Companion Approval & Disapproval

Companion Approval & Disapproval

In the treacherous and often morally ambiguous Halcyon colony, your choices resonate not only with the factions you encounter but also deeply with your loyal (or not-so-loyal) companions. Every major decision, dialogue option, and even certain actions in the field can sway their opinion of you, leading to either Approval or Disapproval. Understanding and managing these relationships is crucial, as high Approval unlocks powerful Companion Perks and unique dialogue, while repeated Disapproval can lead to companions leaving your crew permanently.

Understanding the System

Companion Approval and Disapproval are dynamic systems that track your standing with each individual crew member. While there isn't a visible numerical meter, you'll receive clear on-screen notifications like "Parvati Approved" or "Felix Disapproved" after significant events. Pay close attention to these cues, as they are your primary indicator of how your actions are perceived.

• Approval: Generally gained by aligning with a companion's moral compass, supporting their personal quests, or making choices that benefit their favored factions/ideologies. High approval unlocks additional dialogue, deeper insights into their backstory, and eventually, their unique Companion Perks.
• Disapproval: Typically incurred by acting against a companion's core beliefs, neglecting their personal struggles, or making choices that harm their favored factions/ideologies. Repeated disapproval can lead to companions confronting you, and in extreme cases, abandoning the Unreliable.

General Strategies for Gaining Approval

While each companion has their unique quirks, some overarching strategies can help you maintain a positive relationship with your entire crew:

1. Complete Companion Quests: This is by far the most reliable way to gain significant approval. Each companion has a multi-part personal questline that delves into their past and motivations. Completing these quests, especially making choices that align with their desires, will net substantial approval. For example, helping Parvati with her personal struggles in "Drinking Sapphire Wine" or assisting Felix in "Friendship's Due" are critical.
2. Choose Dialogue Carefully: During conversations with NPCs, companions will often react to your dialogue choices. If a choice aligns with their values, you'll see an Approval notification. For instance, being empathetic and standing up for the working class often pleases Parvati and Felix, while pragmatic, pro-Board decisions might appeal more to Ellie.
3. Faction Alignment: Your allegiance to major factions like the Board or Phineas Welles will heavily influence companion approval.
   • Pro-Board/Corporate: Generally favored by Ellie and sometimes Max (depending on the specific action).
   • Anti-Board/Pro-Phineas: Favored by Parvati, Felix, and Nyoka.
   • Independent/Anarchist: Can appeal to Felix, but be mindful of extreme actions.
4. Combat Actions: While less frequent, certain combat actions can trigger reactions. For example, using stealth to avoid unnecessary bloodshed might please companions who prefer diplomacy, while going in guns blazing might resonate with more aggressive types.

Companion-Specific Approval & Disapproval Walkthrough

Here's a detailed breakdown for each companion, highlighting specific actions and choices that lead to Approval or Disapproval:

Parvati Holcomb

The kind-hearted engineer from Edgewater, Parvati values empathy, fairness, and helping the common person. She despises corporate cruelty and unnecessary violence.

• Approves Of:
  • Completing "Drinking Sapphire Wine": Successfully helping her prepare for her date with Junlei Tennyson, especially if you encourage her and show understanding.
  • Helping Edgewater: Siding with Reed Tobson to restore power to Edgewater in "Stranger in a Strange Land" (though she'll also approve of diverting power to the Botanical Lab if you convince her it's for the greater good and help the deserters).
  • Supporting the Workers: Any dialogue choice that expresses sympathy for the plight of workers or criticizes corporate exploitation.
  • Peaceful Resolutions: Attempting to de-escalate conflicts or find non-violent solutions.
  • Generosity: Offering help to those in need, even if it costs you a few bits.
• Disapproves Of:
  • Corporate Greed: Explicitly siding with the Board or making choices that directly benefit corporations at the expense of individuals.
  • Unnecessary Violence: Killing innocent NPCs or being overly aggressive in dialogue.
  • Cruelty/Insensitivity: Being rude, dismissive, or mocking towards others.
  • Selfishness: Prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others.

Vicar Max

The philosophical and often conflicted Vicar from Edgewater, Max seeks knowledge and understanding, often questioning the teachings of the Board. He appreciates intellectual honesty and directness.

• Approves Of:
  • Completing "The Empty Man": Helping him find the forbidden text and guiding him through his spiritual crisis.
  • Intellectual Curiosity: Choosing dialogue options that show a desire for knowledge, ask probing questions, or challenge established dogma.
  • Directness: Being straightforward and honest, even if it's blunt.
  • Questioning Authority: Expressing skepticism towards the Board or other powerful institutions.
  • Philosophical Discussions: Engaging in conversations that explore deeper meanings or moral dilemmas.
• Disapproves Of:
  • Blind Faith: Unquestioningly accepting dogma or corporate propaganda.
  • Ignorance: Dismissing intellectual pursuits or showing a lack of curiosity.
  • Frivolity: Being overly lighthearted or unserious in grave situations.
  • Dishonesty: Lying or being deceptive, especially when it serves no greater purpose.

