Judging the Wasteland Warriors: How We Ranked the Companions
The Mojave Wasteland: a place of scorching heat, desperate characters, and even more desperate choices. Survival in this post-apocalyptic playground often hinges on the alliances you forge. In Fallout: New Vegas, your companions are more than just extra firepower; they’re crucial to your survival, your moral compass, and often, the key to unlocking deeper stories within the game. With a diverse cast of characters ranging from grizzled veterans to optimistic robots, choosing the right ally can dramatically alter your experience. This article aims to delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each companion, ultimately providing a comprehensive ranking to help you find the perfect partner for your journey through New Vegas. We’ll consider combat prowess, unique perks, quest relevance, personality, and overall utility to determine who truly stands out in the crowded landscape of the Mojave.
Before we dive into the individual profiles, let’s establish the criteria used to evaluate each companion. We are looking at several key characteristics.
First, Combat Prowess is paramount. Can they hold their own in a firefight? We’ll examine their damage output, weapon proficiency, survivability, and overall artificial intelligence (AI) behavior. A companion that constantly gets downed or uses up all your stimpaks isn’t exactly a valuable asset.
Next, the Companion Perk offers a unique advantage to the player. How useful is this perk for different playstyles? Does it significantly enhance your character’s abilities, or is it more of a niche bonus?
Quest Relevance also holds significant weight. Does the companion have a personal questline that expands their backstory? Are they integral to specific faction storylines, offering unique dialogue options or opening up new possibilities?
No good character is complete without a bit of character, so the Personality and Backstory are essential to understanding how good of a companion they are. How well does the companion fit into the world of New Vegas? Do their motivations and beliefs add depth to the overall narrative? A compelling personality can make a companion feel like a true partner, not just a tool.
Finally, we must look at the Utility they provide. Do they offer unique skills, such as repairing equipment or healing injuries? Can they carry a significant amount of loot? These practical benefits can make a huge difference in your day-to-day survival.
With these criteria in mind, let’s examine each companion and see how they stack up against each other.
Boone: The Stoic Sniper
The former New California Republic (NCR) sniper, Boone, is a powerhouse of damage. Found in Novac, he carries a heavy heart, burdened by the loss of his wife. Boone’s combat skills are unmatched at long range, making him ideal for players who prefer a stealthy approach. His companion perk, “Spotter,” highlights enemies that appear hostile, even at long distances, giving you a critical advantage in ambushes. Boone’s quest involves uncovering the truth behind his wife’s disappearance, adding a layer of revenge and closure to his already tragic backstory. However, his negative reputation with the Legion can be a drawback if you’re pursuing a pro-Legion playthrough. Overall, Boone is a reliable and deadly companion.
Cass: The Hard-Drinking Caravaner
Cass, short for Rose of Sharon Cassidy, is a hardened caravaner with a penchant for whiskey and a no-nonsense attitude. Located at the Mojave Outpost, she offers a refreshing dose of realism in the often-absurd world of New Vegas. Her combat abilities are decent, particularly with shotguns. Her companion perk, “Whiskey Rose,” allows her to use whiskey without suffering negative effects, as well as increasing damage threshold. Cass’ quest focuses on investigating the decline of her family’s caravan business, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power. Cass is a great companion for players who appreciate a morally gray character with a tragic past.
Veronica: The Disillusioned Scribe
Veronica Santangelo, a Brotherhood of Steel scribe found at the 188 Trading Post, is a breath of fresh air with her cynical humor and longing for a world beyond the rigid dogmas of her order. While her combat abilities are decent, she excels in melee combat. Her companion perk, “Scribe Assistant,” allows you to craft unique workbenches, like the Workbench and Reloading Bench, with more uses. Veronica’s quest explores her conflicted feelings about the Brotherhood of Steel, forcing you to confront the faction’s outdated ideals and choose a path for her future. Veronica’s complex personality and thought-provoking questline make her a valuable addition to any party.
Raul: The Repairman Ghoul
Raul Tejada, a ghoul mechanic found imprisoned in Black Mountain, is a master of repair and a seasoned survivor. His combat skills are average, but his primary strength lies in his ability to repair your equipment, significantly reducing your maintenance costs. His companion perk, “Regular Maintenance,” reduces the rate at which your weapons and armor degrade, saving you valuable caps. Raul’s quest delves into his past as a gunslinger, confronting the ghosts of his former life. His dry wit and practical skills make him a dependable companion for any Courier.
