Fallout: New Vegas' post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert is a dangerous place to explore, although players don't have to brave it alone. There are many permanent companions that players can recruit for help around the base game of Fallout: New Vegas and players would be wise to seek their help.
Companions all help the player engage in combat, while some are more helpful than others for a few reasons. Players can equip most companions with different gear, although each companion specializes in a few weapon types that they will perform better with. Additionally, each of Fallout: New Vegas' companions offer different perks and sometimes services to players.
S-Tier
- Arcade Gannon
- Boone
- ED-E
Arcade Gannon: Arcade is one of the few companions who can wear Power Armor in Fallout: New Vegas, other than Veronica. Unlike Veronica though, Arcade uses a ranged energy weapon and tends to be more versatile in combat for this reason. Arcade's companion perk increases the amount that players heal from using any consumables.
Boone: Many players in the Fallout: New Vegas community consider this character overpowered given how early this companion can be recruited. Boone is a loyal member of the NCR faction and a sniper who is deadly at any range. Boone's companion perk highlights enemies when players aim-down-sights.
ED-E: Players should consider having ED-E as a companion because of how useful this character is, especially in combat. With the Lonesome Road expansion for Fallout: New Vegas installed, this companion can offer players a mobile Workbench, Reloading Bench, repairing services, and free energy weapon ammo. ED-E is one of the two companions who can be recruited alongside an additional companion. While ED-E is a powerful companion from the start, players can also upgrade either ED-E's weapon or armor.
A-Tier
- Raul
- Veronica
Raul: What Raul lacks in combat effectiveness, he makes up for with his other useful services. Raul's companion perk makes players' gear lose up to 75% less durability, and Raul can also repair players' gear when he isn't an active companion.
Veronica: This companion is one of the strongest in combat because of their Power Fist weapon and the fact that they can wear Power Armor. Additionally, Veronica can help players to get access to the reclusive Brotherhood of Steel chapter in Fallout: New Vegas. While Veronica is a powerful companion, her limited range in combat and her companion perk can be outclassed by other companions. Veronica's companion perk gives players access to a mobile workbench, although Ed-E offers players the same perk along with several additional resources.
B-Tier
- Lily
- Rex
Lily: Lily falls into the same trappings as Veronica for having a melee-focused build in Fallout: New Vegas and also because their perks can be easily replicated. At the same time though, Lily's close-range combat style often turns her into a meat-shield while players can meanwhile engage in combat from a safe distance. Lily's companion perk mainly doubles the length of Stealth-Boys, although players can achieve this same effect for all Chem items by selecting particular perks.
Rex: Besides Ed-E, Rex is the other companion that can be recruited alongside another companion and this is one of their few worthwhile qualities. Rex's companion perk highlights containers with valuable items when players aim-down-sights. There's nothing particularly bad about Rex, although other companions are generally far more useful and powerful.
C-Tier
- Cass
Cass: This companion's downfall is that her companion perk is a lot more temporary and situational than other companions. Cass's companion perk gives players increased benefits and removes the negative effects of consuming alcohol.
Fallout: New Vegas is available on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
