Highlights
- Not all Fallout 3 companions are created equal, with some being more effective in combat and gameplay than others.
- Each companion has unique recruitment requirements and stats, making them more or less beneficial depending on a player's playstyle.
- From weak gang leaders to combat-ready Mr. Gutsy units, players can choose companions that suit their moral alignment and combat preferences.
Fallout 3 features 8 unique companions that players can find in the Capitol Wasteland. Of each of these companions, players can find an abundance of rewards for using these companions in their playthroughs, but their individual stats and interests will make or break what players in Fallout 3 seek from them.
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Out of all 8 companions in Fallout 3, only some can provide the best gameplay, aiding players not only in their moral conundrums but in each gunfight, saving the Lone Wanderer from certain death, whilst avoiding it themselves. Below, every Fallout 3 companion is ranked in terms of accessibility and fighting prowess.
8 Butch DeLoria
A Weak Vault 101 Rival Who Can Cut Hair
- How to Hire: Complete Trouble on the Homefront with Butch still alive, then hire him at the Muddy Rudder in Rivet City whilst having Neutral Karma.
- Re-Hire Location: The Muddy Rudder in Rivet City (Neutral Karma required)
Butch DeLoria will be one of the first characters that players meet in Fallout 3, thanks to the fact he is a resident in Vault 101. Butch is the childhood rival of the Lone Wanderer, and it seems the carnage of escaping Vault 101 and an incident with Radroaches has somewhat humbled Butch as he makes his way out into the Capital Wasteland for the first time.
Despite wanting to be a gang leader and make a name for the Tunnel Snakes, Butch DeLoria is the weakest of the companions, and his lacking Hit Points and default 10mm pistol makes him a poor choice, especially since players can neither be good nor evil to acquire him. Butch proves that sometimes Vault Dwellers should remain as Vault Dwellers.
7 Clover
A Slave With A Penchant For Evil and Melee Combat
- How to Hire: Head to Eulogy's Pad in Paradise Falls and pay 1,000 caps to Eulogy Jones, but Evil Karma is required.
- Re-Hire Location: Eulogy's Pad in Paradise Falls (No Karma required)
Clover is a touchy subject considering she's a literal slave who calls her owner "daddy". Finding her at Paradise Falls, the Lone Wanderer can see the pinnacle of what's wrong with the Capital Wasteland, and the life she has served as a slave has tragically turned her into a willing being who lacks free will and self-servitude, making her an interesting and expensive choice for players who want a companion who does not disobey.
Clover is an expensive follower and one who might start out with the best carry capacity of all companions, but she can be quickly outpaced when leveling. Clover's reliance on melee combat also makes her a difficult companion to control, as she's more than likely going to get herself killed with such close-quarter combat.
6 Jericho
An Expansive and Talented Rifleman With a Lack of Morality
- How to Hire: At Moriarty's Saloon in Megaton, pay Jericho 1,000 caps whilst having Evil Karma.
- Re-Hire Location: Moriarty's Saloon in Megaton (Evil Karma required)
Jericho is probably going to be one of the first potential companions that players find as they start Fallout 3. Found at Megaton, a location just North of Vault 101, Jericho will make a strong first impression due to his foul language and complete lack of care for being nice. This makes Jericho a great companion for those who can afford him, and those who like the idea of an Evil Karma playthrough.
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Jericho likes all things selfish and murderous, so if players like lacking morality, he's the companion for them. His aggressive personality and skills with a rifle make him a great choice for using the Big Guns skill, and his Hit Points make him a valued ally in a hectic fight.
5 Sergeant RL-3
A Combat-Ready and Neutral Mr. Gutsy Who Prefers Keeping it Neutral
- How to Hire: Venture to RobCo Facility and purchase from Tinker Joe for 1,000 caps, but Neutral Karma is required.
- Re-Hire Location: near the entrance to Canterbury Commons (Neutral Karma required)
If players enjoy a Mister Handy unit, or simply miss the vibes of Codsworth in Fallout 4, then check out Sergeant RL-3, a much more combat-efficient version of Mr. Handy, due to it being the spin-off model ready for war, a Mister Gutsy, who seems a tad picky on who he partners with due to a faulty personality chip.
