The Outer Worlds Companions – How to Recruit, Abilities, and Best Combinations

Companions in The Outer Worlds are recruitable crew members who travel with you, fight alongside you, and enrich the narrative in both the original game and the Spacer’s Choice Edition. There are six unique companions, and you can bring up to two in your party, each providing skill buffs and special abilities that shape combat and dialogue. This guide explains who they are, where to recruit them, their abilities, perks, combat strategies, edition differences, and speculates on companion mechanics in The Outer Worlds 2.

Who are the companions in The Outer Worlds?

The base game features six companions: Parvati Holcomb, Vicar Max DeSoto, Ellie Fenhill, Felix Millstone, SAM the sanitation robot, and Nyoka Ramnarim-Wentworth III. Each has a unique background, personality, and personal quest chain, and joins your crew aboard the Unreliable after recruitment. Companions buff specific player skills and offer a unique special ability when triggered, while also adding dialogue interjections that bring Halcyon to life.

How do I recruit Parvati Holcomb in The Outer Worlds?

Parvati Holcomb appears in Edgewater’s cannery during the “Stranger in a Strange Land” quest. After meeting town leader Reed Tobson and receiving the power regulator objective, Parvati asks to guide you and joins your crew upon acceptance. She boosts Persuade, Lockpick, and Engineering skills when in your party, wields a hammer, and her “Overload” ability shocks and stuns nearby enemies, making her a versatile and story-rich companion.

Where can I find and recruit Vicar Max?

Vicar Maximillian DeSoto resides in Edgewater’s church, where he seeks a banned manuscript. Speak with him to start “The Illustrated Manual” quest and retrieve the Journal of M. Bakonu. Return the journal to Max, who then asks to join your travels. He boosts Hack, Intimidate, and Science skills, reflecting his scholarly background, carries a shotgun, and his “Trickshot” ability delivers heavy damage to a single target, adding intellectual commentary and lore insight to your crew.

How to unlock Ellie as a companion in The Outer Worlds?

Ellie Fenhill is found arguing in Groundbreaker’s medical bay during the “Worst Contact” quest. Help her free Jessie Doyle from quarantine debt by negotiating or bribing the Board’s rep. Upon success, Ellie offers to join your crew and departs to the Unreliable. She grants Medical and Lie skill bonuses and a minor Engineering boost, prefers handguns and rifles, and her “Quick Draw” unleashes rapid shots on a target, while perks enhance healing and can occasionally prevent death.

What is the process to recruit Felix in The Outer Worlds?

Felix Millstone appears on Groundbreaker’s docks arguing with security over unpaid fees. After resolving your ship’s impound during the “Passage to Anywhere” quest, return to find Felix waiting by the Unreliable and agree to hire him. He boosts Persuade, Sneak, and Lockpick skills and wields a tossball stick, with his “Dropkick” ability knocking enemies prone, and perks that excel against corporate foes and cowering targets.

How do I activate and recruit SAM the cleaning robot?

• Find SAM on the Unreliable’s crew quarters and inspect him to trigger “The Cleaning Machine.”
• Travel to Roseway and locate an Acid Steeper in a storage facility to retrieve the part.
• Return to the ship and install the Acid Steeper to power up SAM and complete the quest.

SAM, a militarized janitor robot, offers an Intimidate buff and minor Hack and Science boosts. Its built-in cleaner spray functions as a weapon against armored and automechanical foes. The “Decontaminate” ability leaps and releases corrosive fluids, damaging all nearby enemies. Perks grant bonus damage to robots and reduce faction penalties for kills. Without dialogue roles, SAM focuses solely on crowd control and firepower. It remains a reliable companion for extra combat support.

