All human and ghoul non-player characters (so all except Fawkes, RL-3, and Dogmeat) are capable of wearing power armor. They will also wear any weapons or armor they are given that is superior to their standard equipment. Delivering the killing blow oneself is neither necessary nor replaces the minimum damage requirement.Ĭompanions come with their default weapons and armor and will use these, depending on what role they are asked to play (melee or ranged). The player character earns full XP if able to deal at least 30% of the damage necessary to kill an opponent, otherwise, an enemy killed with the help of followers earns zero XP. Unlike in previous Fallout games, companions don't gain experience and notoriety independently but are scaled to the level of the player character.

The player character can have up to two companions in their party, which consists of Dogmeat plus any other companion, barring certain companion exploits. Sometimes this does not work with the add-on Point Lookout. If the player character ever tells a companion to wait but forgets where they did this, they should travel to any add-on location.

Charon: Ghoul bodyguard (no Karma requirement).

Sergeant RL-3: Mister Gutsy robot (Neutral).

Star Paladin Cross: Brotherhood Paladin (Good).

All companions except for Dogmeat and Charon have a Karma requirement that must be met if the player wishes to enlist that companion (listed in parentheses). There are 8 permanent companions available to the player in Fallout 3.

Fallout 3 dogmeat essential