Sergeant RL-3 is a brilliant companion if players are looking for a tank. Although, players who enjoy stealth should avoid him completely, as he will automatically be detected by enemies. Armed with a Plasma Rifle and a Flamer, Sergeant RL-3 is a floating deathmachine, and an unintended and unpatched glitch means Sergeant RL-3 will level up forever, so his Hit Points can reach upwards to over 10,000.
4 Star Paladin Cross
A Paladin in the Brotherhood of Steel, A Walking Tank
- How to Hire: Reach the Citadel during The Waters of Life, and have Good Karma
- Re-Hire Location: The Laboratory in The Citadel (Good Karma required)
A loyal friend of the Lone Wanderer's father, Paladin Cross can be recruited and continue to spread Good Karma and the principles of the Brotherhood of Steel across the Capitol Wasteland. Upon first impressions, players will want to immediately hire Cross if they are on the path to a Good Karma playthrough, as her use of Power Armor is definitely going to help her survive in the wasteland more.
Paladin Cross is a walking tank thanks to her Power Armor and use of weaponry, and her preference for melee combat certainly makes her more efficient, knowing she won't be gunned down for lacking the proper default equipment. Her health is high, even if her carry capacity is lacking, making her an ideal companion.
3 Fawkes
An Educated and Friendly Super Mutant With Powerful Potential
- How to Hire: Release him from his cell in Vault 87 during Finding the Garden of Eden, and then escape Raven Rock in The American Dream, but Good Karma is required.
- Re-Hire Location: Museum of History (Good Karma required)
It's a lengthy process requiring the main missions in Fallout 3 to unlock Fawkes as a companion, but it certainly is worth it, as this Super Mutant is a kind soul with a set of strength that would rival the meanest of the Capitol Wasteland. Fawkes makes for a great companion for a few reasons, especially if players have elected for a Good Karma playthrough.
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Fawkes' Gatling Laser can provide intense DPS of up to 160, but equipping other weapons is not good enough for Fawkes unless it's heavy and two-handed. Outside of his amazing weapon, Fawkes has the best carry capacity and the best health of any companion by far, but if players are looking for a more Neutral or Evil playthrough, he might not be for them.
2 Charon
A Ghoul Loyal to Whoever Holds His Contract, Regardless of Karma
- How to Hire: Talk to Ahzrukhal at Ninth Circle in The Underworld about hiring Charon, then pay him 2,000 caps or kill Greta. Karma does not matter at all here.
- Re-Hire Location: Ninth Circle in The Underworld (No Karma required)
Easily one of the best Fallout 3 companions, Charon is the perfect choice for players who do not want to be judged. Charon is a ghoul who only cares about one thing: his loyalty to whoever holds his contract. As a companion, Charon might not be the Lone Wanderer's best friend, but he's definitely going to protect them and act in their best interest, without a care for stealing, killing, or helping others.
Charon also runs around with a shotgun, allowing for up-close-and-personal damage. His tagged skills involving sneak and explosives also makes him great for stealth players and those who enjoy things a little louder.
1 Dogmeat
A Loyal Hound Who Can Join Human Companions
- How to Hire: Found near the Scrapyard fighting raiders. Once the enemies are killed, he can be hired regardless of the player's Karma.
- Re-Hire Location: Near the entrance of Vault 101 (No Karma required)
Dogmeat is the definition of a good boy. A dog who won't mind one bit what their owner does in regards to Karma, he's a great companion for simply enjoying the perks of being the Lone Wanderer. Morality is never questioned, and Dogmeat does a great job at fetching things, biting enemies, and staying cute and loyal.
Dogmeat might not be the best due to his lack of firearms training, but Dogmeat is an animal companion, meaning players can keep him on the team whilst hiring another more sentient companion. With Dogmeat on the team, players can technically have a party of three, increasing the damage potential.