Where to find and recruit Nyoka in The Outer Worlds?​

Nyoka, a skilled hunter, is recruitable in Stellar Bay on Monarch during the main storyline. Found at The Yacht Club tavern, she’s initially drunk and requires Caffenoid to join you, triggering the “Passion Pills” quest. Secure the medicine from Fallbrook or use high Medical skill to resolve it instantly. Once sober, Nyoka joins your crew, essential for navigating Monarch’s wilderness and accessing Devil’s Peak. She boosts Lie, Sneak, and Medical skills, excels with LMGs, and her “Barrage” ability unleashes fiery area damage. Nyoka’s anti-establishment views add depth to her role on the Unreliable.

What Are the Unique Abilities of Each Companion in The Outer Worlds?

Each companion in The Outer Worlds has a distinct combat ability, activated via the Inspiration skill, reflecting their personality and fighting style. These abilities, with unique effects like stuns or area damage, enhance tactical options. Unlocked at Inspiration 20, they scale with companion stats and your leadership skills. Strategic use can shift battle outcomes significantly. Experimenting with abilities reveals situational strengths, complementing various playstyles. Companions’ combat prowess grows with your investment in Inspiration, amplifying their impact.

• Parvati – “Overload”: Parvati slams her hammer, creating a shockwave that damages and stuns enemies. It excels against robots, disrupting their attacks. Ideal for crowd control, it sets up follow-up strikes. The stun effect aids in managing multiple foes.
• Vicar Max – “Trickshot”: Max aims and fires a powerful shotgun blast at one enemy. The high damage targets priority threats effectively. It suits eliminating single, dangerous foes quickly. His precision reflects his calculated nature.
• Ellie – “Quick Draw”: Ellie unleashes a rapid burst of pistol shots, emptying her magazine instantly. This spike damage finishes weakened enemies. It’s perfect for sudden, precise strikes. Her speed showcases her sharpshooting skill.
• Felix – “Dropkick”: Felix launches a dropkick, knocking an enemy down and interrupting them. The attack disrupts enemy actions while dealing damage. It controls aggressive foes effectively. His athletic flair shines in close combat.
• SAM – “Decontaminate”: SAM slams down, spraying corrosive fluid that damages enemies over time. It weakens armored targets and groups efficiently. The area effect handles clustered foes well. His robotic design enhances durability.
• Nyoka – “Barrage”: Nyoka fires incendiary bullets, igniting a target and nearby enemies. The fiery area damage devastates groups, especially creatures. It softens or eliminates multiple threats. Her hunter’s aggression fuels the onslaught.

Which Companions Provide Bonuses to Specific Skills?

Companions grant passive skill bonuses, adding +10 to specific skills when active, enhancing your ability to pass checks. These boosts, amplified by high Inspiration, complement companion specialties. Choosing companions strategically covers skill gaps in your build. Their presence ensures versatility across dialogue and technical challenges. Skill bonuses scale with gear and leadership, increasing effectiveness. This system encourages dynamic team compositions tailored to quest needs.

• Parvati Holcomb: Grants +10 to Engineering, improving tinkering and repair skills. Parvati’s technical expertise aids tech-heavy tasks. Her bonus supports looting and modding gear. It pairs well with her Lockpick proficiency.
• Vicar Max: Provides +10 to Hack, easing computer and security bypasses. Max’s knowledge unlocks restricted systems efficiently. His bonus suits tech-focused quests. It aligns with his Science and Intimidate skills.
• Ellie Fenhill: Boosts Medical by +10, enhancing healing and medical checks. Ellie’s expertise improves health management. Her bonus aids survival in tough fights. It complements her Lie proficiency.
• Felix Millstone: Adds +10 to Persuade, strengthening dialogue options. Felix’s charm opens conversational paths. His bonus excels in social quests. It ties to his Sneak and Lockpick skills.
• SAM: Increases Intimidate by +10, bolstering threatening dialogue. SAM’s imposing presence aids coercion tactics. His bonus suits aggressive negotiations. It matches his robotic durability.
• Nyoka: Enhances Lie by +10, improving deception in conversations. Nyoka’s cunning refines misleading tactics. Her bonus supports stealthy approaches. It aligns with her Sneak and Medical skills.

