Is Dogmeat Worth Keeping?
In Fallout 4, you meet Dogmeat, the loyal and lovable German Shepherd, early on in the game. As a companion, he can provide assistance and protection, making him a valuable addition to your team. But the question remains, is Dogmeat worth keeping as a companion? In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of having Dogmeat as your companion to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Having Dogmeat as a Companion
• Loyal and Protective: Dogmeat is fiercely loyal and protective of you, which makes him a great guard dog. He’ll often defend you in combat, taking some of the damage and giving you time to recover.
• Detection Skills: Dogmeat has an excellent sense of smell, which allows him to detect hidden enemies and items. This can be especially useful when exploring abandoned buildings or searching for loot.
• Affinity Perk: With Dogmeat as your companion, you can activate his Affinity Perk, which enables him to bite and hold enemies, temporarily stunning them and giving you an opportunity to attack.
• Companionship: Dogmeat can be a great companion, offering a sense of companionship and camaraderie in the harsh world of Fallout 4.
Cons of Having Dogmeat as a Companion
• Limited Combat Abilities: While Dogmeat is a skilled guard dog, his combat abilities are limited. He’s not a skilled fighter, and in intense battles, he may not be able to hold his own.
• No Heavy Weapons: Unlike other companions, Dogmeat cannot use heavy weapons, which may limit your options in combat.
• Vulnerability: Dogmeat is vulnerable to damage, especially when facing powerful enemies. This can be a concern in intense battles.
• No Settlement Management: Dogmeat cannot manage settlements, which means you’ll need to find another companion to handle this task.
When to Keep Dogmeat as a Companion
• Low-Level Gameplay: If you’re still in the early stages of the game, Dogmeat can be a great companion to have. His detection skills and protective abilities make him a valuable asset in the early game.
• Exploration: Dogmeat is excellent for exploration, as his keen sense of smell can detect hidden items and enemies. This makes him a great companion for searching for loot and discovering new locations.
When to Replace Dogmeat as a Companion
• High-Level Gameplay: As you progress through the game, Dogmeat’s limitations in combat and vulnerability to damage may become more apparent. In this case, it may be beneficial to find a more powerful companion.
• Settlement Management: If you need help managing settlements, you’ll need to find a companion with this ability. In this case, Dogmeat may not be the best choice.
In Conclusion
Dogmeat can be a valuable companion in Fallout 4, offering detection skills, loyalty, and protective abilities. However, his limitations in combat and vulnerability to damage may make him less useful in certain situations. Whether or not to keep Dogmeat as a companion ultimately depends on your playstyle and the needs of your character. If you’re still in the early stages of the game or focusing on exploration, Dogmeat can be a great choice. However, as you progress through the game, you may find it beneficial to find a more powerful companion.