Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas

Companion Quests

Guide through companion quests in Fallout: New Vegas. Complete personal stories to unlock powerful perks and gain deeper insight into Mojave denizens.

Companion Quests

Beyond simply having a companion follow you, many of the denizens of the Mojave Wasteland who join your cause have their own personal stories and unresolved issues. These manifest as unique companion quests, which, upon completion, often unlock powerful perks, improved gear, or deepen your understanding of their character. Successfully navigating these quests requires specific actions, dialogue choices, and sometimes a bit of strategic planning.

General Companion Quest Mechanics

  • Companion Points: Most companion quests are triggered by accumulating "companion points." These points are gained by performing actions or visiting locations that resonate with your companion's background or beliefs while they are actively following you. The specific actions vary for each companion.
  • Dialogue Triggers: Once enough companion points are accumulated, a special dialogue option will become available when speaking to your companion. This dialogue will typically initiate their personal quest.
  • Faction Allegiance: Be mindful of your own faction standing. Some companion quests may involve factions hostile to you, making certain approaches more difficult or even impossible.
  • Permanent Perks: Completing a companion's quest almost always rewards you with a unique, permanent perk that benefits both you and your companion. These are often invaluable.

Specific Companion Quests Walkthroughs

Craig Boone: "I Forgot to Remember to Forget"

Boone's quest delves into his tragic past at Bitter Springs and his deep-seated hatred for the Legion. To initiate this quest, you'll need to accumulate 5 companion points while Boone is with you. These points are gained through specific actions that either demonstrate your anti-Legion stance or touch upon his past.

Quest Activation Steps:
  1. Initial Dialogue Trigger: To even get Boone to briefly discuss Bitter Springs, you must first speak with Manny Vargas in Novac (the day shift sniper) or Sergeant Bitter-Root in Camp McCarran about Bitter Springs. After this, a new dialogue option will appear when talking to Boone, allowing you to ask him about the event. He will initially be reticent.
  2. Accumulating Companion Points (5 points needed):
    • Killing Legionaries: This is the most straightforward method. Each Legionary killed while Boone is present contributes to his point total. The more, the merrier.
    • Visiting Cottonwood Cove: Simply traveling to Cottonwood Cove, a major Legion outpost, with Boone in tow will grant points. Be prepared for a fight.
    • Visiting Nelson: Similar to Cottonwood Cove, visiting the Legion-occupied town of Nelson will also earn points.
    • Rescuing NCR Hostages at Nelson: If you clear out Nelson and rescue the NCR hostages held there, Boone will approve heartily, granting significant points.
    • Destroying the Legion at Nipton: If you haven't already, wiping out the Legion forces at Nipton will also contribute.
    • Talking to Caesar: Surprisingly, engaging in dialogue with Caesar at The Fort (even if you're hostile) can sometimes trigger points, as it reminds Boone of his enemy.
    • Wearing Legion Armor (Negative): Be warned: wearing Legion armor will lose you points with Boone and can even make him hostile if done excessively.
  3. Quest Initiation: Once you've accumulated 5 points, speak to Boone. He will initiate a more in-depth conversation about Bitter Springs, eventually leading to the quest "I Forgot to Remember to Forget."
Quest Walkthrough:

The quest involves returning to Bitter Springs with Boone. You'll need to confront his past and make a critical decision regarding his guilt and future.

  1. Travel to Bitter Springs: Head to the Bitter Springs camp with Boone.
  2. Speak with Manny Vargas (Optional but Recommended): Manny Vargas in Novac can offer more insight into Boone's past if you haven't already spoken to him extensively.
  3. Confront the Past: At Bitter Springs, you'll encounter a group of NCR soldiers and a specific individual, Astor, who was present during the massacre.
  4. The Critical Choice: You will have a choice to make regarding Boone's actions at Bitter Springs.
    • Option A: Convince Boone to forgive himself (Speech 75 or high Charisma): If you successfully persuade Boone that he is not solely responsible for the massacre, he will gain the "Boone's 1st Recon Survivalist" perk. This perk grants him increased damage and accuracy.
    • Option B: Encourage Boone to seek revenge/justice: If you push Boone to embrace his anger and seek retribution, he will gain the "Boone's 1st Recon Marksman" perk. This perk grants him increased critical hit chance and damage.
  5. Quest Completion: Regardless of your choice, the quest will conclude, and Boone's character arc will be significantly advanced.