Can I Customize the Equipment and Perks of My Companions?

Companions’ gear and perks are fully customizable, allowing tailored combat roles. Swap weapons and armor via inventory to adjust their strengths. Perks, earned through leveling, enhance unique or general abilities. Behavior settings fine-tune AI tactics for better synergy. Customization shines on higher difficulties, preventing permanent losses. Strategic loadouts align companions with your playstyle, boosting team efficiency.

• Equipment (Weapons & Armor): Equip any weapons or armor from your inventory. Swap Nyoka’s LMG for a sniper rifle or give Ellie heavy armor. Companions have infinite ammo and unbreakable gear. High-armor gear improves their durability significantly.
• Perks: Assign perk points every few levels to unique or general perks. Parvati’s perks like “Mod Finder” boost utility, while general perks add health. Choose perks to match roles, like tank or damage dealer. Limited perk slots demand thoughtful selection.
• Behavior Settings: Adjust follow distance, weapon use, and combat mode in the menu. Set Ellie to Ranged and Defensive for sniping or Felix to Aggressive Melee. These settings prevent unwanted AI actions. They ensure companions complement your tactics.

What Are the Best Companion Combinations for Combat Efficiency?

Certain companion pairs synergize effectively, balancing damage, support, and skills for combat success. Combinations like Parvati + Nyoka offer versatility, while Ellie + SAM ensure durability. Each duo leverages unique abilities and bonuses to cover weaknesses. Tailoring teams to your playstyle maximizes efficiency across scenarios. On Supernova, dual companions mitigate risks with mutual support. Experimentation reveals optimal pairings for specific challenges.

• Parvati + Nyoka (Balanced Powerhouse Team): Parvati stuns robots with Overload, boosting Engineering, while Nyoka’s Barrage burns creatures, enhancing Lie. They handle diverse enemies efficiently. Their perks improve stealth and combat flow. This duo excels in most fights.
• Ellie + SAM (Survivability and Crowd Control): Ellie’s Medical boost and CPR perk sustain the team, while SAM’s Decontaminate corrodes groups. SAM tanks, drawing fire, as Ellie heals. Their durability suits tough battles. This pair thrives on Supernova difficulty.
• Felix + Nyoka (Stealth and DPS): Felix’s Dropkick and Persuade bonus pair with Nyoka’s Barrage and Lie boost. They shred enemies with high damage and cover dialogue skills. Ideal for stealthy, offensive playstyles. Their synergy exploits enemy vulnerabilities.
• Vicar Max + Felix (Tactical/Dialogue combo): Max’s Trickshot and Hack bonus complement Felix’s Dropkick and Persuade boost. They enhance science weapons and dialogue options. Strong for ranged and conversational quests. Their banter adds narrative flavor.
• Parvati + Ellie (Support Duo): Parvati’s Overload and Engineering bonus pair with Ellie’s Quick Draw and Medical boost. They keep you alive while stunning foes. Best for players dealing primary damage. Their utility ensures team resilience.

How Do Companions Influence Dialogue and Story Outcomes?

Companions enrich The Outer Worlds’ narrative with interjections, banter, and quest-specific inputs, adding depth without derailing the main plot. Their dialogue reflects unique perspectives, occasionally swaying NPC reactions or unlocking options. Loyalty quests shape their epilogue fates, while extreme moral conflicts may lead to confrontations or departures. Banter between companions enhances exploration, revealing their dynamics. In the finale, companions offer subtle support, flavoring decisions. Keeping them aligned ensures a cohesive crew, enhancing story immersion.

Are There Any Romance Options with Companions in The Outer Worlds?

