading Post. She will happily join you on your adventures, seeking to experience the outside world and find meaning beyond the Brotherhood’s strict dogma.
Veronica is a formidable melee fighter, preferring unarmed combat and energy weapons. She’s a skilled brawler and can hold her own in close-quarters engagements. Her companion perk, “Scratch Fever,” allows you to craft unique melee weapons at workbenches, providing access to powerful and stylish additions to your arsenal. Beyond her combat skills, Veronica provides valuable insight into the Brotherhood of Steel’s internal struggles, and completing her personal quest will have a significant impact on the faction’s future in the Mojave. She offers an outsiders perspective on the faction that is not afraid to criticise them.
Veronica’s close-quarters combat style may not be ideal for players who prefer to maintain distance from enemies. However, her charm, loyalty and crafting perk make her a worthwhile companion for any player, especially those interested in the Brotherhood of Steel’s story.
Veronica is a standout companion due to her engaging personality, her connection to the Brotherhood of Steel, and her unique crafting perk. Her presence adds a touch of humor and heart to the wasteland.
Cass: The Hard-Drinking Caravaner
Rose of Sharon Cassidy, more commonly known as Cass, is a seasoned caravaner and a survivor of the harsh realities of the Mojave. Found at the Mojave Outpost, she’s the daughter of John Cassidy from Fallout 2, and her dialogue is filled with references to her family’s history. A bottle of whiskey is always at her side, a constant reminder of her past traumas and the loss of her caravan.
You can recruit Cass by either purchasing her caravan from her at the Mojave Outpost, or by helping her with a quest involving the Crimson Caravan. This makes her recruitment quest a little more difficult.
Cass is a capable combatant, skilled with shotguns and rifles. Her companion perk, “Whiskey Rose,” grants a damage threshold bonus when consuming alcohol, and also allows her to ignore the negative effects of alcohol withdrawal. In addition, she has a small chance to pacify human targets at low health levels. She makes for a tank like character due to her perk and tank like nature. Her personal quest involves uncovering the truth behind the demise of her caravan and seeking revenge on those responsible, leading you on a dangerous journey through the heart of the Crimson Caravan’s operations.
Cass’s reliance on alcohol may be off-putting to some players. However, her resilience, her connection to Fallout lore, and her unique perk make her a valuable and interesting companion.
Cass earns her place on this list due to her compelling backstory, her unique perk, and her strong personality. Her presence adds a touch of authenticity and grit to the wasteland, a reminder of the challenges faced by ordinary people struggling to survive.
ED-E: The Eyebot with a Heart (and Lasers)
ED-E, the durable eyebot found in Primm, is a unique and surprisingly endearing companion. This pre-War model is equipped with a powerful laser cannon, a keen eye for danger, and a surprisingly expressive personality conveyed through beeps, boops, and whirs.
To recruit ED-E, you’ll need to either repair him yourself using Repair skill, Science skill, or spare parts, or bring him to a location that triggers his memory, such as the REPCONN Factory.
ED-E excels at providing support in combat, firing lasers at enemies and alerting you to their presence. His companion perk, “Enhanced Sensors,” increases your perception and allows you to detect enemies at a greater distance, similar to Boone’s perk. In addition, ED-E can repair your weapons every day, saving you valuable caps and repair kits. ED-E has two separate questlines tied to him. One focusing on the NCR and one focusing on the Followers of the Apocalypse.
ED-E’s lack of dialogue may be a drawback for some players who prefer companions with more interaction. However, his unwavering loyalty, his invaluable perk, and his surprising personality make him a beloved companion among New Vegas fans. ED-E’s main weakness is their ability to only use ranged weapons.
ED-E makes this list because of his exceptional utility, his ability to detect enemies, and his surprisingly endearing personality. His presence adds a touch of whimsy and practicality to your New Vegas adventure.
Raul Tejada: The Ghoul Gunslinger
Raul Tejada, the experienced ghoul mechanic and gunslinger, offers a unique perspective on the history of the Mojave. Found imprisoned at Black Mountain, Raul has lived through centuries of hardship, witnessing the rise and fall of countless civilizations.
To recruit Raul, you’ll need to liberate him from his prison cell at Black Mountain and help him overcome his personal struggles with his past.
Raul is a skilled gunslinger, preferring revolvers and other ranged weapons. His companion perk, “Regular Maintenance,” significantly slows down the degradation of your weapons and armor, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Raul’s wisdom and experience provide valuable insight into the challenges of the wasteland, and his personal quest explores the themes of aging, regret, and the burden of the past. His unique perk can save you thousands of caps.
Raul’s melancholic personality may not appeal to all players. However, his unique perk, his intriguing backstory, and his valuable advice make him a worthwhile companion.
Raul is a standout companion due to his unique perk, his fascinating backstory, and his wise perspective. His presence adds a layer of depth and reflection to your New Vegas experience.
Other Notable Companions
While the companions listed above are widely considered the best in Fallout: New Vegas, other characters deserve mention. Lily, the nightkin super mutant, offers stealth and melee prowess. Rex, the cyberdog, provides valuable combat support and sensory abilities. And let’s not forget the unique companions found in the Dead Money, Honest Hearts, and Old World Blues DLCs! Roxie, Follows-Chalk and Dr. 8 are all examples of great companions only accessible in DLC quests.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Wasteland Partner
Companions are integral to the Fallout: New Vegas experience. They offer combat support, unique perks, story integration, and compelling personalities that enrich the game world. The “best” companion ultimately depends on your playstyle, your moral alignment, and your personal preferences. Whether you prefer the silent efficiency of Boone, the witty banter of Veronica, or the practical assistance of ED-E, there’s a companion in New Vegas waiting to join you on your journey through the Mojave.
The key qualities that define a good companion are combat effectiveness, useful perks, a strong connection to the story, and a personality that resonates with you. Experiment with different companions, explore their personal quests, and discover the unique perspectives they bring to the wasteland.
Which companions do you consider to be the best in Fallout: New Vegas? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your favorite wasteland partnerships and the memorable moments you’ve shared with your companions in the Mojave. Your favorite companion is waiting for you.