Lily: The Nightkin Grandma
Lily Bowen, a Nightkin suffering from schizophrenia, is a unique and powerful companion. Found in Jacobstown, her immense strength and Stealth Boy addiction make her a formidable force in combat. Her companion perk, “Stealth Girl,” increases the duration of Stealth Boys and provides a stealth bonus. Lily’s quest explores her struggle to control her schizophrenia and protect the innocent. Her quirky personality and devastating combat prowess make her an unforgettable companion.
Arcade Gannon: The Enclave Doctor
Arcade Gannon, a former Enclave doctor located at the Old Mormon Fort, is an intelligent and compassionate healer. While his combat skills are not exceptional, his medical expertise can be invaluable. His companion perk, “Better Healing,” increases the amount of health recovered from healing items. Arcade’s quest is the closest thing to an Enclave redemption arc in the game. He can provide unique insights into the factions vying for control of New Vegas, making him a valuable asset.
ED-E: The Loyal Eyebot
ED-E is a heavily modified Eyebot, is a versatile companion offering a range of useful abilities. ED-E can be found in Primm if the player passes a repair check to fix him, or can be found in the Nash residence if the player has Wild Wasteland. While its combat abilities are not exceptional, its primary strength lies in its ability to detect enemies and provide a damage boost to you when attacking them. Its companion perk, “Enhanced Sensors,” allows you to detect enemies at a greater distance and provides a significant damage boost. ED-E’s quest delves into its mysterious past and the secrets it holds. ED-E’s utility and unwavering loyalty make it a staple companion for many players.
Rex: The Cyber-Hound
Rex, the Cyber-Hound, is a cybernetically enhanced dog found at The King’s School of Impersonation. Rex’s main strength is in combat as he can knock enemies down and hold them in place. Rex’s companion perk, “Search and Mark,” highlights nearby enemies. Rex’s quest involves finding him a new brain, improving his combat abilities. Rex is a good companion, but is often outdone by the other companions.
Ranking the Mojave’s Finest: The Verdict
So, who emerges as the ultimate Fallout: New Vegas companion? After careful consideration of all the factors, here is a final ranking:
- Top Tier: Boone and ED-E
- Mid Tier: Cass, Veronica, and Lily
- Low Tier: Raul and Arcade
- Bottom Tier: Rex
Boone’s unmatched combat prowess and ED-E’s unparalleled utility make them stand above the rest. Cass, Veronica, and Lily offer a compelling combination of combat ability, quest relevance, and personality. Raul and Arcade provide valuable skills but lack the combat strength of the higher-ranked companions. Rex, while charming, simply doesn’t measure up to the other companions in terms of overall usefulness.
Picking Your Perfect Partner: Situational Recommendations
The “best” companion ultimately depends on your playstyle and preferences. For players who prioritize combat effectiveness, Boone and Lily are excellent choices. If you prefer a more nuanced experience with rich backstories, Cass and Veronica are strong contenders. Players who value utility and support will find Raul and ED-E to be invaluable. Consider your character’s skills and moral alignment when making your decision. A stealthy character might prefer Boone’s sniping skills, while a charismatic character might find Cass’ cynicism refreshing.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Companion Synergies
Certain companions synergize particularly well with each other. Boone and ED-E create a deadly long-range team, with Boone providing the firepower and ED-E providing the intel. Cass and Raul, with their shared cynicism and practical skills, offer a balanced and reliable duo. Experiment with different combinations to discover the synergies that best suit your playstyle.
Conclusion: A Lone Wanderer No More
Choosing the right companion in Fallout: New Vegas is a decision that can significantly impact your experience. Each companion offers a unique set of skills, perks, and personalities, adding depth and complexity to the game. Ultimately, the “best” companion is the one that resonates most with you, enhancing your immersion and making your journey through the Mojave Wasteland even more memorable. So go out there, explore the wasteland, and find the perfect partner to help you conquer New Vegas. Which companion is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