Romance is absent in The Outer Worlds, with companions focused on friendship and camaraderie. Parvati’s quest, “Don’t Bite The Sun,” involves helping her pursue a relationship with Junlei Tennyson, acting as her supportive wingman. Other companions’ quests center on personal growth, not love. Flirty dialogue remains light and inconsequential. Fans hope for romance in the sequel, but the game emphasizes a found family dynamic. Parvati’s asexual representation adds heartfelt depth to her story.

What are the personal quests associated with each companion?​

In The Outer Worlds, companions (except SAM) have personal quests revealing their backstories, granting XP, unique perks, and shaping their endings. These quests enhance narrative depth and companion effectiveness. Completing them ensures optimal perks and richer epilogues. They deepen crew bonds and influence the game’s conclusion.

• Parvati – “Don’t Bite The Sun”: Parvati seeks help to romance Junlei Tennyson. You gather items for a dinner date, guiding her through insecurities. Her asexual identity shapes intimate advice. Success grants Synchronicity, boosting Tactical Time Dilation, and secures her happy ending with Junlei.
• Vicar Max – “The Empty Man”: Max pursues a banned journal’s translation, leading to a hermit on Scylla. A hallucinogenic vision confronts his past guilt. Your dialogue shapes his enlightenment or bitterness. Enlightenment grants Miracle of Science, enhancing Science Weapon damage, affecting his spiritual future.
• Ellie – “The Low Crusade”: Ellie discovers her parents declared her dead for insurance money. She plots to fake her death again for payout. You navigate Byzantium’s bureaucracy and her family ties. Completion grants CPR, ensuring her independence and crew loyalty in her ending.
• Felix – “Friendship’s Due”: Felix meets his idol Harlow, tasked to kill a traitor. Evidence reveals Harlow’s Board ties. You decide to expose or support Harlow, impacting Felix’s trust. Rebellion perk boosts damage against Corporate enemies, shaping Felix’s revolutionary path.
• Nyoka – “Star-Crossed Troopers”: Nyoka seeks closure by burying her crew’s tags on Monarch. You battle creatures to collect them, then hunt a Mantiqueen. Victory grants Exterminator, increasing Creature damage. Her ending reflects sobriety and purpose if completed, or regret if ignored.
• SAM – (no personal quest): SAM lacks a personal quest beyond activation. His cleaning-themed dialogue adds humor without growth. No quest perk exists; Bad Samaritan boosts automech damage by default. His ending remains lighthearted, unaffected by player choices.

How Does Companion Loyalty Affect Gameplay in The Outer Worlds?

Loyalty in The Outer Worlds shapes companion retention, dialogue, and perks without a visible meter. Completing personal quests solidifies their trust, unlocking powerful abilities. Choices conflicting with their values risk their departure, impacting team strength. Loyal companions enhance combat and narrative depth. Their ending slides reflect your influence, rewarding or penalizing loyalty. Maintaining alignment with their principles ensures a cohesive crew.

• Personal Quest Completion: Finishing a companion’s quest earns their gratitude and unique perks like Parvati’s Synchronicity. It confirms their loyalty, ensuring they stay through the endgame. These perks boost combat effectiveness significantly. Companions express deeper trust in post-quest talks.
• Reactions to Player Choices: Choices aligning with companions’ beliefs keep them supportive, while opposing actions spark warnings. Severe betrayals, like killing Parvati’s love interest, prompt permanent departure. Losing a companion cuts their skill boosts and perks. Consistent values maintain crew harmony.
• No Explicit Buff/Debuff: Loyalty lacks mechanical bonuses beyond quest perks; companions fight consistently if present. Disloyalty only risks their exit, not performance. Keeping them ensures their contributions remain active. Loyalty’s impact is narrative-driven, focusing on retention.
• Ending Slides Impact: Loyal companions receive optimistic ending slides, reflecting quest resolutions. Betrayed or neglected companions face bleaker fates, like aimless drifting. Completing quests ensures positive outcomes. Slides personalize the epilogue based on loyalty.
• Roleplaying Consideration: Deliberately sacrificing loyalty fits ruthless playstyles, triggering departures for narrative impact. This increases difficulty by reducing allies. Most players prioritize loyalty for richer interactions. Choices reflect your character’s moral stance.

