Companions
Companions in The Outer Worlds are more than just combat allies; they are integral to the narrative, offering unique skills, personal quests, and insightful commentary. Building relationships with them can unlock powerful abilities and provide crucial support in your journey across the Halcyon colony.
Your companions are some of the most valuable assets you'll acquire in The Outer Worlds. They not only provide crucial combat support with their unique abilities and weapons but also enrich the game's narrative through their dialogue, personal quests, and reactions to your choices. Recruiting and developing your companions is a key aspect of the game, influencing both your combat effectiveness and your understanding of the world.
Recruiting Companions:
You'll encounter potential companions throughout your journey, often after completing certain main quests or exploring specific locations. Each companion has their own motivations and reasons for joining you. You'll typically have the option to recruit them after a brief interaction or a small introductory quest.
Companion Roster:
As of the base game, you can recruit up to six companions:
- Parvati Holcomb: A skilled engineer from Edgewater. Her unique ability is Overclocked Modulator, which deals damage and stuns enemies.
- Felix Millan: A rebellious young man with a strong anti-Board sentiment. His ability is Voltaic Blast, a powerful area-of-effect attack.
- Ellie Fenhill: A cynical doctor with a knack for medicine and combat. Her ability is Adrenal Support, which heals her and nearby allies.
- SAM (Security And Maintenance Unit): A repurposed cleaning bot with a surprisingly lethal combat protocol. His ability is Mop Up, a devastating close-range attack.
- Vicar Max: A former priest who has embraced a more unconventional, violent path. His ability is The Purifier, a powerful shotgun blast.
- Nyoka: A hardened, often inebriated, survivalist and pilot. Her ability is Barrage, a rapid-fire machine gun attack.
Companion Skills and Abilities:
Each companion has two primary skill categories they contribute to, which can be upgraded as they gain experience. These skills directly impact your tactical options in combat. For example, Parvati's engineering skills can help with repairs and technical challenges, while Ellie's medical skills can be vital for healing.
Companion Perks:
As you travel with your companions and complete their personal quests, they will gain experience and unlock unique perks that benefit the entire crew. These perks are often passive bonuses that can sificantly enhance your gameplay. For example, Parvati's perk might increase your melee damage, while Felix's could improve your dialogue options.
Companion Quests:
Each companion has a personal questline that delves into their backstory, motivations, and unresolved issues. Completing these quests is crucial for building your relationship with them, unlocking their ultimate perk, and often influencing their ultimate fate. These quests are usually triggered by specific dialogue choices or by reaching certain points in the main story.
Combat Tactics:
In combat, you can issue basic commands to your companions, such as targeting specific enemies or using their special abilities. You can also customize their gear and weapons to optimize their effectiveness. Experiment with different companion combinations to find synergies that suit your playstyle.
Dialogue and Relationships:
Pay attention to your companions' dialogue. They offer unique perspectives on the world, your decisions, and the other characters you encounter. Building a good relationship with them can lead to more positive interactions and potentially unlock unique dialogue options or quest resolutions. Conversely, making choices that deeply offend them can lead to them leaving your crew.
Managing Your Crew:
You can have up to two companions with you at any time. You can swap out companions at your ship, the Unreliable, or at desated companion stations. It's wise to have a balanced team that complements your own skills and addresses potential weaknesses.