Fallout 3 All Companions Guide – Fallout 3, the beloved open-world RPG from Bethesda, offers players the chance to traverse the wasteland with unique companions who provide combat assistance, dialogue, and a touch of personality. Companions in Fallout 3 can make your journey through the Capital Wasteland both easier and more engaging. This guide will cover every available companion in Fallout 3, including their locations, requirements for recruitment, and unique traits. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to assemble your ultimate wasteland team.
About Companions in Fallout 3
Companions in Fallout 3 are non-playable characters (NPCs) who join your journey. Each companion has unique abilities, personalities, and storylines. They can help with combat, carry additional gear, and even add flair to your roleplaying experience.
Key Facts About Companions
Maximum Limit: You can have one humanoid companion and one non-humanoid companion at a time.
Recruitment Requirements: Each companion has specific conditions you must meet before they’ll join your party.
Essential Status: Most companions can be killed in combat, so you must be cautious when traveling with them.
Complete List of Fallout 3 Companions
Below is a detailed list of all companions in Fallout 3, organized by their type and usefulness.
1. Dogmeat
Location: Scrapyard, southeast of Minefield.
Recruitment Requirement: Approach Dogmeat and be friendly. There are no special conditions to recruit him.
Abilities:
Finds items such as weapons, ammo, and stimpaks.
Engages enemies in combat.
Notes: Dogmeat is a fan-favorite companion, but he is vulnerable to attacks. You can command him to stay in a safe location if the fight gets too intense.
2. Butch DeLoria
Location: Rivet City, in the Muddy Rudder bar (after completing the Trouble on the Homefront quest).
Recruitment Requirement: Your Karma must be neutral.
Abilities:
Proficient with small guns.
Brings sarcastic humor and Vault 101 nostalgia to your adventure.
Notes: If you enjoy characters with strong personalities, Butch is a fun addition to your team.
3. Clover
Location: Paradise Falls.
Recruitment Requirement: Requires evil Karma. You must also buy her from Eulogy Jones for 1,000 caps (or 500 with a high Barter skill).
Abilities:
Skilled with melee weapons.
Adds a sadistic flair to your party dynamics.
Notes: Clover is an excellent choice for close-range combat but is best suited for morally dubious characters due to her alignment.
4. Sergeant RL-3
Location: Canterbury Commons.
Recruitment Requirement: Neutral Karma and 1,000 caps to purchase him from the traveling merchant Tinker Joe.
Abilities:
Equipped with built-in weapons, including a plasma gun and flamethrower.
Offers robotic quips that add humor to your travels.
Notes: RL-3 is one of the most durable companions, making him a great choice for combat-heavy playstyles.
5. Star Paladin Cross
Location: The Citadel, in the A-Ring area.
Recruitment Requirement: Requires good Karma. She must respect the Lone Wanderer’s morality to join.
Abilities:
Proficient with energy weapons.
Loyal to the Brotherhood of Steel.
Notes: Star Paladin Cross is a powerhouse companion who complements characters with high morality. Her alignment with the Brotherhood adds depth to the storyline.
6. Jericho
Location: Megaton.
Recruitment Requirement: Evil Karma and 1,000 caps to convince him to join.
Abilities:
Skilled with small guns and rifles.
Offers gruff dialogue and an outlaw vibe.
Notes: Jericho is an excellent companion for players exploring darker choices and paths in the game.
7. Fawkes
Location: Vault 87, during the Finding the Garden of Eden quest.
Recruitment Requirement: Must free Fawkes from captivity during the quest. No Karma requirements.
Abilities:
Uses a Gatling laser and boasts incredible durability.
Immune to radiation, making him invaluable in hazardous areas.
Notes: Fawkes is one of the strongest companions in the game, capable of dealing with enemies effortlessly. His morality-driven dialogue adds depth to his character.
8. Charon
Location: The Ninth Circle bar in Underworld.
Recruitment Requirement: Purchase his contract from Ahzrukhal for 2,000 caps (or 1,000 caps with a high Barter skill). Alternatively, kill Ahzrukhal to gain Charon’s loyalty.
Abilities:
Proficient with combat shotguns and rifles.
Loyal and efficient in combat.
Notes: Charon is a no-nonsense companion who excels in battle. His backstory offers an interesting glimpse into the world of ghouls.
9. Sydney (Temporary Companion)
Location: National Archives, during the Stealing Independence quest.
Recruitment Requirement: Speak to Sydney and assist her in recovering the Declaration of Independence.
Abilities:
Skilled with small guns.
Temporary companion limited to the quest.
Notes: Sydney cannot join permanently, but her assistance during the quest is valuable.
Companion Management Tips
1. Keep Them Safe
Companions in Fallout 3 are not invincible. Use these strategies to ensure their survival:
- Provide them with strong weapons and armor.
- Command them to stay behind during high-risk battles.
2. Use Commands Wisely
Companions can follow specific orders, such as staying in a location, attacking enemies, or retrieving items. Use these commands strategically to maximize their utility.
3. Monitor Their Health
Companions can use stimpaks to heal themselves if you give them a supply. Make sure to regularly check their health during intense battles.
Best Companion for Different Playstyles
Combat-Focused Players
Fawkes: Exceptional durability and heavy firepower.
Charon: Reliable damage output with shotguns.
Exploration Enthusiasts
Dogmeat: Perfect for finding rare items in the wasteland.
Sergeant RL-3: Durable and versatile for extended exploration.
Roleplaying Characters
Butch DeLoria: Nostalgic Vault 101 vibes.
Clover: Adds an edgy, dark twist to your journey.
Companion Glitches and Workarounds
Occasionally, players may encounter glitches with companions. Common issues include companions getting stuck or disappearing. Here’s how to fix them:
Fast Travel: Fast traveling can reset companion positions.
Reload Saves: If a companion is missing, reload an earlier save to bring them back.
Avoid Overloading Them: Don’t overburden companions with excessive gear, as it can cause glitches.
Conclusion
Companions in Fallout 3 are more than just allies; they are integral to the game’s storytelling and gameplay dynamics. Each companion offers unique strengths, weaknesses, and character development, allowing players to tailor their experience in the Capital Wasteland.
Whether you’re battling Super Mutants with Fawkes, sneaking through ruins with Charon, or simply exploring with Dogmeat by your side, companions enhance the immersive experience of Fallout 3. Use this guide to recruit the perfect team and conquer the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world.