Can Companions Leave or Be Dismissed from the Crew?

Companions can be dismissed to the ship or permanently removed, and they may leave due to conflicting choices. Temporary dismissal swaps party members, while permanent firing ends their story. Betrayals trigger voluntary exits, reducing your crew. These mechanics balance roleplay and strategy. On Supernova, death mimics leaving, adding stakes. Managing companions carefully preserves team strength.

• Dismissing Companions (By Player Choice): Politely dismiss companions to the Unreliable for party swaps, like replacing Max with Ellie. Harsh permanent dismissal removes them entirely, with a confirmation prompt. They vanish irreversibly, losing their perks and story. Temporary dismissal maintains flexibility without consequences.
• Companions Leaving on Their Own:
  • Major Story Decisions: Siding against a companion’s core beliefs, like Felix opposing the Board, risks their exit. They confront you before leaving permanently. This reduces combat support significantly. Alignment prevents such conflicts.
  • Personal Quest Betrayals: Betraying a companion during their quest, like siding against Felix’s friend, prompts their departure. They leave after heated dialogue, ending their arc. Loyalty ensures they remain committed. Quest choices carry lasting weight.
  • Acts of Cruelty: Killing key NPCs, like Parvati’s Junlei, triggers instant quits. Companions voice disapproval before walking away forever. Such losses diminish crew synergy. Avoiding reckless actions preserves loyalty.
• Death (Supernova Difficulty): On Supernova, unrevived companion deaths are permanent, treated as leaving. Players may dismiss companions to avoid this risk, sacrificing help. Death voids quests and achievements. Careful management mitigates these losses.
• Crew on the Ship: Dismissed companions wait in designated Unreliable spots, like Parvati in the engine room. Re-recruit them via dialogue for missions. Their presence adds ship banter and life. Locations reflect their personalities.
• Endgame Auto-Dismissal: Before Tartarus, finalize companion choices, as loyalty issues manifest there. Unfinished quests or betrayals may trigger exits during the finale. Loyal companions fight reliably. Preparation ensures a full team.

How Do Companion Abilities Evolve as They Level Up?

Companion abilities grow stronger with levels, gear, and player leadership skills, without changing function. Damage scales with their combat stats, enhanced by better weapons. Leadership boosts amplify their impact significantly. Perks and quest rewards improve frequency and synergy. This passive evolution makes endgame companions formidable. Strategic investment maximizes their combat potential.

• Increased Damage/Effect with Level: Higher levels boost companions’ stats, increasing ability damage, like Parvati’s Overload stunning better. Better weapons amplify this further, tied to ability output. Scaling happens automatically with XP gains. Late-game abilities hit significantly harder.
• Leadership Skills (Inspiration & Determination): Inspiration multiplies companion damage, tripling it at 100 points. Determination enhances health, ensuring more ability uses. High leadership makes abilities devastatingly effective. These skills reflect your investment in crew strength.
• Cooldown Reduction via Perks: The Cooldown perk cuts ability recharge by 20%, enabling frequent use. Another perk resets abilities at low health, aiding clutch moments. These enhance ability uptime in fights. Perks require thoughtful selection for impact.
• Quest Perk Enhancements: Quest perks like Nyoka’s Hunter boost stealth Barrage damage. Max’s science weapon buff aids Trickshot with specific gear. These indirectly enhance ability performance. Completing quests optimizes companion combat roles.
• No New Abilities or Upgrades: Companions retain one ability, growing in potency without new versions. No manual upgrades exist beyond gear and perks. Evolution is stat-driven and seamless. Focus remains on enhancing existing moves.

What Is the Maximum Number of Companions I Can Have at Once?

