Fallout 4: Love, Lust, and Laser Rifles – A Guide to Romance in the Wasteland
As you roam the radioactive ruins of Boston, dodging Super Mutants and feral ghouls, you notice a feeling creeping in… loneliness. Do not worry, brave Vault Dweller! Fallout 4 offers romance. Yes, amid power armor and plasma weapons, love can flourish. Or at least, strong like.
Navigating the Wasteland of Love: Romance Options in Fallout 4
Romance in Fallout 4 goes beyond finding an attractive face (or masked one). It’s a journey! It revolves around “Affinity.” This is your relationship meter. You begin at “Neutral” with your companion. Your actions and playful banter can elevate you through “Friend,” “Admiration,” “Confidant,” and on to “Infatuation.” It’s like dating, but with more radiation.
Who are the lucky wastelanders seeking your attention? Let’s meet the singles:
- Cait: A tough Irish fighter with a troubled history. She enjoys chaos and lawlessness. If you’re rebellious, Cait could be your match.
- Curie: A charming Miss Nanny robot with a scientist’s mind and a heart of gold (or circuits). She values kindness and knowledge. Plus, she later gets a synth body, making things more conventional.
- Paladin Danse: An honorable Brotherhood of Steel knight. Duty, justice, and mutant purging are his priorities. If you seek a partner in power armor, Danse is your guy.
- John Hancock: The charismatic ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor. He loves chems and has a knack for doing right, even if it is shady. For those who prefer adventure with a heart.
- Robert MacCready: A cynical skilled mercenary. He cares for a child and possesses dry wit. If you enjoy sarcasm, MacCready is your perfect match.
- Piper Wright: The fearless reporter of Diamond City. She’s nosy and independent. If you desire someone who challenges you and speaks her mind, Piper is ideal.
- Preston Garvey: The ever-hopeful Minuteman. He aims to help others and rebuild the Commonwealth. If you like the “settler savior” vibe, Preston is your man. Brace for endless settlement quests.
- Porter Gage: A ruthless raider boss from Nuka-World. Ambitious and cunning, he gets his hands dirty. If you enjoy an edgy partner, he might be for you.
- Beckett: A brooding raider ally from Fallout 76 on expeditions. He holds a dark past and seeks redemption. Perfect for the mysterious type.
- Sofia Daguerre: Another ally from Fallout 76 expeditions. She’s a space explorer craving adventure. If you want someone quite literal out of this world, Sofia is for you.
Before you plan your double dates, note a warning: not everyone makes for romance. Some companions are strictly platonic. Consider them your ride-or-die pals, not potential spouses. These include:
- Nick Valentine: The synth detective with a heart of (artificial) gold. Great friend but no romance.
- Deacon: The mysterious Railroad agent. Too busy with disguises to settle down.
- Ada: The helpful robot from the Automatron DLC. More focused on fixing things than feelings.
- Old Longfellow: The grizzled Far Harbor guide. Too much experience to get swept into romance.
Good news! Fallout 4 is open-minded about love. Romance options are not gender-restricted. Love is love in the apocalypse, folks.
Feeling like a wasteland Lothario? Go for it! You can pursue multiple companions in one playthrough. Just know: flirting while your current flame watches may create… friction. Keep your romance discreet.
Don’t stress about disappointing your partner! Romance isn’t a one-time affair. If you say the wrong thing or step on some toes, recovery is possible. Allow a couple of in-game days, smooth things over, and try again. Even in the apocalypse, second chances exist.
Love is a Battlefield: Specific Companions and Romance Details
Let’s explore some romanceable residents of the Commonwealth.
Piper Wright: The Scoop on Love
Piper, Diamond City’s top reporter, values truth and justice. To earn her affection, be a good guy or gal. Generosity is key. Help others (especially in Minutemen quests) and hack computers. Be a wasteland Robin Hood.
What should you avoid? Don’t be a jerk. Attacking traveling doctors or innocent brahmins will land you in trouble with Piper. No one likes a bully, especially not a journalist with a powerful pen (and pistol).
If you’ve been kind and helped others, Piper’s affinity will rise. What do you gain besides love? The “Gift of Gab” perk! This gem gives bonus XP for finding new spots and sweet-talking through Persuasion challenges. Knowledge and charm! Keys to success and romance.
If you max out that affinity, romance is definitely on the table. Prepare for heartfelt (and slightly awkward) wasteland confessions of love.
Curie: From Robot to Romantic
Curie starts as a robot, but with kindness and a unique quest, she can transfer her consciousness into a synth body. That’s when things become interesting romantically.
