Companions: An Integral Part of the New Vegas Experience
The Mojave Wasteland is a harsh and unforgiving place. Survival in *Fallout: New Vegas* demands more than just grit and determination. You need allies, companions who will stand by your side, share your burdens, and watch your back when the odds are stacked against you. Choosing the *Fallout: New Vegas best companion* can significantly impact your gameplay experience, influencing everything from combat strategy to narrative immersion. This article delves into the diverse cast of characters available to accompany you on your journey, offering a comprehensive ranking of the best companions in *Fallout: New Vegas*. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, their unique personalities, and how they can shape your adventure in this unforgettable post-apocalyptic world.
The vastness of the Mojave Wasteland can be both exhilarating and isolating. Having a companion at your side not only provides a significant advantage in combat but also enriches the narrative experience. These companions offer unique perspectives, commentary on your actions, and even specific quests that flesh out their backstories and motivations. From seasoned veterans to quirky robots, each companion brings their own personality and skills to the table. The best *Fallout: New Vegas best companion* is often a matter of personal preference, depending on your playstyle and the type of journey you want to experience.
How We Rank the Wasteland’s Friends
This ranking isn’t based solely on raw combat power, although that’s certainly a factor. Instead, our evaluation considers a multifaceted approach, balancing several key elements to determine the true value of each companion.
One critical element is **combat effectiveness**. We’ll examine each companion’s strengths and weaknesses in combat, considering their weapon preferences, skills, and overall survivability. Some companions excel in close-quarters combat, while others are better suited to ranged attacks. Their ability to hold their own in the face of danger is a key aspect of their ranking.
The depth and memorability of a companion’s **backstory and personality** play a vital role. Does the companion have a compelling narrative? Are they well-written and engaging? Do they have meaningful interactions with the player and the game world? A truly memorable companion is one you connect with, someone you care about and whose story you want to follow.
**Unique abilities and quests** are another important aspect. These can range from special perks that enhance the player’s abilities to unique quests that reveal more about the companion’s history and motivations. Companions that offer distinctive abilities or quests often provide a more rewarding and engaging experience.
Finally, the quality of **dialogue and interactions** matters. Is the companion’s dialogue well-written, and does it contribute to their personality and the overall narrative? Do they offer insightful commentary on your actions and the events unfolding around you? Engaging dialogue adds depth to the characters and makes the game world feel more alive.
The Elite of the Mojave: Top Tier Companions
Here, we delve into the companions that have risen above the rest, earning their place in the top tier. These are the individuals you can rely on in any situation, those who truly enhance your *Fallout: New Vegas* experience.
Veronica Santangelo
Veronica, a female Brotherhood of Steel scribe, is a standout companion in the Mojave. Veronica’s deep understanding of the pre-war world and her quest for knowledge make her a fascinating character.
Combat Prowess: Veronica excels in close-quarters combat, wielding her power fists with devastating efficiency. She’s a capable melee fighter, particularly effective against enemies who get too close. Her ability to absorb damage makes her a valuable asset in the thick of battle.
Backstory and Personality: Veronica’s story is one of inner conflict and hope. She is a Brotherhood of Steel scribe, a faction that is often perceived as rigid and isolationist. However, Veronica yearns for a more inclusive future and is eager to explore the outside world. Her compassionate nature and her desire for connection make her one of the most relatable companions. She often offers insightful commentary on the player’s actions, expressing her opinions with thoughtful and often humorous observations.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Veronica has a unique quest, “I Could Make You Care,” which involves helping her explore her personal journey and reconnect with the Brotherhood of Steel. Completing her quest provides significant rewards and adds depth to her story. She also gains a perk, “Scribe Assistant,” that grants the player bonus crafting capabilities when utilizing workbenches.
Dialogue and Interactions: Veronica’s dialogue is both insightful and witty. She brings a sense of levity to the often-grim world of *Fallout: New Vegas*, making her interactions with the player and other characters memorable. Her comments on the Mojave Wasteland and the decisions the player makes offer a unique perspective and encourage reflection. Her quest provides a satisfying conclusion to her personal story arc.
Why Veronica is Ranked High: Veronica’s combat effectiveness, her compelling backstory, her meaningful quest, and her engaging dialogue make her a well-rounded companion. She brings emotional depth to the game and becomes a true friend and ally.
Boone
A former NCR sniper, Boone is a stoic and highly skilled marksman who adds a layer of intrigue and dark realism to the game.
Combat Prowess: Boone is an absolute sniper specialist. He has exceptional skill in long-range combat, making him invaluable when clearing out enemies from a distance. He can eliminate enemies with ease. He’s a deadly asset in almost every situation, and his ability to spot and eliminate threats before they become a problem gives him a significant advantage.
Backstory and Personality: Boone’s story is deeply rooted in tragedy. He is haunted by the loss of his wife, and his quest for revenge drives his actions. His stoic demeanor and hardened exterior reflect his experiences and the harsh realities of the Wasteland. However, beneath his exterior, lies a deeply sensitive heart, hidden beneath layers of PTSD.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Boone has a quest, “One For My Baby,” which involves helping him find and eliminate the Legion soldiers responsible for his wife’s death. Completing his quest provides a powerful unique sniper rifle and unlocks a deeper understanding of his character. Boone’s unique ability to spot enemies at range, without revealing yourself, can make exploration considerably less difficult.
Dialogue and Interactions: Boone’s dialogue is often terse, reflecting his personality. He offers limited but pertinent commentary. His interactions with other companions and the environment add to his depth, portraying him as a man of few words but resolute action.