You can recruit all six companions to your ship, but only two join you in the field. This limit balances combat and dialogue without overwhelming gameplay. Swapping companions at the Unreliable offers flexibility. Skill bonuses from two companions stack for strategic depth. Mods can bypass limits, but the default encourages thoughtful party choices. The crew’s presence enriches the ship’s atmosphere.

• Crew Size: The Unreliable holds all six companions—Parvati, Max, Ellie, Felix, Nyoka, SAM—without conflict. They interact, adding lively ship dialogue. Recruitment has no cap or penalty. Full crew maximizes story immersion.
• Party Size: Choose up to two companions for missions via the selection screen. Left-behind companions wait without XP gains, but catch up later. This cap maintains combat balance. Strategic swaps align with mission needs.
• Solo or One Companion: Go alone with the Lone Wolf perk for solo bonuses or take one companion. Fewer companions increase challenge but suit specific playstyles. Two remains the default maximum. Flexibility caters to varied strategies.
• Why Two?: Two companions ensure manageable interactions and combat support. It echoes Obsidian’s design from past titles, focusing narrative depth. Swapping encourages experimenting with duos. The limit enhances decision-making.
• Mods (on PC): PC mods allow up to six active companions, altering balance. Unmodded games stick to two for consistency. Mods cater to players wanting larger parties. Default design prioritizes tactical choices.

How Do Companions Impact the Game’s Ending and Final Choices?

Companions shape The Outer Worlds’ epilogue through personalized slides, reflecting their quest outcomes and loyalty. They add emotional weight to the finale without altering Halcyon’s core fate. Loyal companions enhance the Tartarus mission with support or dialogue. Their endings tie to your broader choices, amplifying narrative impact. Completing their arcs ensures optimistic fates. Neglect or betrayal yields tragic or absent slides.

• Final Mission Support: Two companions join you on Tartarus, offering combat aid and dialogue. Loyal ones align with your choices, adding heroic moments. Disloyal ones, like Felix with Board alignment, may turn hostile. Their presence enriches the climax’s tone.
• Ending Slides:
  • Parvati: With Junlei’s romance completed, she settles happily on Groundbreaker. Unresolved, she drifts unhappily in Edgewater. Her slide reflects your emotional investment. Loyalty ensures a warm, connected fate.
  • Vicar Max: Enlightenment leads Max to spread hopeful philosophy. Bitterness makes him a solitary fanatic. His outcome hinges on your guidance. The slide shows his spiritual legacy.
  • Ellie: Quest completion frees Ellie to embrace the crew as family. Unfinished, she smuggles with resentment. Her slide captures her independence arc. Betrayal risks a hedonistic end.
  • Felix: Supporting his ideals crafts Felix as a revolutionary leader. Board loyalty disillusionizes him, risking absence. His slide reflects political impact. Your choices shape his cause.
  • Nyoka: Closure sobers Nyoka for writing or hunting. Neglect traps her in addiction’s tragedy. Her slide ties to redemption. Loyalty crafts a purposeful future.
  • SAM: SAM’s humorous slide notes cleaning or storage, minimally variable. It adds levity without deep stakes. His fate remains consistent. Loyalty ensures his quirky presence.
• Halcyon’s Future and Companions: A hopeful Halcyon uplifts companion endings, like Parvati thriving. A bleak Board victory darkens fates, like Max preaching futility. Slides weave companions into the colony’s outcome. Your choices ripple through their lives.
• Post-Credits and Legacy: Slides lock companion fates without post-game play. They encapsulate your influence, rewarding loyalty with closure. Neglect leaves gaps or tragedy. Companions personalize Halcyon’s legacy.

Where Can I Find More Detailed Guides on Managing Companions in The Outer Worlds?

Abundant resources detail companion management, offering mechanics, quest guides, and community insights. Wikis provide exhaustive data, while articles balance accessibility and depth. Forums and videos share player strategies and visuals. These sources clarify perks, endings, and builds. They empower players to optimize crew dynamics. Exploring them enriches the companion experience.

