Companions are invaluable allies in Fallout 2, providing extra firepower, carrying capacity, and sometimes unique skills. Managing them effectively is key to their survival and your success.
- Equip Them Well: Companions use their own inventory. Give them good weapons, armor, and plenty of stimpaks. They will use consumables automatically.
- Set Combat AI: In their character screen, you can adjust their combat AI (e.g., 'Charge', 'Stay Back', 'Aggressive', 'Defensive'). Experiment to find what works best.
- Control Their Distance: You can tell companions to 'Stay Close' or 'Stay Away' in combat. This is useful for positioning.
- Heal Them: Use your Doctor or First Aid skill on injured companions. They can also use stimpaks from their inventory.
- Level Up Their Skills: Some companions gain skill points as they level up. You can influence their development through dialogue or by giving them specific items.
- Don't Let Them Die: Companions are generally gone for good if they die. Save frequently, especially before dangerous encounters.
A well-managed party can turn the tide of any battle. Consider your party composition carefully, balancing combat roles with utility skills.