Curie is sweet, appreciating kindness in every form. Help the needy, show compassion, and reveal humanity’s good side. Assisting her in obtaining that synth body is crucial for romance—an ultimate makeover for love!
Your friendship (and more?) with Curie earns you the “Combat Medic” perk. It heals you when your health drops below 10%, once per day. Talk about having a loyal partner!
And yes, you can, uh, “sleep” with Curie after she receives her synth body. The wasteland gets lonely, after all. No judgment here.
Hancock: Mayor of Your Heart?
John Hancock, the ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor, is complex. The game files hint that Fahrenheit, his “Main Squeeze,” might be his daughter. This detail isn’t mentioned during gameplay; it’s just interesting trivia. Whether quirky family dynamics or intrigue, Hancock is an appealing option for those who enjoy mystery.
Ada and Nick: Forever Friend-Zoned
Poor Ada and Nick remain in the “friend zone.” Despite appealing personalities, they cannot become romantic partners. Ada’s robot nature makes this understandable. Nick is likely too busy brooding to seek love.
Either way, romance with them isn’t possible. Appreciate their friendship and move on to the romanceable characters.
Tying the Knot (and Maybe Having Kids?): Marriage and Family in Fallout 4
You’ve found your wasteland sweetheart, maxed affinity, and declared your eternal love amidst nuclear fallout. What’s next? Marriage! Fallout 4 allows you to elevate romantic relationships and put a ring on it. Remember Nora’s ring? Dust it off and propose to your chosen companion. Marriage in the wasteland is valid.
About kids… well, things complicate in post-apocalyptic parenting.
Adoption? Sort of. Kids might come to your settlements, creating livelier atmospheres. However, adoption isn’t official. Think of it as providing safe havens for lost youths.
Pregnancy? If you’re using specific enabled mods, female characters may conceive during interactions.
Sole Survivors can get pregnant. Male Sole Survivors can also make their female companions pregnant. This links to the “Lover’s Embrace” perk. You earn it by sleeping with your romanced partner. Wasteland romance can lead to wasteland babies, if you wish.
Then there is Shaun. Your son. Or is he? Synth Shaun poses different problems. His fate rests with you. Do you send him to the Commonwealth? Let him face the Institute’s nuclear meltdown? Or let him remain with the Institute? Parenting in the wasteland is hard, especially with synths.
Beyond Companions: Other Romantic Encounters
Companions aren’t alone in your flirtations. Other wastelanders might also catch your interest.
Gilda Broscoe: You might try your luck with Gilda at the Combat Zone. If your charisma is high enough, you may flirt your way through five speech checks. This leads to a “lovers’ date” and the “Lover’s Embrace” perk. A smooth talker, huh?
Magnolia: The sultry singer at the Third Rail in Goodneighbor. You can invite her on a date. However, expect no second date. Magnolia is a one-date wonder.
Scribe Valdez: She is a Brotherhood scribe you meet in the Blind Betrayal quest. You can flirt with her! She may respond in kind, no matter your gender. The Brotherhood has some open-minded scribes.
Romance in West Virginia? Fallout 76 Allies
In the online world of Fallout 76, love still exists! Two allies, Sofia Daguerre and Beckett, have unique questlines that can lead to romance. Complete their stories and make good choices. You might find love in Appalachia.
The “Lover’s Embrace” perk returns in Fallout 76. Sleep in a bed near your romanced ally, and you’ll gain a temporary XP boost. Romance and experience points? A win-win!
Wasteland Relationship Tips and Trivia
If you need to break up with a companion, it’s possible. On PC, use console commands to lower their affinity and trigger the break-up dialogue. It may be harsh but it works.
Curious about the Sole Survivor’s gender? There is no canon gender! Fallout 4 allows you to choose male or female. Your wasteland romance is your own tale.
Heard of a “secret ending”? There exists a rare ending where you keep the Brotherhood of Steel, Minutemen, and Railroad all alive. A peaceful wasteland resolution? Who knew?
Thinking of synth Shaun and aging? Synths don’t age or grow. Synth Shaun will always stay synth Shaun-sized. Just some synth biology for you.
For some interesting wasteland trivia: the oldest character in the Fallout universe is Toshiro Kago from Mothership Zeta, who is over 715 years old! That’s one lengthy relationship with life!
So there it is! Your guide to romance and relationships in Fallout 4 and beyond. Now go explore the wasteland. Find your soulmate or a companion who won’t judge your radiation sickness. Who knows? Love may bloom amidst the apocalypse. Good luck, wasteland romantics!