• The Outer Worlds Wiki (Fandom): Offers detailed companion stats, quest steps, and ending slide texts. It breaks down perks and skill boosts comprehensively. Ideal for mechanics and lore checks. A go-to for thorough reference.
• “Adventure with Friends – Companion Guide”: A spoiler-light Fandom article on recruitment and mechanics. It introduces companions’ roles accessibly. Great for early-game guidance. Balances brevity with utility.
• Eurogamer – Companions Guide: Covers unlocking companions and combat commands clearly. Its web format suits quick reference. Focuses on practical use tips. Well-structured for new players.
• GameFAQs / Steam Discussions: Threads answer specific queries, like ammo use or departures. Community insights clarify obscure mechanics. Dev responses add authority. Searchable for targeted help.
• Reddit – r/TheOuterWorlds: Features debates on best duos and quest choices. Anecdotes reveal varied playstyles, like Parvati’s fanbase. Ask nuanced questions directly. Vibrant for community engagement.
• Obsidian Forums: Includes dev insights on companion design, like no-romance choices. Community tips enhance strategies. Less active but valuable historically. Offers official context.
• Ending Slides Transcript: Wiki’s Endings page lists all companion outcomes. Check alternate fates without replays. Useful for planning optimal endings. Comprehensive for completionists.
• Videos and Let’s Plays: YouTube showcases abilities, endings, and builds visually. See high-level performance or quest resolutions. Build guides optimize gear choices. Engaging for practical learning.
• Mods (PC): Nexus Mods’ companion tweaks include cosmetics or party size changes. Descriptions guide installation and issues. Enhance play with caution for balance. Experimental for creative players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I play The Outer Worlds without any companions (solo)?
   Yes, you can play solo with the Lone Wolf perk boosting damage when companionless. You can avoid recruiting or dismiss companions, though you’ll miss their dialogues, skill boosts, and quests. The game adjusts difficulty slightly, but solo play is challenging yet viable for roleplay. Certain companion-related story content and quests will be inaccessible.
2. Do companions die or leave permanently?
   On non-Supernova difficulties, companions revive after combat if knocked out. On Supernova, they die permanently if health hits zero. They can leave forever if dismissed with specific dialogue or if you make choices they strongly oppose, like killing someone they care about. Keeping them content prevents abandonment.
3. How do I heal or revive companions during combat?
   Outside Supernova, companions auto-revive post-combat. During fights, use the Inhaler with the Pep Pill ability (Determination skill 20) to heal them, or equip Second Wind (Tier 4 perk) for a 25% health revive once per fight. On Supernova, heal mid-combat to prevent permanent death, or manually apply healing items.
4. Do companions use up ammo or weapon durability?
   Companions have infinite ammo and their weapons/armor don’t degrade, so you can equip them with heavy weapons like Flamethrowers without worry. If you use their weapon yourself, it consumes ammo normally. This encourages giving companions high-damage, high-fire-rate gear. It simplifies management and maximizes their combat impact.
5. What weapons and armor are best for companions?
   Equip companions with high-damage weapons suited to their range (e.g., Nyoka with Flamethrower/LMG, Parvati with shock melee, Max with shotgun) and heavy armor for durability. Mods like Nightingale Steps or cushioning can help, but prioritize armor rating over skill buffs. Heavy weapons shine since ammo isn’t an issue. Tailor weapons to their perks, like Felix with melee or Ellie with pistols.
6. How many total companions are available, and are there any in DLCs?
   Six companions exist in the base game: Parvati, Vicar Max, Felix, Ellie, Nyoka, SAM. No new permanent companions are added in the Peril on Gorgon or Murder on Eridanos DLCs, or Spacer’s Choice Edition. You can have two active at once, and DLCs include extra companion dialogue. All six can be recruited in one playthrough.
7. Do companions help with hacking, lockpicking, or dialogue checks?
   Companions boost your skills when active (e.g., Parvati +10 Engineering, Max +10 Hack), aiding checks like hacking terminals or passing dialogue thresholds. They don’t perform the actions but enhance your ability, requiring their presence in the party. Their banter may occur, but outcomes depend on your boosted stats.
8. Do companions increase your carrying capacity?
   Each active companion adds +10 kg to your carry weight (+20 kg with two). The Pack of Pack Mules perk boosts this to +50 kg per companion (+100 kg total). They don’t have separate inventories, and capacity drops if dismissed. This bonus helps loot-heavy playstyles, even on Supernova.
9. Are any companions missable or optional?
   Companions are optional but hard to miss. Parvati and Nyoka are nearly unavoidable, while Max, Ellie, Felix, and SAM could be skipped by ignoring specific quests or areas (e.g., SAM if you don’t explore the ship). Deliberately killing a companion (rare) or rushing past recruitment can lock them out, but exploration ensures you get all six.
10. Will The Outer Worlds 2 have companions or bring back any from the first game?
    The Outer Worlds 2 will feature a new crew of companions in a new star system, not reusing Parvati, Ellie, or others as active companions. Cameos or references are possible but unconfirmed. Companions will return as a system, potentially with expanded roles like loyalty quests, but they’ll be fresh characters. Details are pending closer to release.