Why Boone is Ranked High: Boone is one of the *Fallout: New Vegas best companions* because of his unparalleled combat effectiveness, his compelling backstory, and the unique perspective he offers. He’s an essential ally for any player who wants to survive the Mojave Wasteland.
Solid and Dependable: Mid Tier Companions
These companions are valuable assets but might not reach the same heights as the elite. They each possess unique strengths that make them worthwhile additions to your team.
Rex
Rex is the cybernetic dog companion, a faithful hound who adds heart and provides combat assistance.
Combat Prowess: Rex is effective in close-quarters combat, tearing at opponents and offering valuable distractions. He’s particularly useful when facing melee-focused enemies. Rex’s ability to locate hidden enemies can be a significant asset.
Backstory and Personality: Rex has a rich history and a unique personality. His origin ties in with the previous *Fallout* game. His lack of understanding of the Wasteland and loyalty make him a heartening companion.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Rex’s main quest focuses on finding a new brain to replace his damaged one. This quest involves a series of challenges and decisions that ultimately determine Rex’s fate.
Dialogue and Interactions: Rex, due to his cybernetic nature, is unable to speak.
Why Rex is Ranked Where He Is: Rex provides solid combat support and adds a layer of companionship. His quest and the sentimental nature of his story make him a worthwhile companion.
Lily Bowen
Lily is an intelligent, friendly super mutant who has moments of forgetfulness.
Combat Prowess: Lily is a powerful close-quarters fighter with high health and endurance. She can easily absorb a great deal of damage and is particularly effective against weaker opponents.
Backstory and Personality: Lily is a complex character who struggles with a form of dementia. Her gentle nature is a stark contrast to her hulking appearance. Lily’s desire for friendship and her moments of clarity make her a memorable companion.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Lily’s quest, “Lily’s Troubles,” explores her history and the struggles she faces with her condition.
Dialogue and Interactions: Lily’s dialogue is often endearing and charming, with frequent lapses in memory. Her interactions with the player and other characters are filled with humor.
Why Lily is Ranked Where She Is: Lily is a valuable companion due to her combat effectiveness, unique personality, and the heartwarming nature of her story.
Raul Tejada
Raul is an Old Ghoul, who brings a sense of history and grizzled veteranism to your crew.
Combat Prowess: Raul offers a decent balance of damage and ranged attacks. He provides reliable cover fire and is competent in combat.
Backstory and Personality: Raul is a well-traveled Ghoul who has seen a lot of the Wasteland. His personality comes through in his unique dialogue options.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Raul’s quest centers on helping him find closure and a new life, which leads to different endings depending on player choices.
Dialogue and Interactions: Raul’s dry wit and unique perspectives make him a welcome presence. He also has his own unique radio show that can be listened to in your room in the Tops Casino.
Why Raul is Ranked Where He Is: Raul is reliable.
Still Useful, But with Limitations: Lower Tier Companions
These companions can still offer value, but they may be hampered by specific weaknesses that limit their overall effectiveness.
Cassandra Moore
Cass, a female human companion, is an experienced, pragmatic caravan driver.
Combat Prowess: Cass is primarily a ranged combatant, using shotguns. She can be effective in close-quarters, but can be easily outmaneuvered and take a lot of damage, making her more reliant on her weapons.
Backstory and Personality: Cass has a tragic backstory, and is driven by a need to get revenge for what she had.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Cass provides the player with her “Whiskey Rose” ability, which can be helpful at times. Her quest line involves helping her seek revenge.
Dialogue and Interactions: Cass’ dialogue is filled with tough-talking attitude. She is direct in her interactions with the player.
Why Cass is Ranked Where She Is: Cass’ combat effectiveness is not as high as other companions, but she provides reliable, if somewhat unreliable, support.
Arcade Gannon
Arcade is an intelligent doctor and follower of the Followers of the Apocalypse. He offers helpful insights and healing support.
Combat Prowess: Arcade mainly uses energy weapons, providing long-range attacks. His healing abilities can be a valuable asset in combat.
Backstory and Personality: Arcade is a compassionate individual. His history is linked to a very controversial group from the past.
Unique Abilities/Quests: Arcade has his own quest that deals with a specific faction of the game.
Dialogue and Interactions: Arcade is a valuable companion to have, his insight and calm disposition is always helpful.
Why Arcade is Ranked Where He Is: Arcade is a valuable companion to have around, but does not have enough combat effectiveness.
Honorable Mentions
While not all companions can make the top spots, *Fallout: New Vegas* has a number of other notable characters who deserve recognition. These include characters such as the various robot companions or those with smaller roles.
Considerations for Your Playstyle
The “best” companion truly depends on your playstyle. Are you a stealth specialist? Boone and Rex may be your best bets. Do you enjoy heavy weapons and brute force? Lily is perfect for soaking up damage while you cause a ruckus. The game allows for different kinds of players, and their companion choice will determine how the player experiences the Mojave Wasteland.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of the *Fallout: New Vegas best companion* comes down to individual preference and playstyle. However, by considering the aspects we’ve covered – combat effectiveness, compelling backstories, unique quests, and engaging dialogue – players can make a more informed decision and build a team that truly enhances their experience in the Mojave Wasteland. Whether you’re seeking a loyal friend, a deadly combat partner, or a captivating narrative, the companion system in *Fallout: New Vegas* is one of the game’s strongest features, providing players with both allies and memorable characters to journey with across the sands of the Wasteland. We hope this ranking helps you on your journey! Find the *Fallout: New Vegas best companion* for you and make your own memories in this post-apocalyptic masterpiece.