Felix Millstone

The rebellious youth from the Groundbreaker, Felix is anti-establishment and champions the underdog. He values freedom, fighting for what's right, and sticking it to the Board.

• Approves Of:
  • Completing "Friendship's Due": Helping him confront his past and deal with his former mentor, especially if you support his desire for justice.
  • Anti-Board Actions: Any choice that undermines the Board's authority, exposes their corruption, or directly harms their interests.
  • Supporting Rebels/Outlaws: Siding with independent factions or individuals who defy corporate rule.
  • Standing Up for the Little Guy: Defending those oppressed by the system.
  • Boldness: Taking decisive, often rebellious, action.
• Disapproves Of:
  • Pro-Board Actions: Explicitly supporting the Board, enforcing their rules, or acting as their agent.
  • Cowardice: Backing down from a fight or avoiding confrontation when injustice is present.
  • Passive Acceptance: Accepting the status quo without question.
  • Betrayal: Double-crossing allies or abandoning those in need.

Ellie Fenhill

The cynical, self-serving doctor from the Groundbreaker, Ellie is pragmatic and prioritizes her own survival and profit. She respects competence and self-reliance, disdains weakness and sentimentality.

• Approves Of:
  • Completing "The Low Crusade": Helping her with her family issues, particularly if you approach it with a pragmatic, results-oriented mindset.
  • Self-Interest: Making choices that benefit you directly, especially financially.
  • Competence: Successfully navigating difficult situations, especially through skill checks (e.g., Persuade, Lie, Intimidate).
  • Pragmatism: Choosing the most efficient or logical solution, even if it's morally grey.
  • Pro-Board (sometimes): While not a fan of the Board's bureaucracy, she respects their power and resources, and sometimes approves of choices that align with their interests if they are also pragmatic or profitable.
• Disapproves Of:
  • Sentimentality: Making choices based purely on emotion or altruism.
  • Weakness: Showing indecisiveness or being easily manipulated.
  • Financial Loss: Giving away money or resources without a tangible benefit.
  • Inefficiency: Taking overly complicated or time-consuming routes to solve problems.

Nyoka

The tough, no-nonsense hunter from Monarch, Nyoka is fiercely independent and loyal to her friends. She values honesty, courage, and standing up for yourself and your people.

• Approves Of:
  • Completing "Star-Crossed Troopers": Helping her find her lost squad, especially if you show determination and respect for her past.
  • Directness and Honesty: Being upfront and avoiding unnecessary deception.
  • Courage: Facing challenges head-on, especially in combat.
  • Supporting Monarch's Independence: Making choices that benefit the people of Stellar Bay or the Iconoclasts, and resist corporate control.
  • Drinking: While not a direct approval trigger, she appreciates a good drink and will comment positively on finding alcohol.
• Disapproves Of:
  • Cowardice: Fleeing from fights or showing fear.
  • Dishonesty/Manipulation: Being overly deceptive or manipulative, especially towards allies.
  • Pro-Board Actions (on Monarch): Actively helping the Board solidify their control over Monarch.
  • Wasting Time: Being indecisive or overly cautious when action is required.

SAM

The cleaning bot, SAM, is a special case. He doesn't have a complex moral compass like the human companions. His approval is primarily tied to his personal quest.

• Approves Of:
  • Completing "The Cleaning Machine": Successfully acquiring the Acid Steeper from Roseway and installing it. This is his primary approval trigger.
  • Cleaning-related Dialogue: Occasionally, dialogue options that praise cleanliness or his cleaning abilities will net minor approval.
• Disapproves Of:
  • Messiness/Dirt: While not explicitly stated, actions that create excessive grime or dirt might theoretically displease him, though no major disapproval triggers are known.

Managing Disapproval and Avoiding Companion Departure

While a single instance of disapproval won't cause a companion to leave, repeated negative actions can severely strain your relationship. If a companion's disapproval reaches a critical point, they will initiate a conversation with you, expressing their discontent. You'll typically have dialogue options to try and smooth things over, often requiring high Persuade or Inspiration skills. Failing these checks or continuing to act against their wishes can lead to them permanently leaving your crew and the Unreliable.

Key Takeaways:

• Listen to their reactions: The on-screen notifications are your best guide.
• Prioritize Companion Quests: These offer the most significant approval boosts.
• Align with their values: Understand what each companion cares about and try to make choices that resonate with them.
• Don't be afraid to specialize: You can't please everyone all the time. If you're consistently making choices that displease one companion, consider leaving them on the Unreliable for certain missions and bringing along someone whose values align better with your current objective.

By carefully navigating the social landscape of Halcyon and paying attention to your crew's needs and beliefs, you can foster strong bonds that will make your journey through the Outer Worlds much more rewarding.