Conclusion

Companions in The Outer Worlds enhance gameplay and story, offering combat aid, skill boosts, and rich character interactions. Recruit them early, like SAM on your ship, and engage in their side quests for rewarding narratives and abilities. Experiment with different companion pairings for unique banter and outcomes, as choices impact their loyalty and fates. For veterans, replay with new combinations or decisions to uncover fresh dialogue, such as Vicar Max’s alternate paths. Their presence, from Parvati’s enthusiasm to SAM’s humor, adds warmth and tactical advantage to Halcyon’s challenges. With The Outer Worlds 2 set to introduce new companions, mastering these dynamics prepares you for future adventures.

Sources and Citations

• The Outer Worlds Wiki (Fandom) – Comprehensive resource for companion stats, skills, and quests (e.g., “Companion” overview and individual companion pages)​theouterworlds.fandom.com​fandom.com.
• “Adventure with Friends – Companion Guide for The Outer Worlds” (Fandom article, Nov 2019) – In-depth spoiler-free companion mechanics guide by OSWguild​fandom.com​fandom.com.
• Eurogamer – The Outer Worlds Companions Guide – Unlocking companions, companion commands, and behaviour settings​eurogamer.net​fandom.com.
• GameFAQs / Steam Community Discussions – Player Q&A confirming mechanics (e.g., companions have infinite ammo and no durability loss)​steamcommunity.com and scenarios of companions leaving due to player actions​gamefaqs.gamespot.com.
• Reddit – r/TheOuterWorlds – Community discussions on best companion combinations and personal quest outcomes (for instance, commentary on Parvati and Nyoka’s effectiveness in combat)​reddit.com.
• Obsidian Entertainment Forums – Developer forum insights on companions (various threads, e.g., confirming no romance options and discussing companion design)​forums.obsidian.net.
• The Outer Worlds Ending Slides Transcript (Fandom Wiki) – Documentation of how companions’ ending narratives change based on your choices​theouterworlds.fandom.com​theouterworlds.fandom.com.
• GamesRadar – The Outer Worlds 2 Preview – News that The Outer Worlds 2 will feature a new star system and crew, implying all-new companions​gamesradar.com.
• TrueAchievements – Companion Skills Discussion – Explanation of how companion skill bonuses work and scale with the player’s Inspiration leadership skill​theouterworlds.fandom.com.
• IGN – The Outer Worlds Companion Perks Guide – Detailing each companion’s unique perks and recommendations on perk selection​fandom.com​fandom.com.

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