Companions are the backbone of your adventure in The Outer Worlds, offering not only valuable combat support but also unique skills and perks that can complement your playstyle. Building your companions effectively can turn the tide of difficult encounters and unlock new dialogue and quest opportunities.
Companion Roles and Synergies
Each companion excels in different areas. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for creating effective builds. Consider how their innate perks and skill bonuses can synergize with your own character build and the challenges you face.
- Parvati Holcomb: A skilled mechanic with bonuses to Tinkering and Engineering. She excels at ranged combat and can provide valuable support through her technical abilities. Gear her with accurate, mid-range weapons and armor that boosts her Dexterity.
- SAM: A cleaning bot with a penchant for violence. SAM excels in close-quarters combat and has perks that boost his melee damage and survivability. Equip him with heavy melee weapons and armor that enhances his resilience.
- Felix Millan: A charismatic rogue with bonuses to Sneak and Lockpicking. He's adept at flanking enemies and dealing critical damage. Provide him with fast-firing pistols or SMGs and light armor that boosts his Agility.
Skill Allocation and Perks
When leveling up your companions, focus on skills that enhance their combat effectiveness or provide utility. For example, increasing a companion's Handguns skill will make them more accurate with pistols, while boosting their Block skill can improve their survivability in melee. Companion-specific perks, unlocked through their personal quests, offer sificant boosts and should be prioritized.
Optimal Gear and Loadouts
The gear you equip on your companions is as important as their skill progression. Look for weapons that match their preferred combat style and armor that provides defensive bonuses or enhances their key stats. Unique weapons and armor found throughout the game can be particularly beneficial for companions, often offering powerful passive effects.
Consider the following general gear strategies:
- Ranged Companions: Equip them with weapons that have good accuracy and damage output at medium range, such as assault rifles or pistols. Prioritize armor that offers damage resistance or boosts their Dexterity.
- Melee Companions: Arm them with powerful melee weapons and equip them with heavy armor to maximize their survivability on the front lines.
- Support Companions: If a companion has skills that benefit the team (e.g., healing or debuffs), focus on gear that enhances those abilities or keeps them alive to perform their role.
Experiment with different builds and gear combinations to find what works best for your playstyle and the challenges presented by The Outer Worlds.